Southwest Airlines passenger at self-service kiosk. Photo:

David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty 

• Southwest Airlines is doing away with its free checked bags perk in May 2025
• The airline has been known for offering customers free checked bags since its founding almost six decades ago
• The latest change comes after Southwest revealed it was doing away with its open seating policy and would begin selling assigned seats in the second half of 2025

2025 is a year of controversial changes for Southwest Airlines.

After announcing that it was doing away with its loved-or-loathed open seating policy, the airline revealed this week that passengers will soon no longer be able to check their bags for free.

The policy change may come as a shock to loyal fliers, as free checked bags have been a perk offered to Southwest customers for nearly six decades. 

While its official website still notes that customers are offered two free checked bags, the airline announced in a March 11 news release that travelers who aren’t involved in its loyalty program or traveling on a business class fare will need to start paying for their checked bags on May 28, 2025.

The airline did not yet share how much customers will be charged to check bags on their upcoming flights. 

Southwest Airlines plane. AaronP/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images

“We have 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 Airlines CEO Bob Jordan said of the change in a statement. 

In addition to the airline’s Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred Members, those traveling on a business fare will still be offered two free checked bags, as outlined in the release. Meanwhile, its A-List members and “other select customers” will be given one free checked bag, and Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers will be credited for a checked bag as well.

This is not the only major change that Southwest will be making this year.

In July 2024, the airline announced it was officially ending its open seating policy after conducting “extensive research” on customers’ needs. It concluded that 80% of Southwest customers and 86% of potential customers prefer an assigned seat.

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“The airline has been known for its unique open seating model for more than 50 years, but preferences have evolved with more Customers taking longer flights where a seat assignment is preferred,” Southwest said in a press release at the time.

While the airline has always been known for offering seats on a first come, first served basis, it will officially begin selling assigned seats in the second half of 2025, according to a September 2024 release. However, fliers won’t see the reserved seating in action until the beginning of 2026.