Southwest Airlines, the last major U.S. carrier still waving the flag for free checked bags, is letting go of its most famous perk. After decades of standing firm while competitors nickel-and-dimed travelers, Southwest has finally caved.

Starting May 28, checking a bag on Southwest will cost you—unless you’re in the airline’s top-tier Business Select fare or an A-List Preferred member. This is a massive shift, and it’s not the only one. Southwest is unraveling some of the very things that made it unique. No more open seating, a new restrictive Basic Economy tier, and changes to its loyalty program—this isn’t the same airline many customers swore by for years.

So, what exactly is changing? And should you start looking at other airlines?

The Death of "Two Bags Fly Free"

For years, Southwest Airlines’ checked bag policy was simple: two free checked bags for every passenger. No exceptions. No fine print. Just drop them off and go. That ends in May.

Now, only those booking Business Select fares or with A-List Preferred status will keep the two-bag privilege. A-List members and Southwest credit card holders get one free checked bag. Everyone else? Time to cough up some cash.

The airline hasn’t yet disclosed how much it’ll cost, but industry trends suggest at least $35 per bag—possibly more.

That’s a tough pill to swallow for loyal Southwest travelers who stuck with the airline because of the simple, transparent pricing. No bag fees meant no last-minute surprises at check-in. But now, Southwest has officially joined the club of airlines looking to squeeze every possible dollar from customers.

Carry-On Rules Stay the Same (For Now)

If you’re thinking, “Fine, I’ll just stick to carry-ons,” here’s some good news: Southwest’s carry-on policy isn’t changing—yet.

You’re still allowed:

• One full-size carry-on bag (10 x 16 x 24 inches), which must fit in the overhead bin.

• One personal item that can go under the seat in front of you (think backpacks, purses, laptop bags).

Even the airline’s new Basic Economy tickets, which we’ll get into next, won’t strip passengers of their right to a carry-on bag. That’s a rare exception in an industry where the cheapest fares often mean no overhead bin space.

Open Seating is Out. Assigned Seats Are In.

For years, Southwest’s open seating policy meant that boarding order was everything. Early check-in? You get your pick of the best seats. Forget to check in? Enjoy the dreaded middle seat.

That’s changing. By early 2026, Southwest will switch to assigned seating, eliminating the free-for-all that’s defined its boarding process for decades.

This move is, in part, to accommodate the introduction of premium seating options, though details are still vague. The airline says it wants to generate more revenue, which likely means charging extra for front-row or extra-legroom seats.

The result? Boarding times might actually get longer, as passengers adjust to the new system. And those who loved the flexibility of picking seats on the spot? That freedom is vanishing.

Say Hello to Basic Economy—With All the Downsides

If you thought Southwest was different from other airlines, think again. The introduction of Basic Economy fares marks another step toward the airline blending in with its competitors.

Here’s what Basic fare customers lose:

• No free checked bags (obviously).

• No free ticket changes or cancellations—whatever you book is what you get.

• No early boarding perks—expect to be last in line.

For an airline that once prided itself on being hassle-free, this feels like a sharp departure from its old values. Basic Economy makes Southwest just another airline, stripping away the simplicity that drew so many travelers in the first place.

Loyalty Program Overhaul—Because Why Not?

If all of this wasn’t enough, Southwest is also tweaking its Rapid Rewards loyalty program—in ways that will likely frustrate longtime members.

• More points are needed to earn free flights.

• Status levels are harder to reach.

• Credit card bonuses have been reduced.

For anyone who’s spent years racking up points and booking Southwest specifically for its rewards program, this is just another reason to reconsider their loyalty.

Why Is Southwest Doing This?

Officially, these changes are part of a three-year plan called "Southwest. Even Better." The airline says it's about staying profitable and attracting new customer segments.

In reality, it’s clear Southwest is trying to plug financial holes while shifting toward the same model used by Delta, United, and American. The problem? Southwest isn’t Delta, United, or American—it built its brand on being different. Now, with baggage fees, assigned seating, and restrictive fare classes, it risks losing the very identity that kept customers loyal for so long.

Should You Still Fly Southwest?

That depends.

If you fly Southwest because of its loyalty perks, free checked bags, or open seating, you’re in for some major disappointments. These changes might make other airlines more attractive, especially since carriers like JetBlue and Alaska still offer some perks without as many drastic cutbacks.

But if you don’t mind the new baggage fees and Basic Economy restrictions, and Southwest still offers the best route for your needs, it might still be a good option—for now.

The real question is whether customers will accept these changes or if they’ll abandon Southwest in favor of airlines that at least have first-class cabins, international reach, and more luxury options.

Southwest has always marketed itself as the "friendly, no-nonsense airline." Now, it’s just another company charging you for a suitcase. Will customers stick around, or will they move on?

We’ll see soon enough.