Southwest Airlines is well known for its customer-friendly policies, especially when it comes to baggage and flexible booking options. One of its most popular perks is the Companion Pass, which allows a designated companion to fly for free (excluding taxes and fees) whenever the pass holder purchases or redeems points for a ticket. However, many travelers ask an important follow-up question: Does a Southwest Airlines Companion get free checked bags too? Understanding exactly how baggage benefits apply to companions can help travelers avoid surprises at the airport and make the most of their benefits.
TLDR: Yes, a Southwest Companion Pass traveler receives the same free checked bag benefits as any regular Southwest passenger. This means the companion can check two bags for free, as long as they meet Southwest’s size and weight requirements. The baggage policy applies individually, so both the pass holder and the companion receive their own baggage allowance. Oversized or overweight bag fees still apply separately.
Understanding Southwest’s Standard Baggage Policy
Before diving specifically into Companion Pass benefits, it is important to understand Southwest Airlines’ general baggage policy. Unlike many other major U.S. airlines, Southwest still offers two free checked bags per ticketed customer. This policy applies to nearly all fare types.
Here are the core features of Southwest’s checked baggage policy:
- Two free checked bags per passenger
- Maximum weight: 50 pounds per bag
- Maximum size: 62 linear inches (length + width + height)
- Carry-on bag plus one personal item allowed at no charge
Oversized, overweight, and additional bags beyond the two free limit incur extra fees. However, for most standard travelers, Southwest’s baggage policy offers some of the most generous terms in the airline industry.
What Is the Southwest Companion Pass?
The Southwest Companion Pass is often regarded as one of the most valuable perks in domestic travel. Customers can earn it by flying a required number of qualifying flights or earning a specific number of qualifying Rapid Rewards points within a calendar year.
Once earned, the Companion Pass allows the holder to:
- Designate one person as a companion
- Add the companion to any booked flight (paid or award ticket)
- Pay only the taxes and fees for the companion’s ticket
- Change the companion up to three times per calendar year
The Companion Pass remains valid for the rest of the year it was earned and the entire following year, making it exceptionally valuable for frequent travelers.
Does the Companion Get Free Checked Bags?
The direct answer is yes. A Southwest Companion Pass traveler receives the same baggage benefits as any other ticketed passenger. Even though their ticket fare is essentially free (aside from taxes and fees), they are still considered a fully ticketed customer in terms of baggage policy.
This means:
- The companion is entitled to two free checked bags.
- Each bag must meet Southwest’s weight and size requirements.
- The baggage allowance is separate from the primary pass holder.
For example, if both the pass holder and the companion each check two bags, they can bring a total of four checked bags for free, provided all bags meet policy limits.
How the Companion’s Baggage Works in Practice
From a practical standpoint, the companion goes through the same airport process as any paying traveler. When checking bags:
- Both the pass holder and companion must check in.
- Each traveler receives their own boarding pass.
- Bags are tagged under each passenger’s reservation.
Although the companion reservation is linked to the pass holder’s account, baggage is tracked individually. This helps ensure accountability and simplifies claims in case of delays or damage.
Important Size and Weight Restrictions
While the two free checked bags benefit is generous, it is not unlimited. Both the pass holder and the companion must follow Southwest’s baggage limits:
- Weight limit: 50 pounds per bag
- Size limit: 62 linear inches
If the companion’s bag exceeds these limits, additional charges apply. These fees are assessed per bag and per passenger, meaning that even though the ticket was nearly free, overweight baggage fees are still charged normally.
Carry-On Benefits for a Companion
In addition to free checked bags, the companion is entitled to the standard carry-on allowance:
- One carry-on bag (must fit in overhead bin)
- One personal item (such as a purse, laptop bag, or backpack)
There is no reduced carry-on allowance for companions. Their benefits mirror those of the primary traveler.
What About Fare Types and Baggage?
Southwest offers several fare types, including Wanna Get Away, Anytime, and Business Select. However, unlike many airlines that tie baggage perks to premium fares, Southwest includes two free checked bags regardless of fare purchased.
This simplicity extends to companion bookings. Even if the primary traveler books the lowest fare type using Rapid Rewards points, the companion still receives:
- Two free checked bags
- Standard carry-on allowance
- Equal baggage weight and size limits
Comparison: Southwest vs Other Major Airlines
To better understand the value of the Companion Pass baggage benefit, it helps to compare Southwest’s policy with other airlines.
| Airline | Free Checked Bags (Standard Economy) | Companion Ticket Baggage Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Southwest | 2 Free Bags | Companion also gets 2 Free Bags |
| American Airlines | 0 Free (typically) | Companion usually pays baggage fees |
| Delta Air Lines | 0 Free (basic economy) | Companion subject to fare rules |
| United Airlines | 0 Free (basic economy) | Fees apply unless elite status |
This comparison clearly shows how valuable Southwest’s baggage policy can be, especially for families or couples traveling together.
Special Items and Exceptions
Southwest allows certain specialty items, but policies vary slightly. Companions may check items such as:
- Golf bags
- Skis and snowboards
- Car seats and strollers
Some sports equipment may count as one of the two free checked bags. However, oversized specialty items may involve fees. Car seats and strollers used for children are typically checked without counting toward the two-bag limit.
Does Elite Status Change Anything?
Southwest does not operate a traditional elite status program in the same way other airlines do for baggage perks. Since two bags are already free for all passengers, elite status does not increase the free checked bag allowance.
This means both the Companion Pass holder and the companion receive the maximum standard baggage benefit without needing additional status.
Common Misunderstandings About Companion Baggage
There are several misconceptions travelers often have:
- Myth: The companion shares baggage allowance with the pass holder.
Fact: Each traveler gets their own two-bag allowance. - Myth: The companion’s free ticket means no baggage allowance.
Fact: The companion receives full baggage benefits. - Myth: Only paid fares include baggage perks.
Fact: Award tickets and companion tickets also qualify.
Final Thoughts
The Southwest Companion Pass is already one of the most rewarding airline benefits available in the U.S. When combined with the airline’s generous baggage policy, the value becomes even more impressive. Not only does the companion fly for just taxes and fees, but they also receive two free checked bags and a full carry-on allowance, identical to any paying passenger.
For couples, families, or frequent travelers, this can result in significant savings—especially when compared to airlines that charge $30 to $40 per checked bag each way. By understanding the rules and planning accordingly, travelers can maximize both cost savings and convenience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Does a Southwest Companion get two free checked bags?
Yes. The companion receives two free checked bags, just like the primary passenger. - Are there weight limits for the companion’s checked bags?
Yes. Each bag must weigh 50 pounds or less and measure no more than 62 linear inches. - Does the companion share baggage allowance with the pass holder?
No. Each traveler has their own separate two-bag allowance. - Do baggage benefits apply on award tickets?
Yes. Whether the flight is purchased with cash or Rapid Rewards points, the baggage policy remains the same. - What happens if the companion’s bag is overweight?
Standard overweight or oversized baggage fees apply to that passenger. - Do international Southwest flights include free checked bags for companions?
Yes. Southwest’s two-free-bag policy applies on its international routes as well, subject to standard size and weight rules.