The period is over.
Southwest Airways is now charging bag charges for all flights, an unlucky change for Southwest and price range flyers who loved two free checked baggage on all flights.
Now, the easiest way to make sure you’ll get a free checked bag on Southwest is to use for one of many airline’s cobranded playing cards.
The Southwest bank cards had been refreshed in July 2025, however you possibly can nonetheless maintain one and get a free checked bag.
As a reminder, the brand new bag charges are $35 for the primary bag and $45 for the second bag.
1 free checked bag with Southwest bank cards
These adjustments have made Southwest bank cards a worthwhile funding as a result of cardholders will now obtain one checked bag totally free. This perk additionally applies to as much as eight companions touring with the primary cardholder on the identical reservation.
Eligible bank cards that supply a free checked bag for Southwest flights embrace:
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The data for the Southwest Fast Rewards Premier Credit score Card has been collected independently by The Factors Man. The cardboard particulars on this web page haven’t been reviewed or offered by the cardboard issuer.
If you happen to fly Southwest a few occasions a yr, the $99 annual price Southwest Plus card could also be sufficient for you. By checking a bag thrice a yr, you may totally offset this card’s value.
Along with making it straightforward to verify a bag on all Southwest flights with out paying a hefty annual price, the entry-level card additionally offers you with an ordinary seat choice 48 hours earlier than departure, when out there.
If you would like extra advantages aside from a free checked bag, resembling choosing a most well-liked seat on the time of reserving or an improve to further legroom inside 48 hours, when out there, contemplate different playing cards just like the Southwest Precedence or Southwest Efficiency Enterprise.
Elite standing
One other strategy to get a free checked bag or two is with Southwest elite standing. A-Listing members will get one free checked bag, and A-Listing Most popular members will nonetheless get two free checked baggage. If you happen to’re a frequent Southwest flyer, elite standing will repay by way of baggage allowance.
Backside line
The day is lastly upon us, and Southwest has joined the ranks of all the opposite legacy carriers in charging for checked baggage.
Do not let these adjustments discourage you. Being a Southwest cardholder (or having the proper elite standing) can nonetheless get you free checked baggage.
In the end, when you’re dedicated to Southwest however aren’t a cardholder, it is best to use for a Southwest bank card. If you happen to fly usually or fly as a household, a Southwest bank card may also help you save tons of of {dollars} a yr.
Associated: The most effective Southwest Airways bank cards
