Flying on Southwest or United? These new baggage and check-in rule changes go into effect soon
With Memorial Day behind us, America’s summer travel season is now in full swing. While fliers should be aware of how to find great fares and the best apps to use when taking a vacation overseas, they should also be mindful of a few new rule changes going into effect at popular airlines—which could impact their trips. Those changes are happening at two of America’s most well-known airlines—Southwest and United—and include alterations to the airlines’ free baggage and check-in policies, respectively. Here’s what to know about the changes and when they go into effect. Southwest’s signature “Bags Fly Free” policy changes on May 28 On Wednesday, May 28, Southwest’s signature “Bags Fly Free” policy is changing. The policy has been a defining feature of the airline for decades, which lets Southwest Airlines fliers check up to two bags for free on any flight. However, come May 28, that policy will end for many Southwest passengers. As Fast Company previously reported, many passengers who book flights on Southwest from Wednesday, May 28, and after will now need to pay for checked baggage, although some will still be able to check bags for free. Here’s how the new checked baggage policies work, according to Southwest: If you are a Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred Member or traveling on Business Select fares, you’ll still be able to check up to two bags for free on your flight. If you are an A-List Member or a Rapid Rewards Credit Card Member, you’ll get one checked bag for free on each flight. But if you don’t fall into the categories above, you’ll now be charged to check your first and second bags on each flight. It’s important to note that these new baggage-check rules and fees only apply to flights booked on or after May 28, 2025. If you booked your flight before that date, you’ll still be able to take advantage of Southwest’s old “Bags Fly Free” policy, even if the flight takes place after May 28. United’s check-in policy changes on June 3 On June 3, anyone flying on United Airlines will need to check in for their flight at least 45 minutes before departure, the airline confirmed with Fast Company. Previously, some passengers could check in as little as 30 minutes before their flight. Those who do not check in at least 45 minutes before their flight is scheduled to depart will be denied boarding starting on June 3. Historically, United has allowed those flying without checked bags to check in as little as 30 minutes before a domestic flight. Those on domestic flights with checked bags had a 45-minute check-in cutoff. In order to simplify things for gate staff and provide uniformity for passengers, United will now require anyone on a domestic flight with or without checked bags to check in at least 45 minutes before departure. “The change brings greater consistency for our customers by aligning with our current checked baggage deadline and the check-in policies followed by most other airlines,” a United spokesperson told Fast Company via email. It should be noted that the new 45-minute check-in rule only applies to domestic flights. For international flights, United requires passengers to check in at least 60 minutes before the scheduled departure. United’s check-in time limits can be found here.
With Memorial Day behind us, America’s summer travel season is now in full swing. While fliers should be aware of how to find great fares and the best apps to use when taking a vacation overseas, they should also be mindful of a few new rule changes going into effect at popular airlines—which could impact their trips.
Those changes are happening at two of America’s most well-known airlines—Southwest and United—and include alterations to the airlines’ free baggage and check-in policies, respectively. Here’s what to know about the changes and when they go into effect.
Southwest’s signature “Bags Fly Free” policy changes on May 28
On Wednesday, May 28, Southwest’s signature “Bags Fly Free” policy is changing. The policy has been a defining feature of the airline for decades, which lets Southwest Airlines fliers check up to two bags for free on any flight.
However, come May 28, that policy will end for many Southwest passengers. As Fast Company previously reported, many passengers who book flights on Southwest from Wednesday, May 28, and after will now need to pay for checked baggage, although some will still be able to check bags for free.
Here’s how the new checked baggage policies work, according to Southwest:
- If you are a Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred Member or traveling on Business Select fares, you’ll still be able to check up to two bags for free on your flight.
- If you are an A-List Member or a Rapid Rewards Credit Card Member, you’ll get one checked bag for free on each flight.
- But if you don’t fall into the categories above, you’ll now be charged to check your first and second bags on each flight.
It’s important to note that these new baggage-check rules and fees only apply to flights booked on or after May 28, 2025. If you booked your flight before that date, you’ll still be able to take advantage of Southwest’s old “Bags Fly Free” policy, even if the flight takes place after May 28.
United’s check-in policy changes on June 3
On June 3, anyone flying on United Airlines will need to check in for their flight at least 45 minutes before departure, the airline confirmed with Fast Company. Previously, some passengers could check in as little as 30 minutes before their flight.
Those who do not check in at least 45 minutes before their flight is scheduled to depart will be denied boarding starting on June 3.
Historically, United has allowed those flying without checked bags to check in as little as 30 minutes before a domestic flight. Those on domestic flights with checked bags had a 45-minute check-in cutoff.
In order to simplify things for gate staff and provide uniformity for passengers, United will now require anyone on a domestic flight with or without checked bags to check in at least 45 minutes before departure.
“The change brings greater consistency for our customers by aligning with our current checked baggage deadline and the check-in policies followed by most other airlines,” a United spokesperson told Fast Company via email.
It should be noted that the new 45-minute check-in rule only applies to domestic flights. For international flights, United requires passengers to check in at least 60 minutes before the scheduled departure. United’s check-in time limits can be found here.
