DUBAI: For more than five decades, Southwest Airlines stood apart from its US rivals with its unique ‘Bags Fly Free’ policy. But as of May this year, that perk is ending.
The airline announced it will begin charging for checked baggage, a move that follows industry-wide efforts to boost revenue amid rising operational costs. This decision aligns Southwest with competitors such as American Airlines, Delta, and United, which already charge for checked luggage on domestic flights.
The airline’s CEO, Bob Jordan, explained that the change was necessary to “return to the levels of profitability that both we and our shareholders expect.” The move has triggered backlash from frequent flyers and industry analysts. Henry Harteveldt, an aviation expert, called it a major mistake, warning that it could damage the airline’s long-standing reputation for customer-friendly policies.
With this shift, travellers worldwide – including those flying from the UAE – are now reassessing their options to avoid increasing baggage fees.
UAE: Generous baggage policies
Unlike US carriers, UAE airlines remain among the most generous when it comes to baggage allowances. Emirates, Etihad, and flydubai all offer substantial free baggage options, making them more appealing for long-haul and family travellers.
Emirates provides checked baggage ranging from 20 kg to 35 kg for Economy Class passengers, depending on fare type. Business Class passengers receive a 40 kg allowance, while First Class travellers can check up to 50 kg. For routes such as the US and Canada, Emirates allows two pieces of checked baggage within weight restrictions.
Etihad follows a similar structure, with Economy Class passengers allowed between 23 kg and 35 kg, while premium travellers get between 40 kg and 50 kg. However, the airline has introduced certain Economy fares that exclude free checked baggage, requiring passengers to pay separately if needed.
flydubai, the Dubai-based low-cost carrier, allows Economy passengers to check 20 kg, 30 kg, or 40 kg of luggage, depending on ticket class. Business Class passengers enjoy up to three checked bags, with a total limit of 40 kg.
Meanwhile, budget carrier Air Arabia does not include checked baggage in its base fares but offers prepaid baggage options in 20 kg, 30 kg, or 40 kg slabs. This allows cost-conscious travellers to select baggage allowances in advance at a lower rate rather than paying high fees at the airport.
Impact on UAE travellers
With the global shift towards paid baggage, UAE travellers must now carefully evaluate their airline choices. Business travellers and frequent flyers may prefer airlines like Emirates and Etihad, which continue to provide high baggage limits. Those flying to North America still have access to two free checked bags on airlines such as Emirates and Air India, making them cost-effective choices for long-haul travel.
Budget-conscious travellers, on the other hand, will need to compare fares carefully. While low-cost airlines such as Air Arabia and Wizz Air Abu Dhabi offer lower base fares, additional baggage costs can quickly add up if not booked in advance.