Southwest Is Ending Its Two Free Checked Bags Policy. For Touring Musicians, That’s a Big Loss

As the troubled airline prepares to scrap the beloved policy on May 28, musicians who depend on it are looking at yet another hit to their bottom linesSouthwest Airlines’ recent decision to discontinue its longstanding

“Bags Fly Free” policy, effective May 28, 2025, marks a significant shift in the airline’s operations. For over five decades, Southwest distinguished itself by allowing passengers to check two bags without additional charges. With this change, only A-List Preferred members and Business Select fare passengers will retain the benefit of two free checked bags, while other travelers will incur fees for their luggage.

This policy alteration poses particular challenges for touring musicians, who often rely on generous baggage allowances to transport their instruments and equipment. The introduction of checked baggage fees adds a financial burden to their travel expenses, potentially impacting their ability to tour effectively.

The issue of transporting musical instruments on flights has been a longstanding concern within the music community. Stringent baggage policies have previously led to incidents where musicians faced difficulties bringing their instruments onboard. For instance, violinist Esther Abrami reported being publicly humiliated by Ryanair staff when she was denied boarding because her 200-year-old violin exceeded the hand luggage size limit by 1 cm. Despite offering to pay additional fees or purchase an extra seat, she was told the instrument had to be placed in the hold or left behind.

Similarly, Irish violinist Zoe Conway was compelled to pay €280 (£203) for an extra seat for her violin on a Ryanair flight. She emphasized the irreplaceable nature of her instrument and the risks associated with placing it in the hold, advocating for policy changes to accommodate musicians’ needs.

The Musicians’ Union has highlighted that strict baggage regulations have led to significant income losses for musicians, with some facing legal action for being unable to fulfill performance contracts abroad due to travel restrictions. The union warns that such policies could have a devastating impact on professional musicians’ careers.

Southwest Airlines’ decision to implement baggage fees aligns it with other major carriers that have long charged for checked luggage. This move is part of a broader strategy to enhance profitability and adapt to changing customer preferences post-pandemic. However, it risks alienating loyal customers who valued the airline’s previous policies. Industry analysts have expressed concern that such changes could erode customer loyalty and diminish the airline’s unique market position.

In response to Southwest’s policy change, competitors like Frontier Airlines have introduced promotions offering free checked bags to attract disenchanted customers. This competitive dynamic underscores the significance of baggage policies in influencing traveler choices.

For touring musicians, the end of Southwest’s free checked baggage policy represents not just an additional expense but also a potential logistical hurdle in transporting their instruments safely. As airlines continue to adjust their policies, it remains crucial for the music community to advocate for accommodations that recognize the unique needs of musicians who rely on air travel for their livelihoods.