Dallas-based Southwest Airlines has abandoned of the company’s biggest perks: free luggage.
The airlines announced Tuesday that it customers are no longer “allowed two free checked bags,” as remains on its website. For the first time in its 54-year history, Southwest will begin charging for checked luggage.
Company executives have long promoted the perk as a key differentiator from rivals throughout Southwest’s more than 50 years of flying, aiming to attract customers while maintaining revenue.
However, CNBC reported that Southwest’s decision follows months of pressure from activist investor Elliott Investment Management. The firm acquired a stake in the airline last year and secured five board seats, pushing for swift changes.
More: In ‘unprecedented’ decision, Southwest Airlines to lay off 1,750 employees at Dallas HQ
When does the new baggage policy go into effect?
For tickets purchased on or after May 28, Southwest customers will be required to pay for checked bags, with a few exceptions:
- Top-tier fare class passengers will receive two free checked bags.
- Elite frequent flyers with A-List Preferred status will still get two free checked bags, while A-List members will receive one.
- Southwest credit card holders will also be eligible for one free checked bag.
Southwest Airlines changes in-flight service, introduces assigned seating
One of the latest updates involves adjustments to cabin service. Since December, flight attendants have begun preparing cabins for landing at 18,000 feet rather than the previous 10,000 feet.
As a result, in-flight service now ends about 10 minutes earlier, and passengers must raise their seatbacks and stow tray tables sooner.
In July, Southwest announced plans to introduce seat assignments, expecting to begin ticket sales in the second half of 2025, with the first flights featuring assigned seating set for early 2026, according to a news release.
The airline determined that 80% of its customers prefer assigned seating, including 86% of those who typically fly with other carriers. This marks a major shift from Southwest’s long-standing open-seating policy and is part of broader changes aimed at enhancing value for both passengers and investors, following recent earnings pressures.
Along with assigned seating, Southwest will introduce premium seating. Passengers who purchase these seats will receive priority boarding, alongside the airline’s most loyal customers.
Last month, Southwest Airlines said it will cut 1,750 jobs at its Dallas Love Field headquarters, representing about 15% of its corporate workforce. Among these layoffs, 11 senior leadership roles have been eliminated due to restructuring.
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Southwest drops free bag policy, will now charge for checked baggage
