Bill Savior
Southwest

How to Lower Your Southwest Bill

The era of Southwest Airlines free checked bags is officially over. With first bag fees now at $45 and second bags at $55, savvy travelers need new strategies to keep their Southwest costs under control. Bill Savior explains how to cut your Southwest bill by up to 50%.

Southwest Airlines shocked loyal customers in May 2025 when it ended the Bags Fly Free policy that had defined the carrier for five decades, and then raised those fees again in April 2026. While the airline still offers one free carry-on bag on every fare, the days of free checked luggage are gone. That means travelers who fly Southwest regularly need to rethink how they pack, what they book, and how they manage their total travel budget.

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Why Southwest Airlines Costs Keep Rising

Beyond checked bag fees, Southwest introduced assigned seating in 2026, ending its open-seating policy, and layered on new fare tiers that carry different benefits. The airline also markets a Rapid Rewards credit card with an annual fee, and those costs stack on top of already-rising ticket prices. Most Southwest customers never contact the airline to negotiate lower fees or lock in the loyalty discounts they qualify for.

How to Save Up to 50% on Southwest Airlines

  1. Review every Southwest Airlines charge, including checked bag fees, Rapid Rewards credit card annual fees, fare-class premiums, and subscription services you may no longer use.
  2. Contact Southwest Airlines and your card issuer to request loyalty discounts, retention credits, fee waivers, and fare adjustments you qualify for under current policies.
  3. Let Bill Savior handle the negotiation for you and keep up to 50% off while paying only from the savings.

Southwest Airlines Savings Tips You Should Know

Hold a Rapid Rewards co-branded credit card to keep the first checked bag free on every Southwest flight, saving $45 on standard fares.

Earn A-List or A-List Preferred status through Rapid Rewards to receive one or two free checked bags plus priority boarding.

Pack carry-on only to take advantage of Southwest's free carry-on and personal item allowance on every fare class.

Compare Basic, Choice, and Choice Extra fares carefully, since the rare Choice Extra fare includes free checked bags and priority boarding.

Frequently Asked Questions About Southwest Savings

How much does Southwest charge for checked bags now?

As of April 2026, Southwest Airlines charges $45 for the first checked bag and $55 for the second on Basic, Choice, and Choice Preferred fares. Choice Extra fare holders, A-List Preferred members, and Rapid Rewards credit card holders receive free checked bags. The third bag costs $150.

Does Southwest still offer free carry-on bags?

Yes. Southwest continues to include one free carry-on bag and one free personal item on every fare class, even Basic fares, with no overhead bin restrictions. This sets Southwest apart from several legacy carriers that limit bin access on basic economy tickets.

Can Bill Savior negotiate my Southwest Airlines costs?

Yes. Bill Savior reviews your total Southwest travel spend, identifies overcharges and unused subscriptions, and negotiates directly with Southwest and your credit card issuer. You keep up to 50% off and pay only from the savings with no upfront cost.

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