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Southwest Airlines will charge to check bags for the first time

Southwest Airlines announced it will start charging for checked bags, moving away from a long-standing free policy.
The new fee will impact customers who are not part of their Rapid Rewards loyalty program, have not purchased business class tickets, or do not hold the airline's credit card.
This change follows Southwest's struggle with profitability and recent job cuts, including 1,750 layoffs, marking significant operational shifts.
CEO Bob Jordan stated there are 'tremendous opportunities' for Southwest to meet customer needs and improve profitability.

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The Express Tribune

'A Nasty Move': Social media reacts as Southwest Airlines ends free checked bags after 54 years

Southwest Airlines made a bold move on March 11, 2025, announcing the end of its long-standing free checked bags policy, which had been a hallmark of the airline for over five decades. For 54 years, the company allowed all passengers to check two bags at no extra cost, but starting May 28, 2025, this perk will be available only to select groups of travelers. As part of the change, Southwest will continue to offer two free checked bags for Rapid …

7 hours ago·Pakistan

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thepatriotlight.com

ThePatriotLight - La aerolínea Southwest comenzará a cobrar por el equipaje documentado – One America News Network

ThePatriotLight - A Southwest Airlines plane takes off from Hollywood Burbank Airport on July 25, 2024 in Burbank, California. Southwest Airlines has announced it will discontinue its 50 year policy of open seating and will assign seats including premium seating in an effort to broaden its appeal. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images) OAN Staff Abril Elfi Martes, 11 de marzo de 2025 Southwest Airlines comenzará a cobrar a sus pasajeros por la prim…

8 hours ago

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Irish Independent

US airline that inspired Ryanair to charge fee to check in bags

Southwest Airlines is to begin charging customers a fee to check bags, abandoning a decades-long practice that its executives had described as key to differentiating the budget carrier from its rivals.

13 hours ago·Ireland

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Nevada Globe

Southwest Airlines Introduces Baggage Fees Amidst Major Policy Changes - Nevada Globe

Southwest Airlines has announced significant policy changes affecting its passengers. Starting May 28, 2025, the airline will implement fees for checked baggage, ending a 54-year tradition of allowing two free checked bags. This shift aligns Southwest with other major U.S. carriers that have long charged for checked luggage. Under the new policy, only Business Select fare passengers and Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred members will continue to e…

14 hours ago

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YOURBASIN

Southwest Airlines 2 free checked bags tradition is coming to a close

TEXAS (KMID/KPEJ)- For the first time in its 54-year history, Southwest Airlines are cancelling two free checked bags for travelers flying with Southwest, starting on May 28th, with a few exceptions. Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred and passengers who book top-tier business select fares will continue to receive two free checked bags. Bags will have size and weight limits but a price point has not yet been announced. The changes did not sit will wi…

18 hours ago

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