Southwest Airlines Hit With Rule Changes — Which Tiers Include Free Checked Bags Now?

Flying to Disney World can get expensive, and every little fee adds up fast.

Southwest Airlines had long been a favorite among Disney travelers for its “bags fly free” perk, but since that policy already ended earlier this year, free checked bag perks depend a lot more on your Rapid Rewards membership tier. The airline just announced updates to its Rapid Rewards membership program, and those new rules mean not everyone will automatically get two free checked bags anymore. Let’s break down what’s changing, who still gets to check bags for free, and what you should keep in mind before booking your next flight to Orlando.

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The Basics You Need to Know

Southwest Airlines has long stood out in the U.S. airline world for one big reason — free checked bags. It’s been a major selling point for years, especially for families heading to Disney World or anyone trying to pack those extra Minnie ears, snacks, and ponchos.

But now, your bag privileges depend on your Rapid Rewards membership level, meaning not everyone automatically gets the same number of free checked bags anymore. If you’ve ever flown with Southwest before, you know their Rapid Rewards program is how you earn points for flights and qualify for different membership tiers. And now, those tiers play a big role in determining whether you’ll pay or save on luggage.

Let’s go through what each tier offers under the new rules so you can plan ahead.

A-List Members

If you’re an A-List Member, congratulations — you’re already in a solid position when it comes to perks. This tier is designed for travelers who fly 20 qualifying one-way flights or earn 35,000 tier qualifying points in a single calendar year.

As an A-List member, you’ll still receive priority boarding and one free checked bag. That first bag flies free no matter what. However, the second checked bag is $35. So if you tend to travel light or pack efficiently, this tier still gives you a solid deal. But if you’re planning to pack a lot for that Disney World vacation — maybe costumes for the kids, snacks, and souvenirs — you’ll want to keep that second bag fee in mind.

A-List Preferred Members

Now, if you’ve leveled up to A-List Preferred, your packing situation looks a lot brighter. To qualify, you’ll need to fly 40 qualifying one-way flights or earn 70,000 tier qualifying points in a calendar year.

As a Preferred member, you’ll get two free checked bags. That’s right — both the first and second bags are free under this tier. This means no additional baggage fees to worry about, and you can bring those extra Disney ears, ponchos, or even an extra pair of shoes for those long park days without stressing about the cost. This is especially great news for frequent Southwest flyers who tend to travel with family or for longer stays. Essentially, your A-List Preferred status pays off not just in flight perks but also in luggage savings.

Companion Pass Members

The Companion Pass has always been the crown jewel of the Rapid Rewards program. If you’ve earned it, you already know it’s a big deal. To qualify for the Companion Pass, you’ll need to fly 100 qualifying one-way flights or earn 135,000 qualifying points in a calendar year.

Once you do, you can choose one person to fly with you — free of airline charges — every time you buy or redeem points for a flight (taxes and fees from $5.60 one-way still apply). And now, there’s even better news: both you and your Companion will get two free checked bags each.

That means your packing flexibility doubles — literally. If you’re flying to Orlando for a Disney trip, you can both bring everything you need without worrying about paying extra. It’s a great perk for couples or families who frequently travel together, and it cements why the Companion Pass remains one of the most valuable loyalty benefits in the airline world.

Earning Rapid Rewards Points

If all this talk of tiers has you wondering how to climb the ladder or earn points faster, Southwest gives you plenty of ways to do it. The Rapid Rewards program is built around flexibility and choice, and earning points is easier than you might think.

• You can earn Rapid Rewards points by:
• Flying with Southwest Airlines
• Spending with a Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card
• Booking a vacation package through Getaways by Southwest
• Staying at partner hotels and more

Since promotions and partnerships can change, it’s always a good idea to check Southwest’s official site for the most up-to-date information on earning and redeeming points.

Why This Matters for Disney Travelers

If you’re planning a trip to Disney World or Disneyland, these rule changes are especially worth noting. For many travelers, Southwest is a go-to airline for Orlando flights because of its flexible policies and no-change-fee model. But with the checked bag rules now tied more closely to status tiers, your travel costs might look a little different than before.

As always, be sure to stay tuned to AllEars and we’ll keep you updated on any more Southwest changes that could impact your Disney travel plans.

NEW Rules for Flying on Southwest Airlines

Which Rapid Rewards tier do you think offers the best value for your Disney trips? Let us know in the comments!

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