Southwest Airlines raises checked bag fees amid rising jet fuel costs

DALLAS — Southwest Airlines is raising its checked bag fees by $10 as the carrier faces higher jet fuel costs.

The increase takes effect for all tickets booked or voluntarily changed on or after April 9, 2026. Passengers will now pay $45 for the first checked bag and $55 for the second checked bag. The fee for a third checked bag remains $150.

The move comes less than a year after Southwest ended its long-standing “bags fly free” policy in May 2025. That policy had set the Dallas-based airline apart from competitors for more than 50 years. Southwest says the new fees are part of an ongoing review of the business and the evolving global backdrop. Industry-wide fuel prices have climbed sharply in recent months.

The higher charges apply to Basic, Choice and Choice Preferred fares. A-List Preferred members, Choice Extra and Business Select customers, and qualifying Rapid Rewards credit card holders will continue to receive one or two free checked bags, depending on their status.

Existing reservations made before April 9 are not affected. The airline recommends customers review their specific itineraries online or through the Southwest app.

The change is expected to add costs for families, leisure travelers and business passengers flying out of Dallas Love Field, Southwest’s largest hub. Thousands of passengers use the carrier daily from the DFW area and other cities nationwide. No injuries or other incidents are connected to the policy update.

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