Southwest Ends Free Baggage Policy: Will Charge $35 for First Checked Bag
Starting May 28, 2025, Southwest Airlines will put an end to one of the most iconic policies in the industry: free checked baggage. The airline announced on Tuesday that it will now charge $35 for the first checked bag and $45 for the second. This change marks a significant shift in the company’s commercial strategy, as it had long distinguished itself by allowing passengers to fly with two checked bags at no extra cost.
Who Will Still Fly with Free Bags?
While the new policy is broadly applied, it will not affect all passengers equally. Customers with A-List Preferred status and those who purchase Southwest’s highest fare tier will retain the right to check two bags for free.
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Additionally, passengers with A-List status—a lower tier in the loyalty program—will be allowed one free checked bag. The benefit of one free bag will also remain for holders of the airline’s co-branded credit card.
Why Did Southwest Make This Decision?
The company had hinted in March its intention to revise the “bags fly free” policy, which had long been one of its key differentiators from competitors. The decision stems from an urgent need to boost revenue amid an unstable economic climate.
The move will particularly impact occasional travelers and those not enrolled in the loyalty program. Market and consumer reactions remain to be seen, but signs suggest other airlines may follow suit, eliminating perks that were once standard.
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