After five decades, the airline is eliminating free checked bags for most passengers. Travelers stand at the Southwest Airlines counter. For more than five decades, Southwest Airlines has allowed passengers to check two bags for free. It’s been such a part of the airline’s identity that it even has a registered slogan: “Two Bags Fly Free.”

Southwest Airlines' latest change comes after its July 2024 announcement that it will be ending its famous open seating policy

Southwest Airlines abandons one of its biggest perks: free checked bags. The airline announced that it would charge for first time in company history.

Southwest Airlines will start charging for checked bags on May 28. See how fees compare to other airlines and who still qualifies for free bags.

Months after ditching its open seating policy, Southwest Airlines is ending its most recognizable perks: Free checked baggage.

The airline was the last major U.S. carrier to allow free checked bags for all passengers, a policy it held for more than 50 years.

Southwest Airlines will now charge customers to check bags, with fees set to go into place as the busy summer travel season kicks off. The Dallas-based airline set itself apart from others for years by offering all customers two free checked bags.

Southwest Airlines, which long stood out amongst competitors for its low-cost, no-frills model, is starting to re-evaluate its approach as it seeks to capture more revenue.