Southwest Airlines has announced plans to change its long-standing policy of free checked bags starting from May 28. For a long time, the Dallas-based Airline has won many customers’ loyalty with this policy, allowing passengers’ bags to fly free without extra charge.
However, the company has announced that effective May 28, 2025, it will discontinue this policy, introducing fees for checked luggage. Exceptions apply for Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred Members, Business Select fare travellers, and Rapid Rewards Credit Card holders, who will continue to receive complimentary checked bags.
In addition to the baggage policy shift, Southwest plans to transition from its traditional open seating model to assigned seating later this year. The company announced the move last year, and customers were trying to adjust to it before the new bomb dropped. The company explains that this move aims to attract new customer segments and improve profitability.
These changes have caused serious reactions on social media, with some loyal customers expressing disappointment and reconsidering their allegiance to the airline. Some X users tag this decision as the worst decision the company could make, explaining that it was the only feature that made Southwest Airlines stand out in the market.
Now that the company is changing that feature, some customers say they are ready to leave. Others argue that the company should have started with reducing the number of free checked bags from 2 to 1 before taking off completely.
Obviously, these strategic adjustments come amid internal pressures to improve financial performance and align with broader industry trends. Southwest anticipates these policies will open opportunities to attract premium customers while adjusting to market dynamics, though some loyal customers may be disappointed.
