How to still get a free checked bag on Southwest flights

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It's the end of an era.

Southwest Airlines is now charging bag fees for all flights booked from May 28 onward. It's an unfortunate change for Southwest and budget flyers who enjoyed two free checked bags on all flights.

For flights booked prior to May 28 for travel later in the year, your bags will still fly free, as long as you don't change the reservation in any way.

If you don't have any upcoming travel plans, applying for a new Southwest credit card or being a Southwest cardholder just became the right course of action.

As a reminder, the new bag fees are $35 for the first bag and $45 for the second bag.

1 free checked bag with Southwest credit cards

Southwest overhauled its entire business model by adding bag fees, extra-legroom seats, new fare classes, and seat selection.

These changes have made Southwest credit cards a worthwhile investment because cardholders will now receive one checked bag for free. This perk also applies to up to eight companions traveling with the main cardholder on the same reservation.

Eligible credit cards that offer a free checked bag for Southwest flights include:

• Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card (see rates and fees)
• Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card (see rates and fees)
• Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card
• Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card (see rates and fees)
• Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card (see rates and fees)

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The information for the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

If you fly Southwest a couple of times a year, the $69-annual-fee Southwest Plus card may be enough for you. By taking one round-trip flight where you check one bag each way, you'll effectively break even with the annual fee.

On top of an easy way to get a checked bag on all Southwest flights without paying a hefty annual fee, the entry-level card also provides you with a standard seat selection 48 hours prior to departure, when available.

If you want more benefits apart from a free checked bag, such as selecting a preferred seat at the time of booking or an upgrade to extra legroom within 48 hours, when available, consider other cards like the Southwest Priority or Southwest Performance Business.

Elite status

Another way to get a free checked bag or two is with Southwest elite status. A-List members will get one free checked bag, and A-List Preferred members will still get two free checked bags. If you're a frequent Southwest flyer, elite status will pay off in terms of baggage allowance.

Bottom line

The day is finally upon us, and Southwest has joined the ranks of all the other legacy carriers in charging for checked bags.

Don't let these changes discourage you. Being a Southwest cardholder (or having the right elite status) can still get you free checked bags.

Ultimately, if you're committed to Southwest but aren't a cardholder, it's best to apply for a Southwest credit card. If you fly often or fly as a family, a Southwest credit card can help you save hundreds of dollars a year.

Related reading:

• The ultimate guide to Southwest credit card eligibility
• Your complete guide to maximizing Southwest Rapid Rewards
• Southwest A-List status: What it is and how to earn it