END OF AN ERA

Southwest Airlines Reveals Price of New Fee for Checked Bags

The airline’s long-running “bags fly free” policy is coming to an end.

Southwest Airlines has unveiled the new fees that passengers will have to pay to check bags when its long-running “bags fly free” policy comes to an end. As of Wednesday, the airline will charge customers $35 for one checked bag and $45 for a second. Exceptions will be made for passengers with elite status, users of the airline’s credit card, and top-tier fares, who will continue to be allocated two free bags, the Wall Street Journal reports. The new fees, which align with similar practices by rival airlines, mark a departure from Southwest’s customer-friendly policy as the Dallas-based carrier seeks to revamp its business model in order to generate more revenue. CFO Tom Doxey noted the airline had become misaligned with the rest of the industry, and that the amount of features bundled into its bare-bones options meant there was little reason for customers to spend more on improved tickets. Customers who purchased tickets before May 28 will still be able to check their bags in for free unless they modify their flights, the airline confirmed. Southwest also announced a new basic-economy fare, replacing its cheapest Wanna Get Away option. These non-refundable tickets prohibit changes, offer no seat selection, and assign back-of-plane seating upon check-in.