Southwest Airlines to End Free-for-all Checked Bags

‍DALLAS — Southwest Airlines (WN)  has announced that it will no longer offer free checked bags for most passengers, marking a significant departure from its long-standing policy. 

This change will take effect for flights booked on or after May 28, 2025, just as the summer travel season kicks off. 

Here are the key details:

Changes to Baggage Policy

• Who Will Still Get Free Bags?
  
  • Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred Members: These members will continue to receive two free checked bags.
  • Business Select Fare Passengers: Travelers who purchase Business Select fares will also enjoy two free checked bags.
  • A-List Members: They will be entitled to one complimentary checked bag.
  • Rapid Rewards Credit Card Holders: These cardholders will receive a credit applicable to one checked bag.
• Who Will Be Charged?
  
  • All other passengers must pay for their first and second checked bags. The exact fee amounts have not been disclosed yet.

First Signs

Southwest CEO Bob Jordan stated last September that bags would continue to fly without charge.

"Bags will still fly free," Jordan said. "It's the third thing customers look for after fare and schedule: Bags fly free on us. Ninety-seven percent are people who are aware of our policies. So it's a huge consumer advantage. So bags will absolutely fly free."

However, Jordan couldn’t confirm that they'd always fly free. "Well, never say never. … It's like saying open seating would never change 20 years ago. Consumer preferences change, but from everything we see, there's no reason to reconsider this, especially right now."

He also emphasized: "Many things have changed post-Covid: the loss of short-haul demand, a rise in premium demand, and a change in customer preferences."

"We are more than the logo on our planes," he said. "Our DNA isn't open seating or even bags fly free. It's a dedication to service."

Increased Financial Strain

Southwest is pressured to improve its financial performance while fighting to keep pace with customers' changing needs in this post-pandemic period. 

According to a CBS report, WN representatives have announced that many bitter pills will be swallowed, like the end of its long-running open seating policy next year, its first redeye flights launch, and its first-ever layoffs.

Southwest's Rapid Rewards frequent flyer program will also undergo many changes. Passengers will earn more points for booking Business Select fares while earning fewer points on less expensive "Wanna Get Away" and "Wanna Get Away Plus" fares.

Jordan hopes changes "will help us return to the levels of profitability we all expect and to support our collective long-term success. It's also about adapting to what our customers want.”

Ok, Bob.

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