Southwest Airlines has announced it is ending a beloved travel benefit in hopes of supporting business objectives and to “create choice for current and future customers,” according to a news release.
The airline has decided to end its longtime free check-bag policy for most of its fare types. All travelers with flights booked after May 28, 2025, must pay bag fees. The amount hasn’t been disclosed yet.
“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,” said Bob Jordan, President, Chief Executive Officer, & Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors at Southwest Airlines. “We will do all this while remaining focused on what’s made us strong—our People and the authentic, friendly, and award-winning Customer Service only they can provide.”
The initiatives announced Tuesday, March 11, 2025, include the following:
- Southwest will continue to offer two free checked bags to Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred Members and customers traveling on Business Select fares, and one free checked bag to A-List Members and other select customers. The airline will credit one checked bag for Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers. Customers who do not qualify for these free bag options will be charged for their first and second checked bags.
- The carrier recently adjusted the number of Rapid Rewards points customers earn on qualifying flights. Customers now earn more points on Business Select fares while earning less on Wanna Get Away® and Wanna Get Away Plus® fares. Southwest Rapid Rewards, the carrier’s loyalty program, will also introduce variable redemption rates across higher-demand and lower-demand flights.
According to the release, the changes add to the initiatives already underway at Southwest, including the forthcoming implementation of assigned seating and extra legroom options and an initial industry-standard airline partnership with Icelandair that began on February 13, the same day the carrier’s first-ever scheduled overnight redeye flights launched.
“As Southwest looks to provide a great travel experience for its Customers, the airline continues to focus on operational excellence,” the release stated.
