Southwest Airlines just announced that for the first time in its 54-year history, it will be ending its free checked bags policy. This announcement comes roughly six months after Southwest CEO Bob Jordan reassured CBS News that bags will “absolutely” continue to fly for free.
For reservations booked or changed on or after May 28, 2025, new checked baggage fees will apply to the luggage of most passengers. Southwest’s Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred members and passengers who book Business Select fares will receive two free checked bags. Frequent flyer A-List Members and Southwest credit card holders will be allowed one free checked bag.
While Southwest hasn’t announced the cost of its checked luggage yet, it’s expected to be comparable to the fees charged by other airlines.
In another blow to budget-minded travelers, Southwest is updating its frequent flyer program so that some passengers may find it more difficult to earn rewards and redeem their flight credits. These new changes will be implemented in the following phases:
- Phase 1 – Beginning this month, Southwest will increase the Rapid Rewards earn ratio on Business Select fares and lower the earn ratio on Wanna Get Away and Wanna Get Away Plus fares. Southwest will also begin to use “dynamic pricing” to vary its redemption rates during high- and low-demand travel periods.
- Phase 2 – Beginning May 28, Southwest will launch a new Basic fare. This fare will be the airline’s lowest price point, but it will come with less flexibility than other fares. New expiration dates will also be applied to Southwest’s Flight Credits, which will vary based on the fare purchased.
The chart below shows the revised fare products that will take effect in May:
These changes are sure to evoke strong feelings from travelers who have come to expect more passenger-friendly policies from Southwest. How are you feeling about this news?
Please let us know what you think of this update in the comments below!
+ There are no comments
Add yours