For decades, no fees for a first or second checked bag was a pillar of Southwest Airlines’ brand. No more.
The airline announced that beginning May 27, passengers are being charged $35 for a first checked bag and $45 for a second checked bag.
An investor group has pushed Southwest to maximize shareholder value by implementing fees in line with those charged by most of Southwest’s competitors, such as JetBlue, American Airlines and United Airlines.
The bag fees will be charged to passengers traveling on Anytime, Wanna Get Away Plus and the new Basic fare categories. Fees for first and second bags will be waived for Business Select customers.
Holders of the Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card, A-List and A-List Preferred members will get one free checked bag, plus one free bag each for up to eight people traveling on the same reservation.
A second checked bag will continue to be free for A-List Preferred customers but will cost A-List members $35, and credit card holders will pay the full $45 fee. The same maximum of eight companions traveling on the same reservation applies to this pricing scheme.
The bag fees are part of a broader restructuring of Southwest’s policies, notably ending the airline’s open-seating policy in favor of assigned seating. Like other airlines, Southwest also will begin charging more for preferred seats. Changes also are being made to how loyalty points are earned, based on booking class and passenger premier status.
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