Southwest Airlines to Begin Charging for Checked Bags

Key Takeaways

• Southwest Airlines will introduce checked baggage fees starting May 28, 2025, ending its long-standing “Bags Fly Free” policy.
• Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred and Business Select members retain two free bags; others may pay industry-standard fees.
• New Basic fare, expiring flight credits, and loyalty program adjustments take effect May 28, 2025, aligning with industry trends.

Southwest Airlines has officially revealed that it will begin charging passengers for checked bags, marking a significant departure from its well-known “Bags Fly Free” policy. This tradition has been one of Southwest’s defining features for over five decades, offering a competitive advantage in a market where most major U.S. airlines already impose baggage fees. The policy shift will take effect on May 28, 2025, and will apply to flights booked on or after that date. As a result, this change will impact a substantial portion of Southwest’s current customer base.

For many passengers, especially those loyal to the airline for its customer-friendly baggage practices, this announcement may be disappointing. Still, it is part of a broader set of transformations aiming to align Southwest more closely with its competitors and enhance its financial performance.

New Fare Structure and Benefits

Beginning May 28, 2025, Southwest will implement four fare categories:

1. Business Select®
2. Anytime
3. Wanna Get Away Plus®
4. Basic (New Fare)

Each fare category comes with varying levels of flexibility, benefits, and reward earnings.

Comparison of Southwest Fare Options:

Baggage Policy Updates

For reservations booked or changed on or after May 28, 2025, Southwest Airlines will introduce a new baggage policy, adjusting the number of free checked bags based on fare class and customer status:

• Business Select®: 2 free checked bags
• A-List Preferred Members: 2 free checked bags
• A-List Members & Select Customers: 1 free checked bag
• Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers: 1 credited checked bag
• All Other Fare Classes: Checked baggage fees apply

Customers who booked their reservations before May 28, 2025, will continue to follow the current baggage policy.

Size & Weight Limits:

• Each checked bag must not exceed 50 pounds and 62 inches (L+W+H).
• Special items such as golf bags or ski equipment in acceptable containers may be substituted for one checked bag.

Flight Credits and Expiration

Starting May 28, 2025, flight credits and Transferable Flight Credits™ issued from new ticket purchases or changes will have a defined expiration period:

• Business Select®, Anytime, and Wanna Get Away Plus® fares: Flight credits valid for 12 months.
• Basic fares: Flight credits valid for 6 months.
• Transferable Flight Credits™: May be transferred once between Rapid Rewards® Members and will expire based on the fare type.

Flight credits issued before May 27, 2025, will not expire unless they are used toward a new booking on or after May 28, 2025. If applied to a new reservation that is later canceled, the new flight credit will have an expiration date based on the updated policy.

Additional Travel Policy Updates

• Changes & Cancellations: Business Select®, Anytime, and Wanna Get Away Plus® fares allow changes with a fare difference, but Basic fares are non-changeable. Cancellations for all fares must be made at least 10 minutes before departure to receive a flight credit.
• Same-Day Change & Standby: Available for Business Select®, Anytime, and Wanna Get Away Plus®, but not for Basic fares.
• EarlyBird Check-In®: Included for Anytime fares (if purchased at least 36 hours before departure). Available for purchase with Wanna Get Away Plus® and Basic fares.

Key Changes to Baggage Policy

Southwest’s updated policy will introduce charges for checked luggage for most passengers. The new structure uses a tiered model, where baggage allowances depend on loyalty membership or fare type:

• Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred Members and Business Select passengers will retain the benefit of two free checked bags.
• A-List Members and Rapid Rewards Credit Cardholders will receive one free checked bag.
• All other passengers will now be required to pay for their first and second checked bags.

At the moment, Southwest has not disclosed the exact fees it will charge. However, reports suggest that these fees could mirror industry trends, with many major U.S. airlines charging approximately $35 for the first checked bag and $45 for the second. Industry experts believe Southwest will likely align with these rates, ensuring it remains competitive without shocking its customers with excessively high fees.

Rapid Rewards Loyalty Program Adjustments

In addition to changes in baggage policy, Southwest has unveiled updates to its Rapid Rewards program, which rewards loyal customers for their travel. These changes include:

• Increasing points earned on higher-tier Business Select fares.
• Reducing points earned on Wanna Get Away and Wanna Get Away Plus fares—these options are typically the most budget-friendly.
• Introducing variable redemption rates, where the points required to book flights will now depend on whether the flight is in high demand or during off-peak periods.

These changes reflect a shift in focus toward rewarding high-value customers while encouraging greater spending on higher-priced seats and services.

Introduction of Basic Fare and Additional Policy Updates

The changes extend beyond just baggage fees and loyalty programs. Southwest also plans to roll out its new “Basic” fare option starting May 28, 2025. Like similar fare categories offered by competing airlines, this option will provide lower prices at the expense of greater flexibility. Passengers booking Basic fares may face seat restrictions, limited refund policies, or other conditions that are intended to differentiate it from higher fare classes.

Other important updates include:

• Flight Credits: For tickets purchased on or after May 28, 2025, flight credits will come with an expiration date. These credits will expire after one year or sooner depending on the fare type.
• Broader Sales Channels: Southwest will expand how customers can book flights by making its tickets available on online travel agency platforms such as Expedia and its affiliated sites. This is expected to reach more customers who rely on these platforms for travel planning.

These updates further demonstrate Southwest’s intention to align its offerings with broader industry practices, while also focusing on profitability.

Financial Pressures Driving Change

The decision to start charging for checked luggage is part of a larger effort to strengthen Southwest’s financial position. Over the years, Southwest has operated under increasing pressure from investors to boost its bottom line. Activist investor Elliott Investment Management has notably urged the company to adopt policies more consistent with competitors to improve overall profitability.

Southwest CEO Bob Jordan has pointed to these changes as necessary steps to modernize the airline and meet financial expectations. Speaking on the topic, he emphasized how these changes would “attract new customer segments we don’t compete for today” and help the company “return to the levels of profitability that both we and our Shareholders expect.”

This announcement is also accompanied by broader strategic changes within Southwest’s operational model, including plans to end its open-seating policy in favor of assigned seating, the introduction of premium seating options, and the elimination of 1,750 jobs across its corporate workforce—equivalent to 15% of its corporate employees. Together, these measures reflect a more focused effort to meet both market demands and shareholder expectations in a highly competitive industry.

Passenger Reactions and Adjustments

For passengers, the decision to charge for checked bags will require adjustments, as many have been accustomed to the ease and cost-effectiveness of Southwest’s previous policy. Travelers planning to fly with the airline after May 28, 2025, will need to budget for potential baggage fees while considering loyalty perks or fare types that may offer reduced or no baggage charges.

Some passengers may respond by increasing their use of carry-on luggage to avoid checked bag fees—a strategy already seen among travelers for airlines that charge for checked luggage. Others might reconsider the overall cost of travel on Southwest compared to competitors, adjusting their booking decisions accordingly.

For frequent flyers who hold Rapid Rewards status or credit cards associated with the airline, the impact may be less significant due to the continued benefits provided under the new tiered baggage policy. Such travelers will retain free baggage privileges to a certain extent, helping alleviate some of the cost implications.

Moreover, some budget-conscious passengers may choose to pursue the Basic fare category for lower upfront costs, despite potential limitations on flexibility or baggage entitlements.

Federal Regulations and Fee Transparency

Southwest’s announcement comes amid updated regulatory efforts by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to improve transparency around airfare and related costs. A rule introduced in April 2024 requires airlines to openly disclose passenger-specific fees for baggage, seating, and other ancillary services before ticket purchases. This measure is seen as a win for consumers, enabling them to make more informed choices when booking flights.

Under these rules, Southwest will need to ensure its baggage fees are clearly communicated, both on its website and across additional sales channels like Expedia. Transparency will be key to maintaining passenger trust as this major change is implemented.

Broader Industry Context

Southwest is not alone in its increasing reliance on ancillary fees to drive revenue. Data shows that in just the first three quarters of 2024, U.S. airlines generated $5.5 billion from baggage fees alone. These add-on charges make up a substantial portion of airline income, particularly as carriers face rising operational costs and fluctuating passenger demand.

By introducing fees on checked luggage and shifting policies to encourage higher spending, Southwest aims to tap into this lucrative revenue stream while ensuring its pricing remains competitive within the market. However, it remains to be seen how the shift will affect the airline’s reputation and loyal customer base, which has long valued its straightforward, customer-friendly policies.

Final Thoughts for Travelers

Southwest Airlines’ decision to start charging for checked bags signals a strategic shift in the airline’s business model, bringing it closer to the practices of other carriers while ending a policy that has long set it apart. For passengers, it’s vital to stay informed about these changes and evaluate how they may influence travel plans and budgets. Whether you regularly fly Southwest or are considering the airline for the first time, it’s wise to check the new baggage policies and assess the overall cost of your trip.

For passengers who prioritize loyalty benefits like those offered through Southwest’s Rapid Rewards program, some advantages remain, such as free checked bags for select members. However, the new policies also signal a focus on rewarding higher-spending travelers and updating the loyalty program to suit current market trends.

While the long-term impact of these changes remains uncertain, they represent a pivotal moment for Southwest Airlines. Passengers and industry observers alike will closely watch how this shift influences both customer satisfaction and the company’s financial health. For more information about current baggage fees and the Rapid Rewards program, visit the official Southwest Airlines site at Southwest Airlines.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, this set of updates underlines the evolving landscape of air travel, pushing passengers to adapt to new norms, even from airlines they’ve come to trust for bucking the trends. Whether you’re preparing for travel this summer or planning ahead for Southwest’s new policies, it’s worth considering your options and staying ahead of the changes.

Learn Today

Checked Baggage Fees → Charges imposed by airlines for luggage checked into the cargo hold during a flight, typically based on bag quantity.
Rapid Rewards Loyalty Program → Southwest Airlines’ rewards system offering benefits to frequent flyers, such as free flights or baggage perks, based on activity.
Tiered Model → A pricing or benefits structure where services or privileges vary by levels, often linked to membership or spending.
Basic Fare → A low-cost flight option with fewer benefits, such as seat flexibility or free checked luggage, offered by airlines.
Ancillary Fees → Supplemental charges airlines add for non-ticket services, like baggage, seat selection, or in-flight amenities, to generate additional revenue.

This Article in a Nutshell

Southwest Airlines ends its iconic “Bags Fly Free” policy starting May 28, 2025, introducing checked bag fees. Once a customer favorite, this shift aligns Southwest with competitors to boost profits. Rapid Rewards members can still enjoy perks, but casual travelers must prepare. Loyalty or not, air travel just got pricier.
— By VisaVerge.com

Read more:

• Philippine Airlines Pledges $175K to Train Future Female Pilots
• Spirit Airlines Adds New Routes to Four Cities from Charlotte
• Turkish Airlines and Qatar Airways Halt Mogadishu Flights After US Warning
• Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants Approve New Three-Year Contract
• American Airlines Hit With ₹115.86 Crore Penalty Over GST Rules