Bags fly free!? Southwest changes longstanding policy
Mar 11, 2025, 7:03 AM | Updated: Mar 13, 2025, 12:28 pm
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - FEBRUARY 18: A Southwest Airlines jet prepares to land at Chicago Midway International Airport on February 18, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. The airline said it plans to layoff 1,750 employees, marking the first broad layoffs in the company's history. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)
(Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)
After over 50 years of being in business, Southwest Airlines has announced that one of its most unique and longstanding policies, “bags fly free”, will no longer apply to all of its flyers.
Beginning May 28th, flyers will be charged for what used to be 2 free checked bags.
If you are a Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred members or someone flying business select, you will continue to get two free checked bags. A-List members will get one free checked bag.
Ever since their big Christmas meltdown a few years ago, Southwest has announced significant changes to its company.
Last year they announced an end to their open-seating policy and adapting a more traditional seating model. Earlier this year they announced mass layoffs for the first time in their history. And just a few days ago they announced a considerable drop of their Rapid Rewards points accruals for their basic seat models.
