Travelers Furious Over Southwest's Latest Bag Policy Change
For years, Southwest Airlines® stood out by offering something no other major U.S. airline did — two free checked bags for every passenger. But that policy is coming to an end. Beginning May 28, 2025, Southwest will start charging fees for checked baggage. The airline has yet to finalize the pricing structure, but for many travelers, this marks the end of an era.
Who Still Gets Free Checked Bags?
Not all passengers will be affected. Southwest has confirmed that some travelers will still qualify for free checked baggage:
- Business Select customers will continue to get two free checked bags.
- Southwest Rapid Rewards® A-List Preferred members will also keep two free checked bags.
- A-List members and Rapid Rewards credit card holders will receive one free checked bag.
For everyone else, checking a bag will now come with an added cost when flying Southwest.
Why Is Southwest Making This Change?
Southwest, like many airlines, is adjusting to rising operational costs and increased competition. The airline is shifting its strategy to boost profits while also targeting a broader customer base.
Southwest CEO Bob Jordan said in a statement, "We have tremendous opportunity to meet current and future customer needs, attract new customer segments we don't compete for today, and return to the levels of profitability that both we and our shareholders expect," as reported by Newsweek.
The airline is following industry trends — U.S. airlines collected more than $5 billion in baggage fees in 2024, and Southwest's move suggests they no longer want to miss out on that revenue. Competitors like American, Delta, and United already charge baggage fees, and Southwest is now aligning itself more closely with their pricing models.
How Do Southwest's New Fees Compare to Other Airlines?
Each major U.S. airline has its own baggage policy, with fees varying based on destination, ticket class, and frequent flyer status. Below is a breakdown of the most recent policies for basic economy passengers:
- American Airlines®: $35-$40 for the first checked bag (or $35 if paying online), $45 for the second. Fees may be higher for international flights.
- Delta Air Lines®: $35 for the first checked bag under 50 pounds, $45 for the second.
- United Airlines®: Carry-on bags are not included unless traveling to Canada, South America, or on international flights across the Atlantic or Pacific oceans. Checked bags cost $35-$40 for the first and $45-$50 for the second. Discounts may apply for online prepayment.
- Frontier Airlines®: Currently offering one free checked bag and one free carry-on bag for customers booking a flight from March 24, 2025, through Aug. 18, 2025, as part of a limited-time promotion. Normally, fees range from $49-$70 for the first checked bag and $69-$89 for the second.
- Southwest Airlines: Formal pricing will be announced in May 2025 when the airline officially transitions away from its "bags fly free" policy.
Frontier Airlines Fires Back
Southwest's decision to introduce baggage fees has sparked pushback from travelers — and even from competitors. On March 18, 2025, Frontier Airlines announced a free bag promotion in response to Southwest's policy change.
"Think of this as the ultimate 'divorce your old airline' deal. If travelers show us the love, we'll make these perks permanent," said Frontier CEO Barry Biffle, as reported by Newsweek.
While the offer is currently limited to flights booked between March 24, 2025, and Aug. 18, 2025, it signals an effort by Frontier to attract disgruntled Southwest passengers. Whether the airline follows through on making free bags a permanent perk remains to be seen.
How Will This Affect Travelers?
For budget-conscious travelers, this change could add a significant cost to flying. Families who previously relied on Southwest's free bag policy will now face higher expenses, especially for longer trips that require more luggage.
In addition to baggage fees, Southwest is also making adjustments to its loyalty program. The airline will begin offering more points for Business Select fares, while lower-tier tickets will earn fewer rewards.
Additionally, Southwest is introducing a new Basic fare catering to budget travelers who prioritize the lowest price. Alongside these changes, Southwest is introducing assigned seating and extra legroom options, further moving away from its traditional open-seating model.
Some Southwest loyalists may be disappointed by the change, but others may see it as an opportunity to explore different airlines — especially if competitors such as Frontier continue offering free baggage incentives.
What Can Travelers Do Now?
With the change taking effect soon, passengers may want to:
- Sign up for Rapid Rewards to work toward A-List status for future free bags.
- Apply for a Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card, which now includes one free checked bag.
- Take advantage of Frontier's free bag promotion before it expires in August 2025.
- Pack light and rely on carry-ons to avoid fees.
- Compare other airlines' policies before booking to see if another carrier offers a better deal.
Southwest built its reputation on customer-friendly policies, but this new baggage fee represents a shift toward industry norms. Whether this decision will help the airline remain competitive — or push travelers toward other options — remains to be seen.
References: Southwest Airlines ends free checked bags for most travelers—here's what it means for you | List of US Airlines Baggage Policies After Southwest Ends Free Bag Policy
