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Want to get away? Starting tomorrow, May 28th, the airline that made that catchy phrase famous
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is grounding one of its most beloved perks. For most travelers, bags will no longer fly free
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Come Wednesday, Southwest will charge $35 for the first check bag and $45 for a second
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According to CNBC, baggage fees brought in $7.3 billion for other U.S. airlines last year
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Southwest had long held out until now. The fee applies to anyone buying tickets at the basic Want to Get Away Plus or anytime levels on or after May 28th
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Tickets purchased before that date will still include two free checked bags
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Flyers who have top tier status in Southwest Rapid Rewards Loyalty Program will still be allowed to check two bags for free
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Higher level business select passengers are also exempt. So-called A-list members who are frequent flyers will get one free check bag
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Southwest expects more travelers will try to carry on instead. So the airline is adding larger overhead bins across its fleet of Boeing jets
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Still, CEO Bob Jordan told CNBC he's not expecting a dip in demand
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The charge for baggage is a change from what Jordan said last year on CBS News Texas
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It was very clear. Our customers put very high value on bags fly free
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It's very well known. So why the change? Southwest says it's part of a broader shift in strategy aimed at boosting profitability and reaching new customer segments
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Also starting Wednesday, the airline will roll out a new basic fare. Those passengers will board last and in the future won't receive assigned seats
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And by 2026, Southwest plans to introduce assigned seating, retiring its famous ABC boarding groups and 24 hour check in scramble
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