If Southwest Airlines has been your go-to for wallet-friendly flights, you might want to sit down for this one. The airline that’s been chanting “Bags Fly Free” for decades is switching it up. Starting May 28, 2025, Southwest will charge for checked bags for most passengers—no more tossing two suitcases in for free unless you’re an elite flyer or splurging on a premium fare. Carry-ons? Still free, thank goodness. But for cruise fans who love Southwest for getting to port cities on the cheap, this shift could mess with your packing strategy. Let’s dive into what’s changing and how it might hit your next sailing adventure.
The Scoop: What’s Changing at Southwest?
Southwest built its rep on no-fee perks—two free checked bags, a carry-on, and a personal item, all included. But as of late May, that’s history for most of us. Unless you’re an A-List Preferred member, flying Business Select, or maybe holding a Southwest credit card with some perks, you’ll pay to check bags. The first checked bag fee is rumored to hover around $30-$40, with the second likely higher—think industry standard like Delta or American. Exact numbers aren’t locked in yet, but posts on X and news buzz suggest it’s a done deal. Elite members might still get two freebies, and A-Listers could snag one, but for the average cruiser? Get ready to budget extra.
This move comes after pressure from investment firms like Elliott Investment Management, who’ve been nudging Southwest to juice up revenue. They’re also rolling out a basic economy fare with fewer perks (think expiring flight credits), which feels like a nod to budget rivals. For cruise travelers, who often haul a big suitcase plus a carry-on full of essentials, this could mean rethinking how you pack—or even who you fly with.
Why This Hits Cruise Travelers Hard
Cruisers, you know the vibe: You’ve got your giant suitcase stuffed with swimwear, formal night gear, and a dozen pairs of shoes (just me?), plus a carry-on with your passport, sunscreen, and that first-day outfit. Southwest’s old policy was a dream—check two bags free, keep your carry-on close, and sail off without extra costs. Now, those checked bag fees could add up fast. Flying from Atlanta to Fort Lauderdale for a Bahamas cruise? That’s potentially $60-$80 extra round-trip just for your luggage if you check two bags. Got a family of four? Do the math—it’s not pretty.
Southwest’s been a fave for cruise ports like Miami, New Orleans, or Galveston, especially with its no-frills pricing. But with checked bag fees creeping in, that edge might dull. You might lean harder on your carry-on (still free, phew) to avoid shelling out, but that’s tricky when cruise packing lists are notoriously long. And if you’re connecting to a far-off port, those fees could stack up quicker than buffet lines on embarkation day.
How It Shakes Up Your Cruise Game Plan
This change might nudge your cruise prep in a few ways:
- Carry-On Crusader: With carry-ons still free (up to 24” x 16” x 10”), you might cram more into that roller bag and skip checking anything. Risky if your cruise wardrobe’s extensive, but doable for minimalists.
- Checked Bag Blues: Paying for one checked bag might not break the bank, but two? That’s where it stings. You could slim down to one suitcase and supplement with your carry-on and personal item (like a backpack, also free).
- Airline Shopping: Other airlines might charge for checked bags too, but some still offer free carry-ons with basic fares. If you’re a carry-on-only cruiser, it’s worth comparing total costs.
- Drive or Package It: If you’re near a port, driving might dodge fees entirely. Or, peek at cruise line airfare deals—some bundle baggage handling, which could offset Southwest’s new charges.
Tips to Cruise Through the Fees
Don’t let this sink your ship—here’s how to adapt:
- Max the Freebies: Stick to one carry-on and a personal item (under-seat size, 18.5” x 13.5” x 8.5”)—both still free. Pack smart, and you might skip checked bags altogether.
- Elite Hacks: Frequent flyers could chase A-List status for one free checked bag or A-List Preferred for two. A Southwest credit card might also snag you a freebie—check the fine print.
- Weigh It Out: Keep checked bags under 50 lbs and 62 linear inches (length + width + height) to avoid extra overweight/oversized fees (think $100-$125 on top of the base fee).
- Ship Ahead: Mailing luggage to your port hotel is a quirky workaround—pricey, but it could beat airline fees for heavy packers.
Final Take: Is Southwest Still Your Cruise Wingman?
Southwest’s checked bag fees are a bummer for cruisers who loved the free-for-all luggage vibe. It’s not a total dealbreaker—carry-ons staying free keeps them in the game—but it chips away at that budget-friendly appeal. If you’re flexible, you can still make it work by packing light or leveraging loyalty perks. Otherwise, it might be time to eye other airlines or cruise line packages that keep your wallet afloat.