Houston-area travelers who’ve long relied on Southwest Airlines for budget-friendly flights may face a new reality.
As of May 28, 2025, the airline’s beloved “two bags fly free” policy is officially gone.
In a sweeping shift that ends a more than 50-year tradition, Southwest will now charge for most checked bags, a move that has stirred strong reactions from loyal flyers.
For fares purchased on or after May 28, passengers will now pay $35 for the first checked bag and $45 for the second. Additional checked luggage and overweight or oversized items will incur even higher fees, though those details vary by size and weight.
This policy change brings Southwest in line with other major U.S. carriers like Delta, United and American, which have charged for checked bags for years.
They haven’t been reasonable price-wise since COVID,” said former Southwest customer Ijeoma Adaku. “And now, assigned seating and paid bags? Nothing sets them apart anymore. They’re even on Expedia now.”
Why the Change?
The decision to implement bag fees comes amid rising financial pressures in the airline industry. According to federal data, U.S. airlines brought in a staggering $7.3 billion from baggage fees in 2024 alone. Despite holding out for decades, Southwest executives ultimately gave in to shareholder demands to boost revenue.
The baggage fee announcement follows other major shifts at Southwest, including plans to introduce assigned seating in 2026 and offer basic economy fares, similar to competitors.
“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,” said Bob Jordan, President, Chief Executive Officer, & Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors at Southwest Airlines in a statement. “We will do all this while remaining focused on what’s made us strong, our people and the authentic, friendly and award-winning Customer Service only they can provide.”
Who still flies free?
Not everyone will pay. The airline is offering key exemptions to the new fees:
- Business Select passengers will still receive two free checked bags.
- A-List and A-List Preferred members — frequent flyers with elite status — will continue to get at least one free bag.
- Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cardholders (and travel companions booked under the same reservation) get their first standard bag free. These cards carry annual fees between $69 and $199.
- Active duty military personnel are also exempt from baggage fees.
Southwest recommends checking your status or booking class carefully before your flight to avoid unexpected costs.
Tips to minimize baggage costs
If you’re a budget-conscious traveler, here are a few ways to adjust:
- Pack Light: Southwest still allows one personal item and one carry-on for free. Use those wisely.
- Use Points: Redeem Rapid Rewards points to upgrade to fare levels that include free bags.
- Apply for a Southwest Credit Card: If you fly more than twice a year, the free bag perk can outweigh the card’s annual fee.
- Fly with Friends: Booking together with a cardholder can extend the baggage benefit to companions.
