Southwest Airlines Ends Free Checked Bags, Faces Backlash as Customers Revolt

Frequent flyers were quick to react, with one A-List Preferred customer holding over one million rewards points expressing their frustration:

Following the backlash, Southwest attempted damage control with a lighthearted Instagram post, but instead of easing tensions, it fueled further criticism. Many questioned why the airline was making itself indistinguishable from competitors like American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines, all of which charge for checked baggage.

The U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) reports that baggage fees have become a major revenue source for airlines, with U.S. carriers collecting over $6.8 billion from baggage fees in 2023. Southwest had long marketed itself as a customer-first airline, but this shift signals a new focus on revenue over passenger satisfaction.

With Southwest eliminating free checked bags and Amtrak facing criticism over pricing and travel times, travelers are left with fewer budget-friendly options. This shift underscores a larger trend in the transportation industry where passenger perks are being reduced in favor of revenue-driven policies.