Southwest Airlines to Start Charging for Checked Bags, Ending Decades-Long Policy

Southwest Airlines is making a major change to its longstanding baggage policy. For the first time in its history, the low-cost carrier will begin charging for checked bags, a move that has sparked strong reactions from customers.

The airline, known for its “bags fly free” promise, is abandoning the decades-old policy to increase profits and boost customer loyalty, according to company officials. While some travelers will still qualify for free checked bags—such as business customers, A-list Rapid Rewards members, and Southwest credit card holders—most passengers will now have to pay an additional fee.

For many loyal Southwest flyers, the change is disappointing. Platte City resident Sophia Ramos shared her frustration, saying, “With the price of airfare these days, it’s just another thing we have to pay for.” Others acknowledged that rising business costs make the shift inevitable.

Southwest, the dominant airline at Kansas City International Airport (KCI) with an average of 134 flights per day, has been under increasing pressure from activist investors to improve profitability. The airline served 140 million passengers last year, and while customers may not be happy about the change, many acknowledge they will still fly Southwest out of necessity.

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