Southwest Baggage Fees by Fare Type: Which Fares Include Free Bags?
Wondering if your Southwest fare includes free bags? Here's the complete breakdown of all four fare types — Basic, Choice, Choice Preferred, and Choice Extra — and what each includes for checked baggage in 2026.
Fare Type Baggage Comparison (2026)
| Fare Type | Free Checked Bags | First Bag Fee | Second Bag Fee | Other Perks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic (formerly Wanna Get Away) | 0 | $35 | $45 | Lowest price, limited flexibility |
| Choice (formerly Wanna Get Away Plus) | 0 | $35 | $45 | Transferable flight credit, same-day standby |
| Choice Preferred (formerly Anytime) | 0 | $35 | $45 | Refundable, flexible rebooking |
| Choice Extra (formerly Business Select) | 2 free | Free | Free | Priority boarding (A1–A15), 2 free bags, bonus points |
Southwest rebranded its fare tiers in 2025. Choice Extra replaces Business Select and is the only fare type that includes free checked bags.
Who Still Gets Free Checked Bags on Southwest?
Choice Extra Fare — 2 Free Bags
Southwest's top fare tier (formerly Business Select) includes 2 free checked bags per direction. Priority boarding (A1–A15) is also included. The premium cost of the fare is offset if you would otherwise pay $35 + $45 = $80 in bag fees each way.
A-List Preferred Status — 2 Free Bags
Southwest's top frequent flyer tier. Requires 50 qualifying one-way flights or 70,000 tier qualifying points per calendar year.
Learn about A-List status →A-List Status — 1 Free Bag
Southwest's base frequent flyer tier. Requires 25 qualifying one-way flights or 35,000 tier qualifying points per calendar year.
Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cards — 1–2 Free Bags
Qualifying Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards include checked bag benefits. The number of free bags depends on the specific card tier.
Compare Southwest credit card bag benefits →Active-Duty Military — Unlimited Free Bags
Active-duty U.S. military members with valid military ID receive unlimited free checked bags on all Southwest flights.
Military baggage benefits →Carry-On and Personal Item: All Fares
| Bag Type | All Fare Types | Size Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Carry-on bag | Free | 10" × 16" × 24" |
| Personal item | Free | Must fit under seat in front |
| First checked bag | $35 | Max 50 lbs, 62 linear inches |
| Second checked bag | $45 | Max 50 lbs, 62 linear inches |
Calculate Your Total Baggage Cost
Use our free calculator to see exactly what you'll pay for bags based on your status, fare type, and number of bags.
Open Baggage Fee Calculator →Frequently Asked Questions
Did Southwest used to offer free bags?
Yes. Until May 27, 2025, Southwest was famous for including 2 free checked bags with every fare type — a major differentiator from other airlines. That policy ended on May 28, 2025, when Southwest began charging for checked bags under new ownership.
Is there any fare type that includes bags now?
Yes — Choice Extra (Southwest's top fare tier) includes 2 free checked bags per direction. Basic, Choice, and Choice Preferred fares do not include free bags. Free bags are also available through A-List or A-List Preferred status, a Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card, or active-duty military ID.
Is upgrading to Choice (formerly Wanna Get Away Plus) worth it for baggage?
Choice costs more than Basic but does not include free bags. The upgrade benefits are transferable flight credits and same-day standby — not baggage. If saving on bags is your goal, consider a Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card or Choice Extra fare instead.
Does Wanna Get Away include free checked bags on Southwest?
No. As of May 28, 2025, Southwest Wanna Get Away fares no longer include free checked bags. The first checked bag costs $35 and the second costs $45, unless you qualify through A-List status, military ID, or a Southwest credit card.
Which Southwest fare type includes free bags?
The Choice Extra fare (Southwest's top tier) includes 2 free checked bags per direction. Basic, Choice, and Choice Preferred fares do not include free bags. Free bags are also available through A-List Preferred status (2 free bags), A-List status (1 free bag), a qualifying Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card, or active-duty military ID.
Does Business Select include free bags on Southwest?
Southwest replaced Business Select with the Choice Extra fare as part of its 2025 restructuring. Choice Extra includes 2 free checked bags per direction. If you're searching for the old Business Select baggage benefit, Choice Extra is the current equivalent.
Does upgrading to Anytime / Choice Preferred fare save money on bags?
No. Choice Preferred (formerly Anytime) fares do not include free checked bags. To get free bags from a fare upgrade, you'd need to book Choice Extra. Otherwise, earning A-List status or holding a Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card gives you free bags regardless of fare class.
Do all Southwest fare types charge the same bag fees?
No. The Choice Extra fare includes 2 free checked bags per direction, so the first 2 bags are free. Basic, Choice, and Choice Preferred fares all charge $35 for the first bag and $45 for the second. Choice Extra is the only fare class that includes checked bags.
What does Southwest Basic fare include?
Southwest Basic fare is the entry-level ticket. It includes 1 free carry-on bag and 1 free personal item. Checked bags are not included — you pay $35 for the first bag and $45 for the second. Basic fare does not earn Tier Qualifying Points toward A-List status and has the fewest flexibility benefits. It's the lowest-cost option but also the least accommodating for frequent flyers.
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.