How to Avoid Southwest Baggage Fees: 7 Ways to Fly for Less
Southwest charges $35 for the first bag and $45 for the second (policy effective May 2025). Here are the 7 legitimate ways to avoid those fees entirely.
7 Ways to Avoid Southwest Baggage Fees
Earn A-List Preferred Status — 2 Free Bags
Southwest's A-List Preferred tier gives you 2 free checked bags on every flight. It requires 50 qualifying one-way flights or 70,000 tier qualifying points per calendar year.
Annual savings: ~$160+ per round trip (2 bags × $35 + $45 each way × 2)
Best for: Frequent flyers — roughly 1 flight per week
Earn A-List Status — 1 Free Bag
A-List (Southwest's base tier) gives you 1 free checked bag per flight. Requires 25 qualifying one-way flights or 35,000 tier qualifying points per year.
Annual savings: $70 per round trip (1 bag × $35 each way × 2)
Best for: Semi-frequent flyers — roughly 1 flight every 2 weeks
Get a Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card — 1–2 Free Bags
This is the easiest path for occasional flyers. Qualifying Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards include free checked bag benefits on every flight.
Annual savings: $70–$160+ per round trip depending on the card
Best for: Anyone who flies Southwest a few times a year — the card pays for itself quickly
Active-Duty Military ID — Unlimited Free Bags
Active-duty U.S. military members with valid military ID check unlimited free bags, up to 100 lbs and 80 linear inches each. Must check in at the airport ticket counter.
Annual savings: Unlimited
Best for: Active-duty service members on any Southwest flight
Pack Carry-On Only — Always Free
Southwest allows one free carry-on bag (up to 10" × 16" × 24") and one free personal item on all fare types. Pack light and skip checked bags entirely.
Savings per trip: $35–$80+ (depending on how many bags you'd otherwise check)
Best for: Short trips (1–5 days) with minimal gear
Use Companion Pass Benefits
If you hold a Southwest Companion Pass, your designated companion flies for just taxes and fees. If you have A-List Preferred status (2 free bags), your companion benefits from the same baggage allowance.
Best for: Travelers who fly frequently with a partner or family member
Avoid Overweight and Oversize Fees
If you must check bags, avoid the extra surcharges by keeping bags under 50 lbs and 62 linear inches. Overweight bags add $100–$200; oversize bags add $200.
Tip: Weigh your bag at home with a luggage scale. Redistribute items to a carry-on to stay under 50 lbs.
Cost Comparison: Methods Side by Side
| Method | Free Bags | Effort / Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| A-List Preferred | 2 bags | High (50 flights/yr) | Frequent flyers |
| A-List | 1 bag | Medium (25 flights/yr) | Semi-frequent flyers |
| SW Credit Card | 1–2 bags | Low (annual fee) | Most travelers |
| Military ID | Unlimited | None (if eligible) | Active-duty only |
| Carry-On Only | n/a (no check) | Low (packing effort) | Short trips |
Calculate Your Bag Costs Before Booking
Use our calculator to see exactly how much you'd pay — and how much you'd save with each method.
Open Baggage Fee Calculator →Frequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest way to avoid Southwest baggage fees?
The easiest way is to get a Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card, which gives you 1 free checked bag per flight for the cardholder. The annual fee is typically offset by the first round trip with bags.
Does A-List status give free bags on Southwest?
Yes. A-List status gives you 1 free checked bag per flight. A-List Preferred gives 2 free checked bags. Earn A-List with 25 qualifying one-way trips or 35,000 tier qualifying points per calendar year.
Can I avoid Southwest baggage fees by only bringing a carry-on?
Yes. Southwest allows 1 free carry-on (10×16×24 inches) and 1 free personal item on every fare. There is no basic economy restriction. Packing in a carry-on eliminates checked bag fees entirely.
Do military members pay baggage fees on Southwest?
No. Active-duty US military members with valid military ID receive all checked bags free on Southwest Airlines, with no limit on the number of bags. Bags can be up to 100 lbs each at no overweight charge.
Does the Southwest Companion Pass help with baggage fees?
Not directly. The Companion Pass allows one designated companion to fly free on every flight, but baggage fees still apply per person. However, if you have A-List Preferred status, your companion also gets 2 free bags.
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.