when do southwest baggage fees start

Southwest Airlines started charging baggage fees on May 28, 2025. On or after this date, Southwest began charging $35 for the first checked bag and $45 for the second checked bag, ending their long-standing policy of allowing two free checked bags per passenger. This change applies to reservations booked, ticketed, or changed on or after May 28, 2025. However, certain passengers such as Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred members and those with Business Select fares still receive free checked bags as part of their perks.