SW change time

[Dakota731]

If I change a flight time on existing return trip that I made before baggage charges will I have to pay bag fee? It’s a better time for us but don’t want to be stuck with fees

 

[jcarwash]

Yes, sorry, modifying the flight will now result in fees for any checked bags.

 

[MIChessGuy]

This dilemma caught me a few weeks ago, when Southwest changed my existing return flight's departure time. I found out that changing to a preferable return flight would generate bag fees, even in response to a time change imposed by Southwest. Bummer

 

[scrappinginontario]

Yes - any changes = new rules and policies.

 

[jcarwash]

If you’re just changing the time, you shouldn’t have to pay a new bag fee, since it’s the same flight. But I’d double-check with the airline just to be sure!

The original poster's question is specific to Southwest, which didn't charge checked bag fees prior to May 28, 2025. Any flights booked prior to that date (which the poster did) are subject to the old rules and passengers can check bags for free. Now that the policies have changed, any new flights or changes to existing reservations have fees for checked bags.