Southwest Airlines reveals how much checked bags will cost as new fees take effect this week

Southwest Airlines has revealed how much checked bags will cost customers, as the carrier’s new fees go into effect this week. And it’ll look quite similar to other airlines.

Starting on Wednesday, Southwest will charge most passengers $35 for their first checked bag, an airline spokesperson confirmed to TPG early Tuesday.

That’s in line with the bag fees currently assessed by most of the other large U.S. carriers.

Passengers will pay $45 for their second checked bag on Southwest.

The new fees will apply to flights booked from May 28 onward, which means travelers who already booked a summer trip will get to enjoy the airline’ “bags fly free” policy on that trip, and on any other existing bookings. Plus, any bookings made by the end of the day on May 27 would also be eligible for free bags — so if you know your travel plans for later this year, or even the holidays, you might consider locking in that flight by the end of the day Tuesday.

How to get free bags on Southwest

Beyond that, Southwest has laid out a few new ways passengers will be able to retain free bags when flying with the airline:

• Passengers who book the carrier’s highest-level Business Select fare will get two free bags. Later this year, Business Select will become “Choice Extra” when Southwest starts selling assigned seating for 2026. This fare class will eventually include access to the carrier’s new extra legroom seats.
• Rapid Rewards members who earn A-List Preferred elite status will still get two free checked bags.
• A-List members will get one free bag.
• All Southwest Rapid Rewards cobranded Chase credit cardholders will get one free checked bag.

Why is Southwest ending bags fly free?

Southwest is largely following in the footsteps of its top competitors in the prices it set for it first-ever bag fees.

Among other airlines, the “big three” network airlines (American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines) each charge $35 for the first checked bag, though in some cases you have to meet certain criteria to get that price — such as paying for your bag ahead of time.

It’s the latest example of Southwest making a move to look far more like its competitors, from ditching its two free bags policy that largely stood alone in the U.S. airline industry, to ending its hallmark open seating policy and overhauling its one-of-a-kind boarding policy.

In making the move, Southwest CEO Bob Jordan cited a need to boost the airline’s profits, which have been lackluster in recent years.

Last year, executives said Southwest’s free bags policy was among the top reasons customers chose to fly the airline over its competitors.

Related reading:

• Your complete guide to maximizing Southwest Rapid Rewards
• The best Southwest Airlines credit cards
• How to quickly earn the Southwest Companion Pass
• What is Southwest Airlines elite status worth?
• Maximize your airfare: The best credit cards for booking flights
• The best credit cards to reach elite status
• How to change or cancel a Southwest Airlines flight