How to Avoid Baggage Fees on Southwest Airlines?

The first two checked bags were not charged on Southwest Airlines tickets booked on or before May 28, 2025. But for those booking a ticket after this date will be required to pay a fee. Here are some tips to avoid baggage fees.

• Book a choice extra fare - 2 checked bags are free of charge.
• Get a Rapid Rewards credit card - 1 checked bag is free of charge.
• Become a RapidRewards A-list preferred member - 2 checked bags are free of charge.
• Become a RapidRewards A-list member - 1 checked bag is free of charge.
• Residents of Hawaii travelling interisland - 2 checked bags are free of charge.

Up to 8 passengers booked along with a frequent flyer may also get free checked bags. Our SkyTravelFly blog will give you a deeper insight into how to avoid Southwest Airlines bag fees.

How to get a free checked bag on Southwest?

You may not be able to get a free checked bag on Southwest unless you have a ticket with Choice Extra fare. Here are the ways you may be able to get a free checked bag on Southwest.

• Be an active-duty military member - Present your valid military ID at check-in to be exempt from baggage fees. Get 2 bags free of charge.
• Be on the booking of Rapid Rewards A-list preferred member- Up to 8 passengers in the same booking will get 2 checked bags free.
• Be on the booking of Rapid Rewards A-list member - Up to 8 passengers in the same booking will get 1 checked bag free.
• Travel inter-island on Hawaii - Hawaiian residents will get 2 checked bags free. 

You may not be able to avoid baggage fees on Southwest Airlines international, if the checked bags are oversized or overweight. Feel free to visit or contact SkyTravelFly to understand the charges you will pay.

Does Southwest Airlines have no hidden fees?

Southwest Airlines has a transparent policy vis-à-vis baggage fee; flight change fee or cancellation charges. Completely free checked baggage is available only on Choice Extra fares. Frequent flyers who have flown qualifying one-way flight segments and earned tier-qualifying points will get a RapidRewards A-list or A-list preferred status. You need 40 and 20 one-way flights booked through Southwest to become an A-list preferred and A-list member. After gaining 70,000 and 35,000 tier qualifying points, you can get the benefit of 2 and 1 free bag.

One checked bag is free for Rapid Rewards credit card members. If you are not a credit card holder and did not receive a new Cardmember bonus within the last 2 years, you can open your account and spend $4000 in the first 5 months to get 100,000 points. This also entitles you to a free checked bag. Here are a few things to remember about how to avoid baggage fees Southwest Airlines economy.

• For 8 passengers booked on the same reservation of an A-list member. - 2 checked bags are free.
• For 8 passengers booked on the same reservation of an A-list preferred member - 1 checked bag is free.
• For 8 members booked on the same reservation of Rapid Rewards credit card holder - 1 checked bag is free.

Sporting equipment is considered special baggage on many airlines. But Southwest requires you to pay a standard baggage fee. For a few sporting equipment, you may have to pay a higher charge. You can consider visiting or contacting SkyTravelFly for all your baggage requirements.