Southwest Wine Flies Free
It was not that long ago that Southwest Airlines' motto was “Bags Fly Free.” It was the airline's calling card and one of the many quirks that clearly separated it from all other competitors. Unfortunately, in a slew of sweeping changes in 2025, Southwest eliminated its two checked bags for free per passenger policy. In doing so, it became just like every other airline and began charging for any and all checked bags, unless you hold certain credit cards or have elite status. However, as of April 24, 2026, there's a new Southwest Wine Flies Free policy. We dive into the details.
RELATED: Want any first checked bag to fly free? Check out the selection of Personal or Business cards for Southwest Airlines
Sip and Ship™️ Policy
Beginning April 24, 2026, Southwest Wine Flies Free policy is branded as Sip and Ship™️. The details of this policy are that all adults, aged 21 and over, can check one case of wine for free, so long as you are departing certain airports. The lists of eligible airports are as follows:
- California
- BUR — Hollywood Burbank Airport
- FAT — Fresno Yosemite International Airport
- LAX — Los Angeles International Airport
- LGB — Long Beach Airport
- OAK — Oakland International Airport
- ONT — Ontario International Airport
- PSP — Palm Springs International Airport
- SAN — San Diego International Airport
- SBA — Santa Barbara Airport
- SFO — San Francisco International Airport
- SJC — San José Mineta International Airport
- SMF — Sacramento International Airport
- SNA — John Wayne Airport
- STS — Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport
- Idaho
- BOI — Boise International Airport
- Oregon
- EUG — Mahlon Sweet Field-Eugene Airport
- PDX — Portland International Airport
- Washington
- GEG — Spokane International Airport
- SEA — Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
Terms & Conditions
To not be charged for your checked wine bag, you must meet the terms & conditions of the program. These terms & conditions include:
- only adults, aged 21 and older are eligible for a free checked bag
- the checked bag must weigh under 50 lbs and contain 12 bottles of wine or less
- the wine must be inside a single box or specialized wine suitcase
- bottles must be placed inside a sealed, leak-proof, plastic bag or you can purchase them for $5 per bottle at check-in
- leave the box or package unsealed until check-in, for inspection purposes
- the free wine bag does not count against other checked baggage allowances
- the free bag is good from the above-listed airports and for non-stop, direct or connecting flights to your final destination
- if your bag weights more than 50 lbs or is over standard 62″ length, standard overweight/oversize fees apply
Southwest Wine Flies Free: ToP Thoughts
It is hard to be happy about this news, when every person flying Southwest could check two bags for free less than a year ago. I guess that is sour grapes (pun intended) as so much has changed in so little time. It is nice to see Southwest mimic the Alaska Airlines' policy that has been in place for many years and it certainly encourages consumers and customers to support local wineries during their visits to the West Coast. Southwest's policy is not nearly as generous as Alaska's though, offering this perk from only 19 airports versus the 32 airports for Alaska Airlines.
Also, Southwest includes the language that bottles must be in individual, sealed and leak-proof plastic bags. That is certainly not a TSA requirement, not the requirements for Alaska Airlines and makes me think this is a backdoor money grab. Unsuspecting customers will not do this, after all it is highly unlikely wineries sell such bags, and will be told at check-in to fork over $60 for 12 of these bags. I certainly hope I am wrong, but I anticipate this will cause lots of problems at the airport.
What's your thoughts on the Southwest Wine Flies Free policy? Come over to our Facebook group and let us know.
