For years, Southwest Airlines was the airline synonymous with "Bags Fly Free." It was a hallmark of their customer-friendly approach, setting them apart from virtually every other major US carrier. However, as of May 28, 2025, Southwest Airlines has made a significant shift in its baggage policy. The era of two free checked bags for all passengers has, unfortunately, come to an end for most.
But don't despair! While the blanket "Bags Fly Free" policy is no longer, there are still ways to avoid those pesky baggage fees and keep a little extra cash in your pocket. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every avenue to get free bags on Southwest Airlines, ensuring your next trip is as economical as possible.
Ready to unlock the secrets to flying with free bags? Let's dive in!
The New Reality: Southwest's Updated Baggage Policy (Effective May 28, 2025)
Before we get into the "how-to," it's crucial to understand the new landscape. Southwest now charges for checked bags for the majority of fare types.
First Checked Bag: $35
Second Checked Bag: $45
Weight Limit: 50 pounds (22.68 kg) per bag
Size Limit: 62 linear inches (length + width + height) per bag
These fees apply to passengers on Basic, Wanna Get Away Plus®, and Anytime fares booked or voluntarily changed on or after May 28, 2025.
However, as mentioned, there are still exceptions and strategies to avoid these charges.
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| How To Get Free Bags On Southwest Airlines |
Step 1: Are You Eligible for Automatic Free Bags? (Engage!)
Let's start with the easiest path. Do any of these apply to you? If so, you might already be set for free bags!
Sub-heading: Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred Members
If you're a frequent flyer and have reached Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred status, you're in luck! This elite tier comes with fantastic perks, including free checked bags.
Benefit: Two free checked bags (within weight and size limits).
How to Qualify: Achieve 40 qualifying one-way flights or earn 70,000 Tier Qualifying Points in a calendar year. This is for the truly dedicated Southwest flyer.
Sub-heading: Business Select® Fare Holders
For those who prioritize flexibility, premium benefits, and are willing to pay a higher fare, the Business Select® fare still includes free checked bags.
Tip: Don’t skim — absorb.
Benefit: Two free checked bags (within weight and size limits).
How to Qualify: Simply book a Business Select® fare. These are typically the highest-priced fares but come with benefits like priority boarding, extra Rapid Rewards points, and free in-flight internet.
Sub-heading: Active-Duty U.S. Military Personnel
Southwest Airlines shows its appreciation for servicemen and women. If you are active-duty U.S. military personnel with a valid military ID, you're exempt from checked baggage fees.
Benefit: Exempt from the standard two-piece baggage limit and will not be subject to excess, oversize, or overweight baggage charges, provided each bag does not exceed 100 pounds in weight and 80 inches in size. This is a significantly more generous allowance!
How to Qualify: Present your current, valid U.S. Armed Forces identification at the time of check-in. Note: Dependents traveling without the active-duty military member are subject to normal baggage fees.
Step 2: Leverage the Power of Southwest Credit Cards
For many travelers, particularly those who fly Southwest regularly but not enough to earn A-List Preferred status, a Southwest Airlines co-branded credit card is the most accessible way to get free checked bags.
Sub-heading: Understanding the Credit Card Benefit
All Southwest Rapid Rewards Consumer Credit Cards (e.g., Plus, Premier, Priority) and Business Credit Cards now offer a free checked bag benefit.
Benefit: The primary Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmember and up to eight additional passengers traveling on the same reservation are each eligible to receive their first standard checked bag free.
Key Point: Your Rapid Rewards number associated with your credit card must be included in your reservation. The cost of one standard bag will be waived at the time of bag check. You won't be charged and then refunded, which is a nice improvement.
Sub-heading: Choosing the Right Southwest Credit Card
There are several options, each with different annual fees and benefits. Consider your travel habits to pick the best fit:
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card: This is often the entry-level card and can pay for itself with just one round-trip flight if you check a bag each way. It has a lower annual fee, making it a popular choice.
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card: Offers more anniversary points and increased earning potential on Southwest purchases.
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card: The highest-tier consumer card, offering the most anniversary points, a Southwest travel credit, and upgraded boardings.
Action Item: Research the current sign-up bonuses and benefits of each card to see which aligns best with your travel goals. The savings on baggage fees alone can often offset the annual fee.
Step 3: Earn A-List Status (Even If Not Preferred)
While A-List Preferred gets you two free bags, simply reaching A-List status still grants you a valuable baggage perk.
QuickTip: Stop scrolling if you find value.
Benefit: One free checked bag (within weight and size limits).
How to Qualify: Fly 20 qualifying one-way flights or earn 35,000 Tier Qualifying Points in one calendar year. This is a more attainable goal for frequent but not ultra-frequent flyers.
Pro Tip: Eligible Rapid Rewards Credit Cards can also help you earn Tier Qualifying Points, giving you a boost towards A-List status.
Step 4: Maximize Your Carry-On Allowance (The Art of Packing)
Even if you don't qualify for free checked bags through the above methods, Southwest still allows a generous carry-on allowance for all passengers. This is your ultimate weapon against checked bag fees.
Sub-heading: The Carry-On Rule
Southwest permits one carry-on bag and one personal item per passenger.
Carry-on Bag Dimensions: 24" (L) x 16" (W) x 10" (H). This typically fits in the overhead bin. Examples include small suitcases or roller bags.
Personal Item Dimensions: This should fit under the seat in front of you. Examples include purses, briefcases, laptop bags, small backpacks, or neck pillows (which do not count against your carry-on limit).
Sub-heading: Smart Packing Strategies
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Roll your clothes: This classic technique saves space and helps prevent wrinkles.
Utilize packing cubes: These help compress your clothes and keep your bag organized, allowing you to fit more.
Wear your bulkiest items: Don't pack that heavy jacket or bulky boots; wear them on the plane!
Downsize toiletries: Use travel-sized containers or solid toiletries to save space and avoid liquid restrictions.
Stuff shoes with socks/small items: Every bit of space counts.
Consider a "personal item" backpack: A well-designed personal item backpack can hold a surprising amount, effectively acting as a second carry-on.
Step 5: Traveling with Children? Know the Stroller & Car Seat Policy
If you're flying with little ones, Southwest has a special policy for child-related items that can save you from checking an extra bag.
Benefit: Each ticketed Customer traveling with a child may check one stroller and one car seat/child restraint system free of charge.
Flexibility: These items can be checked at the curb (where available), the ticket counter, or even at the gate. If you gate-check them, you can typically pick them up at baggage claim at your final destination.
Important Note: Portable/folding cribs or "pack and plays" count as regular checked bags and are subject to the standard baggage policy.
Step 6: The "Companion Pass" Advantage
If you're lucky enough to have the highly coveted Southwest Companion Pass, there's an indirect benefit to baggage.
How it Works: While the Companion Pass itself doesn't grant free bags, your designated companion enjoys the same baggage benefits as you, the primary Pass holder.
Scenario: If you, the Companion Pass holder, have a Southwest credit card that grants you one free checked bag, your companion traveling with you on the same reservation will also receive one free checked bag. This effectively doubles your free baggage allowance as a pair!
In Summary: Your Pathways to Free Bags on Southwest
Tip: Write down what you learned.
While Southwest's baggage policy has evolved, it's clear that opportunities for free bags still exist. By understanding your eligibility and strategically utilizing the tools available, you can continue to enjoy the convenience of checked luggage without the added cost.
For the Elite Flyer: A-List Preferred (2 free bags) or A-List (1 free bag).
For the Smart Traveler: Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card (1 free bag for you + up to 8 on your reservation).
For Military Personnel: Active-duty military (generous allowances).
For Every Traveler: Maximize your carry-on and personal item.
For Families: Free strollers and car seats.
For Companion Pass Holders: Your companion shares your baggage benefits.
Choose the strategy (or combination of strategies!) that best fits your travel style and needs. Happy travels, and may your bags fly free!
10 Related FAQ Questions:
How to check baggage for free on Southwest Airlines if I have an A-List membership?
If you have A-List status with Southwest Airlines, you are entitled to check one bag for free. Simply ensure your Rapid Rewards number is on your reservation, and the benefit will be applied at check-in.
How to use a Southwest credit card to get free checked bags for my family?
As the primary Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmember, you and up to eight additional passengers traveling on the same reservation can each receive your first standard checked bag free. Ensure your Rapid Rewards number is linked to your reservation, and the fee will be waived at the time of bag check.
How to pack effectively to avoid checked bag fees on Southwest?
To avoid checked bag fees, maximize your one free carry-on bag (24" L x 16" W x 10" H) and one personal item (fits under the seat). Roll clothes, use packing cubes, wear bulky items, and utilize travel-sized toiletries to fit more in these free bags.
How to get free bags if I'm an active-duty military member flying Southwest?
Active-duty U.S. military personnel with a valid military ID can check bags free of charge. You are exempt from the standard two-piece limit and from excess, oversize, or overweight baggage fees, as long as each bag does not exceed 100 lbs or 80 linear inches.
QuickTip: Don’t just consume — reflect.
How to determine if my Business Select fare on Southwest includes free bags?
Yes, if you purchase a Business Select® fare on Southwest Airlines, you automatically receive two free checked bags (within standard weight and size limits) as part of the fare benefits.
How to check a car seat and stroller for free when traveling with a child on Southwest?
Southwest Airlines allows each ticketed customer traveling with a child to check one stroller and one car seat/child restraint system free of charge. These can be checked at the curb, ticket counter, or gate.
How to know the exact dimensions and weight limits for free carry-on bags on Southwest?
Your free carry-on bag on Southwest can be a maximum of 24 inches (L) x 16 inches (W) x 10 inches (H). Your personal item should fit under the seat in front of you.
How to utilize the Southwest Companion Pass for free baggage benefits?
While the Companion Pass itself doesn't grant free bags, your designated companion will receive the same baggage benefits as you, the primary Pass holder. For example, if you have a Southwest credit card offering a free bag, your companion will also get one free bag when traveling with you on the same reservation.
How to achieve Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred status to get two free bags on Southwest?
To earn Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred status, you need to complete 40 qualifying one-way flights or earn 70,000 Tier Qualifying Points within a calendar year. This status grants you two free checked bags.
How to ensure my free bag benefit is applied at the airport if I qualify through a Southwest credit card?
Ensure your Rapid Rewards number, which is linked to your credit card, is correctly entered on your flight reservation. When you check your bags at the airport, the system will recognize your eligibility, and the fee for your first standard checked bag (and for up to eight others on your reservation) will be waived.
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