Southwest Airlines is getting rid of its most recognizable perk. The airline announced that it is doing away with free checked bags. It is a major shift for the airline, the company made free checked bags the staple of their business when they were started about 60 years ago.

Southwest Airlines Co. will begin charging passengers for some checked luggage, ending a free-bag policy that has been a hallmark of the carrier since its founding more than five decades ago.

Air-industry insiders weigh in on what the move, along with other new announcements from Southwest, will mean for travelers.

Southwest Airlines will start charging many customers for checked bags in late May, marking the end of a longtime perk for the airline.

Southwest Airlines announced Tuesday that it plans to end its decades-long practice of offering two free checked bags to every customer.

Southwest officials in the release said the changes are "aimed to deepen and reward loyalty between Southwest and its most engaged Customers."

Southwest Airlines is ending its “bags fly free” policy, introducing checked baggage fees for most travelers beginning May 28, marking a major shift in its customer-friendly approach.

Southwest customers used to enjoy free checked bags, but the airline company is getting rid of its favored policy.

The budget airline also strips other benefits for those paying the lowest fares. How to avoid checked bag fees.

Southwest Airlines abandons one of its biggest perks: free checked bags. The airline announced that it would charge for first time in company history.

The airline was the last major U.S. carrier to allow free checked bags for all passengers, a policy it held for more than 50 years.