Southwest Airlines will start charging for checked bags

(CNN)– Southwest Airlines’ long-time slogan of the first two bags “fly free” will soon expire.

Starting with bookings made on Wednesday, May 27, the carrier will charge passengers for checked luggage.

One piece will cost $35 with a charge of $45 for a second suitcase.

Southwest passengers didn’t pay for two checked bags in 2024, but the Department of Transportation said the airline still earned $83 million in baggage fees due to heavy packers who needed at least three pieces of luggage.