Southwest Airlines Ending Longtime Nationwide Free Checked Bag Policy

For as long as I can remember, Southwest has been known for its nationwide bag-checking policy. Officials have announced that this longtime perk of flying with the popular carrier will be changing.

For decades, travelers have taken advantage of checking up to two bags for free while flying Southwest Airlines. This was definitely a nice incentive for folks when comparing commercial flights. If you live in Kentucky and Southern Indiana, chances are you've flown Southwest out of Louisville or Nashville. After May 28th of this year, unless you meet certain qualifications, you'll be paying for any bags you check.

According to the Associated Press, "Southwest said Tuesday that it would continue to offer two free checked bags to Rapid Rewards A-List preferred members and customers traveling on Business Select fares, and one free checked bag to A-List members and other select customers. Passengers with Rapid Rewards credit cards will receive a credit for one checked bag."

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The "bags fly free" policy has been in place for 54 years now, so I know this is a huge shake-up for those who travel a lot but not enough to be an A-Lister or use Business Select. Southwest did also mention that they will be introducing a new basic fare on the lowest priced tickets.

No word yet on how much the checked bag fee will be once the new policy goes into effect on May 28th. We only know that it will be "comparable" to other airlines. Do you fly Southwest? Will this new change sway your loyalty or are you still Team Southwest?

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