Key Takeaways
• Southwest ends ‘bags fly free’ for most bookings starting May 28, 2025.
• Checked baggage will cost $35-$40 per bag, similar to other U.S. airlines.
• Business Select, A-List Preferred, A-List, and Rapid Rewards Cardholders retain some free checked bag benefits.
Southwest Airlines is changing a part of air travel that many have come to expect: the promise that “bags fly free.” For decades, Southwest Airlines stood out by allowing every passenger two free checked bags on every flight. This policy was a key part of the airline’s image and was often used in advertisements. But now, things are shifting. Starting May 28, 2025, most new bookings will no longer include complimentary checked baggage. Many travelers are wondering what this means for their vacation and work trips, and how these changes fit into the bigger story of air travel in the United States 🇺🇸.
A Big Change After 60 Years
When Southwest Airlines says goodbye to its “bags fly free” program for many customers, it breaks a tradition that lasted about sixty years. For many travelers, this perk was an important reason to pick Southwest over other airlines. People knew they wouldn’t face extra costs to check their bags. This made planning trips simpler and lowered the total cost, especially for families.
So, what’s changing? Beginning May 28, 2025, checked baggage will no longer be free for most travelers. The new policy applies to any booking made or ticketed on or after this date. It also applies to any ticket that is voluntarily changed—even if you simply update the name on the reservation—on or after May 28, 2025.
These new rules mean passengers traveling on Basic, Wanna Get Away Plus, and Anytime fares will now need to pay to check bags. While Southwest Airlines has not yet announced the exact amount, experts expect checked baggage will likely cost between $35-$40 per bag, each way. This is similar to what many other major airlines already charge.
Who Will Still Get Free Checked Bags?
Not everyone will lose the “bags fly free” perk. Some travelers will still get complimentary checked baggage. Here’s how it breaks down:
- Customers who book Business Select fares will continue to get two free checked bags.
- A-List Preferred members—Southwest’s most loyal frequent flyers—will still receive two free checked bags.
- A-List members will get one free checked bag.
- Rapid Rewards Credit Cardholders will be credited for their first checked bag.
These exceptions are meant to reward top customers and those who spend more with Southwest Airlines. So, while “bags fly free” will disappear for most people, some groups will continue to enjoy this benefit.
What About Existing Bookings?
Southwest Airlines has provided a window for travelers who want to keep the free bag perk. If you book a flight before May 28, 2025, for travel through January 2026, you will still get two free checked bags—provided you don’t make any changes to your reservation after the new policy kicks in. That means if you adjust your travel dates or even update the name on the ticket after May 28, 2025, you could lose this benefit and have to pay for checked baggage.
According to VisaVerge.com, this detail is important for anyone looking to save on travel costs and avoid any surprise fees down the line.
Other Big Changes at Southwest Airlines
The end of free checked bags is just one of several major changes happening at Southwest Airlines. These updates are all part of a bigger plan to adjust to the current air travel market and improve the airline’s financial health.
- Assigned Seating Is Coming
One of Southwest’s unique features was open seating, which meant people could sit anywhere once they boarded. This will soon change. Southwest Airlines plans to introduce assigned and premium seating. Booking for these seats will likely start in the second half of 2025, with the first assigned seats showing up in early 2026. Many travelers have mixed feelings about this change. Some like the freedom of open seating, while others prefer knowing exactly where they’ll sit ahead of time. -
A New Fare Structure
Along with checked baggage fees, Southwest Airlines will begin offering a new fare option. The “Basic” fare will replace the well-known “Wanna Get Away” fares from May 28, 2025. Details about the “Basic” fare are still coming out, but it is expected to be the cheapest option available, with fewer features than higher-priced fares. -
Flight Credit Expiration
Currently, Southwest Airlines flight credits do not expire for many fares. This is set to change. For credits issued on or after May 28, 2025, most will expire one year after being issued. For “Basic” fares, credits will expire after just six months. This update brings Southwest’s policies closer to those of other airlines, adding pressure for travelers to use their credits faster. -
Fewer Flights
Starting in the second half of 2025, Southwest Airlines will reduce the number of flights it offers. This move comes as the airline faces tougher economic conditions, along with higher operating costs. Reducing flights is a common step airlines take to manage losses. While this helps Southwest lower expenses, travelers may see limited routes or less choice in flight times. -
No More Fuel Hedging Program
For years, Southwest Airlines used a “fuel hedging” strategy. This meant the company locked in fuel prices ahead of time to avoid higher costs later. Ending this program removes another way the airline could control its spending. It’s not yet clear how this will affect ticket prices, but the extra cost may eventually be passed on to customers.
Why Is Southwest Airlines Making These Changes?
The airline industry worldwide faces rising costs, from fuel to pay and maintenance. Many airlines have reported lower profits as a result. For Southwest Airlines, the situation has become tough enough to require big changes. In the second quarter, Southwest reported a net loss of about $149 million compared with the previous year.
CEO Bob Jordan addressed this situation directly. He said these decisions offer “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.”
Basically, Southwest is making these changes to make more money and attract different kinds of travelers, without raising ticket prices too much.
What Does This Mean for Travelers?
Higher Travel Costs
The most noticeable effect for many people is the added cost of checking baggage. For families or those taking long trips, costs can add up quickly. Travelers who previously picked Southwest Airlines mainly for the “bags fly free” program may start looking at other airlines. If other airlines have similar fares but more direct flights, travelers may switch.
More Complicated Booking
The new rules around free checked baggage mean travelers must pay closer attention when booking. If you want two free checked bags, you’ll need to:
– Book before May 28, 2025, and not change your ticket after that date,
– Hold one of the higher-tier fares or status levels, or
– Use a Rapid Rewards Credit Card for the first checked bag.
Missing one detail could mean new fees added to your trip.
Possible Changes in How People Pack
With checked baggage no longer free for most travelers, people may start packing less. Carry-on bags, which are still free, could get even more crowded. This shift has been seen on other airlines that began charging for checked luggage years ago.
Loyalty Status Becomes More Important
Frequent travelers who qualify for A-List or A-List Preferred status with Southwest Airlines stand to benefit more now. As fewer travelers get free checked bags, the perk is more of an incentive to fly often and stick with one airline. The same is true for Business Select fare buyers and Rapid Rewards Credit Cardholders.
Impact on Southwest’s Brand
For years, Southwest Airlines stood out through its “bags fly free” promise and friendly, no-frills approach to travel. This change brings it much closer to its competitors, who nearly all charge for checked baggage already.
Some longtime customers may view these changes as a loss of what made the company special. Others might welcome the new features like assigned seats, which bring more order and predictability. Time will tell whether these changes help or hurt the airline’s popularity.
What You Can Do Next
If you plan to travel with Southwest Airlines after May 28, 2025, here are some steps to consider:
- Book Early: If you want to lock in two free checked bags and you know your travel dates, book before May 28, 2025. Be careful to avoid any changes to your ticket after this date, or you could lose the benefit.
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Read Fare Rules Carefully: Make sure you understand whether your fare includes any checked baggage and how changes to your reservation might affect what you’ll pay.
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Apply for Status or Sign Up for the Airline Credit Card: If you’re a frequent traveler, checking if you qualify for A-List status or the airline’s credit card could save money on baggage fees.
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Pack Lighter: Consider using carry-on bags when possible to avoid extra costs. However, remember that overhead bin space is limited. Some travelers may have to check their carry-ons at the gate if there is no space left on board.
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Watch for Fare Changes: With new “Basic” fares coming out, make sure you compare all your options and do not assume every ticket is the same as before.
For more information about checked baggage policies, you can always visit the official Southwest Airlines baggage policy page.
How Do These Changes Fit in with Other U.S. Airline Policies?
With this move, Southwest Airlines is stepping in line with the rest of the airline industry in the United States 🇺🇸. Other airlines like Delta, American, and United already charge between $30 and $40 for the first checked bag in most cases. Years ago, airlines started charging for checked bags as a way to keep ticket prices lower and increase their own profits.
Many travelers disliked the extra fees, but the trend stuck. In 2022, U.S. airlines made over $6.7 billion from baggage fees alone, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation.
By ending the “bags fly free” promise, Southwest Airlines removes one of the last, biggest differences between it and its competitors. The airline is now depending on other ways—such as loyalty perks or possible lower fares—to attract new customers.
Differing Views on the Policy
Not everyone supports this change. Some longtime fans say that checked baggage fees feel unfair and that Southwest should keep the policy as a point of pride. Others recognize that changing economic times make these fees a fact of modern air travel.
Industry experts believe most airlines will continue moving toward “unbundling” services, which means people pay a low base fare and add what they want, like seat choice, meals, and checked baggage.
Historical Context and What May Lie Ahead
When Southwest Airlines first started in the 1970s, it built its brand on affordability, friendliness, and simplicity. The “bags fly free” promise was a big symbol of that. With these changes, Southwest is entering a new chapter. The new baggage fees are likely to increase revenue and may allow the airline to keep base fares lower. Still, changing these long-held traditions can be risky.
Other airlines have seen some pushback when they make similar changes. Only time will reveal whether people choose Southwest Airlines for its other benefits or if they start looking for other options.
Final Thoughts
As Southwest Airlines ends its “bags fly free” policy for most travelers—and adds other big changes—there are more things for passengers to consider before booking. Many will need to pay extra for checked baggage and watch their fare choices more closely. For those who fly often or hold special statuses, some benefits remain. But for the average traveler, the cost of flying Southwest may go up.
Travelers, families, and business flyers alike should plan ahead, compare fares, and check for updates from the airline. As with most things in travel, being informed is the best way to avoid surprises and save money.
For the latest updates, always visit the official Southwest Airlines baggage policy page or check in with resources like VisaVerge.com for clear, up-to-date advice on air travel changes.
Learn Today
Checked Baggage → Luggage that passengers hand over to the airline for transport in the cargo hold, typically for a fee.
Business Select → Southwest Airlines’ highest fare class, offering priority boarding, extra Rapid Rewards points, and two free checked bags.
A-List Preferred → Southwest’s top frequent flyer tier, granting perks like priority boarding and two free checked bags per flight.
Rapid Rewards Credit Card → A co-branded credit card that rewards Southwest Airlines travelers, including at least one free checked bag.
Fare Structure → The different levels and prices airlines offer for tickets, varying by included features and flexibility.
This Article in a Nutshell
Southwest Airlines is ending its decades-long “bags fly free” policy for most travelers starting May 28, 2025. Checked bags will incur new fees, aligning Southwest with other major U.S. airlines. Only premium fare travelers and certain loyalty members will retain bag benefits—prompting all flyers to examine fares and plan carefully.
— By VisaVerge.com
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