Southwest Airlines Checks Out Free Bags: Farewell to a 54-Year Travel Perk!

Southwest Airlines, which takes pride in being customer-focused, has discontinued its 54-year-old free checked bag amenity for all but its cheapest classes of fare. The reduction, effective May 28, 2025, is a significant shift for the low-fare carrier, which has been distinguished within the industry for decades by offering two free checked bags to everyone.

Under this new policy, Business Select fares and A-List Preferred elite Rapid Rewards members will have the privilege of two complimentary checked bags. One free bag will be provided for A-List members, while the fee for one bag will be reimbursed to customers paying with a Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card. The airline remains silent on the exact fees on bags for other passengers.

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Southwest CEO Bob Jordan cited the decision as part of a more holistic approach to meeting evolving customer needs, introducing new segments of customers, and improving profitability. Aside from the change in baggage policy, the airline is introducing a stripped-down fare product with fewer services, such as no advance seat assignments, and adopting variable award ticket redemption prices, which will fluctuate according to demand.

The move provoked a dual response. As the airline would like to reward its most frequent customers and keep up with its competitors, most passengers were left disappointed on social media. A frequent flyer wrote in a Southwest Reddit forum, “That was really the main reason I stayed with Southwest. No reason to stay with them now.”

The move is away from Southwest’s long-standing model of openness and no additional fees, following industry trends and revenue pressure. For generations, the free bag policy was a key differentiator, saving customers hundreds of millions of dollars in bag charges. Its doing away makes customers speculate how the airline will balance customer loyalty with its new revenue-focused efforts.

Since Southwest is about to implement these changes, travelers are encouraged to compare reward benefits and fare prices to find out how the new policies will impact their trip.