Southwest Airlines Ends Free Baggage Policy for 2025

Southwest Airlines, a long-standing favorite among travelers for its free checked baggage policy, announced a major change that will take effect on flights booked on May 28 and beyond. The airline, which has never charged passengers for their first two checked bags in its nearly six decades of operation, will now introduce luggage fees as part of a series of changes aimed at improving profitability, according to CEO Bob Jordan.

The new policy will still allow for two free checked bags for “A-List Preferred” and business-class passengers, while “A-List” passengers will receive one free checked bag. Additionally, Southwest rewards cardholders will be reimbursed for the baggage fee through a credit statement. Passengers will still be able to bring one personal item and one carry-on bag for free, although specific details on the cost of checked bags have not been released.

This decision comes at a challenging time for the airline industry as a whole, with economic uncertainty, natural disasters, and other factors impacting travel demand. Southwest has already made significant changes in response to these challenges, including laying off 15% of its corporate workforce and announcing the transition from open seating to assigned seating in 2026.

While Southwest was one of the last major U.S. airlines to charge for checked bags, most carriers have implemented baggage fees over the past decade. These fees have become a significant source of revenue for airlines, with some budget carriers relying on baggage fees for over 21% of their revenue.

For travelers looking to compare baggage fees among popular airlines, here is a breakdown of the current policies for standard economy-class tickets:

– American Airlines: First checked bag is $40 (or $35 online) for domestic flights, with a $45 fee for the second bag. Select international flights offer one free checked bag.

– Delta Airlines: First checked bag costs $35 each way, with a $45 fee for the second bag on domestic flights. Certain international flights include a free checked bag.

– JetBlue: First checked bag is $45, with a $60 fee for the second bag on domestic flights. Transatlantic flights have higher fees, ranging from $65 to $105 per bag.

– United Airlines: Only one personal item is free for domestic flights, with a $40 fee for the first checked bag and a $50 fee for the second bag. Select international flights offer a free checked bag.

Many airlines also offer travel credit cards that provide free baggage perks and other discounts for frequent travelers.

In conclusion, Southwest Airlines’ decision to implement baggage fees marks a significant shift in the airline’s longstanding policy. As the industry continues to evolve, travelers can expect to see changes in baggage fees and other policies across various airlines.