Bags fly for a fee: Southwest Airlines cancels its free checked luggage perk

The carrier announced Tuesday that it will begin charging certain passengers to check their luggage on flights, a significant shift at the company long prized by consumers for its perks.

Bags fly for a fee: Southwest Airlines cancels its free checked luggage perk
A Southwest Airlines plane is unloaded at Denver International Airport on Thursday, Feb. 27. The airline announced that it would begin charging some passengers to check bags.

The carrier announced Tuesday that it will begin charging certain passengers to check their luggage on flights, a significant shift at the company long prized by consumers for its perks.

(Image credit: David Zalubowski)