Southwest Airlines will begin charging passengers for checked luggage starting today, marking a significant departure from a policy that has defined the airline for more than 50 years. The company announced that fees will begin at $35 for the first checked bag and $45 for the second, aligning with industry norms and reflecting mounting pressure to increase revenue.
This shift marks the end of the popular “two bags fly free” offer that distinguished Southwest from other major U.S. carriers. The change coincides with the introduction of a new basic economy fare and other adjustments to the airline’s longstanding business model. Passengers who book Basic, Wanna Get Away Plus, or Anytime fares will now need to pay for checked luggage unless they qualify for specific exemptions.
Certain groups will retain the benefit of free checked bags. Travelers holding top-tier Rapid Rewards status, customers booking Business Select fares, and those using a Southwest Airlines credit card—along with their travel companions—will continue to receive baggage perks. A-List loyalty members will be allowed to check one bag at no charge.
Southwest has also introduced a Basic fare that limits flexibility. Passengers purchasing this ticket class will be the last to board, will not be able to change their reservations, and will face a shorter expiration period for unused fare credits. The carrier has eliminated its previous lowest-tier fare, Wanna Get Away, as part of this restructuring.
Additional changes are planned for later this year. Southwest will phase out its hallmark open seating model by introducing assigned seating for 2026 flights. To accommodate more carry-on luggage, the airline is outfitting aircraft with larger overhead bins and deploying mobile bag tag printers to ease the check-in process.
