Last Chance To Get Free Southwest Checked Bags: $35 Charge Starts May 28

Updated: May 27, 2025, 11:45am CDT

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Southwest Airlines Scraps Free Checked Bag Policy
Final Thoughts

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It’s happening: Southwest Airlines’ free checked bag policy is being scrapped.

As of Wednesday, May 28, Southwest passengers will be charged $35 for their first checked bag. This move is a step in the opposite direction from Southwest’s customer-friendly approach, which the airline has always been so proud of.

Let’s take a look at the details of Southwest’s major policy shift.

Southwest Airlines Scraps Free Checked Bag Policy

Southwest’s “bags fly free” policy made the low-cost carrier stand out for many as the only airline in the U.S. to offer a free checked bag to all passengers, even when booking its lowest fares.

However, tomorrow, May 28, marks the start of a huge shift in direction for the airline. Among the changes, passengers will be charged $35 to check their first bag and $45 to check a second.

All Southwest flights booked before May 28 will still include a free checked bag. If there’s a chance you need to take a Southwest flight sometime soon and you haven’t booked it yet, now’s your last chance to get a free checked bag.

Southwest Airlines B737 700 view up aisle — Many Southwest Airlines passengers will have to pay to check a bag from May 28. Image Credit: Ryan Smith

Southwest’s new checked bag pricing aligns with what other U.S. airlines charge for checked baggage. However, certain passengers can still check 1 bag for free, including those with Southwest Rapid Rewards A-List status or those with a Southwest Airlines co-branded credit card.

Passengers with Southwest’s top-level A-List Preferred status will also be eligible to check a second bag for free.

With airline competition more fierce than ever, it could be perceived as an odd time to alienate passengers. However, an airline is a business that has to make money, and checked bags made U.S. airlines a whopping $5.1 billion over the last year. It was only a matter of time before Southwest’s financial team could no longer resist a slice of that pie.

Hot Tip:

Checked bag fees don’t have to be a burden. Some credit cards offer complimentary checked bags or travel credits that can be used to offset the cost.

Final Thoughts

The days of bags flying free on Southwest are coming to an end. The airline’s move will surely anger long-time loyalists and may push them to bring their business elsewhere. On the flip side, the move has the potential to boost the carrier’s bottom line, which needs a boost. However, both of these remain to be seen. We’ll be following the airline closely over the next several months to see how it all shakes out.