Southwest is eliminating free checked bags — Here's how you can still get the perk

Yahoo

12-03-2025

Southwest Airlines announced it will no longer offer two free checked bags for every passenger starting May 28, 2025. The airline will only allow one free checked bag to Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred members and passengers on Business Select fares. Luckily, there's another way to secure a free checked bag: You'll get the perk as a Southwest credit cardholder.
But that's not all these cards offer. In fact, now is one of the best times of the year to consider a Southwest credit card. Here's how you can choose the right Rapid Rewards card for your travels and what to know ahead of the policy change:Southwest's 'Two bags fly free' policy has long been a major money-saver for frequent Southwest flyers — especially when two checked bags on a domestic flight with other airlines could cost as much as $100 one-way.
You do still have some time to take advantage of the perk if you're flying Southwest in the near future. The airline will not charge for checked baggage for flights booked before May 28, 2025. The airline hasn't yet given details on the cost you'll pay to check your first or second bag after this date.
The checked baggage cost is just one of several changes Southwest is rolling out, including a new assigned seating program expected later this year.
For one, the airline announced a new Basic fare, making up the lowest-cost tickets starting on the same date, though there aren't yet details on how the new fare will differ from Southwest's existing fare classes.
It also recently updated its Rapid Rewards program, changing the number of points you can earn when purchasing different fare types on a qualifying flight.
Without A-List boosts, you'll earn 14 points per dollar spent on qualifying flights in Business Select (the same fare class that will still get a free checked bag), 10 points per dollar spent on qualifying flights with a refundable Anytime ticket, 6 points per dollar on Wanna Get Away+ fare, and 2 points per dollar on Wanna Get Away flights.Even without A-List Preferred Rapid Rewards status or a Business Select ticket, you can still get one free checked bag with a Southwest credit card.
If you typically travel with a lot of luggage, keep in mind that you'll now only get your first checked bag free as a cardholder.
We don't yet know exactly what Southwest will charge for baggage, but you'll likely save a significant amount on baggage fees if you fly with the airline a few times each year. As a comparison, JetBlue charges $35 off-peak and $40 during peak season flights, while American Airlines charges $40 for your first checked bag on domestic flights — though costs can differ depending on status and fare class.
Assuming Southwest's future baggage fees are similar to other U.S. airlines, this benefit can quickly help you recoup the annual fee cost of a Southwest Rapid Rewards card.
If you prefer flying Southwest and want to prepare for the changes coming later this year, now is a great time to consider opening a Southwest Rapid Rewards card.
After you're approved for any of Southwest's three consumer credit cards and spend at least $4,000 within the first three months, you'll earn a valuable two-part welcome bonus:
Companion Pass through Feb. 28, 2026
30,000 bonus points
You must fly 100 one-way qualifying flights or earn 135,000 Companion Pass qualifying points in a calendar year to earn the pass otherwise. With it, you can bring a companion along with you on Southwest flights for free (not including taxes and fees).
To earn the limited-time Companion Pass bonus, you must apply by March 31, 2025.Here's a look at each of the Southwest Rapid Rewards cards to help determine which is right for you:
Why we like it: The Rapid Rewards Plus card has the lowest annual fee among Southwest's credit cards at $69 and offers slightly lower rewards on Southwest purchases. But it still has some valuable benefits alongside the free checked bag perk starting in May. You'll get access to EarlyBird Check-Ins twice each year; 3,000 points on your cardmember anniversary; 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points each year; and 25% back on eligible in-flight purchases. Combined with rewards you can use toward future flights, this card can make a great option if you prefer flying Southwest but aren't a frequent traveler.Why we like it: The Rapid Rewards Priority card is the most premium Southwest credit card with a $149 annual fee — though it's also the only card to offer a $75 annual travel credit for Southwest spending. You'll get some elevated perks, including 7,500 points each cardmember anniversary and four Upgraded Boardings (positions A1-A15) per year. Otherwise, the Rapid Rewards Priority card is similar to the Rapid Rewards Premier: 1,500 tier-qualifying points for every $5,000 you spend; 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points each year; 25% off in-flight purchases; and no foreign transaction fees.
This card is a solid option if you fly frequently and Southwest is your preferred airline. You can quickly recoup half the card's fee when you use the annual travel credit alone. Plus, Upgraded Boarding costs typically start at $30; if you fly at least four times each year and use this annual benefit, you can get more than $100 in added value.Why we like it: With a Rapid Rewards Premier card, you'll boost your rewards on Southwest purchases to 3x per dollar for a slightly higher $99 annual fee. This card also has some increased benefits, like 6,000 points each year on your cardmember anniversary and the ability to earn 1,500 tier qualifying points toward A-List status for every $5,000 in purchases. Beyond that, you'll get the same 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points annually, 2 Early Bird Check-Ins, and 25% off in-flight spending as the Rapid Rewards Plus. The Rapid Rewards Premier also charges no foreign transaction fees, so it could be a better option if you plan to travel abroad with your card.Editorial Disclosure: The information in this article has not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser. All opinions belong solely to the Yahoo Finance and are not those of any other entity. The details on financial products, including card rates and fees, are accurate as of the publish date. All products or services are presented without warranty. Check the bank's website for the most current information. This site doesn't include all currently available offers. Credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.