Overview

• Southwest began charging $35 for a first checked bag and $45 for a second on flights booked from May 28, retiring its ‘Bags Fly Free’ policy that dated back to 1967.
• Passengers who booked itineraries before May 28 maintain their two free checked bags under the original policy terms.
• Business Select fare customers and A-List Preferred members continue to receive two complimentary checked bags while A-List members and Rapid Rewards credit card holders are eligible for one free bag.
• The airline forecasts roughly $1.5 billion in annual revenue from the new baggage fees as part of a push to improve profitability under pressure from Elliott Investment Management.
• Southwest has announced plans to introduce assigned seating and new fare bundles in early 2026 to further diversify its ancillary revenue streams.