If you’re planning to jet off to or from Florida with Southwest Airlines this summer, heads up—your wallet might feel a little lighter.
The airline, famous for its “Bags Fly Free” vibe, announced today that they are ditching that perk along with some other big changes starting May 28, 2025. Yep, you’ll soon have to pay to check your bags, just like with most other airlines. In fact, the change will throw the once low-cost carrier straight into the category of just like everybody else. Southwest Airlines held the title of Orlando’s biggest airline by passenger count last year, with 12.5 million passengers, or more than one in five that passed through Central Florida’s hub…and it’s the same in Tampa, and Fort Myers.
The once revered carrier, founded by Herb Kelleher and Rollin King took flight from Dallas Love Field in 1971. The airline became known for doing everything right keeping costs down while providing an outstanding customer experience at a discount price no one else could touch. Everyone wanted to fly Southwest, and everybody in the airline industry wanted to work there. As much as an airline could be, Southwest was perfect.
Kelleher was larger than life, the classic Texan. He remained at the helm of Southwest and retired as Southwest’s chief executive in 2001, stepping down as board chairman in 2008. It wasn’t long after that Southwest began to lose it’s luster. Several ill advised strategies, along with changes in the airline industry began creating financial setbacks for the airline. The beloved corporate culture embodied by Kelleher himself was gone, and the airline began to feel the labor troubles that all airlines did. Elliott Investment Management, an activist hedge fund, capitalized on Southwest’s vulnerabilities by acquiring more than 10% of the company’s shares, advocating for leadership and operational changes to improve profitability. And here we are.
Southwest hasn’t spilled the beans on exact fees yet, but word on the street is they’ll be in the ballpark of $35 for the first bag and $45 for the second—pretty standard stuff compared to American, Delta, and United, who’ve been charging similar rates for a while now. If you’re a top-tier loyalty member (think A-List Preferred) or splurging on a Business Select ticket, you’re in luck—two free checked bags are still yours. A-List folks and Southwest credit card holders might snag one free bag, but everyone else? Time to pony up.
Whether you are dreaming of Orlando’s theme parks, Miami’s beaches, or your favorite Florida cruise port, this could mean extra costs if you’re booking after late May. Picture this: a family of four with two bags each could tack on $70 to $90 per person to their trip. Ouch. But if you lock in your tickets before May 28, you can still ride the free-bag wave—something to think about when planning that summer getaway.
How does this stack up? Well, American and Delta are already at $35 and $45, and United is right there too (though they’ll hit you with $40 and $50 if you pay at the airport). Southwest’s basically joining the club, which might bum out fans who loved their old-school, no-fee charm.
So, what’s the play? Your best bet is to book before May 28th. If you can’t do that, consider packing light and stick to carry-ons—Southwest still lets you bring one bag and a personal item for free. Or check your Rapid Rewards status; those perks could save you. Maybe even grab a Chase Southwest credit card for that one free bag. Worst case, shop around—other airlines might have deals that fit your suitcase situation better. Either way, keep an eye on Southwest’s site for the final fee details as summer nears!
See also: Things To Do And See In Florida
