Ever stood in front of your suitcase, staring at a mountain of clothes, and wondered, "How much can I actually take on this trip with Southwest?" You're not alone! Navigating airline baggage policies can feel like cracking a secret code. But fear not, savvy traveler! This comprehensive guide will break down exactly how big of a suitcase you can take on Southwest Airlines, ensuring a smooth and stress-free journey.
Demystifying Southwest Airlines Baggage Policy: Your Ultimate Guide
Southwest Airlines has been known for its unique "Bags Fly Free" policy, but recent changes have brought some shifts. Understanding the current rules is key to avoiding unexpected fees and travel headaches. Let's dive in!
Step 1: Understand the Baggage Categories – Carry-on, Personal Item, and Checked Bags
Before we talk dimensions, it's crucial to understand the three main types of luggage you'll deal with when flying Southwest:
Your Personal Item: This is your smallest bag, designed to fit under the seat in front of you. Think of it as your in-flight essentials bag.
Your Carry-On Bag: This is the bag that goes in the overhead bin. It's typically a small suitcase or a larger backpack.
Your Checked Bags: These are the larger bags that get stored in the cargo hold of the plane.
Why is this distinction important? Because each category has different size and weight restrictions!
Step 2: Grasping the Specific Dimensions for Each Bag Type
Now, let's get down to the numbers. Accurate measurement is your best friend here. Always include wheels and handles in your measurements!
Sub-heading 2.1: The Personal Item – Your Under-Seat Companion
Your personal item is your secret weapon for keeping necessities close. It should be small enough to easily slide under the seat.
Maximum Dimensions: Generally, Southwest states that your personal item should not exceed 18.5 inches (L) x 13.5 inches (W) x 8.5 inches (H).
Examples: A purse, a small backpack, a laptop bag, a brief case, or even a pillow (though neck pillows typically don't count towards the limit).
Pro Tip: If you're traveling with a pet carrier, remember that it counts as either your personal item or your carry-on bag.
Sub-heading 2.2: The Carry-On Bag – The Overhead Bin Dweller
This is where many travelers aim to maximize space to avoid checking a bag.
Maximum Dimensions: Your carry-on bag should not exceed 24 inches (L) x 16 inches (W) x 10 inches (H). This includes all wheels, handles, and any external attachments.
What if it's too big? If your carry-on is too large to fit in the overhead bin or if the bins are full, gate agents may require you to gate-check it. This can sometimes incur a fee if you've already utilized your checked bag allowance.
Weight Limit: Interestingly, Southwest does not specify a weight limit for carry-on bags, but you must be able to lift it into the overhead bin unassisted.
Sub-heading 2.3: Checked Bags – The Heavy Lifters
Southwest used to be famous for its "Bags Fly Free" policy, allowing two checked bags for free for all passengers. However, as of May 28, 2025, this has changed for most travelers.
Standard Dimensions: Each checked bag should not exceed 62 linear inches (length + width + height). For example, a bag measuring 30 inches (L) + 20 inches (W) + 12 inches (H) equals 62 linear inches.
Standard Weight Limit: Each checked bag must weigh 50 pounds (23 kg) or less.
Current Checked Bag Fees (as of May 28, 2025):
First Checked Bag: $35
Second Checked Bag: $45
Additional Bags: Fees increase for additional bags beyond the first two.
Exceptions for Free Checked Bags:
While the "Bags Fly Free" policy has changed for most, some passengers can still enjoy free checked bags:
Rapid Rewards A-List Members: Get their first checked bag free.
Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred Members: Get two checked bags free.
Southwest Co-branded Credit Card Holders: May be entitled to one free checked bag.
Business Select Fare Passengers: Continue to receive two free checked bags.
Active Duty Military Personnel and those with Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders: Are exempt from the two-piece baggage limit and will not be subject to excess, oversize, or overweight baggage charges, provided no piece exceeds 100 lbs in weight or 80 inches in total dimensions.
Sub-heading 2.4: Oversized and Overweight Checked Bags
If your checked bag exceeds the standard limits, be prepared for additional fees:
Overweight Fees:
51 to 70 pounds (24 to 32 kg): ~$100 (or $150 depending on source) per bag, each way.
71 to 100 pounds (33 to 45 kg): ~$125 (or $200 depending on source) per bag, each way.
Bags exceeding 100 pounds will generally not be accepted as checked baggage and may need to be shipped as cargo.
Oversize Fees:
63 to 80 linear inches (160 to 203 cm): ~$125 (or $200 depending on source) per bag, each way.
Bags exceeding 80 linear inches will generally not be accepted as checked baggage and may need to be shipped as cargo.
It's crucial to check the most up-to-date information on Southwest's official website or by contacting them directly, as policies can sometimes change.
Step 3: Packing Smart – Maximizing Your Space and Avoiding Fees
Now that you know the limits, let's talk about how to pack efficiently to make the most of your allowance.
Sub-heading 3.1: The Art of Rolling vs. Folding
This is a classic debate among travelers!
Rolling clothes tightly can often save space and minimize wrinkles, especially for soft, non-bulky items.
Folding is better for stiffer garments or items you want to keep perfectly crisp.
Experiment with both techniques to see what works best for your specific wardrobe.
Sub-heading 3.2: Embrace Packing Cubes
Packing cubes are a game-changer! These zippered fabric containers help you compress clothes, organize your belongings, and easily transfer items between bags. They come in various sizes, allowing you to categorize your clothing (e.g., shirts in one, pants in another).
They don't magically create space, but they help you utilize existing space more effectively and keep your suitcase tidy.
Sub-heading 3.3: Wear Your Bulkiest Items
If you're bringing a heavy coat, bulky boots, or a large sweater, wear them on the plane. This frees up valuable space and weight in your luggage.
Layers are your friend – you can always shed them once you're on board.
Sub-heading 3.4: Prioritize and Downsize
Make a packing list and stick to it. Ask yourself: "Do I really need this, or can I live without it for this trip?"
Travel-sized toiletries are a must for carry-ons (remember the TSA's 3-1-1 rule for liquids!). Even for checked bags, opting for smaller bottles can save weight.
Limit shoes: Shoes are notorious space hogs. Try to bring versatile pairs that can be worn with multiple outfits.
Sub-heading 3.5: Utilize Your Personal Item Strategically
Your personal item isn't just for your purse! This is the ideal spot for your laptop, tablet, e-reader, headphones, a book, snacks, medications, important documents, and any other items you want readily accessible during your flight.
This also helps reduce the weight and bulk of your carry-on bag.
Step 4: Measuring and Weighing Your Bags at Home
Don't wait until you're at the airport to discover your bag is too big or too heavy.
Sub-heading 4.1: Invest in a Luggage Scale
A portable luggage scale is an inexpensive and incredibly useful tool. Weigh your checked bags at home to ensure they are within the 50-pound limit. This small investment can save you significant overweight fees.
Sub-heading 4.2: Use a Measuring Tape
Grab a flexible measuring tape and carefully measure the length, width, and height of all your bags, including wheels and handles. Remember the linear inch calculation for checked bags.
Always measure the bag when it's fully packed as bulging can affect its dimensions.
Step 5: What to Do If Your Bag Exceeds Limits
Even with careful planning, sometimes things don't go as expected.
Sub-heading 5.1: Repack at the Airport (if possible)
If you're slightly over the weight limit for a checked bag, you might be able to redistribute items between your bags or wear some clothing.
If your carry-on is too big, you might have to check it, incurring a fee if you're out of free allowances.
Sub-heading 5.2: Be Prepared for Fees
If you know your bag will be overweight or oversized, it's better to be prepared for the fees than surprised. Factor them into your travel budget.
Consider shipping extra luggage ahead of time through a luggage shipping service if you have a significant amount of excess baggage.
Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 frequently asked questions about Southwest Airlines baggage policies, starting with "How to," with quick answers:
How to measure luggage for Southwest Airlines?
To measure luggage for Southwest, use a tape measure for length, width, and height, including wheels and handles. For checked bags, add these three dimensions to get the total linear inches.
How to avoid checked bag fees on Southwest Airlines?
You can avoid checked bag fees by qualifying for Rapid Rewards A-List/A-List Preferred status, holding a Southwest co-branded credit card, purchasing a Business Select fare, being active duty military, or by packing everything into a carry-on and personal item that meet the free limits.
How to pack a carry-on bag efficiently for Southwest?
Pack a carry-on efficiently by rolling clothes, using packing cubes, wearing your bulkiest items, bringing travel-sized toiletries, and strategically utilizing your personal item for essentials.
How to know if my bag is overweight for Southwest?
To know if your bag is overweight for Southwest, use a portable luggage scale to weigh it at home. The limit for standard checked bags is 50 pounds (23 kg).
How to deal with oversized baggage on Southwest Airlines?
If your baggage is oversized for Southwest, you will be charged an oversized baggage fee, currently around $125-$200 per bag each way, for bags between 63 and 80 linear inches. Bags over 80 linear inches may not be accepted.
How to bring sports equipment on Southwest Airlines?
Southwest often allows sports equipment (like skis, golf bags, or surfboards) to count as one of your checked bags, provided they meet the standard weight and size limits. Specific items may have special instructions or fees if they exceed standard dimensions.
How to bring a pet on Southwest Airlines?
To bring a pet on Southwest, your pet carrier counts as either your personal item or carry-on bag, and you'll typically pay a pet-in-cabin fee (currently $125 one-way). The carrier must fit under the seat.
How to check more than two bags on Southwest Airlines?
You can check more than two bags on Southwest, but you will incur additional fees for each bag beyond your first two (or beyond your allowance if you have elite status or specific fare types).
How to find the most up-to-date Southwest baggage policy?
Always find the most up-to-date Southwest baggage policy by visiting the official Southwest Airlines website's "Baggage" or "Checked Bag Policy" section, as policies can change.
How to ensure my carry-on fits in the overhead bin on Southwest?
To ensure your carry-on fits in the overhead bin on Southwest, ensure its dimensions (including wheels and handles) do not exceed 24" (L) x 16" (W) x 10" (H). Most airlines have sizing templates at the gate for verification.
