Southwest Airlines Already Raising Bag Fees After Ending Free Bags a Year Ago

Less than a year ago, Southwest Airlines offered two complimentary checked bags to all of its customers. Now, not only is Southwest charging for checked bags, but that baggage fee is increasing significantly less than a year after those fees went into place.

Back in May of 2025, Southwest Airlines officially began charging passengers for checked bags, just like all the other major airlines. Now, just like most other major airlines, Southwest is increasing those checked baggage fees as a result of soaring fuel prices.

No More Free Bags

For decades, Southwest Airlines offered two free checked bags to all of its customers. The policy was key to the airline's brand for years, with Southwest even holding a registered trademark for the phrase "Bags Fly Free." However, that is no longer the case.

Back in May of 2025, Southwest Airlines officially ended the longstanding policy and began charging customers for checked bags. The airline began charging $35 for the first checked bag and $45 for the second, bringing the total to $80 in fees for two checked bags when they were previously free.

Baggage Fees Increasing

Less than a year after rolling out their new baggage fees, Southwest is already increasing those baggage fees.

On Wednesday, Southwest announced that it would be increasing the price of checked bags beginning on April 9. This change comes as the global cost of oil has skyrocketed as a result of the ongoing conflict between Iran, the United States, and Israel.

"As part of an ongoing analysis of the business and against the evolving global backdrop, Southwest Airlines is increasing its fees on first and second checked bags by $10, effective on all reservations ticketed or voluntarily changed on or after April 9, 2026," Southwest announced on Wednesday.

Now, the first checked bag will cost $45 while a second checked bag will cost $55, bringing the total to $100 for two checked bags, when that was previously free of charge.

Not Just Southwest

While it's notable that Southwest is increasing its baggage fees, considering it did not even charge fees for checked baggage a year ago, Southwest is not the only major airline to raise its baggage fees as a result of the soaring energy costs.

Delta, United, and JetBlue have also announced significant increases to their checked baggage fees as a result of the soaring energy costs.

Delta announced that it is now charging $10 more for its first and second checked bags, and $50 more to check a third, bringing the fees to $45 for the first bag, $55 for the second, and $200 for the third.

United is also raising its prices by $10, increasing its fee to $45 to check a first bag on most domestic flights if the traveler pays ahead of time and $50 if they pay within 24 hours of their flight.

JetBlue announced that checked bags for its domestic economy passengers will now cost $39, which is up from $35. During peak travel times such as April spring breaks, major holidays, and the summer, passengers will have to pay $49 instead of $40.