Your trip to Walt Disney World may have just gotten more expensive.
Credit: Disney
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Starting May 28, 2025, Southwest Airlines will implement a new policy that will bring about significant changes for its passengers. This policy shift stipulates that passengers who are not part of the Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred program will incur fees for both their first and second checked bags. This new approach contrasts sharply with the airline’s long-standing practice of allowing two free checked bags per passenger, a perk that has been a favorite among travelers.
The implications of this policy change are particularly notable for frequent flyers, especially those who often travel with family or large amounts of luggage. For many years, Southwest has prided itself on providing some of the most traveler-friendly policies in the industry. This shift may prompt travelers to reevaluate their luggage strategies and consider potentially costly implications ahead of their journeys.
While the specific fees for checked bags have yet to be disclosed, travel analysts anticipate that these charges will be consistent with those of competing airlines, which typically charge around $35 for the first checked bag. This fee may significantly increase the overall cost of travel for many passengers, especially in a time when they are already grappling with rising costs associated with travel accommodations, theme park tickets, and other vacation expenses.
The compounded financial pressure can be particularly burdensome for families traveling to destinations like Walt Disney World, where budgets can already be stretched thin. Given the added costs of dining, accommodations, and park tickets, this adjustment by Southwest Airlines is likely to make a vacation experience more expensive, especially when considering the totality of the trip.
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With the onset of these new fees, passengers can take proactive measures to mitigate costs. One effective strategy is to leverage the benefits of Southwest’s Rapid Rewards program. Joining this program, especially as Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred, can help travelers avoid checked bag fees altogether, providing a significant advantage for frequent travelers.
Moreover, travelers can minimize checked bag fees by weighing their luggage before heading to the airport and ensuring they comply with Southwest’s carry-on limits, which allows for one free carry-on bag, plus a personal item that fits under the seat. Packing efficiently and sharing luggage between family members can also help reduce the need for multiple checked bags.
For those who are looking for alternatives, many airlines offer promotions or packages that include free checked baggage. Pricing out multiple flight options may ultimately lead to cost savings, making it worthwhile to consider other carriers for those who don’t frequent Southwest Airlines.
