Southwest Airlines is ending a perk that is a major part of the company’s 54-year history.
In a press release on March 11th, 2025, Southwest Airlines confirmed they would be ending their “bags fly free” policy that allowed passengers two free checked bags when flying with the airline. The changes take effect on May 28th, 2025, but won’t impact every passenger on board as the airline aims to “reward loyal customers.”
Southwest Airlines is looking to shake things up in a major way! Their latest press release confirmed that one of the most beloved perks of traveling with the airline is ending soon. This change isn’t impacting every passenger though!
The airline will continue to offer two free checked bags to their Rapid Rewards A-List Members and others who book seats with Business Select. Regular A-List Members, Rapid Reward credit card members, and other select passengers will be able to check one bag for free. Southwest didn’t specify who would qualify under the “select passengers” title.
The changes for all passengers begin on May 28th, 2025, before the summer travel rush begins. This is a major shift for the brand after Southwest CEO Bob Johnson reiterated that bags would continue to fly for free back in September 2024 according to CBS News.
The airline also confirmed in the same press release that their Rapid Rewards points would also be adjusted. Anyone within the program will earn more points when booking Business Select prices however they will receive fewer points if booking their Wanna Get Away or Wanna Get Away Plus options. Additionally, the Rapids Rewards points will now vary on what point redemption looks like depending on how high or low demand a flight is.
The airline says these changes are “aimed to deepen and reward loyalty between Southwest and its most engaged customers.” These changes come after Southwest also made the decision to remove its open seating option which was a huge trademark for the company. Beginning on May 28th, 2025, a new basic fare option will be introduced to encompass the assigned seating and extra legroom options.
At the time of writing, costs for the checked bags haven’t been released. Don’t forget to keep following AllEars for all of your travel news and updates.
Learn more about changes to Southwest’s seating policy here!
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Tell us what you think of these changes in the comments!
I had stopped flying Southwest when they stopped nonstop flights from PHL to MCO. As they started adding them back I was looking to restart using them. With all of these changes, they are just another airline. So probably won’t use them.