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Southwest Airlines built its brand on letting your bags fly free. But recent changes have started to chip away at that promise.
While the airline still offers some ways to avoid checked bag fees, they’re not as universal as they used to be. Here’s what travelers should know before they fly.
Key Takeaways
- Southwest no longer offers two free checked bags to all travel tiers.
- Some travelers, like A-List Preferred or Business Select members, still qualify for waived fees.
- New fees apply to lower fare classes like Basic, Wanna Get Away Plus, and Anytime, while higher-tier fares still include two checked bags.
Why Free Bags Were Part of Southwest’s Identity
Southwest built its reputation on doing things differently, including letting passengers check two bags for free.
“Southwest was founded with the philosophy that they would be ‘different’ from other major airlines,” said Michael Taylor, senior managing director of travel, hospitality, retail, and customer service at J.D. Power.
That difference helped define the brand. But as Taylor noted, fee-free perks are now seen as “lost opportunities to gather more revenue,” and pressure from investors is driving changes.
What’s Changed—And Who Still Flies Fee-Free
As of May 28, 2025, only Business Select and A-List Preferred travelers continue to receive two free checked bags. For most other fare classes, baggage fees now apply:
- First checked bag: $35
- Second checked bag: $45
The fine print also outlines fees for additional bags, overweight items, and other extras—costs that can add up fast. Military service members still fly with all their checked bags free.
How Southwest’s Fees Compare to Other Airlines
Southwest’s fees remain competitive, especially when compared to ultra-low-cost carriers, where luggage costs can exceed ticket prices.
“There are minor variations among most major airlines for bag fees,” said Taylor, “but the ultra-low cost carriers often charge more than that.”
As other airlines introduce bundled perks and Southwest trims its own, the value gap is starting to close.
| Checked Bag Fees by Airline (Economy Tickets, One-Way Travel) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Airline | First Checked Bag | Second Checked Bag | Notes |
| Southwest | $35+ | $45+ | Fees now apply to Basic fares booked after May 28, 2025 |
| Delta | $35+ | $45+ | Standard domestic fees |
| American Airlines | $35-40+ | $45+ | $35 online, $40 at airport for first bag; second bag $45 |
| United | $35+ | $45+ | Varies based on booking method |
| Spirit | $26+ | $36+ | Fees vary wildly depend on route and timing; often much higher at check-in |
| Frontier | $49+ | $69+ | Fees vary by booking time; can be much higher |
Important
If you’re checking any bags, paying for them when you book is usually cheaper than paying at the airport. This allows you to avoid dynamic pricing and take advantage of advance purchase discounting.
A New Era of Add-Ons and Workarounds
As airlines roll back free perks, travelers are adapting. Some are packing lighter or skipping checked bags altogether to dodge extra charges. Others are turning to luggage shipping services to avoid airport delays and fee surprises.
“We are in a new era, where free perks are sold to us as premium add-ons,” said Audrey Kohout, Co-CEO at Luggage Forward. “These frustrating sales models will give way to a change in customer behavior, like booking services to ship bags ahead to save time.”
The Bottom Line
Southwest’s no-fee baggage policy was once a key part of its identity, but that is changing. While some travelers can still avoid fees through specific fare classes, credit card membership, or loyalty status, others will face added costs. Knowing your options can help you avoid surprise charges and keep your travel budget on track.
