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 luggage on all flights.
Now, one of the simplest ways 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 have been refreshed in July 2025, however you’ll be able to 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 free of charge. This perk additionally applies to as much as eight companions touring with the principle cardholder on the identical reservation.
Eligible bank cards that provide a free checked bag for Southwest flights embody:
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The knowledge 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 supplied by the cardboard issuer.
Should you fly Southwest a few occasions a yr, the $99 annual charge Southwest Plus card could also be sufficient for you. By checking a bag thrice a yr, you may fully offset this card’s value.
Along with making it straightforward to examine a bag on all Southwest flights with out paying a hefty annual charge, the entry-level card additionally gives you with an ordinary seat choice 48 hours earlier than departure, when out there.
If you would like extra advantages other than a free checked bag, reminiscent of deciding on a most popular seat on the time of reserving or an improve to additional legroom inside 48 hours, when out there, think about different playing cards just like the Southwest Precedence or Southwest Efficiency Enterprise.
Elite standing
One other technique to get a free checked bag or two is with Southwest elite standing. A-Checklist members will get one free checked bag, and A-Checklist Most popular members will nonetheless get two free checked luggage. Should you’re a frequent Southwest flyer, elite standing will repay when it comes to 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 luggage.
Do not let these adjustments discourage you. Being a Southwest cardholder (or having the precise elite standing) can nonetheless get you free checked luggage.
In the end, in case you’re dedicated to Southwest however aren’t a cardholder, it is best to use for a Southwest bank card. Should you fly typically or fly as a household, a Southwest bank card may help you save a whole bunch of {dollars} a yr.
Associated: One of the best Southwest Airways bank cards
