Southwest Airlines, long known for its customer-friendly policies, has announced a major shift that could disappoint many travelers. Starting May 28, 2025, the airline will charge most passengers for checked baggage, ending a nearly 60-year tradition that helped distinguish Southwest from competitors.
For decades, Southwest stood out by allowing passengers to check two bags for free, a policy that attracted budget-conscious travelers. However, the airline is now following the industry trend of charging baggage fees. While Southwest earned $73 million from baggage fees in 2023, other airlines like American Airlines made far more—$1.4 billion in the same year.
Southwest CEO Bob Jordan had previously assured customers that free checked bags would remain, emphasizing that the perk was a key reason travelers chose the airline. But in a recent statement, he explained that the change is necessary to stay competitive and meet financial goals. “We have tremendous opportunity to meet current and future customer needs, attract new customer segments, and return to the levels of profitability that both we and our shareholders expect,” he said.
Not all passengers will have to pay the new fees. A-List members of Southwest’s Rapid Rewards loyalty program, holders of Southwest-branded credit cards, and business fare passengers will still be able to check bags for free. This means frequent flyers and loyal customers will avoid the extra costs that occasional travelers now face.
The baggage fee change is just one of several recent updates from Southwest. Earlier this year, the airline introduced assigned seating, moving away from its traditional open seating policy. It also added premium seats with extra legroom. While some travelers worry these changes make Southwest more like other airlines, the company says they are needed to stay competitive.
Passengers who want to avoid baggage fees can consider joining the Rapid Rewards program or applying for a Southwest credit card. The loyalty program allows members to earn points through flights and everyday spending, with perks like no blackout dates and points that never expire.
Southwest’s decision to charge for checked bags marks the end of an era, but loyal customers still have ways to save. Whether this shift will help the airline grow or simply frustrate travelers remains to be seen.
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