Southwest Airlines Ends Free Bags: What Hawaii Travelers Need to Know

Southwest Airlines Ends Free Bags: What Hawaii Travelers Need to Know​

Southwest Airlines is implementing significant changes to its baggage policy, affecting travelers, including those from Hawaii. Here's a concise summary:​

• End of Free Checked Bags: Starting May 28, 2025, Southwest will discontinue its longstanding policy of allowing two free checked bags for all passengers. ​

• New Baggage Fees:

  • Standard Passengers: All customers without specific status or fare will incur fees for checked baggage.

  • A-List Members & Credit Card Holders: One free checked bag.​

  • A-List Preferred Members & Business Select Fares: Two free checked bags. ​

• Introduction of Basic Economy Fare: A new basic fare class will be introduced, offering assigned seating and extra-legroom options. ​

• Assigned Seating Implementation: Southwest plans to transition from its open seating policy to assigned seating by early 2026. ​

• Financial Context: These changes aim to boost profitability amid pressures from activist investors and recent financial challenges.

For Hawaii travelers accustomed to Southwest's free baggage allowance, these updates may influence future travel plans and budgeting.

Did the Alaska buyout of Hawaiian Airlines force Southwest to change it’s policies?

​Southwest Airlines' decision to end its free checked bags policy is primarily driven by a strategic shift to increase revenue and align with industry standards, rather than a direct result of its competitive dynamics with Hawaiian Airlines. While Southwest's entry into the Hawaiian market with aggressive pricing did pressure Hawaiian Airlines financially, leading to Hawaiian's eventual merger with Alaska Airlines, Southwest's policy change is more closely associated with internal restructuring and investor pressures.

Notably, Elliott Investment Management acquired an 11% stake in Southwest, advocating for enhanced profitability measures, which influenced the airline to revise its baggage policies. Therefore, the end of the free checked bags policy is part of broader efforts to boost revenue and meet investor expectations, rather than a direct consequence of competition with Hawaiian Airlines