Does Southwest Still Have Free Checked Bags?
Southwest's "Bags Fly Free" program was one of the most famous policies in commercial aviation. As of May 2025, it's gone for most passengers. Here's the full picture — who pays, who doesn't, and how to avoid the new fees.
Current Checked Bag Fees (2026)
| Bag | Fee |
|---|---|
| 1st checked bag | $35 |
| 2nd checked bag | $45 |
| 3rd+ checked bag | $150 each |
| Overweight bag (51–70 lbs) | +$100 |
| Overweight bag (71–100 lbs) | +$200 |
| Carry-on bag | Free |
| Personal item | Free |
Who Still Gets Free Bags on Southwest
Some passengers still qualify for free checked bags based on their status, card, or fare type:
A-List Preferred members — 2 free bags
Southwest's top elite tier. Requires 40 qualifying flights or 70,000 tier qualifying points per year. Both the first and second checked bags are free.
A-List members — 1 free bag
Southwest's standard elite tier. Requires 25 qualifying flights or 35,000 tier qualifying points per year. First checked bag is free.
Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cardholders
Rapid Rewards Priority and Plus credit cards may include free checked bag benefits. Check your current card terms — benefits vary by card product and are subject to change.
Active-duty military — up to 2 free bags
Active-duty military members traveling with valid military ID receive free checked bags. Bags may be up to 100 lbs each at no overweight charge.
Choice Extra fare — 2 free bags
Southwest's top fare tier (formerly Business Select) includes 2 free checked bags per direction, plus priority boarding (A1–A15) and bonus points.
What's Still Free for Everyone
1 carry-on bag
Must fit in the overhead bin (max 10" × 16" × 24"). No weight limit.
1 personal item
Must fit under the seat. Purse, laptop bag, small backpack — all free.
Child stroller & car seat
Checked free at the gate, regardless of fare type.
Assistive devices
Wheelchairs, walkers, and medical devices are always checked free.
How to Avoid the Checked Bag Fee
Pack carry-on only
Southwest's free carry-on allowance is generous — many trips fit in a 22" roller bag + personal item
Get A-List status
Earn A-List with 25 qualifying flights or 35,000 tier qualifying points — first bag free for the rest of the year
Use a Southwest credit card
Rapid Rewards Priority and Plus cards may include free bag benefits — check current card terms
Book Choice Extra fare
Includes 2 free checked bags per direction plus priority boarding (A1–A15) — worth it if you check 2 bags regularly
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Southwest always have free bags?
Southwest ran its "Bags Fly Free" program for decades, allowing up to 2 free checked bags for all passengers. This was a major differentiator that drove many travelers to choose Southwest over competitors. The policy ended May 28, 2025, as part of a broader strategy shift.
Do I pay for bags when booking or at the airport?
Checked bag fees are paid at check-in, either online or at the airport counter. You can add bags during online check-in. There is no price difference between paying online versus at the counter for standard checked bags.
Does the Companion Pass include free bags?
The Companion Pass itself does not include free checked bags. The companion pays the same checked bag fees as other passengers. However, if the primary passenger has a status or card benefit that grants free bags, the companion may also receive that benefit — check current policy for specifics.
Are Southwest bag fees the same as Delta and United?
Yes, for most travelers. All four major US airlines (Southwest, Delta, United, American) now charge $35 for the first checked bag. The key difference: Southwest still includes free carry-ons for all passengers, while Delta, United, and American charge $35 for carry-ons in their basic economy fares.
Does Southwest still have free checked bags in 2026?
No, not for most passengers. Southwest eliminated free checked bags for most customers effective May 28, 2025. The first checked bag now costs $35 and the second costs $45. Free checked bags are still available for A-List Preferred members, A-List members (1 free bag), Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cardholders, and active-duty military.
When did Southwest stop offering free bags?
Southwest ended its free checked bag policy for most passengers on May 28, 2025. This was a major policy change after Southwest's long-standing “Bags Fly Free” program had been a core differentiator since the airline's early years.
Who still gets free bags on Southwest?
Free checked bags are still available to: Choice Extra fare passengers (2 free bags), A-List Preferred members (2 free bags), A-List members (1 free bag), Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cardholders (subject to card terms), and active-duty military with valid ID.
How much does Southwest charge for checked bags in 2026?
Southwest charges $35 for the first checked bag and $45 for the second checked bag. The third and additional bags cost $150 each. Bags 51–70 lbs add a $100 overweight fee; bags 71–100 lbs add $200.
Is carry-on still free on Southwest?
Yes. Southwest still allows 1 free carry-on bag and 1 free personal item for all passengers on all fare types. Only checked bags now incur fees.
Calculate Your Total Bag Cost
See exactly what you'll pay based on your fare type, status, and number of bags.
Open Baggage Fee Calculator →All information provided is for general informational purposes only and is based on publicly available data. Fee information was last verified against official Southwest baggage policy in March 2026. While we strive to keep the information accurate and up-to-date, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability of the information contained on this website.
Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk. In no event will the owner of this website be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, arising out of or in connection with the use of this website.