Southwest Airlines had confirmed that the ‘bags fly free’ tagline it had for a long time was now a thing of the past and that it had a new checked baggage fee effective May 28th, 2025.
The change in tack by the airline takes it away from the two free checked bags to all passengers that they have been having for a very long time.
New Baggage Fees
Under the new policy, the fee to carry the first bag will be $35 and $45 for the second bag. The move brings Southwest Airlines more in line with the rest of the industry and major U.S. carriers with the fees they set. The following groups are, however, not subject to these charges:
- Business Select and Choice Extra Fare Passengers: They receive two free checked bags.
- Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred Members: These members also get two free checked bags.
- A-List Members and Rapid Rewards Credit Card Holders: They are eligible for one free checked bag.
Passengers who have already made the booking before May 28, 2025, will still be able to enjoy the former luggage policy even if the days of travel fall after this date. The airline is also unveiling a new Basic fare category, which allows cheaper prices but has the downside of no free checked bags and little flexibility with the change or same-day standby.
Operational Implications
The charging of baggage fees is anticipated to be a major source of revenue for Southwest Airlines. According to analysts, new fees are forecasted to generate an annual profit of more than $400 million for the airline. Nevertheless, the move carries the risks of operational issues, for example, longer wait times at check-in, and an increase in carry-on luggage, that are likely to compromise on-time performance.
Customer Reactions
The policy change has received different reactions from the travelers. A group is unhappy about the change and they feel they have lost a valued perk, while others give the airline the right to adapt to new industry norms. While Southwest Airlines is grappling with this change, they are motivating the passengers to look into the revised baggage policies and find out which alternatives are available for them when they make future flight bookings.
