Southwest will now charge for checked bags - unless you meet these qualifications

​Southwest officials in the release said the changes are “aimed to deepen and reward loyalty between Southwest and its most engaged Customers.”

DALLAS — Starting soon, bags won’t fly free for everyone on Southwest Airlines.

Southwest Airlines, known for its free bag policy, will begin charging passengers for their first and second checked bags starting on May 28. This new policy was announced in a press release on Tuesday.

Nevertheless, Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred Members and those traveling in business select will still be able to check two bags for free, according to Southwest officials. A-list members will receive a single complimentary checked bag, while Rapid Rewards Credit Card holders will be credited for one checked bag.

The airline explained in the press release that these adjustments are intended to strengthen and show appreciation to the bond between Southwest and its most loyal customers. The cost of each checked bag under this new policy has not been disclosed yet.

“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 CEO Bob Jordan said in the release. “We will do all this while remaining focused on what’s made us strong—our people and the authentic, friendly, and award-winning customer service only they can provide.”

Southwest is also rolling out a few other changes, including offering a “Basic” fare option and making flights available to book through Expedia, the latter of which began last month, officials said. Southwest has also rolled out redeye flights — which began in February. 

However, the biggest change on the horizon for Southwest will be the airline’s new assigned seating options, a major departure from Southwest’s long-standing open seating policy. The company hasn’t announced a specific date for when assigned seating will begin.

The changes in Southwest policy come at a tumultuous time for the company.

In February, Southwest announced mass layoffs for the first time in its 53-year history. The company announced it would lay off 1,750 employees at its Dallas headquarters, around 15% of all corporate positions. Among those 1,750 employees, 11 senior leadership positions were eliminated as a result of “restructuring.”

The layoffs and changes to flight policies have happened amid a recent board shakeup at Southwest, driven by the carrier’s board activist investor Elliott Management, which began ramping up its involvement with the company last summer. 

You May Also Like

Woman who accused Prince Andrew of involvement in Epstein sex trafficking scandal passes away

The individual who leveled sexual exploitation allegations against Britain’s Prince Andrew and…

Multiple people arrested as probe into Istanbul mayor’s imprisonment widens

Police in Istanbul conducted dawn raids on Saturday and detained 47 individuals.…

Boulder Strong Resource Center to close this Friday, over four years after King Soopers mass shooting.

The Boulder Strong Resource Center (BSRC) in Boulder, Colorado, is set to…

Person who threw a rock at Alexa Bartell’s car in 2023 convicted of all charges, including first-degree murder

JEFFERSON COUNTY, Colo. — One of three defendants, charged with throwing a…

Fatal crash on I-4 in Osceola County leaves 1 dead, 3 injured, according to FHP

In Osceola County, Florida, a tragic single-vehicle accident occurred on Interstate 4…

Cleveland Man Arrested by Parma Police After Leading Officers on Chase, Prompting School Lockdown

A person, whose identity remains unknown, reportedly discharged a firearm while running…

Alert: Flooding Warning in Part of Cuyahoga County, US 422 Reopens Past I-271

ODOT said all lanes were blocked on 422 east of I-271. Solon…

According to sources, Wesley Hunt has discussed joining the Texas Senate primary with White House aides

U.S. Representative Wesley Hunt from Texas is considering joining the Republican primary…

Explained: Cleveland Community Police Commission gives green light to new drone rules

The police drone guidelines will be some of the most restrictive in…

Trump arrives in Rome to pay respects at Pope Francis’s funeral

After Francis died earlier this week, Trump remembered him as a “good…

“Vuori Set to Open its First Ohio Store at Eton Chagrin Boulevard in Woodmere This Fall”

Officials say the new store, scheduled to open in fall 2025, will…

Who are the potential candidates to become the next pope among the cardinals?

With the death of Pope Francis, speculation has ramped up over who…