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How to Get Free Checked Bags on Southwest Airlines (Now that Baggage Fees Exist 😭)
December 12, 2024
Effective today, Southwest Airlines has introduced baggage fees in the airline's history. The carrier that built its reputation on “Bags Fly Free” now charges $35 for the first checked bag and $45 for the second bag on all new bookings.
But no need to panic - there are still several ways to avoid these new Southwest baggage fees and keep your bags flying free.
Southwest’s New Baggage Fee Structure
Starting May 28, 2025, Southwest Airlines implemented the following baggage fees:
- First checked bag: $35
- Second checked bag: $45
- Carry-on bags: Still free (no changes)
Important note: If you booked your Southwest flight before May 28, 2025, your bags will still fly free as long as you don't modify your reservation in any way.
5 Ways to Still Get Free Checked Bags on Southwest
1. Southwest Credit Cards (Best Option for Most Travelers)
The easiest way to avoid Southwest’s new baggage fees is by holding a Southwest Airlines credit card. All Southwest credit cards now provide one free checked bag for the primary cardholder and up to eight companions on the same reservation.
Eligible Southwest credit cards include:
- Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card ($69 annual fee)
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "2159", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Frequent Travelers", "headerHint": "Stellar Option"} ]]
- Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card ($149 annual fee)
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "2162", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Frequent Travelers", "headerHint": "Generous Benefits and Perks"} ]]
- Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card ($99 annual fee)
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "2161", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Frequent Travelers", "headerHint": "Fantastic Choice"} ]]
- Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card ($199 annual fee)
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "2163", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Frequent Travelers", "headerHint": "Top Pick"} ]]
- Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card ($99 annual fee)
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "2160", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Small Business Owners", "headerHint": "Big Welcome Offer"} ]]
Cost-benefit analysis: If you take just one round-trip flight per year and check one bag each way, the $69 Southwest Plus card pays for itself immediately ($70 in bag fees vs. $69 annual fee).
2. Southwest A-List Elite Status
Southwest’s elite status program still includes baggage benefits:
- A-List members: 1 free checked bag
- A-List Preferred members: 2 free checked bags
To earn A-List status, you need 35 one-way flights or 50,000 tier-qualifying points in a calendar year.
3. Military Personnel
Active duty military personnel traveling on orders typically receive free checked bags on most airlines, including Southwest. Check Southwest’s military baggage policy for current details.
4. Companion Pass Holders
If you have Southwest’s coveted Companion Pass, your designated companion enjoys the same baggage benefits as the primary cardholder when traveling together.
Which Southwest Credit Card Should You Choose?
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Card ($69 Annual Fee)
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "2159", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Frequent Travelers", "headerHint": "Stellar Option"} ]]
Best for: Occasional Southwest flyers
Benefits:
- 1 free checked bag for cardholder + up to 8 companions
- Standard seat selection 48 hours before departure
- Lowest annual fee option
Break-even point: One round-trip flight with checked bags
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Card ($149 Annual Fee)
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "2162", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Frequent Travelers", "headerHint": "Generous Benefits and Perks"} ]]
Best for: Frequent Southwest travelers
Additional benefits over Plus card:
- Preferred seat selection at booking
- Potential upgrades to extra legroom seats
- Higher earning rates on Southwest purchases
How Much Can You Save?
Example savings scenarios:
- Family of 4, 2 trips per year: $280 saved annually (4 bags × 2 trips × $35 = $280)
- Business traveler, 6 trips per year: $420 saved annually (12 bags × $35 = $420)
- Couple, 3 trips per year: $210 saved annually (6 bags × $35 = $210)
Even with a $69 annual fee, families and frequent travelers will save significantly with a Southwest credit card.
Tips for Maximizing Your Southwest Card Benefits
- Add your card to all reservations: Ensure the Southwest credit card used for benefits is linked to your Rapid Rewards account
- Book companions on the same reservation: The free bag benefit extends to up to 8 companions when booked together
- Consider upgrade timing: If you're a current Southwest flyer without a card, apply now before your next trip
- Use for other purchases: Southwest cards earn points on everyday spending, not just airline purchases
Frequently Asked Questions
Do existing Southwest credit cardholders automatically get the free bag benefit?
Yes, if you already have a Southwest credit card, you automatically receive the free checked bag benefit.
Does the free bag apply to international flights?
Southwest primarily operates domestic flights, but the benefit applies to all Southwest flights where baggage fees are charged.
Can I get the free bag benefit with a business card?
Yes, both personal and business Southwest credit cards include the free checked bag benefit.
What if I cancel my Southwest credit card?
You'll lose the free bag benefit immediately upon card cancellation.
The Bottom Line
This is the end of an era, but you can still avoid these costs. For anyone who flies Southwest more than once per year with checked bags, a Southwest credit card is practically a no-brainer. The $69 Southwest Plus card pays for itself with just one round-trip flight, while frequent flyers can save hundreds of dollars annually. As Southwest continues evolving its business model with seat selection and fare classes, having a Southwest credit card becomes even more valuable for maintaining the airline experience that longtime customers expect.
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Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are those of Kudos alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
