For many years, Southwest airways constructed a devoted consumer base with one standout perk: loose checked luggage. while different most important U.S. vendors tacked on greater charges for each suitcase, Southwest stood association—two bags checked for free, no questions requested. That policy is now history.
In a move that’s catching frequent flyers off protect, Southwest airlines announced it’s far officially ending its free bags coverage. this alteration indicators a first-rate shift in the airline’s brand identification and has on the spot implications for vacationers. here’s what you want to recognise.
What’s Changing?
effective August 15, 2025, Southwest airlines will price passengers $35 for the first checked bag and $forty five for the second one. those expenses align the airline with most of its competitors, like American airways, Delta, and United.
deliver-on baggage and personal objects will still be allowed freed from fee, but something past so that it will incur the brand new luggage fees. that is a pointy pivot for an airline that once ran advert campaigns built totally around “luggage fly loose.”
Why the Policy Change?
Southwest cites rising operational fees, extended gas prices, and post-pandemic recovery efforts as motives for the change. in keeping with the employer, maintaining the loose luggage policy had turn out to be financially unsustainable.
In a assertion, the airline emphasized that it delayed this circulate longer than different foremost vendors. but inside the contemporary economic surroundings, they say, adapting used to be imperative to stay aggressive.
What It Means for Travelers
For loyal Southwest passengers, this may feel like a loss. The free luggage policy was a unique selling point that attracts many to choose Southwest over competitors.
Now, travelers will need to factor baggage fees into the total cost of a trip. Budget-conscious passengers may find themselves rethinking which airline truly offers the best value.
Families, business travelers, and frequent flyers who depend on checked luggage will likely feel the impact most. For occasional flyers, the change may not be a dealbreaker—but it still marks a shift in expectations.
Alternatives and Tips
If you’re determined to dodge baggage fees, you still have options:
- Travel light: Stick to carry-on and personal items.
- Pack smart: Share checked luggage with a travel companion.
- Consider loyalty programs: Some credit cards or elite status levels may waive bag fees.
- Compare total trip cost: Other airlines may now offer better value when all fees are included.
The Bottom Line
Southwest Airlines losing its free luggage policy is a big deal—both symbolically and practically. While other airlines made this shift years ago, Southwest held the line for as long as it could.
Now, as the last domino falls, travelers are left to adjust. Whether this changes your flying habits or just your packing strategy, one thing’s clear: flying with Southwest won’t be quite the same anymore.
