Southwest has announced that they will begin to CHARGE most customers for their first checked bag – marking a significant shift for an airline known for its free baggage policy.
It’s hard to believe that a core aspect of Southwest’s identity is changing as they just revealed they will start charging for checked bags for most travelers. If you’re a Southwest member, you likely received an email about this change this morning.
Southwest Charging For Bags
Here’s what Southwest stated in their announcement:
We have released updates to some of our policies and benefits within our fare bundles. It’s important for us to share these changes with you as we strive to provide you with more options for creating travel experiences that suit your needs.
Updates to Checked Baggage Policy
We will now offer two free checked bags to Rapid Rewards® A-List Preferred Members and customers traveling on Business Select fares. A-List Members and some select customers will receive one free checked bag. Additionally, Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers will have one checked bag credited. All other customers will need to pay for checking their first and second bags, and fees for third and fourth checked bags will still apply. These changes will be effective for flights booked on or after May 28.
This is a disappointing move for an airline that had committed to being the carrier with complimentary checked bags. Instead of maintaining a system that allowed all customers at least one free bag, they’ve opted to make it mandatory for anyone not on the highest-priced fares, an elite member, or a credit card holder to pay for their first bag.
Southwest has now aligned itself with other major airlines, albeit with prices that frequently exceed those of competitors. My family and I recently chose Southwest specifically for the free bags, while other airlines were charging fees that were nearly half the ticket price. Going forward, we will opt for airlines that offer the best combination of schedule and pricing, as Southwest no longer holds a competitive advantage in this area.
Additionally, they have recently reduced earning rates – even for already purchased tickets – for the more economical fare classes. More announcements are also anticipated today concerning the new fare bundles.
| Updates to Our Fare Bundles
We are implementing updates to our fare bundles in stages. Whether you’re seeking a lower price with limited perks or more benefits for added flexibility, you will have the option to select what suits your trip best. Phase 1: Starting this month, we will enhance our Rapid Rewards earn ratio for Business Select fares while lowering it for Wanna Get Away® and Wanna Get Away Plus™ fares. We will also begin to adjust our redemption rates among our fare products during peak and off-peak travel times. Phase 2: As of May 28, we will introduce a new Basic fare. This fare will represent our lowest price point but will come with fewer flexible options compared to other fares. We will also implement expiration dates for our Flight Credits, varying by fare choice. The chart below provides a complete overview of the revised fare products effective May 28, 2025, listed from most flexible to value-oriented. |
However, Southwest acknowledges that this “may” disappoint “some” – but it seems likely that most passengers will end up being the ones disappointed by this decision.
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