Following close behind some of its biggest competitors, Southwest said Tuesday that it will raise fees for checked bags.
“As part of an ongoing analysis of the business and against the evolving global backdrop, Southwest Airlines is increasing its fees on first and second checked bags by $10, effective on all reservations ticketed or voluntarily changed on or after April 9, 2026,” the carrier said in a statement.
The price of a single checked bag will increase from $35 to $45, while the price of a second bag will go up from $45 to $55.
Southwest A-List Preferred and Choice Extra customers will continue to get two free bags, and A-List and Rapid Rewards credit card members will continue to get their first checked bag free. There are no changes to active-duty military checked bag benefits, officials said.
Customers who purchased tickets prior to Thursday will not be affected by the price hike unless they voluntarily change their booking.
Airlines around the world are raising ticket prices and tacking on fees and surcharges in an attempt to at least partially offset the recent surge in jet fuel prices. In the U.S., United, Delta, and JetBlue have raised checked bag fees, with each blaming global economic trends and industry pressures.
According to the International Air Transport Association, the price of jet fuel globally has nearly doubled since the start of the conflict in Iran in late February.
