Passengers at Baltimore/Washington Thurgood Marshall Airport are feeling the impact of a big change from Southwest Airlines. Many travelers chose Southwest because of its generous “two bags fly free” policy, but now that will be limited.
Starting May 28, only Southwest’s elite Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred members and those who buy Business Select fares will get to check two bags for free. Other frequent flyers can check one bag for free, but everyone else will have to pay for their first and second checked bags on flights booked after this date.
“We really liked being able to check two bags for free,” said Brandi Bare, a frequent Southwest flyer. “It was a big part of our choice.” With this policy change right before the summer travel season, many are wondering how this will affect their travel plans.
Some travelers, like Charity Williams, are voicing concerns. “If you keep adding fees without improving the experience, it feels like a lose-lose,” she said. Many people are left questioning what else Southwest might change in the future.
In addition to the baggage policy, Southwest recently announced it will stop its open-seating system starting in 2026. This was another feature that set the airline apart from its competitors. CEO Bob Jordan once said that free bags were a major draw for passengers, but now he admits that nothing may stay the same forever. “Consumer preferences change,” he noted.
Students traveling for school breaks are also affected. Awa Ndiaye, a law student at Penn State, has relied on the free baggage policy to make trips home easier. “It’s frustrating because I chose Southwest to avoid extra fees,” she shared. Williams added that parents appreciate the convenience of flying with Southwest, knowing their kids can check bags without worry.
On a brighter note, A-List Preferred members like Abby Bruns still enjoy the free baggage perk, which brings some comfort to frequent travelers. John Godbold, also an A-List member, thinks the new assigned seating might attract new passengers to Southwest. “People will see the assigned seats and consider flying with Southwest for the first time,” he said.
As travelers adjust to these changes, the future of flying with Southwest might look a bit different. Only time will tell how these changes will shape the overall travel experience.
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