Southwest Raising Baggage Fees
For decades, Southwest Airlines built its brand on the “Bags Fly Free” mantra among other things, while competitors turned luggage into a multibillion-dollar profit center. The airline has already started charging for bags, and now it has announced its first price hike.
Following in the footsteps of JetBlue, United, and Delta, Southwest has officially adjusted its baggage fee structure. The changes will go into effect tomorrow.
The New Math of Flying Southwest
Effective for travel booked on or after April 9, 2026, Southwest is increasing fees for checked luggage.
For U.S. mainland travel:
- First Checked Bag: Increasing from $35 to $45 for Basic and Choice fares.
- Second Checked Bag: Increasing from $45 to $55.
- Third Bag and Beyond: Remains $150 per bag.
Even inter-island travel in Hawaii is seeing a hike. For non-residents, the first bag fee is doubling from $15 to $30, and the second bag is jumping from $20 to $40.
Who is Shielded from the Hikes?
Despite the increases, Southwest is still offering free checked bags for its most loyal customers and specific fare classes:
- Choice Extra Fares: Passengers who opt for these higher-tier tickets still receive two checked bags for free.
- Rapid Rewards Elite Members: A-List Preferred members continue to enjoy waived fees for their first and second bags, while A-List members get one free checked bag.
- Military Personnel: Active-duty military travelers remain exempt from these charges.
- Credit Card Holders: Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers still receive their first checked bag free, a perk that is becoming increasingly valuable as fees go up.
Guru’s Wrap-up
JetBlue started the trend and other airlines have soon followed in raising checked bag fees due to increasing fuel costs. Once these fees go up, they never come back down even when fuel prices drop.
For travelers, the strategy is now clear: pre-plan or pay up. To avoid the sting at the ticket counter, travelers are encouraged to join loyalty programs, consider airline-branded credit cards, or perhaps most importantly, just master the art of the carry-on.
