Free bags no more: Here's the last day to book tickets with free checked bags at Southwest

Yahoo

19-05-2025

From overhauling in-flight service to introducing assigned seating and new priority boarding procedures, a lot is up in the air at Southwest Airlines right now. Earlier this year, the Dallas-based airline announced, with considerable pushback from Southwest loyalists, that it would end one of its most beloved perks: free checked bags.
The airline said in March that its customers are no longer "allowed two free checked bags," and for the first time in its 54-year history, Southwest will begin charging for checked luggage.
The airline's executives have long promoted the perk as a key differentiator from its rivals throughout Southwest's more than 50 years of flying, aiming to attract customers while maintaining revenue.
However, CNBC reported that Southwest's decision follows months of pressure from activist investor Elliott Investment Management. The firm acquired a stake in the airline last year and secured five Southwest board seats, pushing for swift changes.
Since the company was acquired by an investor, several changes have been implemented.
In-flight service now ends about 10 minutes earlier than before, with passengers asked to prepare for landing at 18,000 feet instead of the previous 10,000 feet. In July 2024, Southwest announced plans to introduce seat assignments, with ticket sales expected to begin in the second half of 2025 and the first assigned-seating flights scheduled for early 2026, according to a company news release. The change will also bring the introduction of premium seating, which includes priority boarding access for those passengers, alongside the airline's most loyal customers.
Additionally, the company cut more than 1,700 jobs at its Dallas Love Field headquarters — about 15% of its corporate workforce — including 11 senior leadership positions.
More: Airlines are getting stricter about carry-on luggage. Here's what to do about it.
Under the new Southwest baggage policy, most customers will pay to check baggage. Until now, Southwest's Bags Fly Free policy has allowed two pieces of checked luggage per person.
Checked bags must weigh no more than 50 pounds and measure no more than 62 inches in total dimensions. Overweight bags between 51-70 pounds cost $100; bags 71-100 pounds cost $125. Oversized bags between 63-80 inches also incur a $125 fee.
However, there are a few exceptions:
Top-tier fare class passengers will receive two free checked bags. Formerly Business Select, this group is now branded as Choice Extra.
Elite frequent flyers with A-List Preferred status will still get two free checked bags, while A-List members will receive one.
Southwest credit card holders will also be eligible for one free checked bag.
Southwest will begin charging for checked bags on flights purchased on or after May 28, 2025. If you book your flight by May 27, you'll still get up to two free checked bags, regardless of the date of the flight.
As of May 16, Southwest has not revealed its baggage fee. American, Delta and United airlines charge between $35 and $50 for first and second checked bags.
Southwest Airlines still allows free carry-on bags for all passengers. Each traveler is allowed one personal item and one carry-on bag.
The carry-on bag, such as a roller bag or tote, must fit in the overhead bin and be no larger than 24 x 16 x 10 inches. The personal item, such as a purse, backpack, brief case or laptop bag, must fit under the seat and must not exceed 18.5 inches x 8.5 inches x 13.5 inches.
More: Best Luggage of 2024: The All-in-One Carry-On by Nobl Travel is Going Viral
Contributing: Tiffany Acosta, Arizona Republic
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: When is Southwest charging bags? Here's last day to book free luggage