Southwest Airlines used to proudly advertise “Bags Fly Free.” Effective Wednesday, May 28, 2025, bags now fly for an industry-standard fee.
If you’re flying on Southwest Airlines, “Bags Fly Free” only applies to itineraries booked before Wednesday, May 28, 2025.
The Wall Street Journal reports the bag fees for all new itineraries will be $35 for the first bag, and $45 for the second bag.
Luggage Costs Go from Free to $80 for Two Bags
For decades, Southwest made their reputation on the trademarked “Bags Fly Free.” Although the in-air product changed, the two free checked bags remained something the carrier was set on keeping.
That all changed after the documented battle with activist investor Elliott Investment Management, which led to several changes at the airline. Among them was changing the fare classes to include a basic economy and adding a fee for checked bags.
The fee schedule was handed down in a message to employees. Prior to the quiet announcement, Southwest had not said how much their checked luggage service would cost.
Southwest’s fee schedule is in line with the standard prices for checked luggage across legacy U.S. carriers. Certain flyers will still be allowed to travel with free checked baggage if they hold status or a credit card. A-List Preferred members will still get two free checked bags on their trips after earning the status with 40 qualifying one-way flights or 70,000 earned tier qualifying points in one calendar year. A-List elites and those with the Southwest Airlines credit card will only get one checked bag free.
