How to Get Free Bags on Southwest Airlines (2026)
Southwest ended its “Bags Fly Free” program in 2025. But several paths to free checked bags still exist. Here's every one of them.
| Method | Free Bags | Effort |
|---|---|---|
| A-List Preferred | 2 bags | High (50 flights/yr) |
| A-List | 1 bag | Medium (25 flights/yr) |
| SW Credit Card | 1–2 bags | Low (annual fee) |
| Military ID | Unlimited | None (if eligible) |
| Choice Extra fare | 2 bags | Included in fare |
Detailed Guides
A-List & A-List Preferred Status
A-List: 1 free · A-List Preferred: 2 free
Earn status through qualifying flights or tier qualifying points. Best for travelers who fly Southwest regularly.
Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card
1–2 free bags
Easiest option for occasional flyers. Card annual fee pays for itself after 1–2 round trips.
Active-Duty Military
Unlimited free bags
Present valid military ID at the ticket counter. Bags may be up to 100 lbs at no overweight charge.
Does Southwest Have Free Bags?
Not for most passengers
Southwest ended free bags for most travelers May 28, 2025. Learn who still qualifies.
Companion Pass Baggage
Depends on primary passenger
Your companion's bags depend on your status. A-List Preferred passes 2 free bags to your companion.
7 Ways to Avoid Bag Fees
All methods combined
Full guide: status, credit cards, military, carry-on only, and tips to avoid overweight charges.
A-List Preferred Benefits
2 free bags + free WiFi
Southwest's top tier: 2 free bags, complimentary WiFi, 100% bonus points. Requires 50 qualifying flights.
Southwest Baggage Policy Overview
Policy reference
Complete 2026 baggage policy: what changed May 2025, who gets free bags, and all fee types.
Rapid Rewards Card Free Bags
1 free bag per flight
Which Southwest credit cards include a free bag and how much you save per year.
Stroller & Car Seat — Always Free
Free (gate check)
Strollers and car seats gate-check free on all Southwest flights. Do not count as checked bags.
See Your Exact Savings
Select your status or card type in the calculator to see what you'd pay vs. save.
Open Baggage Fee Calculator →Frequently Asked Questions
How can I get free checked bags on Southwest in 2026?
There are six ways to get free checked bags on Southwest: (1) A-List status — 1 free bag; (2) A-List Preferred status — 2 free bags; (3) Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card — 1 free bag for cardholder and up to 8 companions; (4) Active-duty military with valid ID — unlimited free bags; (5) Companion Pass holder — 1 free bag when flying as a companion; (6) Booking with a qualifying Southwest business credit card.
Does Southwest still offer free checked bags for everyone?
No. Southwest ended its universal free checked bag policy on May 28, 2025. Standard passengers now pay $35 for the first bag and $45 for the second. Free bags are only available through loyalty status, qualifying credit cards, or military exemption.
Which Southwest credit card gives free bags?
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority, Premier, and Plus credit cards all provide 1 free checked bag per direction for the cardholder and up to 8 companions on the same reservation. The annual fee ranges from $69–$149, but the bag savings alone ($35 × 2 directions = $70 per trip) can quickly offset the cost.
Does A-List Preferred give 2 free bags?
Yes. Southwest A-List Preferred status provides 2 free checked bags per direction — a $45 + $35 = $80 savings each way, or $160 round trip. A-List (base) status provides only 1 free bag. Neither status waives overweight or oversize surcharges.
Do military members get free bags on Southwest?
Yes. Active-duty U.S. military members traveling with a valid military ID receive unlimited free checked bags on Southwest — including bags that would otherwise incur overweight or oversize fees. Reservists and veterans do not qualify for this exemption.
Related: Southwest baggage fees · All fee types · Carry-on policy · Carry-on weight limit · Carry-on hub · Full policy
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.
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