Southwest Airlines’ signature “Two bags fly free” policy officially comes to an end on Wednesday.
For flights booked on or after May 28, passengers will have to pay $35 for a first checked bag and an additional $45 for a second, a Southwest spokesperson told Business Insider.
These prices are the same as those of mainline carriers like United Airlines and Delta Air Lines and cheaper than those of some rival budget airlines.
Southwest customers who book “Business Select” fares, the most expensive category, will still be able to check two bags for free.
The perk will also be available for “A-List Preferred” loyalty members — a status that requires 40 flights a year.
All loyalty members and credit card holders will be allowed one free checked bag.
Southwest first announced the change in March, saying it intended to “deepen and reward loyalty” for its “most engaged customers.”
Six months earlier, the company had said it wouldn’t start charging for bags because research had shown that removing the policy would reduce demand. It added that “Two bags fly free” — a registered trademark — helped Southwest stand out from the competition.
However, the airline has been forced to rethink its business model.
Increased fuel and labor costs, changing consumer habits, and domestic overcapacity have made it harder for budget airlines to fill planes post-pandemic.
Many carriers have instead looked to add more tiers and end freebies to help their bottom lines. Southwest has also faced pressure from the activist firm Elliott Investment Management.
The airline has also said it will end its other signature policy, unassigned seating. Instead, passengers can pay more to choose their seats or for premium options like extra legroom.
US airlines made over $7 billion from baggage fees last year, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics.
The data showed Southwest’s $83 million was a fraction of its rivals’ takings. Spirit made $774 million on baggage fees, Frontier made $861 million, and the Big Three each made over $1 billion.
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