Southwest Airlines is my go-to airline for most of my adult life. The fare is cheap, the bags are free to fly, and the open seating policy means my family can easily find seats.
About a year ago, Southwest announced the first of many operational changes. The first blow was the end of open seats announced by the airline in September last year and will take effect in January 2026.
I was worried that these changes would affect the “love” of my favorite airline, but I came slowly.
One thing is to help me with the secret weapon to avoid paying my luggage fee when I fly to the southwest – American Express Platinum Card®.
New luggage charges in the southwest
Before sharing the secret, let’s dive into Southwest’s new luggage policy.
Before this change, the Southwest pilot can check two bags for free. For May 28 bookings, the Southwest now costs $35 for the first shipment bag and the second bag costs $45. There are some exceptions to top elite identity members, those flying at high fares and the choice of Southwest cardholders.
I don’t fall into any of these categories, but I have three kids and sometimes have to check a bag. We can escape one or two carry-on bags for a shorter trip – but we need more carry-on bags than the kids I trust during the longer vacation.
But I also don’t want to pay for checked baggage, especially considering that I’m used to Southwest’s generous policies.
Related: These 27 credit cards can provide you with free check bags on your next flight
Reward your inbox with TPG Daily Newsletter
Join over 700,000 readers for breaking news, in-depth guides and exclusive deals from TPG experts
Amex Platinum Airline Fee Credit
mine Platinum card Each calendar year has a maximum air fee declaration credit limit of $200 (registration required).
At the beginning of each year (January 31), you can select the desired airline on the AMEX website to charge the qualified airline you designated.
Over the past few years I have used airline fees to cover my above mentioned kids’ onboard snack purchases and lounge guests (I may always need snacks, I may add them).
However, you can also use it for things like seat allocation, change fees and check baggage fees.
Although not explicitly stated, if you want to change the airline at the beginning of the year or forget to designate a new airline at the beginning of the year, then I learned that as long as you haven’t used any credit yet, I know that Amex is very generous in allowing changes.
If you use some credits, you will have to wait until the next calendar year to make changes.
Related: 10 Things to Do When Getting Amex Platinum
Amex Platinum for rescue
I recently booked a Southwest flight for a four-day family trip to Zion National Park and didn’t want to drag a few carry-on bags filled with outdoor gear across the airport. I’ve designated an airline for a year with AMEX, but I haven’t used it yet, so I reached out with Amex through chat to see if I can change the airline to Southwest.
They made changes and I started packing.
We have a total of two shipping bags. The customer service broker charged my ticket a bag, a bag to my husband, so we each paid $35 instead of the first shipment bag one paid $35 for one and the second bag $45.
Total to $70, it was posted to my Amex account that day; by the next day, my statement loan had been posted. We checked our luggage on the return trip, and so did.
All in all, we use Platinum card Airline Statement Fee Credit – I have $60 to pay for future travel check bags for the rest of 2025.
Bottom line
It’s hard to change, but I Amex Platinum Making this particular change easier.
This is complemented by several other benefits of improving air travel, including Global Entry or TSA Precheck Application Fee Statement Credit (Global Entry is $120 per 4 years, up to $85 per 4 years per 4 years per 4 years per 4 years), annual statement credit of $209 per year, annual calendar year note credit for your clear membership (requires your automatic sequel), without automatic registration, can help my airport.
To learn more, check out our full review of American Express Platinum Card.
Related readings:
For rates and fees for Amex Platinum cards, click here.
