Free No More: Southwest Reveals New Bag Fees and Basic Fares
Photo Caption: A Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-800. Vincenzo Pace
Skift Take
Southwest is framing this as offering choice, but the move marks a clear pivot toward industry norms, potentially alienating loyalists and opening the door for rivals to poach disillusioned travelers.
In March, Southwest Airlines announced it would scrap its decades-long “Bags Fly Free” policy. We knew the change would come into effect on May 28, but pricing remained a mystery.
Less than 24 hours before it goes into effect, details of the pricing structure have started to emerge. From Wednesday, the company will charge passengers $35 for one checked bag and $45 for a second, so long as they are within standard weight and size limits. Exceptions will apply for some customers.
The figures, first reported by the Wall Street Journal, were shared in an internal message to Southwest staff.
However, no formal public statements regarding the new pricing plan have yet been made. The airline’s FAQ page continued to read as of Tuesday morning: “Our checked bag fees will align with industry standards, and we will share more details as we approach May 28, 2025.”
Skift contacted Southwest Airlines for additi
