For years, Southwest Airlines stood out as the go-to airline for budget-conscious travelers, offering two free checked bags while competitors racked up baggage fees. But as of May 28, 2025, that era comes to an end.
Southwest has announced it will start charging for checked bags, a move that marks a major shift in its brand identity and could impact loyal travelers. With rising operational costs and pressure from investors, the airline is restructuring its pricing strategy, adding baggage fees, a new basic economy fare, and changes to its Rapid Rewards program.
So, what does this mean for travelers? Let’s break it down.
Why the Change?
Southwest has long prided itself on keeping things simple—no baggage fees, no change fees, and a focus on customer loyalty. But in today’s airline industry, where fee-based revenue is the norm, Southwest is under pressure to increase profits.
The airline has resisted baggage fees for years, citing internal research that suggested customers would rather pay slightly more for tickets than deal with surprise fees. However, with mounting financial challenges, Southwest has finally decided to join the pack—a move that some see as inevitable, while others view as a betrayal of its core values.
What Will the New Baggage Policy Look Like?
Starting May 28, 2025, Southwest will no longer offer two free checked bags to all passengers. Instead, they’re implementing a tiered baggage fee structure:
• A-List Preferred Members: Still get two free checked bags
• A-List Members & Southwest Credit Card Holders: Get one free checked bag
• All Other Travelers: Will now pay per checked bag (exact fees to be announced)
Carry-on baggage rules remain the same, so travelers can still bring a personal item and one carry-on bag for free.
Other Big Changes at Southwest
Baggage fees aren’t the only shake-up. Southwest is introducing a Basic Economy fare for budget travelers, similar to what Delta, American, and United already offer. This fare will likely come with more restrictions, such as no ticket changes or seat selection options.
Additionally, the Rapid Rewards program is shifting to award miles based on spending rather than miles flown, and flight credits will now expire after one year, making it harder for travelers to bank unused credits indefinitely.
How Will This Impact Travelers?
Southwest’s customer-friendly approach has been a major selling point for travelers looking to avoid the nickel-and-diming of traditional airlines. Now, with baggage fees and other restrictions creeping in, many may start reconsidering their loyalty.
Some travelers will stick with Southwest out of habit or convenience, while others may re-evaluate their options and compare total costs with competitors like Delta, United, and American.
Should You Still Fly Southwest?
This change doesn’t mean Southwest isn’t a good deal anymore—it just means travelers will need to be more mindful when booking flights. If you’re an A-List member or Southwest credit card holder, you’ll still get some benefits, but occasional travelers might not find the airline as budget-friendly as before.
Before booking, consider:
✅ Do you frequently check bags? If so, compare the new fees with other airlines.
✅ Are you an A-List member or cardholder? You may still get perks.
✅ Would a Basic Economy ticket work for you? If not, you may want to upgrade.
✅ How often do you use Southwest’s flight credits? Now, they’ll expire after a year.
Final Thoughts
Southwest’s “Bags Fly Free” policy was a game-changer, and its removal signals a new era for the airline. Whether this is a necessary business move or a short-sighted decision that could drive away loyal customers remains to be seen.
For travelers, the best approach is to stay informed and compare total trip costs (including baggage fees) before choosing an airline.
What do you think about Southwest’s decision? Will you still be flying with them, or is this a dealbreaker? Drop your thoughts in the comments!
Contact Moor Luxury Travel for stress-free, seamless travel planning!
Comments