Southwest Airways was my most well-liked airline for many of my grownup life. The fares have been low, baggage flew free and the open seating coverage meant my household might simply discover seats collectively.
A few 12 months 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 apprehensive 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 price
Earlier than I share my secret, let’s dig into Southwest’s new baggage coverage.
Previous to this transformation, Southwest flyers might examine two baggage freed from cost. For bookings made Could 28 onward, Southwest now expenses $35 for the primary checked bag and $45 for the second. There are a number 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 wish 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 price credit score
My Platinum Card comes with an annual up-to-$200 airline price assertion credit score every calendar 12 months (enrollment required).
In the beginning of every 12 months (by Jan. 31), you’ll be able to choose your required airline on the Amex web site to be able to be reimbursed for eligible expenses made together with your designated airline.
In years previous, I’ve used the airline price credit score to cowl onboard snack purchases and lounge visitor passes for my aforementioned children (who’re at all times in want of a snack, I would add).
However it’s also possible to use it for issues like seat assignments, change charges and checked baggage charges.
Although not expressly said, if you wish to change your airline mid-year or neglect to designate a brand new airline in the beginning of the 12 months, I’ve discovered Amex is fairly beneficiant with permitting adjustments so long as you have not but used any of the credit score.
If in case you have used a few of the credit score, you will have to attend till the next calendar 12 months to make the change.
Associated: 10 issues to do while you get the Amex Platinum
Amex Platinum to the rescue
I not too long ago 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 outside gear by the airport. I had already designated my airline for the 12 months with Amex, however I hadn’t used it but, so I reached out to Amex by way of chat to see if I might 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 price relatively than one particular person 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 luggage on our return journey and the identical was true.
All advised, we saved $140 by utilizing the Platinum Card airline assertion price credit score — and I nonetheless have a further $60 to cowl checked baggage on future journeys by the remainder of 2025.
Backside line
Change is tough, however the airline price credit score that comes with my Amex Platinum made this specific change a lot simpler.
That’s along with the a number of different perks that enhance air journey, together with the International Entry or TSA PreCheck utility price assertion credit score ($120 for International 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 12 months in your Clear Plus membership (enrollment required, topic to auto-renewal) that assist my household breeze by the airport.
To be taught extra, take a look at our full assessment of the American Specific Platinum Card.
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For charges and charges of the Amex Platinum Card, click on right here.
