No more 'Bags Fly Free': Southwest Airlines ends free checked bags after 54 years

DALLAS - A 54-year era is coming to an end.

Southwest Airlines announced Tuesday that it will no longer allow passengers to check bags for free.

The Dallas-based airline had already announced plans last year to end its open seating policy. Both the "Bags Fly Free" policy and open seating have been key differentiators for Southwest since its founding in 1971.

Southwest charging for bags

What we know:

Southwest was the only major U.S. airline that allowed passengers to check two bags for free, setting it apart from competitors. But beginning May 28, 2025, passengers booking flights will have to pay for checked luggage.

Some exceptions will remain. Passengers with A-List loyalty status will continue to receive two free checked bags, and one checked bag will remain free for customers with a co-branded Southwest credit card.

The airline says these changes are intended to increase revenue.

"We have a tremendous opportunity to meet current and future customer needs, attract new customer segments we don't compete for today, and return to the levels of profitability that both we and our shareholders expect," Southwest CEO Bob Jordan said in a statement.

What they're saying:

FOX 4 spoke to Southwest passengers waiting near the baggage carousel following Tuesday's announcement.

"You got two free bags that way whenever we go to football games we get to come back with all of our souvenirs and I don' have to pay for it. And now it's not going to be like that anymore," said Bonnie Johns.

"Change is good. But I don't think that change is good," added Yvonne Owens.

"With the economy the way it is, sometimes there has to be changes," Linda Brittian said.

"I consider it, you know, just a sign of the times," said Guy Hirsch. "Every pound that got into that aircraft cost fuel in the air so it costs them money. They pass it along to the customer. No different then a fee for services rendered."

Southwest bags fly free

The backstory:

Southwest has been working to cut costs since Elliott Investment Management acquired a significant stake in the company last year. 

The activist investment firm has pushed for financial improvements, securing board seats in October. Since then, several major changes have been announced.

Southwest makes major changes

Big picture view:

Passengers have also expressed concerns that these policy shifts are taking away what made Southwest unique.

Within the past month, the airline announced plans to cut 1,750 jobs—about 15% of its workforce—marking the first mass layoffs in company history.

Late last year, Southwest also confirmed it would end its open seating policy.

"With the best intentions, the growth of our leadership and noncontract functions have outpaced our operation's growth for many years," a spokesperson told FOX 4. "Now, this group must become more lean, efficient, and agile to better serve our frontline employees in our shared mission of serving our customers."

In another major shift, Southwest flights are now listed on Expedia and its companion sites, including Cheaptickets, Hotwire, Orbitz, and Travelocity. Previously, customers could only book Southwest flights directly through the airline’s website.

Southwest bag fees

What we don't know:

The airline has not yet announced the cost for checked bags.

The policy change will be applied to tickets purchased on or after May 28.

Other airlines lower Q1 expectations

Dig deeper:

Southwest's policy change comes on the same day that Fort Worth-based American Airlines and Delta Airlines both announced that they have lowered first quarter expectations.

American blames the impact of the American Eagle mid-air collision in Washington D.C. in January and lower travel demand in March.

Delta said the reason for its drop is consumer and corporate uncertainty with the economy, which is contributing to a dip in domestic travel demand.

"We were pent up for quite a couple of years with COVID. Then there was this big surge for the next couple of years and travel. Now, I think it's beginning to taper off. That, combined with some of the accidents and the problems with TSA," said James Mohs, an associate professor of accounting for the University of New Haven. "They're all struggling for share market share."

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