Southwest Airlines Ends Free Checked Bags, Introduces New Fees

Southwest Airlines announced on Tuesday it will begin charging passengers for checked luggage, officially ending its long-standing "bags fly free" policy. Starting soon, travelers will pay $35 for their first checked bag and $45 for a second, aligning the airline with other major U.S. carriers that already impose baggage fees.

The policy shift marks a significant change for the Dallas-based airline, which has long marketed itself as the only major U.S. carrier allowing two free checked bags per passenger. The move comes amid mounting financial pressure, as Southwest faces sluggish earnings and growing investor demands to revise its business strategy.

The decision to implement baggage fees follows earlier signals from the company. In March, Southwest hinted at potential changes to its luggage policy, noting that operational costs and underwhelming revenue performance made it increasingly difficult to sustain the free baggage benefit.

Travel industry analysts suggest this change may help Southwest generate substantial ancillary revenue, a stream its competitors have long tapped into. However, the policy reversal could risk alienating loyal customers who favored Southwest for its no-fee perks.

The airline has not yet specified when the new baggage fees will take effect, but the announcement has already sparked mixed reactions from frequent flyers and budget-conscious travelers.

The Wall Street Journal first reported the change on Tuesday, citing internal discussions aimed at overhauling the airline’s traditional low-cost model. As competition stiffens across the U.S. aviation sector, Southwest appears ready to abandon one of its most iconic customer-friendly policies in pursuit of profitability.