Southwest Airlines has announced significant changes to its service, effective May 28 and after. For flights booked on this date, checking the first bag will cost $35 and an additional $45 for the second piece of luggage. However, customers who purchased tickets prior to Wednesday can still enjoy two free checked bags.
Some exceptions apply: A-List tier loyalty program members, those with Southwest’s branded credit card, or passengers traveling on business fares are exempt from the fees. These prices align with other major carriers like Delta Air Lines and American Airlines.
Southwest has traditionally offered free checked bags since its inception over 60 years ago. However, this change will likely boost its bottom line due to its high volume of checked bags. In contrast, competitors such as American Airlines collected $1.5 billion in baggage fees in 2024.
Other changes include the airline’s efforts to increase profitability under pressure from activist investor Elliott Investment Management. These measures include:
– Ditching its open-seat policy by 2026
– Retrofitting planes with extra legroom seats for an additional charge
– Starting to sell tickets on Expedia and “basic economy” fares, replacing its popular “Wanna Get Away” fare with more restrictions.
These changes are aimed at attracting customers while generating more revenue. The airline has also changed the way it sells tickets, now offering options beyond its website.
Source: https://wtop.com/travel/2025/05/southwest-airlines-reveals-how-much-it-will-cost-to-check-a-bag