Southwest Airlines, whose “Bags Fly Free” policy has long been a selling point, has said it will begin charging travelers for checked bags. The move is a dramatic departure from the airline’s customer-friendly model and brings it into line with other U.S. carriers that charge for bags. The policy will go into effect on tickets purchased after May 28, 2025, impacting millions of passengers who use Southwest’s bag benefits.
The airline refuses to release the details on the pricing scheme, but analysts believe that the charge will depend on fare class, frequent flyer status under Rapid Rewards, and where they are flying to. Those who pay for premium fares and frequent fliers who have Rapid Rewards status could still be entitled to free checked bags. But budget travelers may have to change their packing habits to avoid paying out-of-pocket.
The decision follows Southwest’s mounting financial stress due to increasing operating expenses and competitive market forces. Introducing the baggage fees is intended to enhance revenue without hiking fares competitively. The decision has, however, been met with a mixture of responses from passengers, who are upset over losing one of the few remaining free baggage allowances among the large U.S. carriers.
For those flying with Southwest, it is better to remain informed about the official fee schedule and opt for alternative options like carry-on bags or bundled fare fare. As much as Southwest continues to be customer-centric in its services, this change reflects a wider industry trend of unbundling services to maximize profitability.
