Southwest charging for bags, and other airline changes in recent months
Southwest Airlines announced another major change this week to its policies, marking the third of its kind in recent months.
Here is a look at the recent changes Southwest Airlines has announced:
Southwest charging for bags
What we know:
Most customers will begin paying for checked bags when flying on Southwest Airlines, starting on flights booked on or after May 28, 2025. Flyers had previously been granted two free checked bags.
What we don't know:
It’s unclear how much Southwest will charge for a checked bag.
By the numbers:
Here is a look at what other major U.S. airlines charge for a checked bag:
Southwest seating assignments
The backstory:
Southwest has been known for its open boarding policy for more than half a century. Last fall, the airline announced it was doing away with the procedure.
What's next:
Southwest Airlines plans to start selling assigned seats in late 2025, with those seats becoming available in early 2026.
The airline will also let passengers pick their own seats ahead of their flight.
Southwest check-in fees
FILE - Travelers stand at the Southwest Airlines counter at Reagan National Airport on January 30, 2025 in Arlington, Virginia. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)
The backstory:
Last summer, Southwest increased the price range of certain perks that allow passengers to board sooner and better pick their preferred seat.
RELATED: Southwest raises fees for EarlyBird check-in, Upgraded Boarding
Southwest cabin service change
Though not noticeable to customers’ wallets, another change announced in 2024 was the duration of its cabin service.
Since December, cabin service has ended earlier on flights, meaning passengers are required to do the usual pre-landing procedures earlier than before.
READ MORE: Southwest making a change to cabin service
Southwest layoffs
Meanwhile:
Last month, Southwest said it was eliminating 1,750 jobs, or 15% of its corporate workforce, in the first major layoffs in the company's 53-year history.
What they're saying:
The job cuts, which are scheduled to be mostly completed by the end of June, are part of a plan by the airline to slash costs and transform the company into a "leaner, faster, and more agile organization," Southwest CEO Bob Jordan said in a statement.
The Source: This story was written based on an announcement shared on March 11, 2025, by Southwest Airlines regarding "changes to drive revenue growth and reward its most loyal customers," and from previous FOX Television Station reportings on Southwest Airlines that used information from press releases. This story was reported from Detroit.