Southwest Airlines is ending its long-standing free checked baggage policy, a move that could affect many San José State students who rely on the airline for affordable travel.
Starting on May 28, Southwest will begin charging its passengers for checked bags, though the exact pricing has not yet been announced.
The airline, which previously allowed all passengers two free checked bags, will now offer limited exemptions for tier members and Rapid Rewards credit cardholders, according to a March 11 Southwest press release.
The airline’s new baggage policy has faced backlash for introducing charges that undermine its unique advantage over other airlines.
Many SJSU students, who frequently fly home for holidays and breaks, are now reconsidering their airline options for their next travel plans.
Yahir Moreno, a fourth-year business administration student, frequently flies with Southwest on his trips home but now is questioning his loyalty.
“Their decision to remove free checked bags has changed my plans to continue flying with them,” Moreno said. “As a student who flies to (Los Angeles) home often, flying back and forth could get expensive but Southwest always had the deals that made it easier.”
The new bag policy allows some passengers to continue checking bags for free but only if they meet the criteria.
Students who are not frequent fliers or credit card holders have additional costs on top of tickets, travel and necessities.
Southwest has long marketed itself as a major U.S. airline offering affordable options including free checked bags or free seating since its beginning, according to Southwest’s webpage.
With this policy change, Southwest fares start to resemble other airlines charging for checked bags, potentially pushing students to seek better deals elsewhere.
The Spartan Daily made several attempts to receive a comment from Southwest Airlines but was referred to the March 11 press release.
Its attempt to reassure customers was limited to an Instagram post on March 13, which offered little new information or justification for the change.
“We’ve made updates to our bag policy and you’re still going to love flying with us,” according to Southwest’s Instagram post.
Araiz Chavez, a fourth-year political science student, has been traveling internationally since her time studying abroad and carefully chooses flights based on cost.
“I love to travel internationally whenever I can and saving money is really important when picking flights,” Chavez said. “Losing the free checked bags makes them (Southwest) less appealing because baggage fees can add up fast especially on longer flights.”
This recent change has brought the debate over the necessity of baggage fees and the challenges airlines face in managing rising operational costs.
Some travelers understand the need for adjustments, while others feel the change makes flying less accessible for budget-conscious passengers.
“I understand that Southwest has to make changes to keep up with costs,” Chavez said. “It’s just disappointing to lose the ability to have free bags from them.”
According to Southwest’s webpage, the previous policy allowed passengers without a credit card to check two bags for free on any type of flight.
“I don’t think it’s fair, especially as a loyal flyer, you start to build a relationship when you’re actively flying with the same airline and this change feels like a slap on the hand,” Moreno said.
Students often have fewer travel options and their relationship with an airline plays a crucial role in shaping their travel decisions.
‘With tight budgets and limited travel opportunities outside of busy holidays, students rely heavily on their relationship with an airline when traveling.
Jay Conway, a fourth-year management information systems student, often relied on Southwest for affordable travel but confirms this change will also impact how he chooses flights.
“The first place I usually look for flights is Southwest but now I’ll just be looking for whatever airline has the cheapest flight,” Conway said. “But if Southwest was still the best choice, I would still fly with them.”
Travel often comes with hidden costs, from fees and accommodations to taxes and small purchases that quickly add up.
Southwest has not disclosed the exact fee structure, however, costs to check a bag in 2025 from any airline can range from $30 to $100, according to a March 12 article from Business Insider.
This doesn’t include the costs associated with overweight baggage which can add $50 to $200 charge to have your luggage according to the same article.
Conway expressed frustration over airlines charging for services that were once offered without payment previously.
“I think it’s unfair for airlines to be charging for things they used to include,” he said. “They know they can get away with it because customers don’t have any other options.”
For now, travelers who book or change their reservations before May 28 will still be able to check two bags for free, according to
After that, SJSU students and other flyers will need to adjust to the additional costs on future Southwest flights.
“I understand that airlines have to make their money but if they were more upfront and less secretive about it I think I would’ve been left with such a bad taste,” Moreno said.
