Southwest ends free bags perk this week: Here's what you will have to pay
Share and Follow


It’s the last day to book a flight on Southwest Airlines without being hit with a fee to check bags after the airline abandoned a decades-long luggage policy that executives had described last fall as key to differentiating the budget carrier from its rivals.

The airline announced the change in March, saying at the time that the new policy would start with flights booked on Wednesday.

Southwest said Tuesday that it will be charging $35 for a first checked bag and $45 for a second checked bag. Weight and size limits will apply for bags.

Southwest had built years of advertising campaigns around its policy of letting passengers check up to two bags for free. Under its new policy, people who haven’t either reached the upper tiers of its Rapid Rewards loyalty program, bought a business class ticket or hold the airline’s credit card will have to pay for checked bags.

Southwest will continue to offer two free checked bags to Rapid Rewards A-List preferred members and customers traveling on Business Select fares, and one free checked bag to A-List members and other select customers. Passengers with Rapid Rewards credit cards will receive a credit for one checked bag.

People who don’t qualify for those categories will get charged to check bags. The airline said in March that it also would roll out a new, basic fare on its lowest-priced tickets when the change takes effect.

The airline estimated in September that charging bag fees would bring in about $1.5 billion a year but cost the airline $1.8 billion in lost business from customers who chose to fly Southwest because of its generous baggage allowance.

Another policy that will take effect on Wednesday is Southwest requiring passengers to keep their portable chargers in plain sight while using them because of concerns about the growing number of lithium-ion battery fires.

These aren’t the only changes at Southwest. The Dallas airline previously announced that it was leaving behind another Southwest tradition, the open-boarding system it has used for more than 50 years. Southwest expects to begin operating flights with passengers in assigned seats next year.

The airline also said last year that it would charge customers extra for more legroom and offer red-eye flights.

Southwest has struggled recently and is under pressure from activist investors to boost profits and revenue. The airline reached a truce in October with hedge fund Elliott Investment Management to avoid a proxy fight, but Elliott won several seats on the company’s board.

The airline announced in February that it was eliminating 1,750 jobs, or 15% of its corporate workforce, in the first major layoffs in the company’s 53-year history.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like

Illinois’ Most Stolen Cars 2023: Top 10 Vehicles Targeted by Thieves

ILLINOIS – Car thefts have surged across Illinois, with over 13,000 vehicles…

James Watson, DNA Pioneer and Double-Helix Co-Discoverer, Passes Away at 97: A Tribute to His Legacy

James D. Watson, the celebrated scientist whose pivotal role in uncovering the…

Paul Tagliabue, Former NFL Commissioner Who Spearheaded Growth and Prosperity, Passes Away at 84

NEW YORK (AP) — Paul Tagliabue, who played a pivotal role in…

Brace for Impact: Cold Front Brings Storms and Major Temperature Drop

SAVANNAH, Ga. — Expect mild and humid weather to persist over the…

Philippines Braces for Super Typhoon Amidst Recovery from Devastating Storm: Urgent Updates

MANILA – The Philippines faces its most formidable weather challenge this year…

Budzinski Discusses SNAP Changes with Champaign Food Aid Nonprofit

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — Following a week of intense discussions between the…

Empowering Women in Leadership: Celebrating Achievements and Fostering Connections

SAVANNAH, Ga. — The Women Who Lead Power Con recently brought together…

Navigating the New College Landscape: How Economic Shifts are Redefining Student Strategies

In the face of economic uncertainty and shifting federal policies on student…