Southwest Airlines ends free checked bags for most travelers – even in Minnesota
- Starting May 28, 2025, Southwest Airlines will no longer offer two free checked bags to all passengers.
- The airline is adjusting its loyalty program, offering more points for higher-tier fares and fewer for lower-tier tickets.
- Flights will now be available on Expedia, expanding distribution channels for the airline.
Southwest Airlines is making major changes to its baggage policy, marking a departure from its long-standing tradition of offering two free checked bags to all passengers.
Starting May 28, 2025, only Southwest Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred Members and Business Select fare passengers will continue to receive two free checked bags.
A-List Members and select customers will receive one free checked bag, while Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers will receive a credit for one checked bag. All other passengers will now have to pay for their first and second checked bags, with weight and size restrictions still in place.
The move is part of a broader strategy to boost profitability and cater to Southwest’s most loyal customers.
“We have tremendous opportunity to meet current and future customer needs, attract new customer segments we don’t compete for today, and return to the levels of profitability that both we and our Shareholders expect,” Southwest Airlines CEO Bob Jordan said in a news release.
In addition to baggage fees, Southwest is also adjusting its loyalty program, offering more points for Business Select fares while decreasing rewards for lower-tier tickets. A new Basic fare, introduced for the most budget-conscious travelers, will debut alongside assigned seating and extra legroom options.
Southwest, traditionally known for its no-frills, customer-friendly policies, is also expanding distribution channels, with flights now available on Expedia. The airline will also reduce flexibility for flight credits, which will now expire one year or earlier from the date of purchase.
Despite the changes, Southwest says it remains committed to operational excellence, boasting the best on-time performance in the industry for 2025 and a 98.3% completion rate for scheduled flights.
Southwest flies many flights out of the Twin Cities, including to Tampa, Denver, Chicago, Washington, D.C. and Fort Lauderdale.
The airline is also looking to start several redeye flights out of certain airports during the next two years.
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