Close Menu
News JournosNews Journos
  • World
  • U.S. News
  • Business
  • Politics
  • Europe News
  • Finance
  • Turkey Reports
  • Money Watch
  • Health
Editors Picks

US Judge Demands Trump Administration Provide Deportation Information Under Oath, Denies Hearing Cancellation Request

March 17, 2025

Trump Signs Executive Order Aiming to Reshape College Accreditation Process

April 23, 2025

Elon Musk Discusses $1 Trillion Cuts with House DOGE Panel

March 5, 2025

IRS Chief Counsel Demoted, Replaced by Supporter of DOGE

March 15, 2025

Judge Halts Trump Administration’s Efforts to Limit Harvard’s Enrollment of International Students

May 25, 2025
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
Latest Headlines:
  • Trump’s Proposed Plan for Gaza Peace: Key Details Unveiled
  • Arizona Woman Accused of Aiding North Korean Workers to Breach US Companies
  • El Salvador Man Sentenced to 30 Years for Rape of 11-Year-Old in Virginia Beach
  • Germany Anticipates Modest Growth with Merz’s €500 Billion Overhaul Plan
  • Man Charged with Arson in Pacific Palisades Fire
  • AKP Chairman Resigns Amid Political Turmoil
  • Workplace Deaths Rise: 206 Workers Killed in September Across Construction and Agriculture
  • Israel and Hamas Agree on Hostage Release and Partial Troop Withdrawal
  • Increasing Cannabis Use Among Seniors: Reasons and Trends
  • AI-Driven Curriculum Replaces Teachers at $40,000-a-Year School
  • Dolly Parton Assures Fans She Is Not Dying After Sister’s Prayer Request
  • Domino’s Unveils First Major Redesign in 13 Years
  • Manchester Synagogue Attacker Swears Allegiance to Islamic State Prior to Assault
  • Senate Fails to Reach Agreement on Day 8 of Government Shutdown
  • Auto Industry Faces Turmoil as EU Implements New Steel Tariffs
  • FOMC Predicts Two Additional Rate Cuts by End of 2025
  • Air Traffic Control Shortages Contribute to U.S. Flight Delays, FAA Reports
  • COVID Mask Mandates Reinstated in Blue-State County Due to Increased Risk
  • Boston Pro-Palestinian Protest Escalates into Violent Riot, 13 Arrested
  • Israel Commemorates Two Years Since Hamas Attack Amid Ongoing Gaza War Reflections
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
News JournosNews Journos
Subscribe
Wednesday, October 8
  • World
  • U.S. News
  • Business
  • Politics
  • Europe News
  • Finance
  • Turkey Reports
  • Money Watch
  • Health
News JournosNews Journos
You are here: News Journos » Money Watch » Southwest Introduces First Checked Bag Fee Starting at $35
Southwest Introduces First Checked Bag Fee Starting at $35

Southwest Introduces First Checked Bag Fee Starting at $35

News EditorBy News EditorMay 27, 2025 Money Watch 5 Mins Read

In a significant shift, Southwest Airlines has decided to end its long-standing “bags fly free” policy after over half a century. Starting tomorrow, passengers will be required to pay for checked bags, with the first costing $35 and the second $45. The airline is making this transition amidst pressures from investors, driving changes that could significantly impact its customer base and financial performance.

Article Subheadings
1) Overview of the New Baggage Policy
2) Exceptions to the New Fees
3) Implications of the Flight Credit Policy Change
4) Investor Influence on Airline Policies
5) Future Plans for Southwest Airlines

Overview of the New Baggage Policy

As of May 28, Southwest Airlines has officially announced changes to its checked baggage policy, a move that contrasts sharply with its historical approach of allowing passengers to check bags free of charge. Starting immediately, passengers who book flights will incur a fee of $35 for the first checked bag and $45 for the second. The weight and size limitations for checked luggage will remain unchanged, meaning that passengers will still be held to the airline’s established criteria.

This decision comes in response to rising operational costs and a need for increased revenue amidst a competitive airline market. The airline’s management believes that introducing luggage fees will help strengthen its financial standing, projected to generate significant additional revenue in the coming years.

Exceptions to the New Fees

While the new baggage fees will affect most passengers, Southwest Airlines has identified specific customer categories that will still benefit from free checked bags. Business Select and Choice Extra customers, as well as A-List Preferred members, will be allowed two free checked bags. Similarly, A-List members and customers holding Chase Rapid Rewards credit cards will still be entitled to check one bag for free.

This tiered approach to the new baggage policy indicates that Southwest is attempting to balance the need for additional revenue while also rewarding loyalty among its frequent flyers. By providing exemptions for premium and loyal customers, the airline aims to maintain its core customer base amidst growing competition and shifts in consumer behavior.

Implications of the Flight Credit Policy Change

Alongside the changes to baggage fees, Southwest Airlines has also revamped its flight credit policy. Starting tomorrow, any flight credits issued on or after May 28 will expire under a new timeframe: either six months or one year, depending on the fare type. This is a notable shift from the airline’s previous policy which allowed flight credits to remain active indefinitely.

The revocation of indefinite flight credits poses potential challenges for customers who may have relied on the previous lax policy. It is likely to affect traveler planning and could discourage some from returning to the airline if their credits expire before use. Southwest has suggested that this move is also an attempt to clarify financial forecasts and encourage quicker turnaround on airfare purchases.

Investor Influence on Airline Policies

The recent policy changes at Southwest Airlines have not gone unnoticed by the investment community. The move to end the complimentary checked bag service aligns with growing pressure from activist investors who have persistently urged the airline to enhance its profitability. In September, executives suggested that the change could potentially bring in up to $1.5 billion in additional revenue, even as it acknowledged potential losses of $1.8 billion due to the risk of alienating loyal customers.

This financial balancing act reflects broader trends within the airline industry, where revenue-optimizing measures are becoming increasingly critical. The airline is clearly trying to adapt to evolving market conditions while still catering to a customer demographic that has favored low-cost carriers for their inclusive policies.

Future Plans for Southwest Airlines

Looking beyond the immediate changes with baggage fees and flight credits, Southwest Airlines is also preparing for future operational shifts. In prior announcements, the airline indicated plans to implement assigned seating—a major departure from its traditional open seating format. This tactic is reflective of larger industry practices and consumer preferences.

Furthermore, passengers can expect to see opportunities for booking extra legroom in future fare bundles. Southwest aims to roll out these new seating options by the third quarter of 2025, with actual flights departing in 2026. This proactive approach could open new revenue streams, potentially reshaping the customer experience with more choices in how they fly.

No. Key Points
1 Southwest Airlines has introduced checked baggage fees for the first time in over 50 years, effective May 28.
2 Business Select and A-List Preferred customers will receive exemptions from some baggage fees.
3 The airline has updated its flight credit policy, introducing expiration timelines for newly issued credits.
4 Investor influences are pushing Southwest toward policy changes aimed at increasing profitability.
5 Future plans include selling assigned seating and extra legroom options starting in 2025 for flights in 2026.

Summary

The recent changes made by Southwest Airlines mark a significant departure from long-cherished policies that have defined its brand for decades. With the introduction of baggage fees and a restructured flight credit policy, the airline appears poised to enhance its financial performance while navigating the complexities of customer loyalty. As it embraces new strategies, Southwest’s approach will be closely monitored by both consumers and investors in the competitive airline landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: Why did Southwest end its “bags fly free” policy?

The policy was changed due to pressures from investors to improve financial performance, along with the need to adapt to rising operational costs.

Question: What fee will passengers incur for checked bags?

Passengers will pay $35 for the first checked bag and $45 for the second checked bag starting May 28.

Question: Will frequent flyers still receive any benefits under the new policy?

Yes, Business Select/Choice Extra customers and A-List Preferred members will receive two free checked bags, while A-List members and Chase Rapid Rewards credit card holders will get one free checked bag.

Bag Banking Budgeting Checked Consumer Finance Credit Cards Debt Management Economic Indicators Economic Trends Entrepreneurship fee Financial Literacy Financial News Financial Planning introduces Investing Market Analysis Money Tips Personal Finance Retirement Saving Side Hustles Southwest Starting Stock Market Wealth Management
Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Email Reddit WhatsApp Copy Link Bluesky
News Editor
  • Website

As the News Editor at News Journos, I am dedicated to curating and delivering the latest and most impactful stories across business, finance, politics, technology, and global affairs. With a commitment to journalistic integrity, we provide breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert insights to keep our readers informed in an ever-changing world. News Journos is your go-to independent news source, ensuring fast, accurate, and reliable reporting on the topics that matter most.

Keep Reading

Money Watch

Domino’s Unveils First Major Redesign in 13 Years

5 Mins Read
Money Watch

Excitement and Concerns Surround OpenAI’s Sora 2 and New AI Video Tools

7 Mins Read
Money Watch

Trump Administration Considers $10 Billion Aid Package for Farmers

5 Mins Read
Money Watch

Rising Paycheck-to-Paycheck Living Threatens Retirement for Many Americans

6 Mins Read
Money Watch

Surge in Long-Term Unemployment Raises Concerns Across Multiple Platforms

6 Mins Read
Money Watch

Key Clarifications on Back Pay Eligibility Following Government Shutdown

6 Mins Read
Journalism Under Siege
Editors Picks

California Man Charged with Threatening Trump on Facebook

June 3, 2025

Trump Administration’s AmeriCorps Cuts Spur Concerns of Damage and Disruption

May 8, 2025

Pope XIV Aims to Foster Global Unity, Build Bridges with Trump and Dolan

May 9, 2025

Trump Advocates for Reviving U.S. Aluminum Production

March 16, 2025

Trump Tariffs Could Drive U.S. Allies to China and India

March 14, 2025

Subscribe to News

Get the latest sports news from NewsSite about world, sports and politics.

Facebook X (Twitter) Pinterest Vimeo WhatsApp TikTok Instagram

News

  • World
  • U.S. News
  • Business
  • Politics
  • Europe News
  • Finance
  • Money Watch

Journos

  • Top Stories
  • Turkey Reports
  • Health
  • Tech
  • Sports
  • Entertainment

COMPANY

  • About Us
  • Get In Touch
  • Our Authors
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Accessibility

Subscribe to Updates

Get the latest creative news from FooBar about art, design and business.

© 2025 The News Journos. Designed by The News Journos.

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

Ad Blocker Enabled!
Ad Blocker Enabled!
Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors. Please support us by disabling your Ad Blocker.
Go to mobile version