Southwest Airlines Hikes Baggage Fees Amid Higher Jet Fuel Costs

The airline is raising checked bag fees by $10, less than a year after ending its 'bags fly free' perk.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 11:18pm

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A high-end, photorealistic studio still-life photograph featuring a single, polished metal luggage tag resting on a clean, monochromatic background. The tag is lit dramatically with sharp shadows, conceptually representing the financial pressures facing airlines due to rising fuel costs.The end of Southwest's iconic 'bags fly free' policy reflects the airline industry's struggle to offset surging fuel costs.Chicago Today

Southwest Airlines is raising checked baggage fees by $10, less than a year after ending its decades-old policy of allowing passengers to check two bags for free. The move comes as jet fuel costs have jumped since the start of the Iran war, pushing up prices for airlines.

Why it matters

Southwest's 'bags fly free' policy was a key differentiator for the airline, and ending that perk marked a major shift. The fee hike is part of a broader trend across the U.S. airline industry as carriers respond to higher jet fuel costs stemming from the conflict in the Middle East.

The details

Customers checking one bag will now pay $45, while a second bag will cost $55. Some travelers will still receive a free first checked bag, including certain loyalty-tier members, eligible co-branded credit card holders and active-duty military members. Southwest said the move was 'as part of an ongoing analysis of the business and against the evolving global backdrop'.

  • In May 2025, Southwest ended its decades-old policy of allowing passengers to check two bags for free.
  • On Wednesday, Delta Air Lines' higher baggage fees took effect.
  • Last week, JetBlue and United Airlines also raised their bag fees.

The players

Southwest Airlines

A major U.S. airline known for its 'bags fly free' policy, which it ended in 2025.

Donald Trump

The former U.S. president who announced a two-week ceasefire with Iran just before a deadline he had set for Tehran to open the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran

The country that closed the Strait of Hormuz again on Wednesday in response to Israeli attacks, casting doubt on whether the fragile ceasefire will hold.

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What’s next

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East and its impact on global oil and jet fuel prices will continue to be a key factor in how airlines adjust their fees and policies in the coming months.

The takeaway

Southwest's decision to hike baggage fees, less than a year after ending its signature 'bags fly free' perk, underscores the financial pressures airlines are facing due to soaring jet fuel costs stemming from the Iran war. This fee increase is part of a broader industry trend as carriers look to offset rising fuel expenses.