Southwest brings back ‘bags fly free’ — But there’s a catch
For years, Southwest Airlines was famous for one simple promise: you could check two bags for free. No fine print. No games. Just toss your suitcase on the belt and go. But after ending that beloved perk earlier this year, the airline is bringing it back — sort of.
The twist? This time, “Bags Fly Free” isn’t for everyone. You’ll need to book a full vacation package through Getaways by Southwest, a new platform launching on August 19, 2025, to enjoy the deal.
What exactly is changing?
Not long ago, every Southwest passenger — no matter what they paid for a ticket — got two free checked bags. That ended in May 2025, when the airline started charging $35 for your first bag and $45 for your second, unless you had a fancy credit card, elite status, or bought a premium ticket.
Now, Southwest is giving free checked bags another shot, but only for travellers who bundle flights and hotels under its new vacation platform. If you use Getaways by Southwest, everyone on your booking gets two free checked bags — as long as they meet weight and size limits.
That’s good news if you’re planning a trip to places like Orlando, Cancun, or even Hawaii. But it’s not the across-the-board perk that made Southwest stand out for decades.
Why did Southwest change its tune?
“Bags Fly Free” wasn’t just a perk — it was part of Southwest’s personality. CEO Bob Jordan even called it the airline’s “most important feature” in 2024. So why drop it in the first place?
The answer: money and pressure. Activist investors, including Elliott Investment Management, pushed Southwest to boost profits. That meant adding new fees, assigning seating, extra-legroom options, and now charging for bags unless you qualify for certain perks.
By tying free bags to vacation packages, Southwest gets to keep the marketing shine of “Bags Fly Free” while encouraging travellers to spend more on bundled deals. In other words, it’s less of a gift and more of a clever business move.
Teasers, launch date, and where you’ll see it
The programme officially launches on August 19, 2025, but Southwest has been dropping hints on Instagram. Posts show beach silhouettes, poolside scenes, and a rolling suitcase shadow with captions like “Coming Soon 8.19.25.” The airline even used playful emojis to stir up excitement without spelling out details.
When it launches, vacation packages will be offered in 30+ markets—including big hubs like Dallas, Las Vegas, and Orlando—with more to come later.
Can you still avoid baggage fees without a package?
If you’re not planning a bundled vacation, there are still a few ways to dodge those pesky bag charges:
- Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card – The primary cardholder and up to eight companions get one free checked bag.
- Business Select fares – Still include two free checked bags.
- A-List Preferred elite members – Get two free checked bags. (Standard A-List gets one.)
- Getaways by Southwest packages – Two free checked bags for everyone on the booking.
What it means for travelers
For loyal Southwest flyers, this move feels like a mixed bag (pun intended). On one hand, it’s nice to see free luggage coming back — even if only for vacation packages. On the other, the airline is clearly shifting away from its simple, fee-free roots.
Travel experts say Southwest’s strategy is clear: compete with other airlines and vacation package companies at the same time. For travellers who like bundled deals, this could mean great value. For quick business flyers or people booking one-off trips, it’s just another fee to dodge.
Southwest may have put its iconic perk on a diet, but at least “Bags Fly Free” isn’t completely gone. Just remember — this time, you’ll have to earn it.
Read this later:
- Harry Potter Krispy Kreme doughnuts are now available—here are the new flavors that will transport you back to the legendary Hogwarts school
- Good news for Walmart employees—they will receive a 10% discount on almost all food items in a decision that will benefit millions of families
- Macy’s is closing stores in August 2025 in line with its Bold New Chapter strategy – These are the locations that will be closing…
- More than 30,000 wireless chargers recalled after reports of fires and explosions. These are the models sold on Amazon and Home Depot affected by…
- More than 120,000 ladders sold at Home Depot recalled due to “fall hazard” – These are the Werner models affected by the recall
- Major recall of powerbanks after fires and explosions cause thousands of dollars of property damage
