How to Fly Without Paying a Baggage Fee on Southwest Airlines
THE Southwest Airlines has always been known for its policy of two free checked bags, but recently announced changes that will eliminate this difference.
From May 28, 2025, the company will start charging for checked baggage, aligning itself with other airlines. However, there are still ways to avoid these charges and travel without spending more on baggage fees.
If you are planning to fly with Southwest Airlines and want to save, check out the strategies below to continue taking advantage free baggage.
THE Southwest Airlines he has credit cards co-branded issued by Chase, which offer exclusive benefits to frequent flyers. One of the benefits of these cards is the baggage fee exemption.
| Card | Baggage Benefit | Other Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority | 1 free checked bag | Annual credit of US$ 75 |
| Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier | 1 free checked bag | Extra points gain |
| Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business | 1 free checked bag | Business benefits |
If you travel with frequency, request one of these credit cards can be an economical solution to continue enjoying free checked baggage.
O Rapid Rewards, loyalty program of Southwest Airlines, grants benefits to frequent customers, including free baggage for members A-List e A-List Preferred.
| Status | Requirements | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| A-List | 25 paid flights or 35,000 qualifying points | 1 free checked bag + priority boarding |
| A-List Preferred | 50 paid flights or 70,000 qualifying points | 2 free checked bags + priority boarding |
If you usually fly with Southwest, it is worth registering on Rapid Rewards and accumulate points to guarantee free baggage.
THE Southwest Airlines announced that customers who purchase the tariff Business Select will continue to receive the benefit of two free checked bags.
If you were already considering paying for one premium seat, this could be a smart way to keep traveling without paying baggage fees.
Hurry up bags is becoming a problem, a good solution is to travel only with hand luggage.
| Type of Baggage | Maximum Dimensions |
|---|---|
| Hand luggage | 61 cm x 40 cm x 25 cm |
| Personal item (backpack, bag) | 45cm x 35cm x 20cm |
Tips for traveling with only hand luggage:
If you can organize yourself, you can avoid any baggage fees by just taking hand luggage.
If you are traveling with a partner, you can divide the weight of your luggage between checked bags.
✔ Distribute the weight between all bags to avoid extra charges. ✔ Use large backpacks as a personal item to carry more things without having to check them in. ✔ Avoid very heavy bags – if a suitcase exceeds 23 kg, you will pay an overweight fee.
With the new baggage fee from the Southwest Airlines, it may be worth comparing with others airlines that still offer free baggage.
| Airline | Free Checked Baggage? |
|---|---|
| Southwest Airlines | ❌ No (as of May 2025) |
| JetBlue | ✅ Yes (only on Blue Plus rates) |
| Alaska Airlines | ✅ Yes (for Alaska Airlines credit card customers) |
| Delta Airlines | ❌ No (except for loyalty members and Delta SkyMiles cardholders) |
| American Airlines | ❌ No (only credit card offers benefit) |
If you travel frequently, it might be a good idea to consider switching to a airline that offers free baggage.
Although the Southwest Airlines has ended its policy of two free bags, there are still several ways to fly without paying baggage fee. If you have a Southwest Credit Card, travels frequently and accumulates points on Rapid Rewards, or you can simply take just one hand luggage, you can avoid the extra costs.
The key is plan ahead, choose the best fare and use the benefits available. With these tips, you can continue traveling without having to spend more on baggage fees! ✈
