New Southwest checked bag fees: $35 for first bag, $45 for second, $150 for third or more

We’ve known for some months that Southwest would be starting to charge for checked bags from May 28, 2025. During their previous announcements they hadn’t specifically stated how much those fees would be, instead simply saying something along the lines of them being in line with industry standards. Southwest has now shared how much those […] The post New Southwest checked bag fees: $35 for first bag, $45 for second, $150 for third or more appeared first on Frequent Miler. Frequent Miler may receive compensation from CHASE. American Express, Capital One, or other partners.

May 29, 2025 - 00:05

New Southwest checked bag fees: $35 for first bag, $45 for second, $150 for third or more

We’ve known for some months that Southwest would be starting to charge for checked bags from May 28, 2025. During their previous announcements they hadn’t specifically stated how much those fees would be, instead simply saying something along the lines of them being in line with industry standards.

Southwest has now shared how much those checked baggage fees will be and it’s not much of a surprise given their previous hints.

Empty luggage carousel at airport — The luggage carousel after a flight with particularly frugal Southwest passengers

As a reminder, all passengers get a free carry-on and personal item. Those who have A-List or A-List Preferred status or who have a Southwest credit card will benefit from a first free checked bag for both them and up to eight people traveling with them on the same reservation. Active duty military and anyone booking a Business Select fare will get two free checked bags. If you booked your flights on May 27, 2025 or before, you’ll also still get two free checked bags, even if your travel dates are from May 28 onwards.

If you don’t fall into any of those categories, you’re now looking at the following fees for a checked bag with Southwest:

First checked bag = $35
Second checked bag = $45
Third (and more) checked bag = $150

There’s an exception to these rules for interisland travel in Hawaii. Note that flights originating from or concluding outside of Hawaii are subject to the fees listed above.

Hawaiian residents and those with A-List Preferred status = Two free checked bags, $50 for a third bag
Non-Hawaiian residents = $15 for first checked bag, $20 for second checked bag and $50 for a third bag
A-List members = First checked bag free, $15 for second checked bag, $50 for a third checked bag
Active duty military = Three free checked bags

There are various other fees that might be payable depending on oversized baggage, overweight baggage, sports equipment, etc. You can find the full details here.

Quick Thoughts

It’s sad to see this day eventually come, as two free checked bags was always a considerable selling point for booking Southwest. If you’re a Southwest cardholder, some of the impact of this will be lessened by the fact that you’ll still get one free checked bag for you and up to eight companions. Still, it is a disappointing development.

The scale of these fees isn’t much of a surprise after Southwest stated that they’d be setting the fees in line with industry standards. It’s almost inevitable that airlines will seek to increase checked baggage fees in the coming years; I doubt Southwest will be in the vanguard for that movement, but they’ll no doubt happily follow along with increases that other airlines like United, Delta and American choose to levy in the future.

The post New Southwest checked bag fees: $35 for first bag, $45 for second, $150 for third or more appeared first on Frequent Miler. Frequent Miler may receive compensation from CHASE. American Express, Capital One, or other partners.