How Your Bags Can Still Fly Free on Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines built its brand on letting your bags fly free. But recent changes have started to chip away at that promise.

While the airline still offers some ways to avoid checked bag fees, they’re not as universal as they used to be. Here’s what travelers should know before they fly.

Why Free Bags Were Part of Southwest’s Identity

Southwest built its reputation on doing things differently, including letting passengers check two bags for free.

“Southwest was founded with the philosophy that they would be ‘different’ from other major airlines,” said Michael Taylor, senior managing director of travel, hospitality, retail, and customer service at J.D. Power.

That difference helped define the brand. But as Taylor noted, fee-free perks are now seen as “lost opportunities to gather more revenue,” and pressure from investors is driving changes.

What’s Changed—And Who Still Flies Fee-Free

As of May 28, 2025, only Business Select and A-List Preferred travelers continue to receive two free checked bags. For most other fare classes, baggage fees now apply:

• First checked bag: $35
• Second checked bag: $45

The fine print also outlines fees for additional bags, overweight items, and other extras—costs that can add up fast. Military service members still fly with all their checked bags free.

How Southwest’s Fees Compare to Other Airlines

Southwest’s fees remain competitive, especially when compared to ultra-low-cost carriers, where luggage costs can exceed ticket prices.

“There are minor variations among most major airlines for bag fees,” said Taylor, “but the ultra-low cost carriers often charge more than that.”

As other airlines introduce bundled perks and Southwest trims its own, the value gap is starting to close.