Southwest Airlines is set to start charging for checked bags, effectively ending its decades-long "bags fly free" stance. Starting tomorrow, travelers who purchased the lowest fares will incur a $35 charge for the first checked bag and $45 for each additional, according to an announcement referenced by Boca News Now. Meanwhile, top-tier customers of the airline's loyalty program will still enjoy some exemptions from the new rule.
This shift comes amid the airline's broader financial strategy revisions, which includes modified flight credit policies—credits issued tomorrow or after will now expire within six to twelve months, dependent on fare type, as CBS News details. Today also marks the last opportunity for passengers to evade the upcoming fees by booking flights before the policy takes effect. The airline's stock price experienced a modest uplift of 2.1% in the wake of these announcements, hinting at investor confidence in Southwest's adjusted course.
Loyalty program members and those with a Chase Rapid Reward credit card can breathe a sigh of relief, as Business Select/Choice Extra and A-List Preferred customers are set to maintain their privilege of two free checked bags, while A-List members, will still receive one free checked bag. These carve-outs aim to maintain a semblance of the benefits that have long drawn customers to Southwest Airlines.
Furthering their departure from traditional policies, Southwest also announced plans to upend its "open seating" policy, in favor of assigned seating options which are to be unveiled later in the year. Customers keen on extra comfort will have the option to pay for more legroom, a feature scheduled for introduction in the third quarter of 2025 for flights departing the following year.
