Southwest Airlines, long praised for its "Bags Fly Free" policy, announced in March it would end free checked baggage for most travelers. The revised policy took effect on May 28, requiring the majority of passengers to pay for their first and second checked bags.

The airlines with the best baggage policies are Emirates, Etihad and Qatar Airways. All offer one free personal item and one free cabin bag, plus a free checked bag on their cheapest fares for most routes.

Southwest Airlines' CEO Bob Jordan is doubling down on the company's controversial changes ending unassigned seating and free bags for most customers. Both policy changes caused controversy among passengers as they were perks Southwest offered for years.