Southwest Airlines Brings Back ‘Bags Fly Free’ via New Vacation Bundles Platform: Getaways by Southwest

Updated: August 19, 2025, 10:59am CDT

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Getaways by Southwest
Bags Still Fly Free
Final Thoughts

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Southwest is bringing back its iconic “Bags Fly Free” perk — but only if you book a vacation package through Getaways by Southwest.

Getaways is Southwest’s new vacation package platform where passengers can book and bundle flights, hotels, ground transportation, and more. And to entice customers, the airline is offering 2 free checked bags, and a long list of other benefits for travelers who book on the platform.

This all sounds like good news (and a throwback to how Southwest used to operate), but lets take a look at the details.

Getaways by Southwest

Getaways by Southwest is a brand-new vacation platform where Southwest passengers can bundle flights, hotels, ground transportation, and more.

Besides saving money on vacation packages, customers who book via Getaways will be able to make changes up to 10 minutes before their flights, cancel for a vacation travel credit up to 10 minutes before their flight, and, back by popular demand, bring up to 2 checked bags for free — though weight and size limits apply. Customers who cancel will receive a credit valid for 18 months for future travel.

Plus, for the first time, Southwest fans will be able to earn Rapid Rewards points on hotel stays and car rentals. Customers will earn 5 points per $1 spent on Getaways by Southwest.

Southwest has been teasing the return of free bags, and we now know why — and how to get them.

At launch, Getaways by Southwest will be available in more than 30 popular markets, including:

Cancun
Hawaii
Las Vegas
Montego Bay
Orlando
Punta Cana

However, you won’t see worldwide coverage at launch, making this platform more limited than some other vacation websites.

Customers will be able to book vacation packages with Getaways partner hotels, casinos, and all-inclusive brands, including Caesars Entertainment, Playa Hotels & Resorts, and Sandos Hotels & Resorts, with more partners to be added in the future.

Bags Still Fly Free

There has been plenty of coverage of the recent Southwest changes. While the majority of the reactions have been negative, the airline is continuing to grow into its new identity.

As part of that growth, Southwest’s co-branded credit cards are getting major upgrades. If you guessed that they come with free checked bags, you’re right.

The Southwest Rapid Rewards^® Priority Credit Card, Southwest Rapid Rewards^® Premier Credit Card, and Southwest Rapid Rewards^® Plus Credit Card all include a free checked bag for you and up to 8 additional passengers on the same reservation.

The same goes for the Southwest^® Rapid Rewards^® Performance Business Credit Card and the Southwest^® Rapid Rewards^® Premier Business Credit Card.

Hot Tip:

These Southwest cards come with priority boarding, free bags, and free seat selection, so having 1 in your wallet could end up saving you some serious cash.

Final Thoughts

Getaways by Southwest is Southwest’s new vacation package platform where customers can book flights, hotels, ground transporation, and more in 1 location.

Getaways comes with free bags and flexible policies that were once common with the airline. If you want a bit of the throwback Southwest, this platform could be for you.