Southwest Airlines to Introduce Checked Bag Fees Starting May 28, 2025

Meeko774 days ago

This link was also provided in the email as a place for additional information: https://support.southwest.com/helpcenter/s/article/policy-changes?clk=CB810938&RR_NUMBER=b9a6b79555f7b398ca78a3f792d6d43b7907bf0f&src=MAILSECTP669523&RSD=3534&RMID=ac_sec_promo_20250311_news_annc&RRID=5cb38ed4d7a67cd5cbba9138ee32e7d830fe6a295e1d2b07e0a9ea6d5c0773e2&mi_u=00000000-0000-0000-0000-000011750335&mi_ecmp=ac_sec_promo_20250311_news_annc

Meeko774 days ago

Wow; my email came in at 8:33 a.m. ET. This is what it stated: Today we announced updates to some of our policies and benefits within our fare bundles. Sharing them with you is important to us, as we’re working to offer you more choices to create travel experiences that fit your needs. Updates to Checked Baggage Policy We will offer two free checked bags to Rapid Rewards® A-List Preferred Members and Customers traveling on Business Select fares. We will also offer one free checked bag to A-List Members and other select Customers. In addition, Southwest will credit one checked bag for Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers. All remaining Customers will pay to check their first and second bags, and we will continue to charge for the third and fourth checked bags. Changes will apply to flights booked on or after May 28. Updates to Our Fare Bundles We're updating the benefits of our fares bundles in phases. Whether you’re looking for a lower price with fewer perks, or more benefits for added flexibility, you’ll have the choice to pick what works best for your trip. Phase 1: Beginning this month, we increased our Rapid Rewards earn ratio on our Business Select fares and lowered the earn ratio on our Wanna Get Away® and Wanna Get Away Plus™ fares. We will also begin to vary our redemption rates across our fare products on some high- and low-demand travel periods. Phase 2: Beginning May 28, we will introduce a new Basic fare. This new Basic fare will be our lowest price point and will have less flexibility than other fares. Additionally, we will be adding expiration dates to our Flight Credits, which will vary based on which fare you choose to purchase. The chart below gives you a full picture of the revised fare products as of May 28, 2025, ranging from most flexible to value-first. (see chart someone else posted earlier) We recognize these changes may be a disappointment to some, but know we’re committed to building a Southwest that will continue to offer you low fares, convenient flights to destinations you want, and a travel experience that is rewarding. You can count on the Heart of Southwest, our People, to guide you through the changes and welcome you on your next journey with their friendly, award-winning Customer Service. With appreciation, Bob Jordan President, CEO, & Vice Chairman of the Board

Ayla4 days ago

Still no email from SW about the changes.

DisneyDreamer084 days ago

What’s crazy to me is that they already can’t accommodate all the carry ons. You would think they would want to encourage more checked bags. On a flight last year, they announced several times prior to boarding that many people would be forced to check their carry ons due to lack of overhead space. We had a B boarding group so assumed we would be fine. Even though my carry on was within the size limits, they forced me to check it because it looked “too bulky”. I said I would move some stuff to my backpack but they refused and forced me to check it. Think of how many more people are going to be stuffing their things into carryons to avoid the checked bag fee.

Nubs704 days ago

Just wait til they start selling lottery tickets mid flight.

Wendy Pleakley4 days ago

I don't blame them from the perspective of how searching for flights work. When one searches for a flight through Expedia or any other aggregate site, you only see the base fares. If you're the only airline offering free checked bags, that isn't reflected in the search results. It's a shame overall, because I've noticed how much quicker flights load and unload when it's included.

DisneyDreamer084 days ago

It sounds like it’s for flights that are booked 5/28 or later. I’m planning to book when the next round drops on 3/27 so I guess I’ll find out then 🤦🏻‍♀️

Meeko774 days ago

Yup! You HAVE to pay with your Southwest Visa, and then you get the money refunded! If you have the Plus or the Premier Visa, you get 2 Early Bird Check-In credits per year. Make sure you check the perks on the Chase site, because they have other deals going on as well (i.e. I will get 10% back for paying for my lunch today at Shake Shack - every little bit helps). There are other perks for streaming services, your cable and phone bills, etc. that earn you more points.

Schweino4 days ago

Dumb question: does this mean if you book your flight before May 28th, but that flight is for a later date, you can still get free bags? Or you also have to fly before May 28th?

Supertech654 days ago

Thank you though wished my email said that. When you read mine it actually states if traveling on or after May 28th that anyone booked under those particular categories would be paying for their luggage.

DisneyDreamer084 days ago

I think you are good for now. At the beginning of the email it says “Changes will apply to flights booked on or after May 28.” So I think any flights booked prior to 5/28 are still free.

Supertech654 days ago

I'm going to assume that even though I purchase my flights for my September trip in Dec (when checked bags were free, already paid for eb check-in) i will be paying for my bags? It's confusing because a lot of what they're saying online is stating that since you purchase your tickets prior to this policy change that you would not have to pay for your bags but looking at what they sent me in an email doesn't seem like that's the way it's gonna go. Though I am a rapid rewards member (not in A-lister) and have the Southwest card I'm wondering if I still get at least one free checked bag.

DisneyDreamer084 days ago

We get two free early bird check ins a year!?! I literally did not know this. I’ve never used the feature but I certainly would have it was free.

RememberWhen4 days ago

We’ve been loyal SW flyer for years (decades?!) even with slowly increasing prices. Even when they were a bit more than other options it was worth it for the simplicity. And the flight credits that didn’t expire meant I was always going to come back. Now? I won’t never fly them again, but they’ll just be an option, like all the other airlines. As was said above, no reason to be loyal.