First bag will cost $35 and second $45

Southwest Airlines, which announced the end of its long-held free bag check policy in March, revealed it would charge $35 for the first checked bag and $45 for the second one for flights booked May 28 and later.

There are exemptions to the new policy: Business Select/Choice Extra and A-List Preferred customers will receive two free checked bags, while A-List and Chase Rapid Reward credit card members will get one free checked bag.

In addition to the checked bag fees, a new flight credit policy has taken effect, affecting how long Southwest customers can use their travel vouchers. Flight credits issued May 28 or later will expire in six months or a year, depending on the fare type. This is a change to the airline’s previous rule, which had flight credits never expiring.

In other changes, the airline will soon be moving away from its open seating policy, with passengers being able to pay for extra legroom. Customers can start booking the new fare bundles in the third quarter of 2025 for flights that depart in 2026, according to the airline.