Southwest Airlines’ baggage fee, other policies changing this week
Southwest Airlines to end free bags policy
Southwest Airlines will end its decades-old policy allowing "bags to fly free" as their marketing put it. Starting in May, passengers will be required to pay for checked bags.
Southwest Airlines is the original budget, low-cost carrier, but financial struggles have caused the airline to make major changes this year in hopes of turning a better profit. Almost all changes are going into effect this week, on Wednesday, May 28, 2025:
Southwest new baggage fee
What's changing:
For reservations booked and ticketed or changed on or after May 28, 2025, checked baggage fees will begin applying. Previously, Southwest had famously offered two free checked bags for every flight.
By the numbers:
Southwest will charge $35 for a first checked bag and $45 for a second checked bag. Weight and size limits apply.
Dig deeper:
Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers will receive the first checked bag for free, as well as up to eight additional passengers traveling on the same reservation.
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Southwest seating policy
What's changing:
Southwest will begin offering booking for assigned and premium seating in the second half of 2025, and expects to begin operating with assigned and premium seating in 2026. Previously, Southwest had famously offered a love-it-or-hate-it open seating policy.
Dig deeper:
New seat types will also be offered, including standard or preferred seating. Extra legroom will also be available.
FILE - The Southwest Airlines app is seen on a mobile device in this photo illustration from September 2024. (Photo by Jaap Arriens/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
New Southwest basic fare
What's changing:
Also beginning May 28, 2025, the airline will introduce a new baseline fare. It will be offered at a lower price, but also come with the most restrictions.
Dig deeper:
The new, so-called "Basic" fare will be replacing Southwest’s current "Wanna Get Away" fares.
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Southwest flight credit
The backstory:
A flight credit is a credit from either a canceled flight or a downgrade in fare that can be used to buy a future flight.
What's changing:
These flight credits previously did not expire but now will, beginning with ones issued on and after May 28, 2025. Credits will expire in either one year or six months, depending on the type of fare purchased.
Flight credits created on or before May 27, 2025, are not subject to the new policy and will not expire.
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Southwest portable charger rule
What's changing:
Also beginning May 28, Southwest will require flyers to keep portable charging devices visible while in use during flight.
What they're saying:
"Using portable charging devices while stored in a bag or overhead bin will no longer be permitted," a Southwest spokesperson told FOX News Digital.
The Source: Information in this article was taken from Southwest policy, as detailed on their company website, and from spokesperson comments given to FOX News Digital. Background information was taken from previous FOX Television Station reporting. This story was reported from Detroit.