
Southwest Airlines has officially ended its "Bags Fly Free" policy. Starting May 28, 2025, passengers will pay $35 for the first checked bag and $45 for the second. Free checked bags remain only for Business Select travelers, A-List Preferred members, and Rapid Rewards credit cardholders. This change aligns Southwest with other major U.S. carriers, potentially generating $1.5 billion annually. However, it risks alienating loyal customers who valued the airline's unique perks. With assigned seating and basic fares also on the horizon, is Southwest losing its identity?