Southwest Airlines will begin charging for checked bags starting Wednesday, ending its decades-long policy of free baggage. This change, driven by revenue pressures and mirroring industry trends, follows other recent alterations to Southwest's business model, including the introduction of basic economy tickets and assigned seating. While the exact baggage fee remains unannounced, it's expected to be comparable to competitors' charges of roughly $35-$40 per bag. This marks a significant shift for the airline, known for its generous baggage allowance.

Prepared by Christopher Adams and reviewed by editorial team.