Southwest Airlines Will Start Charging Checked Bag Fees This Week. Here's What To Know.

Southwest Airlines unveils new checked bag fees and basic fare options

Southwest Airlines will charge for checked bags and introduce a new basic fare tier, aligning with industry standards and enhancing revenue growth.

• Southwest Airlines will begin charging for checked bags on new reservations starting May 28th.
• The fees will be $35 for the first bag and $45 for a second.
• These changes are part of a larger overhaul of Southwest's policies.

For Southwest Airlines passengers, it's the last day to book a flight with two guaranteed free checked bags no matter which fare they purchase.

Starting on Wednesday, the airline will introduce its first-ever checked bag fees, which will apply to tickets booked or changed on or after May 28.

The airline will begin charging $35 for a first checked bag and $45 for a second checked bag on many tickets, with supplemental fees for overweight and oversized baggage.

Some customers will still be eligible for free checked bags as part of their fare or perks, however.

According to Southwest, the following categories of passenger will still be entitled to free checked bags:

• Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred Members and customers traveling on Business Select or Choice Extra fares when that bundle is introduced later this year, will be entitled to up to two free checked bags.
• Rapid Rewards A-List Members, and Rapid Rewards credit card holders will be entitled to one free checked bag.

The bag fees are part of a major slate of changes at Southwest, which is overhauling many aspects of its business that differentiate it from other carriers. The airline will soon also end its unique open seating policy, and will also add extra legroom seats.

Zach Wichter is a travel reporter and writes the Cruising Altitude column for USA TODAY. He is based in New York and you can reach him at zwichter@usatoday.com.