DALLAS, Texas — Travelers loyal to Southwest Airlines have long bragged about breezing through airport counters without worrying about baggage fees. That bragging right ended when the carrier rolled out new charges for the first and second checked bags, but there is still a workaround that can keep your wallet—and your suitcase—light.
What Changed in Southwest’s Baggage Policy
For years, Southwest allowed every passenger to check two bags for no additional cost. The no-fee policy distinguished the Dallas-based airline from legacy rivals and fit its “maverick” brand, giving families and budget travelers an easy reason to choose the carrier over competitors charging upward of US$35 for a single bag. That era is over. Under the revised structure, the first checked bag now costs US$35, while the second costs US$45. Those numbers place Southwest firmly in line with other large U.S. airlines.
The Credit-Card Loophole: One Free Bag for Nine People
The airline’s co-branded credit-card portfolio, issued by Chase, now functions as the last bastion of a no-fee suitcase. Cardholders are entitled to one free checked bag on every Southwest itinerary. Even better, the perk extends to up to eight additional travelers booked on the same reservation. In practical terms, a single card can wipe out baggage fees for a nine-person group—a considerable savings on popular leisure routes such as Dallas–Love Field to Orlando or Houston–Hobby to Las Vegas. The entry-level Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card carries a US$99 annual fee. “By checking a bag three times a year, you’ll entirely offset this card’s cost,” The Points Guy wrote on its website. A second, lower-profile product with a US$69 annual fee remains in circulation, although its bag benefit and earning structure may vary.
Seat Selection Sweetener
Beyond baggage, the Plus card provides periodic perks such as the ability to select standard seats 48 hours before departure when space exists—useful for travelers wary of the airline’s open-seating scramble. Southwest boards passengers by group letter (A, B or C) and numerical position; early access can make the difference between snagging an aisle near the front or squeezing into a middle toward the tail.
Is the Card Worth It? A Quick Math Check
Consider a family of four taking two round-trip vacations per year. Under today’s fees:
- First bag on each outbound and return: 4 x 2 x US$35 = US$280
- Total annual outlay without a card: US$280
- Annual cost with the Plus card: US$99
Even with conservative assumptions—and ignoring other perks such as anniversary Rapid Rewards points—the household stands to save US$181 every year. Add a second bag per traveler, and savings climb quickly.
Tips for Travelers
- Book everyone under one confirmation number. The free-bag benefit applies only to companions listed on the same reservation as the primary cardholder.
- Bring the card to the airport. Desk agents may request proof of card membership if the benefit does not auto-populate.
- Check purchase timing. Chase often waives the first-year fee or offers a points sign-up bonus, but you must apply through the correct link.
- Watch for 48-hour windows. Use the seat-selection perk as soon as it opens to improve your boarding position.
- Mind category bonuses. The Plus card accelerates point earnings on Southwest purchases, hotel stays and partner dining programs, which can lead to future award flights.
Does every Southwest credit card include a free checked bag?
Yes, as of publication, all consumer Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards grant one complimentary checked bag for the cardholder and up to eight companions on the same reservation.
Can I share the perk if I booked friends on separate confirmation numbers?
No. All travelers must appear under the primary cardholder’s booking. If itineraries are already ticketed separately, contact Southwest to merge them, subject to availability.
Is the free bag counted per flight segment?
The policy covers each leg of your itinerary. A round trip with a connection in each direction counts as four segments, all free.
What if I cancel the card after booking?
Southwest reserves the right to reprice the bag if the card is no longer active at the time of travel, so keep the account open until you have flown.
Beyond Bags: Other Travel Considerations
The Transportation Security Administration bans more than 50 items from checked luggage, ranging from fireworks to lithium batteries. Nineteen of those items, including butane lighters and pool chemicals, regularly trip up travelers departing major Texas airports. Check the TSA’s online database before zipping up your suitcase, whether or not you plan to pay Southwest’s new fees. Pet owners should also note that Southwest accepts only small cats and dogs in the cabin for an additional fee. Larger animals must travel as cargo through specialized shippers that adhere to the airline’s temperature and kennel requirements.
Southwest’s new baggage fees bring the airline in step with its national peers, but they need not ding your vacation budget. Carrying—or traveling with someone who carries—a Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card can still unlock complimentary checked luggage for groups of up to nine. Run the numbers against your traveling patterns; for many families and frequent weekend warriors, the annual fee is quickly eclipsed by savings and perks. And as always, double-check TSA rules before tossing items into any bag you plan to check, free or otherwise.
