Sida Loo Dhimo Biilka Southwest
The era of Southwest Airlines free checked bags is officially over. With first bag fees now at $45 and second bags at $55, savvy travelers need new strategies to keep their Southwest costs under control. Bill Savior explains how to cut your Southwest bill by up to 50%.
Southwest Airlines shocked loyal customers in May 2025 when it ended the Bags Fly Free policy that had defined the carrier for five decades, and then raised those fees again in April 2026. While the airline still offers one free carry-on bag on every fare, the days of free checked luggage are gone. That means travelers who fly Southwest regularly need to rethink how they pack, what they book, and how they manage their total travel budget.