Southwest Airlines will begin charging for checked bags starting this week, the airline announced on Tuesday. The fee structure will be as follows: $35 for the first checked bag and $45 for the second. This change applies to all existing flight itineraries changed after May 28, and new bookings.
The move aims to align with industry standards and boost business. However, customers can still travel with free checked bags if they are members of Southwest’s Rapid Rewards A-List program or traveling in higher classes like Business Select or Choice Extra. A-List members and credit card holders will also receive one free checked bag.
Additionally, a cheaper Basic fare will be introduced starting May 28, but checked bag fees will apply to Basic, Wanna Get Away Plus, and Anytime fares from Wednesday onward. Passengers traveling on Southwest’s partner carriers are exempt from the fee change.
The move follows competitor Frontier Airlines’ announcement of free checked bags on select summer flights after Southwest’s announcement of bag fees in mid-March.
Source: https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Travel/southwest-airlines-start-charging-checked-bag-fee-week/story?id=122126040