Southwest Airlines Ends Free Checked Bags For Most Travelers—here’s What It Means For You

Southwest to launch overnight flights

Southwest Airlines overnight flights are coming soon.

Southwest Airlines is making major changes to its baggage policy, marking a departure from its long-standing tradition of offering two free checked bags to all passengers.

Starting May 28, 2025, only Southwest Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred Members and Business Select fare passengers will continue to receive two free checked bags.

A-List Members and select customers will receive one free checked bag, while Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers will receive a credit for one checked bag. All other passengers will now have to pay for their first and second checked bags, with weight and size restrictions still in place.

The move is part of a broader strategy to boost profitability and cater to Southwest’s most loyal customers. “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 in a news release.

In addition to baggage fees, Southwest is also adjusting its loyalty program, offering more points for Business Select fares while decreasing rewards for lower-tier tickets. A new Basic fare, introduced for the most budget-conscious travelers, will debut alongside assigned seating and extra legroom options.

Southwest, traditionally known for its no-frills, customer-friendly policies, is also expanding distribution channels, with flights now available on Expedia. The airline will also reduce flexibility for flight credits, which will now expire one year or earlier from the date of purchase.

Despite the changes, Southwest says it remains committed to operational excellence, boasting the best on-time performance in the industry for 2025 and a 98.3% completion rate for scheduled flights.