The familiar comfort of a free checked bag on Southwest Airlines vanished less than a year ago, a shift that signaled a new era for the carrier. Now, travelers face another change: the cost of checking luggage is about to climb.
Southwest announced a $10 increase to its checked bag fee, bringing the total to $45. This represents a nearly 28% jump, a significant burden for those planning spring or summer travel. The new pricing takes effect with any ticket purchased from April 9th onward.
The impact extends beyond the first checked bag. Southwest also increased the fee for a second checked bag by the same $10 amount, further escalating the cost of bringing belongings along for the journey.
This decision isn’t isolated to Southwest. A ripple effect is moving through the industry, driven by soaring jet fuel costs and a volatile global oil market. Airlines are grappling with increased operational expenses, and baggage fees are proving to be a quick revenue solution.
JetBlue and United Airlines initiated the trend last week, swiftly followed by Delta Air Lines. The pattern is a well-worn one in the airline industry – when one carrier adjusts fees, others often follow suit.
For years, Southwest defied this practice, maintaining its popular “bags fly free” policy. This long-standing benefit, a cornerstone of the airline’s appeal, ended last May as part of a broader overhaul of its customer experience, including the introduction of assigned seating.
The swift implementation of bag fees, and now their increase within such a short timeframe, underscores the financial pressures facing airlines. It marks a clear departure from the airline’s previous approach to baggage allowances.
Loyalty program members and those with Southwest-branded credit cards will retain their baggage privileges, offering a degree of protection from these rising costs. However, for many travelers, the added expense will be unavoidable.
Currently, American Airlines remains the only one of the four largest U.S. carriers that hasn’t yet announced an increase in baggage fees, but the industry landscape suggests that could change in the near future.
