Southwest Airlines, aiming to boost revenue and align with industry practices, will begin charging for checked bags on flights booked after May 28th. They’re also introducing a new, lower-cost basic fare tier on the same date.

While loyalty program members and certain credit card holders will retain some free bag privileges, most passengers will now pay. This change mirrors policies of other major airlines. Additionally, Southwest is expanding its fare options, including premium seating and assigned seats, to attract a wider customer base and improve profitability