DALLAS- Southwest Airlines (WN) has shifted from its iconic “Bags Fly Free” policy, sparking passenger frustration with new gate-checking practices at airports like Dallas Love Field (DAL).
This article explores how Southwest’s baggage policy changes, effective May 28, 2025, have led to increased carry-on confiscation and customer dissatisfaction.
Photo: Tim | FlickrSouthwest New Baggage Policy Change
Southwest Airlines (WN) built a loyal following by offering two free checked bags, open seating, and an efficient boarding experience. These features made the airline stand out, especially for passengers tired of baggage fees and rigid policies at legacy carriers. But that differentiation is eroding.
Southwest Airlines has ended this policy for most travelers on May 28, 2025, aligning with competitors like American Airlines (AA) and United Airlines (UA).
Passengers now face fees of $35 for the first checked bag and $45 for the second on Basic, Wanna Get Away Plus®, and Anytime fares booked on or after this date.
This shift has driven more travelers to bring carry-on luggage aboard, overwhelming cabin storage at airports such as Chicago Midway (MDW) and Los Angeles (LAX).
According to View From The Wing, this has led to a surge in gate-checking, where passengers are forced to check carry-ons even when overhead bin space remains available.
This change is not based on actual storage limits but on a preemptive strategy to avoid delays caused by last-minute bag checks.
This growing frustration undermines one of the core reasons many travelers chose Southwest in the first place: a stress-free experience.
Photo: By Tomás Del Coro from Las Vegas, Nevada, USA – N793SA Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-7H4 Serial Number 27888, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=71324128Operational Efficiency
Southwest is focused on reducing turnaround time between flights, a metric that directly impacts profitability.
With more travelers opting to bring larger personal items or full-sized carry-ons into the cabin, the boarding process has slowed.
By collecting bags early, regardless of whether they’ll fit, they aim to streamline boarding and protect on-time performance.
However, this move sacrifices customer satisfaction. Passengers whose bags are taken are forced to wait at baggage claim upon arrival, even when their carry-ons could have fit on board.
Unlike Delta Air Lines (DL) and Alaska Airlines (AS), which offer 20-minute baggage guarantees, Southwest’s luggage delivery can be slower, further aggravating the inconvenience.
Photo: By Eric Salard – N559WN LAX, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=44649799Declining Differentiation
Southwest’s strategy increasingly mirrors that of its less-successful rivals. The airline lacks premium features like first class, airport lounges, or international long-haul service.
It also offers limited in-flight amenities, no seatback screens, basic Wi-Fi, and no aspirational travel options for frequent flyers using Rapid Rewards points.
As a result, Southwest’s value proposition is shrinking. With policies like premature gate-checking of carry-ons, it’s becoming less about customer service and more about operational logistics.
This approach may help short-term performance metrics, but it risks long-term brand loyalty.
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The post Southwest Airlines’ New Baggage Policy Change Sparks Outrage appeared first on Aviation A2Z.
