Southwest Hikes Baggage Fees Amid Surging Fuel Costs

The airline ends its 'bags fly free' policy less than a year after reinstating it.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 6:20pm

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A minimalist studio still life photograph featuring a stack of airline boarding passes, luggage tags, and a metal luggage scale on a clean white background, conceptually representing the financial challenges facing the aviation industry.As airlines grapple with soaring fuel costs, the return of checked baggage fees signals an industry-wide shift away from consumer-friendly policies.Chicago Today

Southwest Airlines is raising checked baggage fees by $10, less than a year after ending its decades-old 'bags fly free' policy. The move comes as jet fuel costs have jumped since the start of the Iran war, with the average price for a gallon reaching $4.81 in major U.S. hubs. Southwest joins other major U.S. carriers like Delta, JetBlue, and United in increasing baggage fees in response to the soaring fuel prices.

Why it matters

Southwest's 'bags fly free' policy had long been a key differentiator for the airline, but the decision to end it reflects the financial pressures airlines are facing due to the Iran war's impact on global oil supplies and jet fuel costs. This change aligns Southwest more closely with its competitors and could impact consumer behavior and loyalty.

The details

Starting on Thursday, Southwest customers checking one bag will pay $45, up from $35, while a second bag will now 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 made 'as part of an ongoing analysis of the business and against the evolving global backdrop'.

  • On 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 based in Dallas, Texas, known for its low fares and 'bags fly free' policy until recently.

Delta Air Lines

One of the largest U.S. airlines, which has also increased baggage fees in response to rising fuel costs.

JetBlue

A U.S. low-cost carrier that has raised its baggage fees alongside the industry trend.

United Airlines

A major U.S. airline that has increased its checked bag fees in recent weeks.

Argus Media

An energy market intelligence company that tracks average jet fuel prices across major U.S. hubs.

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What they’re saying

“The move was made 'as part of an ongoing analysis of the business and against the evolving global backdrop'.”

— Southwest Airlines

What’s next

The fragile ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran remains uncertain, with Iran closing the Strait of Hormuz again on Wednesday in response to Israeli attacks. This could lead to further volatility in oil and jet fuel prices, potentially prompting additional fee hikes from airlines.

The takeaway

The end of Southwest's iconic 'bags fly free' policy and the industry-wide baggage fee increases highlight the financial pressures airlines are facing due to the Iran war's impact on global energy markets. Consumers may need to adjust their travel plans and loyalty to airlines as these cost increases get passed on.