Southwest shifts baggage rules
Southwest is moving away from its old model as part of a commercial reset — the airline plans about $1 billion in spending this year on assigned seating, new bag fees and cabin upgrades as it chases higher per‑passenger revenue. (thetravel.com) At the same time, Southwest will launch a limited ‘Sip and Ship’ perk starting April 24, 2026 that lets passengers departing select West Coast locations check one case of wine (up to 12 bottles) at no extra cost, while industry baggage fees are rising amid sharply higher jet‑fuel prices. ( )
Southwest has raised checked-bag fees again, days before it starts a limited wine-shipping freebie on April 24. (southwest.com) For U.S. mainland trips booked and ticketed before April 9, 2026, Southwest listed a $35 fee for a first checked bag and $45 for a second. For bookings changed or ticketed on or after April 9, the airline lists $45 for the first bag and $55 for the second. (southwest.com) The airline still waives those charges for some customers. Choice Extra fares include two free checked bags, while A-List Preferred members get two free bags, A-List members get one free bag, and Rapid Rewards credit cardholders get one free bag if their account number is attached at booking. (southwest.com) That is a sharp break from the policy that made “bags fly free” part of Southwest’s identity for years. In its January 28 earnings release, Southwest said its 2025 overhaul included bag fees, basic economy fares, assigned seating, extra-legroom seating, loyalty-program changes, distribution expansion and free Wi‑Fi for loyalty members. (southwestairlinesinvestorrelations.com) Assigned seating is already live for travel from January 27, 2026 forward. Southwest now sells four fare bundles — Basic, Choice, Choice Preferred and Choice Extra — and ties seat selection, boarding priority and bag benefits to the fare a customer buys. (southwest.com) The cabin itself changed with the pricing model. Southwest says Extra Legroom seats offer up to five additional inches of pitch on some aircraft, Preferred seats sit near the front, and Standard seats are generally in the back. (southwest.com) The wine exception starts April 24 and is tied to Southwest’s new Santa Rosa, California service. In an April 7 release, the airline said customers departing select West Coast locations will be able to check one case of wine at no extra charge if it is packed in a standard wine shipping box or wine suitcase that meets checked-bag rules. (southwestairlinesinvestorrelations.com) Southwest launched Santa Rosa service on April 7 with nonstop flights to San Diego, Las Vegas, Denver and Burbank. The airline said the Sip and Ship promotion was meant to support its expansion into Sonoma County wine country. (southwestairlinesinvestorrelations.com) The fee increase also lands as fuel costs jump across the industry. Texas Public Radio reported on April 16 that jet-fuel prices had roughly doubled since the start of the war in Iran, pushing airlines to raise fares, add surcharges and boost baggage fees. (tpr.org) Southwest’s next public update is scheduled for April 23, when the company plans to discuss first-quarter 2026 financial results. By then, the airline will have both higher bag fees and its new West Coast wine perk in the market at the same time. (southwestairlinesinvestorrelations.com)
