Southwest Airlines has officially added baggage fees for certain ticket tiers, which might leave some of us trying to figure out the best way to save while flying to our favorite Disney Vacation Club destinations. Starting May 28, 2025, passengers with Basic, Wanna Get Away Plus®, and Anytime fares will need to pay $35 for the first checked bag and $45 for the second. However, as a DVC owner, you have a few tricks up your sleeve to help reduce or even avoid these extra costs.
Below, we’ve compiled a list of smart strategies so you can spend less on baggage and more on churros and Dole Whip!
1. Take Advantage of Your DVC Benefits
One of the perks of being a DVC member is access to on-site laundry facilities at your resort. Why pack extra outfits when you can easily wash and reuse your clothes? This simple hack can reduce the amount of luggage you need to bring, helping you avoid those added fees. For those staying in a one bedroom villa or up, the laundry is located in your villa. If you are staying in a studio, you still get free laundry, but will use one of the laundry rooms located in your resort.
2. Skip the Extra Luggage with an Owner’s Locker
Instead of packing bulky or seldom-used items every vacation, consider utilizing an Owner’s Locker. These storage bins allow you to leave essentials (like toiletries or Disney trip must-haves) near your DVC property, so you don’t need to fly with them every trip. Minimal packing = fewer bags = more savings! While you will pay for an owners locker, depending on how often you travel, the savings can certainly outweigh the costs.
3. Pack Smart with Carry-Ons
Did you know Southwest still allows ONE free carry-on bag and ONE personal item per guest? Take full advantage of this policy by strategically packing your essentials in your carry-on bags. Invest in packing cubes or compression bags to maximize your limited space. You’d be surprised how much you can fit!
Pro Tip
Wear your bulkiest clothing items (like jackets or sneakers) while on the plane to free up room in your carry-on.
4. Try the Southwest Credit Card
If you travel frequently, the Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card could be a game-changer. It gives the cardholder one free checked bag, plus up one free bag for up to 8 additional passengers on the same reservation. The $69 annual fee practically pays for itself if you’re a frequent flyer, and the points you earn can go toward even more adventures.
5. Use Delivery Services for Disposable Items
Why lug around bottles of shampoo or piles of diapers when you can get them delivered directly to your DVC resort? Use services like Walmart+, Target Circle, or Kroger Clicklist to have your hygiene products and other essentials waiting for you. This is especially handy if you already subscribe to one of these services.
6. Compare Airlines for the Best Deal
While Southwest’s policies have historically been traveler-friendly, this new baggage fee might make other airlines worth considering for certain trips. Don’t forget to check prices and baggage rules for competitors like Delta or JetBlue when booking flights to see if another carrier offers a better overall deal for you and your family.
7. Simplify Your Packing
Minimalists, this one’s for you! Packing lighter is always a win. Here are some tips for reducing your luggage needs:
- Plan outfits that mix and match based on a color palette.
- Stick to multi-purpose items like dresses that double as beach cover-ups or versatile shoes that go with everything.
We hope these tips make your next DVC trip even sweeter (and lighter). By getting creative with your packing and using some of the DVC perks we know and love, those Southwest baggage fees won’t stand a chance.
Is there a luggage-saving tip you swear by? Drop your suggestions below—we’d love to hear them!
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