Good observation - it's about competition. Canadian airlines do not charge for baggage checking and NWA sees itself in direct competition - and as a result I use NWA from Canada to the US and back. I also use Southwest within the US and avoid most those who do charge whenever possible. If the baggage charge is annoying, select the airlines that don't have one. Incidentally, I have wondered if the merger with Delta may cause a change at NWA or at Delta. Let's hope the wisdom of NWA prevails.