Southwest Airlines has announced that it will end its free checked baggage policy and transition to a paid baggage system. This decision marks a major shift from one of the airline’s longstanding differentiators in the industry.
Starting May 28, passengers will be required to pay for checked bags unless they are elite members of the Rapid Rewards loyalty program, have purchased a Business Select ticket, or hold the airline’s co-branded credit card.
Southwest is facing increasing financial pressure to boost profitability. Last month, the airline announced the first-ever workforce reduction in its 53-year history, planning to lay off 1,750 employees.
The airline previously estimated that baggage fees could generate $1.5 billion in additional annual revenue, but also acknowledged that the policy change could result in a potential loss of $1.8 billion due to customer dissatisfaction.
Under the new system:
✔️ Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred members and Business Select ticket holders will still be allowed two free checked bags.
✔️ A-List members and some other select travelers will receive one free checked bag.
✔️ Southwest credit cardholders will be reimbursed for one checked bag fee.
