Southwest Airlines makes major change in key perk
Rumors that the airline would come for the perk have been swirling since mid-2024.
Since Southwest Airlines (LUV) launched out of San Antonio in 1966, two key features differentiating it from competitors: open seating and two free checked bags up to 50 pounds each for every passenger, regardless of fare class.
Even as other airlines cracked down on weight limits and raised the costs of checking bags on shorter flights, Southwest used this generous policy to build out a loyal customer base. "Two bags fly free" is formally a registered trademark with the airline.
