Southwest Rapid Rewards reduces points earning on all Wanna Get Away fares without notice

"The Day Southwest Died."

Southwest Airlines is ending its long-standing “two bags fly free” policy, marking the end of an era for the airline beloved by American travelers for its value and flexibility. The announcement follows Southwest’s decision last year to end its open-seating policy, with the first assigned seat tickets going on sale later this year.

It's a tough news day for Southwest Airlines loyalists. We thought the worst was over when Southwest announced an end to its open-seating policy last summer, but we were wrong — Southwest has now announced an end to its beloved free-checked-bags policy.

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.

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.

It’s the end of an era for one of the biggest perks at a popular low-cost airline. Southwest Airlines announced it is ending its free checked bag policy for most of its fare types, ending a perk that saved customers millions of dollars in bag fees. For all flights booked on or after May 28, passengers will have to pay for their checked luggage, however, the airline didn’t disclose how much the amount would be. 

Bags will no longer fly free on Southwest Airlines — unless you're willing to pay up for a high-priced fare, boast elite status, or carry one of its cobranded credit cards.

A popular airline is changing the way passengers can earn coveted loyalty points.Southwest Airlines recently modified its Rapid Rewards program, with the Wanna Get Away+ and Business Select fares seeing new earnings potential of the frequent flyer points. Southwest offers different points per dollar spent for the varying fare classes that passengers purchase. For example, Wanna Get Away, the most affordable fares, now only earn two points per dollar, while Business Select, the most expensive fare, earns 14 points per dollar.

Many airlines offer hotel booking platforms where you can earn extra miles on hotel stays, but the earning rates (typically fewer than 10 miles per dollar) aren't very appealing. On Southwest Hotels, you can book "Points Plus" properties that earn anywhere from 5 to 25 Southwest Rapid Rewards points per dollar. That's a lot of points toward your next free flight.

Last fall in Texas, Southwest Airlines executives laid out a far-reaching plan to transform the airline.

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