By Michelle Chapman
It’s the last day that airlines will book flights with Southwest Airlines without being hit by the fees to check bags after airlines have abandoned their decades of luggage policies, which have once been described as the key to distinguishing budget carriers from their rivals.
The airline announced the changes in March, saying the new policy at the time would begin with flights booked on Wednesday.
Southwest said Tuesday that it would charge $35 for the first check bag and $45 for the second check bag. Weight and size restrictions apply to the bag.
Southwest had built a long-standing advertising campaign on its policy that allowed passengers to check up two bags for free. Under the new policy, those who have not reached the upper class of the Rapid Rewards Loyalty program will either purchase business class tickets or hold airline credit cards and require payment for check bags.
Southwest continues to offer two free check bags, travel quickly reward A-List priority members and customers with business choice fares, and move one free check bag to A-List members and other selected customers. Passengers with Rapid Rewards credit cards will receive a credit in one check bag.
Those who do not qualify in these categories will be charged to check their bags. The airline said in March that it would roll out new basic fares with lowest-priced tickets when the changes take effect.
The airline estimates that billing bag fees will bring about $1.5 billion a year in September, but the airline spent $1.8 billion in lost business from customers who chose to fly southwest for generous baggage allowances.
Another policy that will take effect Wednesday is the southwest, where passengers will require passengers to keep their portable chargers in sight due to concerns over an increase in lithium-ion battery fires.
These aren’t the only changes at Southwest. Dallas Airlines previously announced that it retains another southwest tradition, an open board system that has been using for over 50 years. Southwest is scheduled to start operating the plane with passengers in their assigned seats next year.
The airline also said last year it would charge customers an additional fee for more legrooms and offer Redeye flights.
Southwest has been struggling lately and is under pressure from activist investors to increase profits and revenue. The airline reached a ceasefire in October with hedge fund Elliott Investment Management, avoiding the proxy fight, but Elliott won several seats on the company’s board of directors.
The airline announced in February that it would eliminate 1,750 people or 15% of corporate workers in the first major layoffs in the company’s 53-year history.
Southwest Airlines Co. shares rose more than 2% before opening bell Tuesday.
Original issue: May 27, 2025 7:22am EDT
