How to Pay for Bags on Southwest Airlines: Your Ultimate Step-by-Step Guide
Planning a trip with Southwest Airlines and wondering about baggage fees? You're in the right place! While Southwest was long known for its "Bags Fly Free" policy, recent changes (effective for tickets purchased or changed on or after May 28, 2025) have introduced checked bag fees for many travelers. Don't worry, navigating this is straightforward, and this comprehensive guide will walk you through every step.
Let's dive in and make sure you're fully prepared for your flight!
Step 1: Understand Southwest's Current Baggage Policy – The Most Crucial First Step!
Before you even think about paying, it's absolutely vital to understand Southwest's current baggage policy, especially with the recent updates. This will help you determine if you need to pay, and how much.
1.1. The "Bags Fly Free" Legacy (and its Evolution)
Historically, Southwest Airlines stood out from other carriers by allowing two checked bags free of charge for every passenger. This was a major perk! However, for tickets purchased or changed on or after May 28, 2025, this policy has changed for many fare types.
1.2. Who Still Gets Free Checked Bags?
Good news! Not everyone will pay for bags. Southwest still offers free checked bags to certain passengers:
Business Select® passengers: Continue to receive two free checked bags.
Rapid Rewards® A-List Preferred Members: Enjoy two free checked bags.
Rapid Rewards® A-List Members: Receive one free checked bag.
Rapid Rewards® Credit Cardmembers: Are typically eligible for one free checked bag.
Active U.S. Military Personnel and/or their dependents: Often have additional bag allowances.
1.3. Standard Checked Bag Fees (for those who now pay)
If you fall outside the categories listed above and your ticket was purchased or changed on or after May 28, 2025, you will likely incur fees for checked bags. As of the recent updates:
First checked bag: Approximately $35.00 USD
Second checked bag: Approximately $45.00 USD
Third bag and any additional bags: Approximately $75.00 USD per bag.
Remember, these fees are per bag, per direction of travel. So, a round trip with one checked bag would incur two charges.
1.4. Size and Weight Limitations – Crucial to Avoid Extra Fees!
Even if your bags are free, or you're paying for them, they must adhere to Southwest's size and weight limits to avoid additional charges.
Maximum Weight: Each checked bag must not exceed 50 lbs (23 kg).
Maximum Dimensions: The linear dimensions (length + width + height) of each checked bag must not exceed 62 inches (157 cm).
1.5. Overweight and Oversized Bag Fees – Avoid These if Possible!
Exceeding the standard weight and size limits will result in additional fees:
Overweight Bags (51-100 lbs or 24-46 kg): Approximately $75.00 USD extra per bag.
Oversized Bags (63-115 linear inches or 160-292 cm): Approximately $75.00 USD extra per bag.
Bags exceeding 100 lbs or 115 linear inches will generally not be accepted as checked baggage and may need to be shipped as cargo.
Step 2: Determine Your Baggage Needs – Plan Ahead!
Now that you know the policies, it's time to figure out exactly how many bags you'll be checking and if any of them might be oversized or overweight.
2.1. Count Your Bags
Lay out everything you plan to pack.
Decide how many suitcases or bags you'll need.
Remember that personal items (like a purse, laptop bag, or small backpack) and carry-on bags do not count towards your checked bag allowance. You are still allowed one carry-on bag and one personal item fee-free on board.
2.2. Weigh and Measure Your Bags
Invest in a luggage scale: These are inexpensive and can save you a lot of money and stress at the airport.
Weigh each bag: Make sure none exceed the 50 lbs limit. If a bag is close, consider shifting items to another bag or your carry-on.
Measure your bags: Use a tape measure to check the length, width, and height of each bag, then add those three numbers together to get the linear dimensions. Ensure they are under 62 inches.
2.3. Consider Special Items (Sports Equipment, Musical Instruments, etc.)
Southwest has specific policies for various special items. Many sports equipment items (like skis, golf bags, fishing equipment) are accepted as part of your checked baggage allowance, but may incur additional fees if they exceed the standard size/weight limits, or if they are in addition to your two free bags (if applicable). Always check Southwest's official website for details on specific items you plan to travel with.
Step 3: Paying for Your Bags – At the Airport is Key!
Unlike many other airlines that allow you to prepay for checked bags online, Southwest Airlines currently only accepts payment for checked baggage at the airport. This is an important distinction to remember.
3.1. Options for Payment at the Airport
When you arrive at the airport, you'll have two primary ways to pay for your checked bags:
At the Ticket Counter: This is the traditional method. Approach a Southwest Airlines agent at the check-in counter. They will weigh and measure your bags, apply the appropriate fees, and process your payment.
At a Self-Tagging Kiosk: Many airports now have self-service kiosks. You can check in for your flight, print your baggage tags, and then proceed to a bag drop area. If fees apply, the kiosk will prompt you for payment using a credit or debit card.
3.2. Accepted Payment Methods
Southwest Airlines accepts a variety of payment methods for baggage fees at the airport:
Credit Cards: This is the most common and convenient method. Southwest accepts major credit cards such as Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, and others.
Debit Cards: Most debit cards with a major credit card logo (Visa, MasterCard) will also be accepted.
Cash: While not as common for baggage fees at all locations, cash may be accepted at airport ticket counters, especially at international locations. However, it's always safer to rely on a card.
Note: Southwest LUV Vouchers, Southwest Gift Cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, or Flex Pay (formerly Uplift Pay Monthly) are generally accepted for flight purchases online, but for baggage fees specifically at the airport, credit/debit cards are the primary method.
Step 4: After Payment – Getting Your Bags Checked Smoothly
Once you've paid the necessary fees, the process is usually quick and efficient.
4.1. Tagging Your Bags
If at the Ticket Counter: The Southwest agent will print and attach the baggage tags to your bags.
If using a Self-Tagging Kiosk: You will print your own baggage tags from the kiosk. Ensure they are securely attached to your bags.
4.2. Bag Drop
After tagging, you'll proceed to the designated baggage drop-off point. This is usually a counter or area specifically for checked bags, often staffed by Southwest personnel.
A Southwest representative will verify your tags and take your bags. They will likely give you a baggage claim stub, which is very important for tracking your bags.
4.3. Keep Your Receipts and Stubs
Always keep your baggage payment receipt. This is your proof of payment.
Hold onto your baggage claim stubs. These stubs have a tracking number that allows you to monitor the status of your checked bags. In the rare event of a delayed or lost bag, this number is essential for filing a claim.
Step 5: Special Considerations – Smooth Sailing for Unique Situations
Knowing these extra tips can save you time and hassle.
5.1. Connecting Flights
If you have connecting flights on the same Southwest itinerary, your checked bags will typically be checked through to your final destination. You won't need to re-claim and re-check them between flights unless you have a particularly long layover or an overnight connection where you might want access to your items.
5.2. Gate Checking
If your carry-on bag is too large or the overhead bins are full, Southwest may offer to "gate check" your bag. This means the bag will be checked at the gate and placed in the cargo hold. Generally, if your carry-on meets the size requirements but is gate-checked due to space limitations, there is no fee. However, if your carry-on exceeds the allowed carry-on dimensions, it will be treated as a checked bag and subject to applicable fees.
5.3. Tracking Your Bags
Southwest offers a baggage tracking service. You can often track your bag's journey using the tracking number on your baggage claim stub via the Southwest Airlines website or mobile app.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Southwest Baggage Payment
Here are 10 common questions related to paying for bags on Southwest, with quick answers:
How to know if I have to pay for bags on Southwest?
You will likely pay for bags if your ticket was purchased or changed on or after May 28, 2025, and you are not a Rapid Rewards A-List, A-List Preferred, Business Select, or Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmember.
How to avoid paying for bags on Southwest?
You can avoid fees by qualifying for free bags through elite status (A-List, A-List Preferred), purchasing a Business Select fare, being a Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmember, or traveling as active U.S. military. Alternatively, pack light and only bring a carry-on and personal item that fit the free allowance.
How to check bag dimensions for Southwest?
Measure your bag's length, width, and height, then add them together. The total must be 62 linear inches (157 cm) or less.
How to weigh my bag for Southwest accurately?
Use a luggage scale at home. If you don't have one, you can often find scales at package shipping stores or some airport check-in areas. The limit is 50 lbs (23 kg) per bag.
How to pay for overweight or oversized bags on Southwest?
Overweight (51-100 lbs) or oversized (63-115 linear inches) bags incur a fee of approximately $75.00 USD per bag, paid at the airport check-in counter or kiosk.
How to add bags to my Southwest reservation online?
Currently, Southwest does not offer the option to prepay or add checked bags online. All checked bag fees are handled and paid for at the airport when you check in.
How to track my checked bag on Southwest?
Use the baggage claim stub provided at check-in. It contains a tracking number you can use on the Southwest Airlines website or mobile app to monitor your bag's status.
How to pay for bags with cash on Southwest?
While credit/debit cards are preferred, cash may be accepted at airport ticket counters, especially at international locations. It's advisable to have a card as a backup.
How to check a stroller or car seat on Southwest?
Southwest allows each ticketed Customer to check one stroller and one car seat/child restraint system free of charge, in addition to your regular baggage allowance. These can be checked at the curb, ticket counter, or gate.
How to handle sports equipment on Southwest?
Most sports equipment can be checked as part of your baggage allowance. However, some items or those exceeding standard size/weight limits may incur additional fees. Always check Southwest's specific guidelines for your particular equipment on their website.
