Airline to Introduce Fees for Checked Baggage – One America News Network
OAN Staff Abril Elfi
2:02 PM – Tuesday, March 11, 2025
Southwest Airlines plans to start charging passengers for their first and second checked bags, which marks the end of its long-standing free checked bag policy.
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On Tuesday, the airline revealed that charges for checked bags will apply to all flights booked on or after May 28th, 2025.
However, the airline clarified that “Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred members” and passengers “traveling on Business Select fares” will still be entitled to two free checked bags.
A-List Members and “other select customers” will be able to check one free bag.
While the exact fee for checked bags has yet to be disclosed, Southwest’s website indicates that the charge for a third checked bag is approximately $150.
According to Southwest CEO Bob Jordan, this new policy aims to “address current and future customer needs and attract new customer segments that are not currently targeted.”
The airline has upheld a single economy-class cabin with open seating for over 50 years.
In July, however, they announced plans to introduce assigned seating and premium seating options for all flights.
Southwest intends to feature a premium cabin section with extended legroom and anticipates that about one-third of seats across its fleet will offer this feature, aligning with what industry competitors provide on narrow-body aircraft.
The airline has not yet revealed a specific date for the introduction of seat selection and premium seating.
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