Southwest Airlines Ends Free Checked Bags: What Travelers Need to Know

Passengers can expect a significant shift in the travel experience with Southwest Airlines announcing the end of its long-standing policy of allowing two free checked bags. This change will take effect starting Wednesday, marking the first time in over 50 years that travelers will incur fees for checked baggage. As of early 2025, this policy change prompts many questions among frequent flyers and occasional travelers alike. Here’s everything you need to know about the transition.

What is Changing?

Effective immediately for tickets purchased on or after Wednesday, Southwest will no longer include two free checked bags in its fare structure. However, this change doesn’t impact passengers who purchased their tickets before the cutoff date; they will still enjoy the free checked bag allowance. Prices and specifics regarding the new baggage fees have not yet been disclosed, but typical charges from competitors hover around $35 to $40 for a first checked bag on domestic flights.

This move comes as part of a broader strategy to enhance revenue in an industry where baggage fees have generated nearly $7.3 billion for U.S. airlines last year alone. Southwest executives had long resisted implementing bag fees due to their commitment to customer service, but they are now responding to pressures from shareholders, notably the activist firm Elliott Investment Management, which has urged the airline to reevaluate its revenue streams.

In addition to bag fee implementation, Southwest is transitioning towards a more traditional model by introducing basic-economy tickets, similar to those offered by competitors like Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, and United Airlines.

Are There Exemptions?

While most travelers will need to pay for checked bags, there are notable exemptions to the new policy:

• Rapid Rewards loyalty program: Members with top-tier status will still have two free checked bags.
• Business Select fares: Customers in the highest-level Business Select fare class also retain the benefit of free checked bags.
• Credit card holders: Those with a Southwest Airlines co-branded credit card and their travel companions will have the first checked bag waived if booked together.
• A-List frequent flyers: These members will also enjoy the convenience of one free checked bag.

New Fare Type: Basic

The introduction of basic-economy tickets changes the game for travelers. With this new fare type, passengers will face restrictions such as:

• No ability to change their tickets once purchased.
• A lower boarding priority, resulting in potentially less desirable seating arrangements.
• Shorter expiry periods for fare credits (six months compared to the usual twelve).

Moreover, the airline has stated it will eliminate the Wanna Get Away fare, which previously represented its lowest tier ticket.

What About Assigned Seats?

Straying from its established open-seating model, Southwest plans to incorporate assigned seating for flights starting in 2026. Passengers have historically valued the airline’s flexible boarding process, but with the impending changes, the focus will shift toward predetermined seats. The airline will also enhance its fleet by installing extra legroom seats, mirroring the upgrades targeted by many of its competitors.

Can Southwest Handle It?

As frontline employees brace for the shift, Southwest executives have expressed confidence in their operational adjustments. They anticipate an increase in carry-on luggage usage, but reassurances about maintaining free carry-on policies should help ease the process. Additionally, the airline is equipping its fleet of Boeing airplanes with larger overhead bins to accommodate more passenger belongings.

Executives have stated that staff will also have access to mobile bag-tag printers, streamlining the checking process for customers during their travels.

Are People Mad?

The response from the public has been a mix of frustration and skepticism. Even innocuous posts from Southwest relating to lighthearted subjects, such as babies and puppies on board, have drawn backlash over the new baggage policies. However, CEO Bob Jordan has reassured stakeholders, indicating that the announcement did not lead to decreased bookings or customer discontent.

“We have seen no book-down on that day or after that day,” he stated in an interview, suggesting that while reactions have been vocal, they have not significantly impacted business.

Conclusion

As Southwest Airlines embarks on this new chapter, travelers must navigate the implications of these changes meticulously. Adapting to a landscape where checked bag fees and basic economy tickets become standard can be challenging, but understanding these adjustments can ease the transition. For more travel insights and tips, be sure to check our comprehensive articles on airline baggage policies, budget travel tips, and the latest in frequent flyer programs. Safe travels!