How to Still Get Free Check Bags on Southwest Flights

This is the end of an era.

Southwest Airlines is now charging bags for all flights booked on May 28. This is an unfortunate change for Southwest Airlines and budget flyers, who enjoyed two free check bags on all flights.

For flights booked on a trip late May 28, your luggage will still fly freely as long as you do not change your reservation in any way.

If you don’t have any upcoming travel plans, apply for a new Southwest credit card or become a Southwest cardholder, and it can be the right course of action.

Reminder that the new bag for the first bag is $35 and the second bag is $45.

1 free check bag, Southwest credit card

Southwest overhauled the entire business model by increasing bag fees, premium seats, new fare courses and seat options.

These changes make Southwest Credit Card worth investing, as cardholders will now get a checked bag for free. This revitalization also applies to up to eight companions who make the same reservation with the primary cardholder.

Qualified credit cards that offer free check bags for Southwest flights include:

Information on the Southwest Quick Reward Prime Minister’s Credit Card has been independently collected by Tocts Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

If you fly twice a year, $69 Southwest plus a card may be enough. By taking a round trip flight, you can check one bag every way, and you can effectively break even for an annual fee.

Aside from an easy way to get a checked bag on all Southwest flights without paying a massive annual fee, the entry-level card also offers you a standard seating option for 48 hours before departure, if available.

If you want more benefits than free check bags, such as choosing a preferred seat when booking or upgrading to extra legroom within 48 hours, consider other cards such as Southwest Priority or Southwest Performance Business.

Elite identity

Another way to get a free check bag is Southwest Elite identity. A-List members will receive a free check bag, while A-List preferred members will still receive two free shipping bags. If you are often a Southwest pilot, elite status will pay off in terms of luggage allowance.

Bottom line

The day finally came, and Southwest Airlines joined all other old carriers to charge for checked baggage.

Don’t let these changes stop you. Being a Southwest cardholder (or having the right elite identity) can still allow you to sign your bag for free.

Ultimately, if you are committed to Southwest Airlines but are not a cardholder, it is best to apply for a Southwest Credit Card. If you fly frequently or as a family, Southwest Credit Card can help you save hundreds of dollars a year.

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