Southwest Airlines' free checked baggage policy ends today. Passengers without elite status, business class tickets, or the airline's credit card will now pay for checked bags, a change projected to generate $1.5 billion annually but potentially costing $1.8 billion in lost business. This is one of several recent changes, including new basic fares, mandatory visible portable chargers, assigned seating starting next year, and recent layoffs, all aimed at boosting profits under pressure from activist investors.

Prepared by Christopher Adams and reviewed by editorial team.