Southwest Airlines will soon implement fees for checked bags, ending a perk travelers have enjoyed for more than 50 years.
The air carrier announced on Tuesday it will start charging flyers’ first and second checked bags beginning on May 28, 2025.
Members of the company’s A-List loyalty program or those traveling on a business fair will be exempt from the fees.
The change comes as the leadership for the company has changed as well as pushes to boost profitability for the carrier.
The Dallas based airline began offering the “Bags Fly Free” benefit since its founding in 1971.
Last summer, the carrier dropped its open boarding system.
The changes come as Southwest is under pressure from Elliott Investment Management.
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