How to still get a free checked bag on Southwest Airlines flights

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.

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)

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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