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When Does Southwest Start Charging for Bags?
Southwest built a whole identity around a simple promise: you could check bags without doing math at checkout. For years, that perk shaped how people packed, how families budgeted, and how small businesses booked group travel. Then the market shifted. Costs rose, competitors kept collecting fee revenue, and Southwest started adjusting more than one “signature” policy at the same time. If you fly Southwest even a few times a year, the bag question isn’t a small detail anymore—it changes the real price of your ticket, the kind of luggage you buy, and how you plan for short vs. long trips.
Southwest began charging checked bag fees for many travelers on reservations booked, ticketed, or voluntarily changed on or after May 28, 2025. For most standard fares, the first checked bag typically costs $35 and the second costs $45, while select customers and fare types still receive one or two free checked bags. Carry-on and personal items remain free when they meet Southwest’s size rules.
What exactly changed on May 28, 2025—and who pays bag fees now?
Starting May 28, 2025, Southwest applies checked bag fees to many passengers when the reservation is booked, ticketed, or voluntarily changed on/after that date. Most travelers on standard fares pay to check bags, while some fare types and status/card holders still get one or two free checked bags.
The date that matters is not your travel day—it’s the booking/ticketing/change date. Southwest’s own fee language ties the new checked bag charges to reservations booked and ticketed and/or changed on or after May 28, 2025.
That means two people on the same flight can face different bag costs if one bought earlier and the other rebooked later.
Southwest also tied bag benefits to fare families and loyalty/card status. In plain English, here’s the structure Southwest describes across its fare and policy notes:
- Fees apply to many standard fare buyers (the policy language calls out fare groups such as Basic / Choice / Choice Preferred in some pages, and it’s also described in public reporting using older fare-family names like Wanna Get Away / Plus / Anytime).
- Two free checked bags continue for higher-tier fare types and top-tier loyalty (examples called out include Choice Extra / Business Select and Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred).
- One free checked bag is commonly listed for A-List and certain Southwest credit card holders.
To make this easier to use, here’s a quick “who gets what” view based on Southwest’s stated rules and widely reported rollout details:
| Traveler / Fare Type (common cases) | Checked Bag Allowance After May 28, 2025 | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Higher-tier fare type (e.g., Choice Extra / Business Select) | 2 free | Southwest states these fares keep 2 free checked bags |
| Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred | 2 free | Listed as 1st + 2nd bag free |
| Rapid Rewards A-List | 1 free | Listed as 1st bag free |
| Rapid Rewards Credit Card holders (common benefit) | 1 free | Listed as 1st bag free |
| Many standard fare travelers | Bag fees apply | Applies when booked/ticketed/changed on/after 5/28/2025 |
One more nuance: Southwest also publishes special charts for specific markets like interisland Hawaii, which can have different pricing and exceptions.
So if you’re price-checking a Hawaii hop, verify that you’re reading the right table.
How much does Southwest charge for checked bags now?
For many itineraries booked on/after May 28, 2025, Southwest’s published pricing has been widely reported as $35 for the first checked bag and $45 for the second checked bag, with exceptions that still receive free allowances.
real trip costs, not just “per bag”
The sticker numbers—$35 (first bag) and $45 (second bag)—sound simple until you apply them to round trips and family travel. Southwest’s newsroom update and multiple business outlets described this exact schedule as the policy went live.
And the fee is each way, which is where budgets get surprised.
Here’s a practical way to model it:
| Scenario | Bags Checked | One-Way Bag Cost | Round-Trip Bag Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solo traveler checks 1 bag | 1 | $35 | $70 |
| Solo traveler checks 2 bags | 2 | $35 + $45 = $80 | $160 |
| Couple checks 1 bag each | 2 total | $70 | $140 |
| Family of 4 checks 1 bag each | 4 total | $140 | $280 |
Those totals are why “carry-on planning” suddenly matters more. If you can shift even one checked bag into a compliant carry-on, you can save real money—especially on short trips.
Also note: Southwest still lists higher charges for additional/oversize/overweight items in its fee tables (for example, 3rd+ checked bag fees and size/weight surcharges).
So the “I’ll just check one more thing” moment at the airport can be expensive.
Do carry-on bags still fly free on Southwest?
Yes. Southwest still allows one carry-on bag + one personal item at no charge, as long as they fit the cabin and under-seat spaces. Southwest publishes a carry-on size limit of 10 × 16 × 24 inches (wheels/handles count).
size rules + how to pack like you mean it
Even after checked bag fees, Southwest’s cabin allowance remains the easiest way to keep your trip cost stable. Southwest’s travel-fee footnote spells it out: each passenger can bring (a) one carry-on that does not exceed 10 × 16 × 24 inches, and (b) one smaller personal-type item that can be stowed under the seat or overhead.
So what does “works in real life” look like?
Carry-on strategy that avoids last-minute gate drama:
- Use a carry-on that stays under 10 × 16 × 24 in in real exterior measurements (including wheels).
- Use a personal item that compresses easily, even when full. Under-seat space differs by aircraft/seat rows, so soft-sided wins.
- Keep “security slowdowns” in your personal item: chargers, liquids bag, meds, docs, laptop.
Personal item dimensions are often referenced as about 16.25 × 13.5 × 8 inches in travel guidance summarizing Southwest’s policy language, with the practical rule being “must fit under the seat.”
If you’re close to the limit, pick a slimmer bag and avoid overstuffing.
Here’s a quick packing-fit table you can hand to your team (or use when buying luggage):
| Bag Type | Best Use | Why it works for Southwest cabin rules |
|---|---|---|
| Soft carry-on duffel (structured base) | 2–4 day trips | Flexes into sizers/overhead, still holds shape |
| Lightweight carry-on roller | frequent flyers | Easy mobility, but watch wheel height vs. 24″ cap |
| Under-seat laptop brief / slim backpack | business travel | Keeps tech accessible; avoids overhead bin competition |
| Packable tote | overflow / shopping | Folds flat, acts as a “buffer” without becoming bulky |
How does Southwest’s new bag policy compare to other airlines?
Southwest’s checked bag pricing (commonly reported as $35 first / $45 second) looks similar to many U.S. competitors for standard domestic travel. Delta lists $35 for a first checked bag and $45 for a second in common domestic cases, while American lists $40 for first bag (or $35 when paid online) and $45 for second after its 2025 update.
why this comparison changes buying behavior
In the U.S. market, bag fees became a stable revenue stream years ago. Southwest held out, which gave it a clean differentiator—especially for families, sports travelers, and anyone who checks gear. After May 28, 2025, Southwest started resembling the pack in this one area.
Here are publicly posted reference points from major carriers’ own baggage pages:
| Airline | Typical Domestic 1st Checked Bag | Typical Domestic 2nd Checked Bag | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southwest (many fares after 5/28/2025) | $35 | $45 | |
| Delta (common domestic case) | $35 | $45 | |
| American (tickets issued on/after 12/1/2025) | $40 (or $35 online) | $45 |
The bigger difference is how airlines “hide” or “bundle” fees. Delta and American both have ways to offset bag fees through co-branded cards or elite status; Southwest now plays that same game, offering clearer bag advantages to higher status and certain card holders.
So if you manage travel for a business, this shift pushes a familiar decision:
- Pay bag fees per trip, or
- Structure travel around fare tiers/status/card benefits.
That’s not just traveler behavior—it changes what kind of luggage gets purchased. More teams move to:
- Carry-on compliant rollers
- Under-seat laptop bags
- Hybrid duffels that can be cabin bags on short trips, checked on long trips
That’s one reason OEM/ODM travel bag demand keeps climbing: companies want bags that match policy limits and reduce fee exposure.
Is Southwest’s bag fee change part of a bigger strategy shift?
Yes. Reporting around the bag-fee move links it to broader revenue and product changes, including fare restructuring (like a lower “basic” tier) and a transition away from open seating toward assigned seating. Analysts and business coverage tied these moves to profitability pressure and competitive positioning.
why Southwest is changing multiple “signature” policies
Bag fees didn’t arrive in isolation. Coverage from major outlets framed the bag-fee rollout as one piece of a wider repositioning—Southwest moving closer to the revenue tools used by other carriers.
The airline also detailed changes tied to seating and fare benefits, including assigned seating planning and shifting which fare types get same-day change options.
From a business lens, here’s what’s happening:
Revenue mix is being rebuilt.
Airlines don’t only compete on base fares. They compete on the total trip “stack”: seats, bags, boarding, changes. Southwest historically kept that stack simpler. Bag fees add a predictable revenue lever—especially when many travelers check luggage.
Fare families become more segmented.
Once bags are no longer free for everybody, fare tiers matter more. That drives upsells: some travelers buy higher tiers to keep bag perks, others buy the cheapest fare and pack lighter.
Product design shifts toward “sellable features.”
Assigned seating and paid seat upgrades make “comfort” and “choice” tangible products, not just service style. Southwest’s own assigned seating page shows how benefits and rules change by fare type and timing.
Even if you don’t care about airline strategy, you feel it in your wallet and in your packing plan. The smart move is to treat bag policy like a trip variable—just like weather or meeting length. Plan around it, and you stop getting surprised.
How can travelers and travel managers reduce bag costs without sacrificing convenience?
To cut bag costs, prioritize a compliant carry-on (10 × 16 × 24 in), choose a compressible personal item, and use packing systems that keep bulky items in the cabin. For frequent flyers, compare the cost of bag fees versus higher fare tiers or benefits tied to loyalty/card status, since Southwest still grants free checked bags to certain fares and members.
a practical playbook
If you’re managing travel for a team—or you’re just tired of “airport checkout surprises”—use a simple decision tree:
Step 1: Check the booking date and fare type.
If the reservation was booked/ticketed/changed on or after May 28, 2025, assume checked bag fees may apply unless your fare/status qualifies for free bags.
Step 2: Decide whether the trip is “carry-on realistic.”
If the trip is 1–4 days and you’re not carrying bulky gear, carry-on is usually realistic.
Step 3: Standardize luggage across your team.
A team with mixed bag sizes burns time at gates and loses money in surprise checks. Standardization fixes that.
Here’s a simple “which bag should we use?” table that many travel coordinators adopt:
| Trip Type | Recommended Bag Setup | Why it reduces cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2 days | Under-seat backpack + small carry-on | Stays inside cabin allowance; avoids checking |
| 3–5 days | Carry-on roller + slim personal item | Fits the 10×16×24 rule; keeps work items accessible |
| 6+ days / winter | Carry-on + 1 checked bag (planned) | Better than “last-minute check”; budgeted upfront |
| Trade show / gear travel | Durable checked duffel + cabin tech bag | Protects gear; keeps mission-critical items with you |
Step 4: Build bags for the policy, not just the look.
A lot of luggage fails in two places:
- Wheels/handles pushing a bag past the published size cap
- Soft bags that slump into awkward shapes when overpacked
That’s why good OEM bag development focuses on structure: panel support, base reinforcement, zipper stress routes, and load points—so a bag stays “policy-friendly” even when it’s full.
FAQ
When does Southwest start charging for checked bags if I bought my ticket earlier?
Southwest ties the fee trigger to whether your reservation was booked/ticketed and/or voluntarily changed on or after May 28, 2025. If you bought earlier and didn’t later change in a way that re-tickets your trip, you may still fall under the earlier allowance rules shown in Southwest’s fee tables.
Do carry-ons still cost $0 on Southwest?
Yes—Southwest lists $0 for a carry-on and personal item in its fee documentation, and it also publishes the carry-on size cap of 10 × 16 × 24 inches.
How much is the first checked bag on Southwest now?
For many fares under the new policy, Southwest’s rollout was widely reported as $35 for the first checked bag and $45 for the second, with exceptions for certain fares and members.
Which Southwest customers still get free checked bags?
Southwest lists ongoing free checked bag benefits for select fare types and Rapid Rewards tiers (commonly including higher-tier fares and A-List Preferred for two bags, and A-List/credit card holders for one bag).
What size carry-on bag works for Southwest without issues?
Southwest publishes a carry-on maximum of 10 × 16 × 24 inches including typical exterior components like wheels/handles. If you buy a roller, measure the full exterior.
Are Southwest bag fees similar to Delta and American?
They’re in the same neighborhood for standard domestic travel. Delta lists $35 (first) and $45 (second) in common cases, and American lists $40 (or $35 online) for the first and $45 for the second after its 2025 update.
Why did Southwest change its “bags fly free” approach?
Major coverage tied the change to profitability and competitive pressure, alongside other shifts like fare restructuring and the move toward assigned seating.
What’s the easiest way for a company to reduce bag spend on Southwest?
Standardize staff luggage to comply with the carry-on rules, set a packing checklist for short trips, and decide when it’s cheaper to buy a higher fare tier or rely on status benefits versus paying per-bag each way.
Need travel bags that match airline rules without feeling “cheap”?
If you’re building a travel product line, corporate travel kit, promo program, or private label luggage range, bag rules like Southwest’s push buyers toward carry-on compliant, durable, lightweight designs with stable dimensions and strong reinforcement.
Jundong (Guangdong) supports low MOQ, fast sampling, and private label/OEM development for tote bags, travel bags, backpacks, duffels, luggage, EVA cases, and more—built around real use and real shipping constraints. Send your target size, use case, branding, and quantity, and we’ll propose structures, materials, and packing specs that fit your market.
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