Traveling with Southwest Airlines used to be synonymous with "Bags Fly Free," a truly legendary perk that set them apart from other carriers. However, as of May 28, 2025, Southwest has updated its baggage policy, and while some travelers can still enjoy free checked bags, it's no longer universal. So, how many bags can you bring on Southwest Airlines now? Let's dive into the details and make sure your next trip is as smooth as possible, bag-wise!
Understanding Southwest's Baggage Policy: A Comprehensive Guide
Planning your trip involves more than just booking flights and hotels; it's crucial to understand the baggage rules to avoid unexpected fees and last-minute scrambling at the airport. Southwest's new policy has nuances, and we're here to walk you through every aspect.
Step 1: Engage Your Inner Packing Pro!
Before we even talk about airline rules, let's start with you. Take a moment to think about your trip. What's the purpose? How long will you be gone? What essential items do you truly need? Are you a light packer, or do you believe in bringing everything but the kitchen sink? Knowing your packing style and trip needs is the first, most critical step in determining how many bags you'll need and how that fits into Southwest's guidelines. So, grab a pen and paper (or open a note on your phone!) and jot down a preliminary packing list. This will be your roadmap!
Step 2: Deciphering the Carry-On Allowance
The carry-on bag is your trusty companion, staying with you in the cabin. Southwest is quite consistent with its carry-on policy for all passengers.
2.1: Your Standard Carry-On Bag
You are permitted one standard carry-on bag. This bag goes into the overhead bin. * Dimensions: It must not exceed 24 x 16 x 10 inches (approx. 61 x 40 x 25 cm). This includes wheels and handles! * Weight: Southwest does not specify a weight restriction for carry-on items. However, you should still be able to lift it into the overhead bin yourself. If you can't, it's probably too heavy!
2.2: Your Personal Item
In addition to your standard carry-on, you can bring one small personal item. This item must fit under the seat in front of you. * Dimensions: It should not exceed 18.5 x 8.5 x 13.5 inches (approx. 47 x 22 x 34 cm). * Examples: Common personal items include a purse, laptop bag, backpack, or a small briefcase.
2.3: Additional Carry-On Items (Special Circumstances)
Southwest allows certain items in addition to your standard carry-on and personal item. These typically do not count towards your allowance: * Umbrellas or walking canes * Outer garments (coats, jackets) * Food for consumption during the flight, in disposable packaging * Assistive or mobility devices (wheelchairs, crutches, etc.) * Child restraint systems (for a ticketed child or if space is available) * Pet Carriers: If you're traveling with a pet, the pet carrier counts as your one personal item or carry-on bag. There's also a fee of $125 each way for pet carriers.
Step 3: Understanding Checked Baggage and the New Fee Structure
This is where Southwest's policy has seen the most significant changes as of May 28, 2025. The "Bags Fly Free" era, for most, has concluded.
3.1: The Standard Checked Baggage Allowance (and Fees!)
For most fare classes booked or voluntarily changed on or after May 28, 2025, you will now incur fees for checked baggage. * First Checked Bag: $35 * Second Checked Bag: $45 * Third and More Bags: Each additional bag will cost $150. * Standard Size Limit: Each checked bag must not exceed 62 inches (length + width + height) in total dimensions. This includes wheels and handles! * Standard Weight Limit: Each checked bag must not exceed 50 pounds (22.7 kg).
3.2: Who Still Gets Free Checked Bags? (The Exceptions!)
While the general rule has changed, Southwest still offers free checked bags for specific traveler categories: * Business Select travelers: Enjoy two free checked bags. * Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred members: Also receive two free checked bags. * Rapid Rewards A-List status holders: Are entitled to one free checked bag. * Southwest co-branded credit cardholders: May receive one free checked bag. Always check your specific credit card benefits, as these can vary. * Military personnel on active duty or permanent change of station (PCS) orders: Are exempt from the two-piece baggage limit and will not be subject to excess, overweight, or oversized baggage charges, provided no piece exceeds 100 pounds or 80 inches in total dimensions.
3.3: Overweight and Oversized Baggage Fees
If your checked bags exceed the standard limits, you'll face additional charges. These fees are in addition to the standard checked bag fees (if applicable). * Overweight Bags: * Between 51 and 70 pounds: $150 per bag. * Between 71 and 100 pounds: $200 per bag. * Bags over 100 pounds will generally not be accepted as checked baggage. * Oversized Bags: * Bags larger than 62 inches (up to 80 inches): $200 per bag. * Bags over 80 inches will generally not be accepted as checked baggage. * Important Note: If a bag is both overweight and oversized, you will typically only be charged one fee, whichever is higher, as long as it doesn't exceed 100 lbs. Always confirm at the airport.
Step 4: Special Baggage and Sports Equipment
Traveling with unique items like musical instruments, sports gear, or car seats? Southwest has specific policies for these.
4.1: Musical Instruments
Carry-on: Smaller instruments (like violins, guitars, trumpets) may be carried on if they fit in the overhead bin or under the seat, and there is space available. They count as your carry-on item.
Purchased Seat: For larger instruments that don't fit in the overhead bin (e.g., cellos), you can purchase an additional seat for them. The instrument must fit in the seat, be secured with a seatbelt, and not block any aircraft signage.
Checked Baggage: Instruments can be checked as part of your checked baggage allowance. If they exceed 62 inches or 50 pounds, overweight/oversize fees will apply (up to 150 inches and 165 pounds). Instruments transported in soft-sided cases may be subject to a limited release of liability.
4.2: Sports Equipment
Many common sports items can be checked as part of your standard baggage allowance, but some have special rules and fees. It's always best to check Southwest's official website for the most up-to-date and specific information, as policies can vary.
Golf Equipment: One golf bag (containing clubs, balls, shoes) counts as one checked bag. Standard weight/size limits apply.
Skis and Snowboards: Ski equipment (skis/snowboard, poles, boots) can often be checked as one item, even if packed separately. Excess size charges are often waived for skis and snowboards, but excess weight charges may still apply.
Bicycles: Must be properly packed in a bike box or bag. Excess size/weight charges typically apply.
Surfboards: Accepted on flights, usually for a fee. May travel free as one of your two free bags only on Hawaiian Inter-island flights.
Generally, if sports equipment exceeds 62 inches or 50 lbs, standard oversized/overweight fees will apply, unless specifically exempted (like the size waiver for skis).
4.3: Children's Items (Strollers, Car Seats)
Southwest is quite accommodating with children's items. You can check one pushchair (stroller) and one car seat per child, free of charge, in addition to your regular baggage allowance. These items do not count towards your checked baggage count or incur fees.
Step 5: Paying for Your Bags and Other Important Tips
Now that you know the rules, let's talk about the practicalities of paying and some essential advice.
5.1: Payment at the Airport
Southwest does not allow you to prepay for checked luggage online. All applicable baggage fees must be paid at the airport during check-in. You can use their self-tagging kiosks (where available) to tag your bags and then pay at the designated area, or check them with a Southwest Agent at the counter.
5.2: Timing is Everything!
Check-in Window: Bags checked less than 45 minutes before scheduled departure may not make it onto your flight or arrive with you. Aim to check your bags well in advance.
Early Arrival: Arriving at the airport with ample time is always a good idea, especially if you have checked bags or any special items. This allows for any unexpected delays at the check-in counter.
5.3: Label Your Bags!
This might seem obvious, but it's incredibly important. Use sturdy luggage tags with your name, phone number, and email address both on the outside and inside of your checked bags. This greatly increases the chances of your bag being returned to you if it's misplaced.
5.4: Consider a Travel Credit Card
As mentioned earlier, some Southwest co-branded credit cards offer benefits like a free checked bag. If you travel frequently with Southwest, exploring these options could save you a significant amount on baggage fees over time. Many general travel credit cards also offer statement credits or points that can offset baggage fees.
5.5: Ship Your Luggage!
For those with excessive baggage, very large items, or who simply want to avoid the hassle of lugging bags through the airport, consider a luggage shipping service. Companies like My Baggage allow you to ship your suitcases ahead to your destination, often at competitive rates, and they handle the logistics. This can be a game-changer for heavy packers or those with complex travel itineraries.
FAQs: How To Navigate Southwest Baggage Like a Pro
Here are 10 frequently asked questions, all starting with "How to," to quickly address common concerns about Southwest's baggage policy.
How to avoid checked baggage fees on Southwest Airlines? To avoid checked baggage fees, consider qualifying for free bags through a Southwest co-branded credit card, achieving Rapid Rewards A-List or A-List Preferred status, or purchasing a Business Select fare. Military personnel on active duty also get free checked bags.
How to measure my bag to ensure it fits Southwest's dimensions? To measure your bag, use a tape measure to determine the length, width, and height of your bag, including any wheels and handles. For checked bags, add these three dimensions together to get the total linear inches, which should not exceed 62 inches.
How to pack a carry-on bag effectively for Southwest? To pack a carry-on effectively, utilize packing cubes, roll your clothes tightly, and wear your bulkiest items (like jackets or heavy shoes) to save space. Always adhere to TSA liquid rules (3-1-1 rule).
How to know if my sports equipment will incur extra fees on Southwest? To know if your sports equipment will incur extra fees, check if it exceeds 50 pounds or 62 inches (length + width + height). While some items like skis have a size waiver, most oversized or overweight sports equipment will be subject to additional fees.
How to travel with a pet on Southwest Airlines? To travel with a pet, you must call Southwest in advance to make a reservation, as space is limited. Your pet (small cat or dog) must be in an approved carrier that fits under the seat in front of you, and the carrier counts as your carry-on item. A $125 fee applies each way.
How to check bags if I have connecting flights on Southwest? If you have connecting flights booked on the same Southwest ticket, your baggage will typically be checked through to your final destination. However, it's always a good idea to confirm this with the agent when you check your bags.
How to handle an oversized musical instrument on Southwest? To handle an oversized musical instrument, you can either purchase an additional seat for it in the cabin (if it fits and can be secured) or check it as baggage. If checked, it will likely incur oversized or overweight baggage fees if it exceeds standard limits.
How to ensure my checked bag arrives safely with Southwest? To ensure your checked bag arrives safely, label it clearly with your contact information both inside and outside, remove old baggage tags, and consider using a tracking device like an Apple AirTag inside your bag for added peace of mind.
How to pay for additional bags at the Southwest airport? To pay for additional bags at the Southwest airport, you can do so at the self-tagging kiosks or directly with a Southwest Agent at the ticket counter using a credit card.
How to find the most current and official Southwest baggage policy? To find the most current and official Southwest baggage policy, always refer directly to the "Checked Bag Policy" or "Baggage" section on the official Southwest Airlines website (Southwest.com) or contact their customer service directly, as policies can be updated.
