Southwest Airways was my most well-liked airline for many of my grownup life. The fares had been low, baggage flew free and the open seating coverage meant my household may simply discover seats collectively.
A couple of yr in the past, Southwest introduced the primary of many operational adjustments. The primary blow was the top of open seating, which the airline introduced final September and can go into impact in January 2026.
I used to be frightened these adjustments would have an effect on my “luv” for my favourite airline, however I am slowly coming round.
One factor that has helped is my secret weapon to keep away from paying baggage charges after I fly Southwest — The Platinum Card® from American Specific.
Southwest’s new baggage charge
Earlier than I share my secret, let’s dig into Southwest’s new baggage coverage.
Previous to this alteration, Southwest flyers may verify two baggage freed from cost. For bookings made Could 28 onward, Southwest now costs $35 for the primary checked bag and $45 for the second. There are a couple of exceptions for top-tier elite standing members, these flying on higher-priced fares and choose Southwest cardholders.
I do not fall into any of these classes, however I’ve three youngsters, and typically checking a bag is a should. We will get away with one or two carry-on baggage for shorter journeys — however for longer holidays, we would want extra carry-ons than I belief my children to maintain up with.
However I additionally do not need to pay for checked baggage, particularly given I’ve grown so accustomed to Southwest’s beneficiant coverage.
Associated: These 27 bank cards can get you free checked baggage in your subsequent flight
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Amex Platinum airline charge credit score
My Platinum Card comes with an annual up-to-$200 airline charge assertion credit score every calendar yr (enrollment required).
In the beginning of every yr (by Jan. 31), you’ll be able to choose your required airline on the Amex web site so as to be reimbursed for eligible costs made together with your designated airline.
In years previous, I’ve used the airline charge credit score to cowl onboard snack purchases and lounge visitor passes for my aforementioned children (who’re all the time in want of a snack, I’d add).
However it’s also possible to use it for issues like seat assignments, change charges and checked baggage charges.
Although not expressly acknowledged, if you wish to change your airline mid-year or neglect to designate a brand new airline in the beginning of the yr, I’ve realized Amex is fairly beneficiant with permitting adjustments so long as you have not but used any of the credit score.
When you’ve got used a few of the credit score, you will have to attend till the next calendar yr to make the change.
Associated: 10 issues to do if you get the Amex Platinum
Amex Platinum to the rescue
I just lately booked a Southwest flight for a four-day household journey to Zion Nationwide Park, and I did not need to lug a number of carry-on baggage full of out of doors gear by way of the airport. I had already designated my airline for the yr with Amex, however I hadn’t used it but, so I reached out to Amex by way of chat to see if I may change my airline to Southwest.
They made the change, and I began packing.
We ended up with two checked baggage in whole. The customer support agent charged one bag to my ticket and one to my husband’s, so we every paid the $35 charge fairly than one individual paying $35 for the primary checked bag and $45 for the second.
The entire got here out to $70, which was posted to my Amex account the identical day; by the next day, my assertion credit score had posted. We checked the baggage on our return journey and the identical was true.
All informed, we saved $140 by utilizing the Platinum Card airline assertion charge credit score — and I nonetheless have a further $60 to cowl checked baggage on future journeys by way of the remainder of 2025.
Backside line
Change is tough, however the airline charge credit score that comes with my Amex Platinum made this explicit change a lot simpler.
That’s along with the a number of different perks that enhance air journey, together with the World Entry or TSA PreCheck utility charge assertion credit score ($120 for World Entry each 4 years or as much as $85 for TSA PreCheck each 4½ years) and as much as $209 in assertion credit per calendar yr in your Clear Plus membership (enrollment required, topic to auto-renewal) that assist my household breeze by way of the airport.
To study extra, try our full overview of the American Specific Platinum Card.
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For charges and costs of the Amex Platinum Card, click on right here.
