You Won’t Believe How Low Baggage Fees Are on Southwest (and How High on JetBlue)

Airline travel today is no longer just about booking a seat. From seat selection fees to carry-on charges, travelers are paying closer attention to baggage policies than ever before. In 2025, two major U.S. carriers—Southwest Airlines and JetBlue Airways—have taken very different approaches to baggage pricing.

• Southwest, once celebrated for its “bags fly free” slogan, recently introduced baggage fees.

• JetBlue, on the other hand, has gone further, introducing variable fees based on demand and fare type, making it one of the more expensive options for travelers.

This article dives deep into both airlines’ baggage policies, compares costs side by side, and provides actionable tips on how to save money when flying.

1. Southwest Airlines: The End of an Era

From “Bags Fly Free” to Paid Baggage

For decades, Southwest stood out as the only U.S. airline that allowed two checked bags free for every passenger. That changed on May 28, 2025, when the airline began charging:

• $35 for the first checked bag

• $45 for the second checked bag

This applies to new bookings made on or after that date, regardless of travel date.

Who Still Gets Free Bags?

Southwest still honors free baggage for:

• Business Select fares and A-List Preferred members → two free bags

• A-List members and Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card holders → one free bag

This loyalty-driven structure helps frequent fliers but impacts casual travelers who now face new costs.

Overweight and Oversized Fees

• 51–70 pounds: $100 each

• 71–100 pounds: $150 each

• Oversized bags (63–80 inches): $200

2. JetBlue Airways: Higher and More Complicated

Standard Baggage Fees

For JetBlue’s most common fares (Blue, Blue Basic, Blue Extra):

• First checked bag: $35–$40

• Second checked bag: $50–$60

But that’s just the starting point.

Peak Pricing

JetBlue introduced dynamic baggage pricing, meaning fees rise during busy periods. For instance:

• Booking within 24 hours of departure may add $5–10 per bag

• Holiday and peak travel windows can push the first bag fee to $45 and the second to $60+

Transatlantic Flights

On Europe routes, fees are higher:

• Blue Basic fares: $60 for the first bag, $100 for the second

• Premium fares like Mint or elite status Mosaic → two free bags

Overweight and Oversized Fees

• Overweight bags (51–99 pounds): $150 each

• Oversized (63–80 inches): $150 each

3. Side-by-Side Comparison

4. Why the Difference Matters

Simplicity vs. Complexity

• Southwest offers straightforward pricing with few surprises.

• JetBlue’s fees fluctuate depending on when and what you book, creating uncertainty for budget-conscious travelers.

Impact on Families

• A family of four flying JetBlue during peak periods could spend $360+ on baggage (two bags each, round trip).

• The same family on Southwest would spend $320, unless using loyalty perks that reduce or eliminate the cost.

5. Industry Context

Airline baggage fees are now a $7+ billion annual revenue source in the U.S. Fees continue to rise as airlines offset operational costs. According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, baggage fee revenue has climbed steadily for 15 years, with no sign of slowing down.

Southwest’s policy shift shows even customer-friendly airlines are following the revenue trend, while JetBlue is pushing variable pricing models similar to how fares are priced.

6. How to Save on Baggage Fees

1. Book Early and Pre-Pay: Many airlines, including JetBlue, charge more if you pay at the airport or within 24 hours of departure.

2. Choose the Right Fare:

   • JetBlue’s Blue Plus often makes sense if you plan to check a bag.

   • Southwest’s Business Select fares may justify higher ticket costs with baggage perks.

3. Use Airline Credit Cards:

   • JetBlue Plus Card → free checked bag for you and companions.

   • Southwest Rapid Rewards Card → one free bag.

4. Pack Smart: Stick to a carry-on. Both airlines allow one personal item and one carry-on free (except some Basic fares).

5. Avoid Overweight Penalties: $150+ fees can be higher than buying a second checked bag. Weigh your luggage before heading to the airport.

7. Traveler Experiences

Frequent travelers often highlight Southwest’s predictability—even with new fees, they know exactly what they’ll pay. JetBlue passengers, however, frequently complain about surprise charges when traveling around holidays or booking late.

This difference underscores why transparency matters in travel planning.

8. Conclusion

In 2025, the baggage fee landscape has shifted dramatically:

• Southwest Airlines, once famous for free bags, now charges—but still remains among the lower-cost options compared to competitors.

• JetBlue Airways has some of the highest and most variable baggage fees in the industry, especially during peak times and on transatlantic routes.

For travelers, the lesson is clear: check baggage fees before booking, not after. By understanding policies, leveraging credit cards, and booking smart, you can save hundreds of dollars on your next trip.

FAQs

Q1: Do any U.S. airlines still offer two free checked bags?
No major airline does as of 2025. Southwest ended its free-bag policy, though loyalty and premium fares still allow it.

Q2: How much can JetBlue baggage fees cost during peak periods?
Up to $45 for the first bag and $60+ for the second, depending on booking time.

Q3: Are overweight fees the same on both airlines?
Not exactly. Southwest charges $100–$200; JetBlue charges a flat $150. Both are steep.

Q4: Can credit cards really waive baggage fees?
Yes. Airline-specific credit cards often grant one free checked bag per flight. For frequent travelers, this can save hundreds annually.

Q5: Which airline is better overall for baggage?
Southwest now charges fees, but remains simpler and usually cheaper than JetBlue’s tiered and seasonal surcharges.