Southwest Bringing Back 'Bags Fly Free'--But There's a Catch

Southwest Airlines' "Bags Fly Free" policy may not be dead yet, but it's only going to be available under one condition.

For decades, Southwest was known for its popular declaration that each passenger was entitled to two free checked bags. When that rule was abolished earlier this year, it unsurprisingly sparked backlash.

Now, "Bags Fly Free" is coming back--but only if you're booking a trip under Southwest's new in-house vacation service, Getaways by Southwest, which is set to launch on Tuesday. Customers using the service to travel will have access to several perks, including two free bags.

"With packing flexibility (every Customer on the booking gets two free checked bags—weight and size limits apply), change flexibility (make changes up to 10 minutes before your flight), and cancel for credit flexibility (cancel up to 10 minutes before your flight and receive a vacation travel credit), it’s never been easier to getaway," the official Getaways by Southwest website says.

What is Getaways by Southwest?

Announced last fall, Getaways by Southwest is the budget airline's first-ever proprietary vacation booking service. Previously, customers could access Southwest Vacations through Apple Leisure Group.

Full details will be out on Tuesday, but several destinations and partnerships have already been announced.

"Getaways will launch with 30+ markets, including popular locations like Las Vegas, Orlando, Hawaii, Cancun, Punta Cana, and Montego Bay," says the official Southwest website. "Confirmed partnerships include casino-hotel Caesars Entertainment, and all-inclusive brands Playa Hotels & Resorts and Sandos Hotels & Resorts, with more to come."

How has removing "Bags Fly Free" affected Southwest?

Under its new policy, Southwest passengers can check their first bag for $35 and a second for $45. In addition to drawing the ire of longtime customers, eliminating "Bags Fly Free" had some unintended consequences for the airline.

Instead of paying to check their luggage, fliers instead began bringing carry-ons, which led to some awkward situations.

"We’re seeing Southwest Airlines gate agents require checking bags early, when there’s still plenty of overhead bin space left. They’ve given up the advantage of not having to gate check bags, right at the same time they’re facing a lot of pressure to reduce the amount of time it takes to board so that planes spend less time on the ground and more time in the air generating revenue," travel insider View From the Wing wrote earlier this month.

"One of the unintended consequences of customer-unfriendly changes at Southwest is that now there’s a good chance you won’t be able to bring your carry-on bag onboard. And there’s a good chance you’ll have your carry-on confiscated even when there’s still space for it."