What You Need to Know About Southwest Airlines Baggage Fees

One of the most traveler-friendly baggage policies in the U.S., for many years, was the popular baggage promise of Southwest Airlines: bags fly free. But in a major change, that benefit has been put to the end.

This is all that travelers should know about the new Southwest Airlines baggage fees, Southwest baggage charges, and Southwest checked bag fee format-so you can be up to date and not have any surprises.

A Major Shift: The End of Free Checked Bags

As of May 28, 2025, Southwest Airlines has officially ended its decades-old policy of allowing two free checked bags for most passengers. Instead, the new baggage fees are:

• First checked bag: $35
• Second checked bag: $45

This change marks a turning point for the airline and a big departure from the value it once offered.

Who Still Gets Free Checked Bags?

The new fees don’t apply to everyone. You can still check bags for free if you fall under one of these categories:

• Business Select fare passengers
• Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred members
• Active-duty military personnel
• Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cardholders (one free checked bag)

If you don’t meet any of those criteria, you’ll be charged the standard fees.

Why the Change?

This policy reversal stems from mounting pressure to boost revenue. Southwest estimates it will generate approximately $1.5 billion annually from baggage fees—offset, however, by potential losses in customer goodwill and market share.

The shift highlights a broader trend across U.S. carriers moving away from included perks and monetizing ancillary services.

Overweight & Oversized Baggage Fees

Even with the new baggage structure, Southwest continues to apply additional charges for overweight and oversized bags:

• Overweight (51–70 lbs): $150
• Overweight (71–100 lbs): $200
• Oversized (62–80 linear inches): $200

If a bag is both overweight and oversized (but under 100 lbs), only one $200 surcharge applies. Bags over 100 lbs or 80 inches are not accepted.

What Travelers Are Saying

On Reddit, several travelers have expressed frustration about unexpected baggage fees after making changes to their flights. One user noted that “Southwest has been clear that you’ll pay bag fees if you purchase or alter your ticket on or after May 28th” (– Competitive_Ask_9179). Another traveler shared, “They charged me almost $250 and then added baggage fees on top of that.

These stories highlight how important it is to pay attention to your booking date versus flight date, since that determines whether baggage fees will apply.

Summary Table: What’s New with Southwest Baggage Fees

Tips to Navigate the New Fees

1. Book or change before May 28, 2025 – you may still qualify for the old “bags fly free” policy.
2. Strategize fare class or loyalty status – consider Business Select, A-List Preferred, or using the airline’s credit card.
3. Weigh and size your baggage at home – avoid surprise overweight or oversized charges.
4. Pack light or consider shipping options – especially for bulkier items.
5. Pay for bags at booking – prepaying helps avoid higher costs at the airport.

Final Thoughts

The baggage rules of Southwest have transformed radically. The removal of bags fly free is bitter news that many travelers would not digest, especially those who are families or those who are accustomed to including the cost of bags fly-free.

Nevertheless, it can be possible to reduce the effects of Southwest Airlines baggage fee, Southwest baggage fee, and Southwest checked bag fee by being smart when it comes to booking, packing, and enjoying loyalty benefits.

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