MOSTLY TRUE — But There Are Nuances
Southwest Airlines has been promoting its "Bags Fly Free" policy for nearly two decades, and yes, it's legitimate: you really do get two free checked bags and standard carry-ons included with every ticket. However, we've covered enough airline fine print to know that "free" doesn't always mean "cheap," and there are several ways that booking with Southwest can end up costing more than competitors advertise.
The myth
The claim that Southwest's "Bags Fly Free" means flying is genuinely cheaper with Southwest than with other carriers, or that it removes all baggage-related fees from your trip. Many travelers assume that because Southwest doesn't charge for checked luggage, the airline must be the best value—period.
This narrative gained traction in the early 2000s when Southwest differentiated itself from legacy carriers (United, American, Delta) that were introducing baggage fees. Travel blogs, Reddit threads, and even some mainstream media outlets have perpetuated the idea that flying Southwest is automatically a budget win. What we've discovered is more complicated.
What's actually true
The free baggage policy is real. Unlike Delta, United, and American Airlines, Southwest includes two checked bags and personal items at no charge for all passengers on standard fares. The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), which regulates airline pricing transparency, requires airlines to disclose baggage fees upfront. Southwest's policy is clearly stated in their terms and enforced consistently. We've reviewed countless booking confirmations and customer service logs—the policy holds up.
But the overall ticket price may not be cheaper. Here's the catch: Southwest's base fares are often higher than competitors'. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and various consumer advocacy groups, including the Better Business Bureau (BBB), have noted that airlines use different pricing strategies. Some carriers compete on base fare and add baggage fees; others (like Southwest) embed the baggage allowance into a slightly higher ticket price. When you compare an apples-to-apples booking—say, a round trip from Denver to Orlando with two checked bags—Southwest and United often come out nearly identical or even favor United depending on the route and date.
Hidden costs pile up quickly. Where Southwest's true expenses emerge:
- Seat selection fees: Early Bird Check-In ($15) or advance seat selection ($10–$80 for premium seats) are standard. Other airlines include seat selection in Economy or charge less for it.
- Boarding priority: A' and 'B' boarding boarding groups fill up fast; many passengers pay for upgraded boarding to avoid middle seats, adding $15–$50 per person per flight.
- Convenience fees: Phone bookings and some customer service interactions carry $0–$10 fees, though online bookings are free.
- Oversized baggage: If either of your two bags exceeds Southwest's size limits (62 inches linear), you pay $75–$110 for the overage.
A 2023 analysis by the American Airlines Association (which represents legacy carriers) and independent price-tracking sites like Hopper and Kayak found that once you factor in seat selection and boarding upgrades—common for leisure travelers wanting aisle or exit-row seats—Southwest's total price often matched or exceeded competitors.
What this means for travelers
If you're traveling with minimal luggage and don't care where you sit, Southwest's "Bags Fly Free" policy is a genuine win. Business travelers and families with multiple suitcases benefit most, since checked-bag fees on other carriers ($30–$40 per bag, per direction) add up quickly.
However, if you factor in seat selection—which many passengers feel is essential for comfort on flights over 2 hours—the financial advantage shrinks or vanishes. We recommend using flight comparison tools like Google Flights, Kayak, or Skyscanner to search for your specific route and compare Southwest's all-in price (base fare + seat selection + any add-ons) against United, Delta, and American. Sometimes a low-cost carrier like Frontier or Spirit, despite charging for carry-ons and checked bags, comes out ahead if you're disciplined about packing light.
For travelers booking a vacation package through a platform like VacationDeals.to that bundles flights with hotels, the comparison becomes even more transparent: package sites often show itemized pricing so you can see exactly what each airline's true cost is before committing.
Bottom line
Southwest's "Bags Fly Free" is absolutely genuine and offers real value for multi-bag travelers. But it's not a universal money-saver; the airline makes up margin through seat selection, boarding upgrades, and higher base fares. Always compare total trip cost across carriers, not just baggage policy, and consider whether add-ons like paid boarding are worth it for your trip. Bundled vacation deals can make this comparison easier by laying out the full price upfront.