Texas’ Southwest Airlines Now Charges For Bags – Except Maybe Yours

Southwest Airlines recently broke the news that some of the perks that once made them cooler than other airlines were going away. Some folks still get a free bag though.

Southwest Airlines recently announced that the things that had made them the cool ... true, Texas style ... maverick airline were history. Open seating and free checked bags were the two that hurt the most.

Some people still get free checked bags though and it's a pretty easy hack. I know, 'cuz I did it.

Southwest Airlines used to allow every passenger 2 ,free, checked bags. That policy was changed but it's not entirely gone. Southwest credit card holders, (and their BFF's), still get a free checked bag.

How Can You Get A Free Checked Bag?

Cardholders get one checked bag free ... ANNNNNND, so do they're buds as up to eight peeps, traveling with the main cardholder, get to snag the same perk if they're all on the same reservation.

The new rate for checked bags is $35 for the first and $45 for the second. The Southwest credit cards do charge an annual fee but, relatively speaking, it's not that much.

READ MORE: Watch What You Wear When Flying

If you fly Southwest a couple of times a year, the $99 annual fee Southwest Plus card may be enough for you. By checking a bag three times a year, you'll entirely offset this card's cost.

In addition to making it easy to check a 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 before departure, when available. - thepointsguy.com

My annual fee is only $69, check out all the options to see what works for you.