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Southwest Airlines abolishes "bags fly free" policy; travelers now face baggage fees for checked luggage
Effective immediately and moving forward, Southwest Airlines passengers booking flights will be charged for checking their bags. The new fees are set at $35 for the first checked bag, $45 for a second, and $150 for the third. Overweight luggage will incur additional costs of up to $200.
It is crucial to understand these changes and plan accordingly for any upcoming travel. Here is a breakdown of the new Southwest Airlines baggage fee policy:
- First checked bag: $35
- Second checked bag: $45
- Third checked bag: $150
There are exemptions for Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred members and those in the highest fare class (previously known as Business Select), who will still receive two free checked bags. Additionally, Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers and A-List Members will receive one free checked bag each. Carry-on policy remains unchanged: each passenger is allowed one carry-on bag and one personal item.
This shift marks the end of the airline's longstanding "two bags fly free" policy for most passengers. The new fees apply to tickets booked or changed on or after May 28, 2025.
Unrelated background information:
In a related development, experts suggest that travelers may want to consider using bags with wheels to make handling checked luggage easier. Consumers can also look into luggage weight scales to avoid facing overweight baggage fees, especially when traveling with multiple pieces of luggage.
Sources:
- Southwest Airlines official website
- US Department of Transportation regulations for airline fees
- The shift in Southwest Airlines' baggage policy could have implications on travelers' expenses, potentially triggering discussions in the realm of politics and general-news.
- As sports events often require travel, the introduction of baggage fees by Southwest Airlines could impact athletes and their teams, especially in terms of the costs associated with carrying sports equipment on flights.
