ST. LOUIS – Southwest Airlines announced today it will soon charge customers to check their bags—a major policy shift for the company.

“Bags Fly Free” was more than a slogan for Southwest Airlines; it was company policy for more than 50 years and something that truly separated Southwest from its competitors.

The company has thrived in St. Louis, with more than 60% of all flights leaving Lambert being on a Southwest jet. 

The question remains: will this change cause the airline’s popularity to take a hit? Customers at St. Louis Lambert International Airport who spoke with FOX 2 say it’s likely.

The change takes effect for bookings made on or after May 28. Southwest rapid rewards A-list preferred members and business select fare passengers will still get two free checked bags. 

A-list members and select customers will receive one free checked bag. Rapid rewards credit card members also will still get at least one bag checked free.

Southwest hasn’t said how much it will cost to check a bag.

The airline announced it’s also adding a budget fare with restrictions, similar to other airlines basic economy tickets.

“We have tremendous opportunity to meet current and future customer needs, attract new customer segments,” said Bob Jordan, CEO for Southwest. “We don’t compete for today, and return to the levels of profitability that both we and our shareholders expect.”

Last year, Southwest announced it would end open seating, another longtime policy, in 2026.

The company is adding extra legroom to cabins, and it had its first-ever mass layoff last month, cutting more than 1,700 corporate jobs.

Southwest hasn’t said how much it will cost to check a bag, but FOX 2 will share that information once it is available.