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How to still get a free checked bag on Southwest flights

Nov. 23, 2025
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3 min read
Southwest Boeing 737 Nashville BNA
How to still get a free checked bag on Southwest flights
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Editor's Note

This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.

The era of free bags on Southwest Airlines is over ... kind of. The airline now charges bag fees for all flights, an unfortunate change for Southwest and budget flyers who enjoyed two free checked bags on all flights.

If you check a bag more often than not and Southwest is your carrier of choice, we recommend applying for one of the airline's cobranded cards (which were refreshed in July of 2025).

This way, you'll get free checked bags instead of having to pay $35 for the first bag and $45 for a second one.

1 free checked bag with Southwest credit cards

Southwest overhauled its entire business model in 2025 by adding bag fees, extra-legroom seats, new fare classes and seat selection.

These changes make being a Southwest cardholder that much more valuable since cardmembers now receive one checked bag free of charge. This perk also applies to up to eight companions traveling with the main cardholder on the same reservation.

Eligible credit cards that offer a free checked bag for Southwest flights include:

The information for the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Southwest jet
SEAN CUDAHY/THE POINTS GUY

If you fly Southwest a couple of times a year, the $99 annual fee Southwest Plus card may be enough for you. By checking a bag three times a year, you'll completely offset the cost of this card.

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In addition to making it easy to check a bag on all Southwest flights without paying a hefty annual fee, the entry-level card also provides standard seat selection 48 hours before departure (when available).

If you want additional benefits beyond a free checked bag — such as selecting a preferred seat at the time of booking — consider other cards like the Southwest Priority or the Southwest Performance Business.

Elite status

Another way to get a free checked bag or two is with Southwest Rapid Rewards elite status. A-List members will get one free checked bag, and A-List Preferred members will still get two free checked bags.

If you're a frequent Southwest flyer, elite status will pay off in terms of baggage allowance. Just make sure to add your Rapid Rewards loyalty number when making your reservation to ensure your tier-related benefits kick in.

In fact, Southwest cardholders can also use a different non-Southwest card to pay for a flight while still taking advantage of the free checked bag perk by ensuring their Rapid Rewards number is attached to the reservation.

Bottom line

The day is finally upon us, and Southwest has joined the ranks of all the other legacy carriers in charging for checked bags.

Don't let these changes discourage you. Being a Southwest cardholder (or having the right elite status) can still get you free checked bags.

Ultimately, if you're committed to Southwest but aren't a cardholder, it's best to apply for a Southwest credit card. If you fly often or as a family, a Southwest credit card can help you save hundreds of dollars a year.

Related: Best Southwest Airlines credit cards

Featured image by ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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  • Intro Offer

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  • Annual Fee

    $325

  • Recommended Credit

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Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

Pros

  • 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.