Where You Save Most on Southwest
If you fly Southwest Airlines more than a few times a year, the new checked bag fees can add hundreds of dollars to your annual travel budget. Frequent flyers need a smarter approach that combines packing strategy, loyalty status, credit card perks, and expert negotiation. Bill Savior shares the savings tips that actually work.
Southwest Airlines frequent flyers have watched their effective travel costs climb since 2025, when the airline replaced its long-running Bags Fly Free policy with per-bag fees that now reach $45 for a first bag and $55 for a second. Add in Rapid Rewards credit card fees and assigned seating surcharges introduced in 2026, and the total cost of being a loyal Southwest customer has risen substantially. The good news is that committed flyers have more tools available to reduce those expenses than occasional travelers.