Goodbye to flying with free checked baggage: after 50 years this top American airline is implementing the bag charge

It’s happening. Southwest Airlines is ending its long-standing free checked bag policy, one of the final holdouts in a fee-heavy industry. Starting May 28, passengers will have to pay to check their luggage, a significant shift for a carrier that built its brand on simplicity and perks others had long abandoned.

How much is Southwest charging for bags?

Southwest’s “bags fly free” policy has been a core part of its identity for decades. It stood as a small act of resistance against the creeping spread of add-on charges, and helped make Southwest the go-to airline for travelers with kids, skis, or just a lot of stuff. But after more than 50 years, that’s over.

The airline hasn’t released pricing yet, only saying that its fees will be “competitive” with other major U.S. airlines. That likely means a first checked bag fee somewhere between $30 and $40, though exact figures remain under wraps. Official pricing is expected to appear on Southwest’s website and app closer to launch. High loyalty status members will not be charged.

So, what were the initial reactions from customers?

This change didn’t come out of nowhere. After years of operational hiccups and rising costs, Southwest is under pressure to boost revenue without hiking ticket prices. Other airlines rake in billions each year from bag fees.

According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, U.S. airlines collected $6.8 billion in baggage fees in 2022. That figure rose in 2023. By refusing to charge, Southwest was leaving a huge amount of money on the table, something that’s become harder to justify to shareholders.

What else is changing at Southwest?

For now, Southwest says it’s not touching its no change fees policy or open seating boarding system. Those remain intact. But this is still a significant cultural and operational shift. The airline used to mock competitors with slogans like “Bags fly free,” positioning itself as the no-gimmick choice in a gimmick-heavy market. Here’s an example:

That slogan now quietly retires.

Southwest’s decision could also reshape what customers expect across the board. For years, it held firm while others charged more and more. But with this move, there’s no longer a major U.S. airline offering two free checked bags to all passengers.

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