India, May 27 -- Southwest Airlines is bringing a major shift to its long-standing customer-friendly policy. Starting Wednesday, the airline will begin charging passengers for checked luggage, ending its iconic "two bags fly free" offer that has been a hallmark of the brand for over five decades.
Under the new policy, customers will pay $35 for the first checked bag and $45 for the second on tickets booked from May 29 onward. The change applies to Basic, Wanna Get Away Plus, and Anytime fares.
The move aligns Southwest with competitors like Delta, United, and American Airlines, and comes amid growing pressure from activist investor Elliott Investment Management, which recently gained significant influence over the airline's board.
While ...