BOCA RATON, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) (Copyright © 2025 MetroDesk Media, LLC) — Southwest Airlines famously advertised no fees, ever. It turns out “ever” comes to an end today, as the airline starts charging bag fees on Wednesday, May 28th. Southwest has major operations at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and Palm Beach International Airport.
While top-tier members of its loyalty program — A-List and A-List Preferred — will largely remain fee-free, travelers planning trips that start on May 28th or later, and buying low-fare tickets, will pay $35 for the first checked bag and $45 for each additional.
Southwest’s “open seating” policy is also coming to an end. The airline will soon start assigning seats, with the opportunity to pay for seats with more legroom. Assigned seats will start by the beginning of 2026.
The official Southwest Airlines fee chart is above. As is the case with most airlines, the more you pay for the ticket, the less you pay in fees. Business Select (to become Choice Extra) fares tend to be fee-free. “Wanna Save” fares (soon to be “basic”) will be fee-heavy for extra services.
