How to still get a free checked bag on Southwest flights

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:

• 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.

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