Goodbye free checked baggage: Southwest Airlines confirms policy change and will begin charging customers
The airline is ditching one of its customers’ favorites perks: free checked baggage. Southwest has announced it’s going to be a thing of the past.
In 2025 the airline has already eliminated its open seating policy and now this! The company’s CEO referred to the economics behind the decision and the need to increase profits. “We have tremendous opportunity to meet current and future customer needs, attract new customer segments we don’t compete for today, and return to the levels of profitability that both we and our shareholders expect,” Jordan said.
RIP Bags Fly Free. Southwest Airlines will charge for first and second checked bags starting May 28. pic.twitter.com/U7fxbYRnvG
— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) March 11, 2025
The “bags fly free” slogan is one of the company’s biggest hits with customers, but it is no longer sustainable. “After fare and schedule, bags fly free is cited as the number one issue in terms of why customers choose Southwest. So, it’s not something under consideration right now,” Jordan said last year to investors.
Thanks for reaching out, Jon. We know the policy updates are a big change for our Customers—we hear you and understand you’re disappointed. Your feedback will be shared with our Senior Leaders, and we hope to merit your future consideration, as we'd love to have you - Anthony
— Southwest Airlines (@SouthwestAir) March 11, 2025
Although the company hasn’t said how much it will charge for checked baggage, it has revealed when the policy will begin: May 28.
Southwest Airlines has announced it's reversing a longstanding perk for travelers: you will soon have to pay for checked bags when flying Southwest. pic.twitter.com/Xp8VoPnlvf
— Mallory Anderson (@MalloryNews) March 11, 2025
This isn’t the only change Southwest Airlines has made recently. The company aligned itself with market measures such as assigning seats, eliminating red-eye flights and introducing premium seats. The company will also begin selling tickets on Expedia and won’t limit sales to its southwest.com site anymore.
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