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Southwest Airlines reveals how much checked bags will cost as new fees take effect this week

Sean Cudahy
Sean Cudahy
Senior Aviation Reporter
Sean Cudahy is an aviation reporter covering news about airlines, frequent flyer programs and consumer travel issues.
May 27, 2025
•
3 min read
Southwest Boeing 737 Nashville BNA
Southwest Airlines reveals how much checked bags will cost as new fees take effect this week
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Southwest Airlines has revealed how much checked bags will cost customers, as the carrier's new fees go into effect this week. It'll look quite similar to other airlines.

Starting Wednesday, Southwest will charge most passengers $35 for their first checked bag, an airline spokesperson confirmed to TPG early Tuesday.

That's in line with the bag fees currently assessed by most of the other large U.S. carriers.

Passengers will pay $45 for their second checked bag on Southwest.

The new fees will apply to flights booked from May 28 onward, which means travelers who already booked a summer trip will get to enjoy the airline's "bags fly free" policy on that trip and on any other existing bookings. Plus, any bookings made by the end of the day on May 27 would also be eligible for free bags, so if you know your travel plans for later this year, or even the holidays, you might consider locking that flight in by the end of the day Tuesday.

How to get free bags on Southwest

Beyond that, Southwest has laid out a few new ways passengers will be able to retain free bags when flying with the airline:

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  • Passengers who book the carrier's highest-level Business Select fare will get two free bags. Later this year, Business Select will become "Choice Extra" when Southwest starts selling assigned seating for 2026. This fare class will eventually include access to the carrier's new extra legroom seats.
  • Rapid Rewards members who earn A-List Preferred elite status will still get two free checked bags.
  • A-List members will get one free bag.
  • All Southwest Rapid Rewards cobranded Chase credit card holders will get one free checked bag.
Alaska Airlines At San Diego International Airport
KEVIN CARTER/GETTY IMAGES

Why is Southwest ending bags fly free?

Southwest is largely following in the footsteps of its top competitors in setting the prices for its first-ever bag fees.

The "Big Three" network airlines (American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines) each charge $35 for the first checked bag, though in some cases, you have to meet certain criteria to get that price, such as paying for your bag ahead of time.

It's the latest example of Southwest making a move to look far more like its competitors, from ditching its two-free-bags policy that largely stood alone in the U.S. airline industry, to ending its hallmark open seating policy and overhauling its one-of-a-kind boarding policy.

In making the move, Southwest CEO Bob Jordan cited a need to boost the airline's profits, which have been lackluster in recent years.

Last year, executives said Southwest's free bags policy was among the top reasons customers chose to fly the airline over its competitors.

Related reading:

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Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.

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  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
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  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.