Southwest Airlines ends decadeslong ‘two bags fly free’ policy
Southwest Airlines has announced the end of its longstanding “two bags fly free” policy, effective May 28, 2025. Customers will now incur charges for checked luggage unless they are Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred Members or traveling on a Business Select fare, with some members still eligible for one or two free checked bags. The airline frames this decision as part of a broader strategy to enhance customer loyalty and attract new passenger segments. While the details of the new bag fees have not been disclosed, Southwest also plans to introduce a new Basic fare system for its lowest-priced tickets. CEO Bob Jordan emphasized the company’s commitment to meeting customer needs and maintaining its high standards of service throughout this transition.
Southwest Airlines ends decadeslong ‘two bags fly free’ policy
Southwest Airlines announced Tuesday that it will start charging most customers to check their luggage, a departure from its long-standing “two bags fly free” policy.
Customers can still get two free checked bags if they are Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred Members or traveling on Business Select fares, and one free checked bag will be offered to A-List Members and other select customers, according to a release from the Texas-based company.
Rapid Rewards credit card members will also receive one free checked bag, but travelers who do not qualify for free bag options will begin being charged on or after May 28, Southwest announced.
The airline pitched the move as part of a number of new incentives to meet business objectives and reward loyalty. However, it did not indicate what the new bag fee will be.
“These strategic moves, aimed to deepen and reward loyalty between Southwest and its most engaged Customers, create new opportunities to reach consumers who value fare above everything else,” the release reads.
“To align with these changes, Southwest will introduce a new, Basic fare on our lowest priced tickets purchased on or after May 28, 2025, in advance of offering assigned seating and extra legroom options,” it continues.
The move to end the “two bags fly free” policy comes less than a year after Southwest announced it would terminate its long-standing open-boarding system.
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“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,” Southwest Airlines CEO Bob Jordan said.
“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,” he added.
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