How to Score a Free Checked Bag This Holiday Season

You can score a free checked bag this holiday season through airline status, a higher fare type, or a co-branded credit card that includes a bag benefit. Active military travelers also have separate allowances on some itineraries. A checked bag means a bag the airline carries in the cargo hold, usually for a per-bag fee each way.

According to Southwest Airlines, mainland Basic, Choice and Choice Preferred fares charge $45 for the first and $55 for the second checked bag each way Southwest optional travel charges. That fee makes status, fare, and card benefits worth checking before you pay.

Verification note: Program terms and availability can change. This page was checked against linked sources on November 05, 2026.

Southwest fares, status and cards

Choice Extra fares include two free checked bags. A-List Preferred members receive two free bags and A-List members receive one free bag for themselves and up to eight companions on the same reservation. Primary Rapid Rewards credit cardmembers can also each receive the first standard checked bag free for themselves and up to eight passengers on the same reservation.

The Rapid Rewards number must be in the booking. Check the fare name on your confirmation before you add a bag online. If your group is on one reservation, one member with coverage can extend the benefit to others in that group.

American fees, status and military allowances

According to American Airlines, domestic, Canada and short-haul international tickets booked on or after April 9, 2026 charge $50 for the first and $60 for the second checked bag at the airport, discounted to $45 and $55 if prepaid on aa.com or the app American Airlines fee update. All AAdvantage status members keep complimentary bags, and most AAdvantage credit cardmembers receive the first eligible bag free on domestic American itineraries. Active U.S.

military travelers have separate rules. American Airlines allows up to five bags at 100 lbs each on orders and up to three bags at 50 lbs each for personal travel on American-marketed and operated itineraries with military ID. Prepay when you know you will check a bag, since airport payment costs more.

Keep status numbers and card details in the reservation so the waiver applies at checkout.

Who gets a free bag on Delta

According to Delta Air Lines, SkyMiles Medallion and SkyTeam Elite and Elite Plus members have the first checked-bag fee waived for themselves and up to eight companions on the same Delta-operated reservation, except departures from Paris-CDG and Amsterdam Delta Medallion baggage allowance. The companion must be ticketed with the member. Delta SkyMiles Gold, Platinum and Reserve American Express Basic cardmembers receive the first standard bag free on Delta flights.

Delta Air Lines does not stack that card benefit when the traveler already receives free bags from status, fare or military benefit. If two travelers have different benefits, book companions with the traveler whose benefit covers the group. Confirm the operating carrier, since partner-operated segments can follow different rules.

United card benefit and holiday checklist

According to United Airlines and Chase, United Explorer Card primary cardmembers plus one companion on the same reservation each receive the first standard checked bag free on United-operated flights when tickets are bought with that card Explorer Card benefits. Flights within 90 days of account opening are waived from the purchase-with-card rule. Use this sequence before you pay for bags: Buy the ticket with the card that provides the bag benefit when that purchase rule applies.

Bring the military ID or card proof needed for airport verification.

• Match each traveler to fare, status, military, or card coverage.
• Keep eligible groups on the same reservation where companion coverage applies.
• Add loyalty numbers before checkout and prepay where prepay lowers the fee.
• Recheck weight and size limits, since overweight charges apply even with a free allowance.