How to still get a free checked bag on Southwest Airlines flights
Editor's Note
Southwest Airlines may have ended its "two bags fly free" policy — a perk that defined the airline for decades — but that doesn't mean you're automatically stuck paying baggage fees.
There are still several reliable ways to check a bag for free when flying with Southwest.
Here's how.
Related: These 27 credit cards can get you free checked bags on your next flight
Get a free checked bag with a Southwest credit card
When Southwest rolled out sweeping policy changes in 2025, complimentary checked bags were one of the airline's most notable perks to disappear. Southwest now charges $35 for the first checked bag and $45 for the second for passengers without a qualifying credit card, elite status or eligible fare class.
View this post on Instagram
However, one way to still score a free checked bag on Southwest flights is through credit cards.
Several of Southwest's Rapid Rewards consumer and business credit cards offer one free checked bag for the primary cardmember and up to eight travelers on the same reservation — a valuable benefit for families or anyone who frequently travels in groups.
Eligible credit cards that offer a free checked bag for Southwest flights include:
- Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card (see rates and fees)
- Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card (see rates and fees)
- Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card
- Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card (see rates and fees)
- Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card (see rates and fees)
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.
These changes make being a Southwest cardholder more valuable than ever since cardmembers now receive one checked bag free of charge. Keep in mind that your Southwest Rapid Rewards account number must be attached to the reservation for the benefit to apply, and the free baggage benefit does not apply to authorized users.
This perk can quickly add up in savings. For example, if you fly Southwest a couple of times a year, you might consider carrying the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card, which comes with a $99 annual fee, in your wallet. By checking a bag just three times a year, you'll completely offset the cost of this card.
In addition to helping you avoid baggage fees, 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 Rapid Rewards Priority Card or the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Card, which have an annual fee of $229 and $299, respectively, and offer enhanced travel perks.
Related: Expanded Southwest benefits: The Southwest Plus, Premier and Priority go head-to-head
Elite status
Another way to get a free checked bag — or two — is with Southwest Rapid Rewards elite status. A-List members get one free checked bag, and A-List Preferred members get two free checked bags.
If you're a frequent Southwest flyer, elite status can quickly pay off in baggage savings. Just make sure to add your Rapid Rewards loyalty number when booking so your benefits apply automatically.
Notably, Southwest cardholders can also use a different non-Southwest card to pay for a flight and still receive their free checked bag, as long as their Rapid Rewards number is attached to the reservation.
Related: Complete guide to airline status matches and challenges in 2026
Bottom line
While bags no longer fly free for every Southwest passenger, there are still reliable ways to avoid baggage fees on your next flight.
Being a Southwest cardholder — or earning elite status — can still unlock the coveted benefit of free checked bags.
If you regularly fly Southwest, especially with family or checked bags, carrying one of the airline's cobranded credit cards can easily save you hundreds of dollars each year.
Related: Best Southwest Airlines credit cards
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 4X | 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. |
| 4X | 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. |
| 5X | New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Valuable dining and food-related credits
- Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
- Multiple travel and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
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 $8,000 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.
- New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
- Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.