It’s officially the end of an era for U.S. air travel: Southwest Airlines, known for its open-seating policy, no change fees and free checked bags, will ditch its free checked bag policy and begin charging for checked bags starting May 28. This marks the first time the airline implements this policy in its 60-year history.

“We have tremendous opportunity to meet current and future Customer needs, attract new Customer segments we don’t compete for today, and return to the levels of profitability that both we and our Shareholders expect,” said Bob Jordan, president, CEO and Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors, Southwest Airlines. “We will do all this while remaining focused on what’s made us strong—our People and the authentic, friendly, and award-winning Customer Service only they can provide.”

This new policy change will only apply to certain passengers. Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred Members and customers traveling on Business Select fares will still enjoy two free checked bags, while A-List Members and other select customers will still receive one free checked bag. Additionally, Southwest Airlines will credit one checked bag for Rapid Rewards credit cardmembers. Customers who do not qualify for any of these free bag options will be charged for their first and second checked bags.

This move aims to “deepen and reward loyalty between Southwest and its most engaged customers” and to “create new opportunities to reach consumers who value fare above everything else.”

This change marks just one of several within the airline since Elliott Investment Management took a $1.9 billion stake in the airline in 2024. Likely starting next year, the airline will also end its open-seating policy.

According to Southwest Airlines’ designated page on assigned seating versus open-seating, “We have conducted extensive research on our open seating model, which has led to our decision to move to assigned seats and bring options for a premium/extra legroom experience, with bookings expected to start in the second half of 2025 for flights operating in 2026. There will be a period of time where we are retrofitting aircraft with our new cabin design, and during that time, we will maintain our open seating model.”

Other upcoming changes within the airline include a new Basic fare tier and a loyalty program shifting to variable redemption rates. Additionally, the airline will implement flight credits that will expire after one year (or six months for Basic fares). Customers can also expect premium seats on red-eye flights.

The airline once only sold its tickets on Southwest.com, but the airline announced it plans to also offer them via Expedia to attract more customers.

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