Why Did Southwest Airlines Change Its Baggage Policy?
For decades, Southwest Airlines was the go-to carrier for budget-conscious travelers looking to avoid extra fees. Its two-free-checked-bags policy stood out in an industry increasingly defined by à la carte pricing. But that era has officially ended.
As of May 28, Southwest began charging passengers $35 for the first checked bag and $45 for the second, aligning with standard fees at American, Delta, and United. The move comes amid rising operational costs, pressure from shareholders, and a shifting competitive landscape.
What Are the New Baggage Fees?
Here’s how Southwest’s updated policy breaks down:
- First checked bag: $35
- Second checked bag: $45
- Weight/size limits still apply (typically 50 lbs and 62 linear inches)
This policy applies to all tickets booked or voluntarily changed on or after May 28, 2025.
Who Still Gets Free Bags?
Not everyone will feel the pinch. Certain passengers will continue enjoying the free baggage perk:
- Business Select flyers: Two free checked bags
- Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred members: Two free checked bags
- A-List status holders and Southwest credit card holders: One free checked bag
How Does Southwest Airlines Compare to Other Airlines Now?
Southwest was long the only major U.S. airline offering two checked bags for free. With this shift, it now stands shoulder-to-shoulder with its biggest competitors in fee structure—but how does it truly compare?
| Airline | First Checked Bag | Second Checked Bag | Free Bags for Elite/Fare Types? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southwest | $35 | $45 | Yes (Business Select, Elite, Credit Card) |
| American Airlines | $35 | $45–$50 | Yes (Elite, Co-branded cardholders) |
| Delta Air Lines | $35 | $45 | Yes (SkyMiles Medallion, Delta AmEx) |
| United Airlines | $35 | $45–$50 | Yes (Premier Members, MileagePlus card) |
Consider adding a chart here comparing baggage fees by airline to help readers visualize the shift in Southwest’s positioning.
Why the Change and Why Now?
The short answer: money.
- Fuel prices have climbed.
- Labor costs are up.
- Aircraft maintenance and fleet upgrades are ongoing.
- Revenue diversification is a priority as leisure travel stabilizes post-COVID.
Southwest has long resisted many of the unbundled pricing strategies other airlines embraced. But in a cost-sensitive market, offering free perks without raising base fares has become harder to justify.
According to aviation analysts, Southwest’s previous policy cost the airline hundreds of millions annually in missed revenue from baggage fees—revenue competitors have capitalized on for years.
What Will Happen Next?
Industry experts predict this isn’t the last change Southwest passengers will see.
The airline has signaled intentions to restructure its fare classes and rewards programs—likely mirroring the tiered approaches used by United’s Basic Economy or Delta’s various SkyMiles categories.
This could mean:
- Tiered perks tied to fare class
- Restrictions on flight changes and seat selection
- Earning loyalty points based more on dollars spent than miles flown
Frequent flyers should keep an eye out for updated Rapid Rewards terms and fare category definitions in the coming months.
How Are Passengers Reacting?
The response has been mixed:
- Frequent flyers—especially Business Select travelers—are largely unaffected and see the change as overdue.
- Budget travelers and families, however, are expressing frustration online, noting Southwest’s pricing advantage is now diminished.
- Some passengers say they’ll consider low-cost competitors like JetBlue or Spirit—though these airlines often charge even more for baggage and other extras.
This backlash reflects a broader tension in air travel: Customers want low fares and full service, but airlines argue that a la carte pricing offers more choice.
What Should Travelers Do Now?
If you’re booking with Southwest after May 28, here’s what to consider:
- Factor baggage fees into your total trip cost. What looks cheaper up front might not be.
- Check if your status or credit card offers bag fee waivers.
- Watch for upcoming fare and rewards program changes. Your points or preferred tier benefits could be affected.
A good tip: Use fare comparison sites that show total costs, not just base fares, so you know the true cost of flying.
Southwest Airlines is dropping its long-held two-free-bag policy for most passengers, now charging $35 for the first bag and $45 for the second. This brings the airline in line with its competitors and signals broader changes to come. Some elite members and credit card holders will still enjoy free bags, but for most travelers, the era of truly “bags fly free” is over.
