Shocker! Bags no longer fly free on Southwest for most customers, award devaluations coming

Whenever I pack for a trip—be it a quick weekend upstate or a no-holds-barred vacation abroad—I have the habit of letting my anxiety stuff my bags for me. Quite literally, it’s the albatross that hangs around my travels: I either end up lugging my excessive “just in case” items wherever I go, or constantly shrug a large bag suddenly made awkward by its emptiness onto my shoulder. That is, until I met the Foldie bag—the weekender that contains my plans A through Z and moonlights as a demurely compact handbag.

Which U.S. airline has the most customer-friendly bag policies? For years, it's been an easy question to answer: Southwest Airlines, with two free bags for every traveler on every fare.

Coming on the heels of Southwest Airlines unpopular benefit changes, like ending free checked bags, Frontier Airlines sees an opportunity. 

Is it poaching season on Southwest Airlines after its abrupt about-face on its longstanding "bags fly free" policy?

It's a season of savings for travelers looking to explore international destinations.  Delta Air Lines recently published hundreds of discounted flights in its Premium Cabin Deals section, which includes offers both in its SkyMiles frequent flyer program redemptions, as well as for traditional cash payment. Best of all, the travel period extends from April through May 2025, making it perfect for travelers seeking a last-minute spring break or early summer vacation.  For travelers looking to experience the new Delta One Lounge and first-class experience from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), the airline has fares from 230,000 miles + $376 to London (LHR) for travel between April 25, 2025 and May 1, 2025.  From New York's John F.

Cruisers who repeatedly sail with one cruise line have a conundrum. They're able to enjoy their favorite onboard restaurants and attractions each time they embark, but after the third or fourth voyage, certain onboard experiences can be a bit stale.

I don't really like breakfast all that much, and, typically, if I'm eating it while traveling, it's because I have an opportunity to eat a local specialty, like a bagel in New York or pain au chocolat in Paris.

To properly get up close and personal with America’s public lands, which cover roughly 840 million acres, you’ve got to pitch a tent, unroll your sleeping bag, and camp. Whether you’re looking for the high desert mesas of Zion National Park or hoping to backpack across California’s Sierra Nevada, there’s a hearty list of gear you’ll need to stay cozy and comfy in the great outdoors.

Southwest Airlines' plan to start charging for checked bags may not only be good for its bottom line but also for other carriers, United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby said.

Southwest Airlines, long famous for its Bags Fly Free policy, is ditching its signature perk and will start charging passengers for checked luggage later this year.

Unless you’re visiting a major city for your holidays, the last leg can be the worst of the whole journey. When you emerge from a busy airport, tired from your flight, the last thing you need is to try and figure out how to use local public transport.

Since its launch, Southwest Airlines has stood out from other airlines by offering all passengers two free checked bags. In a shocking move, the airline just announced that beginning May 28, 2025, it will start charging for checked luggage. Only Southwest Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred Members and Business Select fare passengers will continue to receive two free checked bags, while A-List members and Business Select passengers will be limited to one free checked bag. Rapid Rewards credit cardholders will receive a credit for one checked bag. All other passengers will be required to pay for both their first and second checked bags. Southwest has yet to disclose what that fee will be.