We’ve known for some months that Southwest would be starting to charge for checked bags from May 28, 2025. During their previous announcements they hadn’t specifically stated how much those fees would be, instead simply saying something along the lines of them being in line with industry standards.
Southwest has now shared how much those checked baggage fees will be and it’s not much of a surprise given their previous hints.
As a reminder, all passengers get a free carry-on and personal item. Those who have A-List or A-List Preferred status or who have a Southwest credit card will benefit from a first free checked bag for both them and up to eight people traveling with them on the same reservation. Active duty military and anyone booking a Business Select fare will get two free checked bags. If you booked your flights on May 27, 2025 or before, you’ll also still get two free checked bags, even if your travel dates are from May 28 onwards.
If you don’t fall into any of those categories, you’re now looking at the following fees for a checked bag with Southwest:
- First checked bag = $35
- Second checked bag = $45
- Third (and more) checked bag = $150
There’s an exception to these rules for interisland travel in Hawaii. Note that flights originating from or concluding outside of Hawaii are subject to the fees listed above.
- Hawaiian residents and those with A-List Preferred status = Two free checked bags, $50 for a third bag
- Non-Hawaiian residents = $15 for first checked bag, $20 for second checked bag and $50 for a third bag
- A-List members = First checked bag free, $15 for second checked bag, $50 for a third checked bag
- Active duty military = Three free checked bags
There are various other fees that might be payable depending on oversized baggage, overweight baggage, sports equipment, etc. You can find the full details here.
Quick Thoughts
It’s sad to see this day eventually come, as two free checked bags was always a considerable selling point for booking Southwest. If you’re a Southwest cardholder, some of the impact of this will be lessened by the fact that you’ll still get one free checked bag for you and up to eight companions. Still, it is a disappointing development.
The scale of these fees isn’t much of a surprise after Southwest stated that they’d be setting the fees in line with industry standards. It’s almost inevitable that airlines will seek to increase checked baggage fees in the coming years; I doubt Southwest will be in the vanguard for that movement, but they’ll no doubt happily follow along with increases that other airlines like United, Delta and American choose to levy in the future.
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You don’t suppose if P1 holds a CP for P2, and EACH of them has a WN card, that P1 could get a free bag for herself and P2, and P2 could get a free bag for himself and P1???
I suspect that won’t work and that you’d each only get your first checked bag free.
So even if you have a southwest credit card you’d still have to pay the bag fees when island hopping in Hawaii?
No, you’d still get a free checked bag.
Once its competitors were ALL charging for checked bags, it became inevitable for Southwest to charge for them. Most people do not want to check a bag, and it was silly — and a bad business practice — for Southwest to have the majority of its customers subsidize those who want to check luggage. I’d note that for most folks who feel they MUST travel with a checked bag, getting a Southwest credit card is an obvious fairly low cost solution. And anyone who needs more than 1 checked bag (in addition to a free carry-on and a personal item) is basically moving freight, and should pay for it.
I’m a super light traveler, so this doesn’t pinch me yet – I’m more dreading the inevitable middle seat I’ll be assigned next year as someone who was always able to get by with WGA fares.
On the upside, my most frequent route with them is short. On the downside, it’s also completely monopolized by Southwest. I hope this causes other carriers to at least reexamine a few Southwest markets that were previously considered “untouchable.”
Some might argue corporate greed but the reality is that economics and competitive forces drive companies toward similar pricing and practices.
The expiring flight credits is much worse to me than the baggage fees. I used to feel confident and safe booking with Southwest, knowing I could change my mind or adjust to a lower price.
Totally agree. This is the change I loathe the most.
totally agree as well- not to mention, I don’t know as of now if my ALP will allow same day free change on BASIC, since that fare has rule saying can’t change….
I have dozens of those booked from before yesterday…..
I have zero interest in flying southwest, before and after this announcement.