Tl;dr – Southwest Airlines is set to start charging fees for checked bags starting tomorrow, Wednesday, May 27, 2025.
Ah, That good ole slogan. We’ve arrived, we’re here. Southwest Airlines. The ‘People’s Airlines.’ The ‘yikes-I-have-more-to-pack-than-I-thought,-welp-at-least-I-can-take-a-second-bag-for-free’ airline will officially start charging for checked bags tomorrow.
How did we get here? Well, we know precisely how – private equity. You can read more about that in a previous piece I wrote here, but honestly, given the somber moment, I have just the scoop today, no wittiness.
Here’s what you can expect:
All passengers (who are not flying Business Select, not A-list or Southwest credit cardholders) will have to pay $35 for their first checked bag and $45 for their second.
If you’re flying Business Select or A-list Preferred, you get two free checked bags.
If you’re A-list and/or a Southwest credit cardholder (these are not stackable, to my knowledge), you get one free checked bag.
Additionally, Southwest launched its basic fare—a bare-bones fare that is one step away from flying on the wing or in the baggage hold. Those purchasing a basic fare will be the last to board the plane and will not be eligible for advanced seat assignments.
Southwest – thanks for the good times. I’m going to open up a bottle of wine and watch a mashup of your best OG commercials.
