How to Get Free Checked Bags: Which Travel Credit Cards Do You Need?

Wondering how to get free checked bags with your credit card? You’re not alone. Southwest Airlines, once the darling of budget-friendly travelers, just announced it’s eliminating its iconic two free checked bags policy. Yep, that perk that set them apart from the pack? Gone. Now, Southwest is… well, just another budget airline.

If this news made you double-check your travel plans, I’m with you. Checked bag fees can rack up quickly—especially if you’re flying roundtrip or with family. This is exactly why I always recommend having at least one travel credit card that helps cover bag fees, even if you’re not loyal to one specific airline.

Let’s break down your best options here on Inside the Upgrade (and I offer free consultations if you want a little extra help).

I only ever recommend cards I truly believe in! But let’s be official: Inside the Upgrade, LLC is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as Milevalue.com. This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of the offers mentioned may have expired. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. All information about Citi AAdvantage has been collected independently by Inside the Upgrade, LLC. Citi AAdvantage is no longer available through Inside The Upgrade.

How To Get Free Checked Bags: Travel Cards That Help You on Any Airline

Not into being loyal to just one airline? Same. I like to find the most affordable flights (on points or dollars) and I’m never chasing status. These general travel rewards cards offer flexible perks (including help with bag fees), earn multiple points per dollar on travel purchases, and come with benefits like lounge access and statement credits.

There are a number of cards that offer free bag perks, but these are the ones I actually use:

💎 The Platinum Card® from American Express

• Baggage Perks: Up to $200 per calendar year in airline incidental fees, including checked bags (enrollment required – you have to select which airline you want to apply it to first).
  
  Plus, you get Centurion Lounge access (which has ruined me for all other lounges). There are also tons of other statement credits that help you calculate if the Amex Platinum is worth it for you. I personally get ~$1200 of value from it.
   
• Points:
  • 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel (and you can transfer these to 21 different airline and hotel partners. This is how I book business class on repeat). 
• Why I love it: I get to airports early just to hang in the Centurion Lounge. Don’t judge my $695 mimosa 🥂
• Annual Fee: $695 (see rates and fees)
• How to enroll with the best welcome offer: Learn more here

🔷 Chase Sapphire Reserve®

• Baggage Perks: $300 in annual travel credits (which can cover bag fees, flights, hotels, etc.)
• Points:
  • 3x points on all travel*
  • 10x on hotels and rental cars booked through Chase*
  • 5x on flights through Chase*
    * after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually
• Why I love it: I love, love Chase. This is one of the best all-around premium travel cards thanks to flexible Chase Ultimate Rewards points that you can transfer to 14 airline and hotel partners (including Hyatt, a darling of luxury travel). Plus, the new Chase Sapphire Lounges are pretty awesome. If you’re not sure how to use your points, have a complete guide to Chase Ultimate Rewards here for you as well. 
• Annual Fee: $550 – but you get a $300 annual travel credit.
• How to enroll with the best welcome offer: Learn more here 

🧳 Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

• Baggage Perks: Use miles to erase travel purchases at 1 cent per point, including bag fees
• Points:
  • 2x on everything
  • 5x on flights and 10x on hotels/rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• Why I love it: It’s my everyday card for a reason—simple earnings with 2x on all purchases and killer lounge access (the Denver Capital One Lounge is so good).
• Annual Fee: $395 but you get an annual $300 travel credit.
• How to enroll with the best welcome offer: Learn more here

Which Airlines Still Offer Free Checked Bags?

Let’s just say, the list is short and you’re pretty much required to either have elite status or the airline card:

• JetBlue Mint & Mosaic elite status: Free checked bags depending on fare class and status.
• Alaska Airlines First Class or MVP Gold+: 1–2 free bags depending on fare or status.
• International Premium Economy or Business Class: Many airlines include 1–2 free bags.
• Southwest Airlines (for now!): Used to offer two free checked bags for all passengers, but that’s going away in May 2025..
• Elite Status Flyers: Across the board, elite flyers get bag perks—but if that’s not you, keep reading (it’s not me either).

How to Get Free Checked Bags on Delta

Cards That Help:

• Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

Bag Perks: First checked bag free for you + 8 companions on the same reservation

Other Perks:

Besides the free checked bag (for you and up to 8 travel companions on the same reservation), these Delta cards offer some great nice upgrades. All three give you priority boarding, so you can snag overhead bin space without the stress. You’ll also get 20–25% off in-flight snacks and drinks. Step up to the Platinum or Reserve cards, and you’ll earn an annual companion certificate—which can easily cover the cost of the annual fee if you use it for a longer flight. They also include bonus MQDs to help earn elite Medallion® status faster. The Reserve card goes all out with Delta Sky Club access if you’re flying Delta, a seriously luxe perk if you’re a frequent flyer.

I will say, I feel like Delta has gotten pretty restrictive on lounge access lately (which makes sense given the crowds) and their points don’t take you very far. If you’re a committed Delta fan, go for it, but I do prefer flexible cards for a reason. 

How to Get Free Checked Bags on United

Cards That Help:

• United℠ Explorer Card – Learn More
• United Quest℠ Card – Learn More
• United Club℠ Infinite Card – Learn More

Bag Perks: First (Explorer) or first + second (Quest/Club) checked bag free for you + 1 companion

Other Perks:

My dad exclusively flies United so I’m pretty familiar with this card family. With the United Explorer, Quest, or Club cards, you’ll get a free checked bag for yourself and one companion on the same reservation—sometimes even a second bag depending on which card you have. You also get priority boarding, and the Explorer card includes two United Club lounge passes each year. The Quest card adds a $125 United credit and 5,000 miles back when you book award flights. If you want to go full VIP, the United Club Infinite card includes unlimited United Club access and two checked bags per person. All cards give 25% back on in-flight purchases, which makes those overpriced snack boxes sting a little less.

How to Get Free Checked Bags on American Airlines

Cards That Help:

• AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard®
• Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®

Bag Perks: First checked bag free for you + 4 companions

Other Perks:

If you carry the AAdvantage Aviator Red or Citi® / AAdvantage Platinum Select®, you’ll get a free checked bag for you and up to four companions on the same reservation. These cards also unlock preferred boarding, so you’re not stuck gate-checking your carry-on. You’ll save 25% on in-flight food and drinks, and after hitting a spend threshold, you can earn a companion certificate, letting you bring a travel buddy for almost free (just pay the taxes and fees). And since all your card spend earns Loyalty Points, you’re actually making progress toward elite status just by using the card.

How to Get Free Checked Bags on Southwest 

Cards That Help (But currently don’t offer bag fee waivers because they aren’t needed…yet):

• Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus – Learn More
• Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier – Learn More
• Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority – Learn More

Other Perks:

While Southwest’s famous two free checked bags are going away, the airline’s credit cards still offer solid perks—especially if you fly Southwest often. All three cards—Plus, Premier, and Priority—come with bonus points every year on your card anniversary. The Priority card adds two EarlyBird Check-Ins, which can seriously improve your boarding position, plus a $75 annual Southwest travel credit. You’ll also earn Tier Qualifying Points as you spend, which can help you inch toward A-List status or even the legendary Companion Pass. If Southwest updates their benefits post-bag-policy change, these cards will likely get even more valuable

These airline cards are great if you’re loyal to one airline—you’ll rack up perks faster and enjoy little luxuries like priority boarding and upgrades. But if you fly whoever’s cheapest (hi, Google Flights fans), one of the flexible travel cards mentioned earlier will serve you better.

How To get Free Checked Bags: TL;DR

You can go the airline-specific card route if you’re a loyal flier, but I prefer and recommend flexible travel cards like these:

Need help picking the best card for you based on your go-to airline or travel habits? I offer free consultations.

Cheers to your next adventure (with or without baggage) ✈️ 🥂

Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.