In a major shakeup for budget-conscious travelers, Southwest Airlines is officially retiring its “Two Bags Fly Free” policy—a long-standing perk that set the airline apart in the competitive U.S. air travel market.

Southwest’s New Baggage Fees Start May 28

Starting May 28, 2025, passengers flying with Southwest Airlines will face new checked baggage fees: the first bag will cost $35, and the second will run $45. This marks a significant departure from the airline’s previous customer-first approach and aligns it with fee structures used by Delta, American Airlines, and United.

That said, if you booked your flight before May 28—or even on the evening of May 27—you’ll still benefit from the original policy with no extra cost for two checked bags. This grace period provides a small window for travelers hoping to avoid the upcoming charges.

How to Avoid Southwest Airlines Baggage Fees

While the blanket “Two Bags Fly Free” perk is going away, there are still a few ways to avoid Southwest’s new bag fees:

• Book Business Select fares: These premium tickets still include two free checked bags, along with perks like priority boarding and extra legroom.
• Maintain A-List status: Members of the A-List or A-List Preferred tiers can continue to enjoy complimentary baggage allowances.
• Use a Southwest Rapid Rewards® Credit Card: Eligible cardholders may qualify for at least one free checked bag depending on the card tier and benefits.

These workarounds ensure loyal or high-value customers still get a break, even as the general passenger base sees increased fees. For frequent flyers, this could be a good time to reevaluate membership or credit card options.

What’s Next: Assigned Seating on the Horizon

In another bold move, Southwest is planning to introduce assigned seating by 2026, phasing out its famously quirky open seating system. While details remain limited, the shift is expected to bring the airline more in line with mainstream competitors and potentially reduce in-flight boarding chaos.

Notably, the official Southwest Airlines website has yet to release final details about the rollout, but the timeline appears firm. Frequent travelers and Southwest loyalists should prepare for a different experience in the near future.

As airline industry economics evolve, these updates reflect Southwest’s strategy to boost ancillary revenue while slowly adjusting to traditional airline models. Whether these changes strengthen or strain customer loyalty remains to be seen—but for now, travelers should pack with purpose and book smart.