Southwest Airlines introduces luggage fees, as well as other changes – yes, basic fares on the way

Southwest Airlines has finally given in to the temptation of revenue – and from the 28th May 2025, will charge for luggage, ending the airline’s “Bags Fly Free” tagline.

The luggage changes in full:

• The airline will  offer two free checked bags to Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred Members and Customers traveling on Business Select fares
• Meanwhile, will be offered one free checked bag to A-List Members and other select Customers.
• Southwest will credit one checked bag for Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers.

For those who do not qualify for these free bag options, they will be charged for their first and second checked bags (weight and size limitations apply). Changes will apply to flights booked on or after 28th May 2025.

Rapids Rewards Changes

Southwest recently adjusted the number of Rapid Rewards points Customers earn on qualifying flights.

Passengers now earn more points on Business Select fares, while earning less on Wanna Get Away and Wanna Get Away Plus fares.

Southwest Rapid Rewards, the carrier’s loyalty program, will also introduce variable redemption rates across higher-demand and lower-demand flights.

Basic fares incoming

For those who like to travel at the lowest possible cost, Southwest will introduce a new Basic fare.

This will be offered on or the 28th May 2025, in advance of offering assigned seating and extra legroom options.

In addition, the airline will work to syndicate its fares via other distribution channels to reach new customers – for example, the airline has started offering fares via Expedia.

Finally, flight credits issued for tickets purchased on or after 28th May 2025 will expire one year or earlier from the date of ticketing, depending on the fare type purchased.

In Quotes

Bob Jordan, President, Chief Executive Officer, & Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors at Southwest Airlines.

“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,” said 

“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.”

The last remnants of the Old Republic Airline swept away.

Southwest has been through changes since Elliott Investment Management has gone into activist mode, with a lot of the what made the airline being swept away – from the single class unassigned seating with boarding groups, to the forthcoming implementation of assigned seating and extra legroom options, as well as redeye flights and codeshares with other carriers.

For a lot of passengers, it will be time to pay up for baggage on Southwest.

Combined with the other changes, with variable priced awards, modified earnings on tickets and the introduction of the Basic fare, for some passengers, there may be a change of mind ahead.

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