At Southwest Airlines, checked bags will no longer fly for free

Southwest Airlines is ending its long-standing policy of allowing passengers to check two bags for free. The airline announced Tuesday that it will begin charging fees for checked luggage, a major shift from the practice that had set it apart from competitors.

The new policy, set to take effect for flights booked on or after May 28, will require most travelers to pay for checked bags unless they qualify for exemptions. Passengers who hold elite status in Southwest’s Rapid Rewards program, purchase a business class ticket, or have the airline’s co-branded credit card will still be eligible for free checked baggage. However, Southwest has not yet disclosed the specific fee structure.

“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,” CEO Bob Jordan said in a statement.

This change comes as Southwest faces financial challenges and pressure from investors to improve revenue. The airline recently announced layoffs affecting 15% of its corporate workforce, marking the first large-scale job cuts in its history. Additionally, Southwest is moving away from another long-held tradition—its open-seating policy—by introducing assigned seating on future flights.

For decades, Southwest’s “Bags Fly Free” campaign was a key selling point, distinguishing it from other airlines that charge for checked baggage. Now, as the company aims to boost profitability, it is stepping away from this signature policy, aligning itself more closely with industry norms.