In a move that’s making waves across the travel industry, Southwest Airlines—long celebrated for its “bags fly free” policy—has announced a significant shift in its baggage fees. For the first time, the carrier is introducing a $35 charge for the first checked bag on its most affordable fares, effectively ending one of the last major no-fee baggage holdouts among U.S. airlines.
Starting May 28, 2025, passengers flying on Southwest’s lowest fare tier, known as Wanna Get Away, will be required to pay $35 for their first checked bag. The second checked bag will cost an additional $45. These rates now align Southwest more closely with other major domestic carriers like Delta, American, and United, all of which have long charged similar fees.
Southwest’s legacy two-free-bag policy has been a point of pride for the airline and a major differentiator in a crowded market. The change comes as the airline faces rising operational costs and mounting pressure to boost revenue per passenger in a highly competitive travel landscape.
The new baggage charges apply specifically to travelers booking Southwest’s Wanna Get Away and Wanna Get Away Plus fares. Passengers booking Anytime or Business Select tickets will still enjoy two free checked bags, preserving some of the value proposition for higher fare tiers.
Additionally, Southwest’s Rapid Rewards elite members and passengers holding the airline’s branded credit cards may continue to enjoy waived baggage fees, depending on their membership level and card benefits.
Southwest’s move follows a broader industry trend in which legacy perks are being scaled back in favor of ancillary revenue. According to the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics, U.S. airlines collected over $6.8 billion in baggage fees in 2023 alone—a clear incentive to adjust baggage policies as cost pressures mount.
Even low-cost carriers like Spirit and Frontier have long charged for both carry-on and checked baggage, so in many ways, Southwest’s shift represents a normalization rather than a departure.
For frequent Southwest flyers, this change underscores the importance of evaluating fare classes more carefully. When booking, consider:
While Southwest’s updated baggage fees may disappoint loyal travelers, the airline remains competitive in overall value, with no change fees and a customer-friendly cancellation policy. However, the days of carefree two-bag travel on the cheapest fare are officially behind us.
For those planning trips in 2025 and beyond, Topsail Travel recommends factoring in all associated fees when comparing airline prices—and as always, we’re here to help you find the best deals with the fewest surprises. To see a full list of Southwest Airlines travel charges please click here.