SOUTHWEST AIRLINES DROPS SIGNATURE PERK: WHAT IT MEANS FOR PASSENGERS
Southwest Airlines, long celebrated for its “Bags Fly Free” policy, is making a controversial shift that will change the way passengers travel. In a move to boost revenue and streamline operations, the airline is officially ending its policy of allowing two free checked bags, a perk that has been a staple for decades.
NEW BAGGAGE POLICY: WHAT CHANGES?
Starting May 28, 2025, Southwest will introduce a tiered baggage fee structure:
- Two Free Checked Bags: Available only to Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred members and Business Select passengers.
- One Free Checked Bag: Granted to A-List members, Southwest-branded credit card holders, and select customers.
- Paid Checked Bags: All other passengers will be required to pay a fee per checked bag, though exact pricing has yet to be announced.
This move is expected to generate additional revenue for the airline, aligning its baggage policy closer to industry norms. However, it has sparked mixed reactions among loyal Southwest customers.
ASSIGNED SEATING COMING SOON
Another major change is the introduction of assigned seating, marking a significant departure from Southwest’s iconic open seating model. Beginning early 2026, passengers will be assigned seats instead of choosing them during boarding. This change aims to reduce boarding chaos and improve efficiency, but it may alienate longtime Southwest flyers who appreciate the airline’s unique boarding system.
PREMIUM SEATING OPTIONS ON THE WAY
To further capitalize on the shift, Southwest will introduce premium seating options with increased legroom. This move suggests an effort to attract business travelers and high-paying customers, something Southwest has historically struggled with.
WHAT’S BEHIND THE CHANGES?
Industry analysts speculate that these adjustments stem from Elliott Investment Management’s recent acquisition of a large stake in Southwest Airlines. The firm has been pushing for profitability-focused changes, urging the airline to modernize its business model and better compete with legacy carriers.
PASSENGER REACTIONS: LOYALTY TESTED
The backlash has been immediate. Many Southwest loyalists feel these changes compromise what made the airline special. While some understand the need for revenue growth, others believe it signals the end of Southwest’s budget-friendly and customer-first philosophy.
FINAL THOUGHTS
With these significant changes on the horizon, Southwest Airlines is taking a bold step toward a more traditional airline model. Whether this move strengthens or weakens its brand remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—Southwest will never be the same.
Stay tuned for further updates on how these policies unfold in the coming months.
