The Definitive Guide to Southwest Airlines Baggage Allowance: What Flies Free (and What Doesn't Anymore!)
Hey there, fellow traveler! Are you gearing up for your next adventure and planning to fly Southwest Airlines? If so, you've probably heard whispers about their famously generous "Bags Fly Free" policy. But hold on a minute, because things have recently shifted! Gone are the days when everyone automatically got two free checked bags. Southwest has made some significant updates to their baggage policy, and understanding these changes is crucial to avoid unexpected fees and ensure a smooth journey.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through exactly how many bags you can carry on Southwest Airlines for free, along with all the details you need to know about carry-on items, personal items, and those pesky additional fees. Let's dive in!
Step 1: Are You Affected by the New Policy? Let's Find Out!
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let's address the elephant in the room: the new baggage policy. This is the most critical first step to determine how many bags you can carry for free.
Did you book or voluntarily change your reservation on or after May 28, 2025?
If yes, then the new baggage fee structure will likely apply to your checked bags. This means that for most passengers, your first and second checked bags will now incur a fee.
If no, and your reservation was booked and ticketed (or last voluntarily changed) on or before May 27, 2025, then congratulations! Your existing "Bags Fly Free" policy for two checked bags will still apply, regardless of your travel date. However, weight and size limits still apply!
So, if you're flying on a new booking, keep reading! If you're on an older booking, you're likely in the clear for two free checked bags, but the rest of this guide on carry-ons and specifics is still highly relevant.
Step 2: Understanding Your Carry-On and Personal Item Allowance
Regardless of when you booked your flight, Southwest's policy for carry-on and personal items remains consistent and quite traveler-friendly. This is where you can always count on bringing some items for free!
Sub-heading: One Carry-On Bag
Every passenger on Southwest Airlines is permitted to bring one carry-on bag into the cabin. This bag is designed to be stowed in the overhead bin.
Size Limits: Your carry-on bag must not exceed 24 inches (L) + 16 inches (W) + 10 inches (H). Remember, these dimensions include wheels, handles, and any attachments.
Examples: Common examples include standard roller bags, small suitcases, or duffel bags that fit within the specified dimensions.
Sub-heading: One Personal Item
In addition to your carry-on bag, you are also allowed one personal item. This item is intended to be stowed under the seat in front of you.
Size Limits: While Southwest doesn't provide strict linear dimensions for personal items on their main baggage page, common understanding and industry standards suggest it should be significantly smaller than a carry-on. Aim for something that comfortably fits under the seat. Typically, dimensions around 18.5 inches (L) x 13.5 inches (W) x 8.5 inches (H) are a safe bet.
Examples: A purse, briefcase, laptop computer case, small backpack, camera bag, or a pillow (neck pillows generally don't count towards the limit) are all typical personal items.
Important Note: If you are traveling with a pet in a carrier, the pet carrier will count as either your carry-on or your personal item.
Step 3: Deciphering the New Checked Baggage Policy (for Bookings On or After May 28, 2025)
This is where the recent changes come into play for most travelers. Southwest has transitioned from a universal "Bags Fly Free" model to a tiered system for checked luggage.
Sub-heading: Standard Checked Baggage Fees
For Basic, Wanna Get Away Plus®, and Anytime fares booked on or after May 28, 2025:
First Checked Bag: Expect a fee of approximately $35.
Second Checked Bag: Expect a fee of approximately $45.
Weight Limit for Checked Bags: Each checked bag must not exceed 50 pounds (22.7 kg).
Size Limit for Checked Bags: The total linear dimensions (length + width + height) of each checked bag must not exceed 62 inches (157 cm).
Sub-heading: Who Still Gets Free Checked Bags?
While the policy has changed for many, certain passengers still enjoy the benefit of free checked baggage:
Business Select® Fares: If you've booked a Business Select fare, you continue to receive two free checked bags. This is Southwest's highest fare class and offers additional perks.
Rapid Rewards® A-List Preferred Members: These elite members of Southwest's loyalty program receive their first and second checked bags for free.
Rapid Rewards® A-List Members: A-List members (a tier below A-List Preferred) are eligible for their first checked bag for free.
Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers: Primary Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers, along with up to eight additional passengers on the same reservation, can receive their first standard checked bag for free. The primary Cardmember must be on the reservation and their Rapid Rewards account number included.
Hawaii Residents (Inter-island Travel): Residents traveling between the Hawaiian islands continue to receive two free checked bags.
Sub-heading: How to Pay for Checked Bags
Southwest does not allow you to pre-pay for luggage online. Any applicable baggage fees must be paid at the airport:
Self-Tagging Kiosks: Where available, you can use these kiosks to print your bag tags and pay.
Southwest® Agent at the Ticket Counter: A customer service agent can assist you with checking your bags and processing payment.
Step 4: Understanding Oversized, Overweight, and Additional Bags
Sometimes, your travel plans require more than the standard allowance. Be aware of the potential fees for oversized, overweight, or extra bags.
Sub-heading: Overweight Baggage
If your checked bag weighs between 51 and 70 pounds (23.1 to 31.7 kg), an overweight fee of approximately $150 per bag will apply.
If your checked bag weighs between 71 and 100 pounds (32.2 to 45.3 kg), an overweight fee of approximately $200 per bag will apply.
Bags exceeding 100 pounds are generally not accepted as checked baggage and may need to be shipped as cargo.
Sub-heading: Oversized Baggage
If your checked bag's total linear dimensions (length + width + height) are between 63 and 80 inches (160 to 203 cm), an oversized fee of approximately $200 per bag will apply.
Bags exceeding 80 inches are generally not accepted as checked baggage and may need to be shipped as cargo.
Sub-heading: Third (and More) Checked Bags
If you need to check a third bag or more, a fee of approximately $150 per bag will apply, in addition to any overweight or oversized fees if applicable.
Important Considerations: If a bag is both oversized and overweight, typically only one fee (the higher of the two) will apply, as long as it doesn't exceed the absolute maximum limits for checked bags (e.g., 100 lbs or 80 inches).
Step 5: Special Items and Exceptions
Southwest has specific policies for various special items, which can often be checked as part of your baggage allowance or for a specific fee.
Sub-heading: Sports Equipment
Many types of sports equipment are accepted as checked baggage.
Standard Size & Weight: If your sports equipment (e.g., golf bags, skis, snowboards) falls within the standard 50 lbs and 62 inches linear dimensions, it will count as one of your checked bags. If you have free checked bags, it's free. If not, standard checked bag fees apply.
Oversized/Overweight Sports Equipment: For certain oversized or overweight sports equipment, a specific fee (often around $75 to $200 per item, one way) may apply. Examples include bicycles (which require proper packing in a bike box) and surfboards. It's crucial to check Southwest's specific policy for your particular sport.
Sub-heading: Musical Instruments
Musical instruments can often travel with you, either as a carry-on, in an purchased seat, or as checked baggage.
Carry-on: Smaller instruments that fit within carry-on dimensions (24" L + 16" W + 10" H) can be brought into the cabin if space is available.
Purchased Seat: For larger instruments that won't fit in the overhead bin but are too fragile to check (e.g., a cello), you may purchase an additional seat for the instrument. It must be secured with a seatbelt and not block aircraft signage.
Checked Baggage: Instruments that fit within the checked baggage size and weight limits can be checked as part of your allowance. Oversize or overweight charges apply if applicable. Instruments transported in soft-sided cases may be subject to limited liability.
Sub-heading: Car Seats and Strollers
Southwest is quite accommodating for families traveling with young children.
Each ticketed customer traveling with a child can check one stroller and one car seat/child restraint system free of charge, in addition to their regular baggage allowance.
These items can be checked at the curb, ticket counter, or gate.
Portable/folding cribs or "pack and plays" count as regular checked bags and are subject to the standard checked baggage policy.
Sub-heading: Pets
Southwest allows small, vaccinated domestic cats and dogs to travel in the cabin on domestic flights, provided they are in an approved pet carrier.
Pet Fare: There is a pet fare (currently $125 each way, subject to change).
Counts as Carry-on/Personal Item: The pet carrier counts as either your carry-on item or your personal item.
Size and Stowage: The carrier must be able to fit under the seat in front of you and your pet must remain in the carrier at all times.
Limited Availability: There's typically a limit to the number of pets allowed on each flight, so it's essential to make a reservation in advance by calling Southwest.
Sub-heading: Military Personnel
Southwest offers a generous baggage policy for active-duty military personnel.
Active-duty military customers (with valid military ID) are exempt from the two-piece baggage limit and will not be subject to excess, oversize, or overweight baggage charges.
This applies as long as each piece of baggage does not exceed 100 pounds in weight and 80 inches in size.
Dependents traveling without the active-duty military member are subject to standard baggage policies.
Step 6: Smart Packing Strategies to Maximize Your Allowance
Now that you know the rules, here are some tips to pack efficiently and potentially save money.
Utilize Your Personal Item: Don't underestimate the power of your personal item! Pack essentials like electronics, medications, and a change of clothes in your personal item so they are always accessible.
Wear Your Bulkiest Items: If you're traveling with heavy jackets or bulky shoes, consider wearing them on the plane to save space and weight in your bags.
Vacuum-Seal Bags: For clothing, vacuum-seal bags can drastically reduce volume, allowing you to fit more into your carry-on or checked luggage.
Roll, Don't Fold: Rolling clothes often takes up less space and can help prevent wrinkles.
Weigh Your Bags at Home: Invest in a luggage scale to ensure your checked bags are within the weight limits before you get to the airport. It's much cheaper to redistribute weight or leave items behind at home than to pay overweight fees at the counter.
Consider Shipping: For extremely large or heavy items that exceed airline limits, exploring shipping services (like Southwest Cargo for very large items) might be a more cost-effective option than paying excessive baggage fees.
By following this comprehensive guide, you'll be well-equipped to navigate Southwest Airlines' baggage policies and ensure a stress-free start to your journey. Happy travels!
Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 common questions related to Southwest Airlines baggage, with quick answers:
How to determine if my bag is oversized on Southwest Airlines?
Your bag is oversized if its total linear dimensions (length + width + height) exceed 62 inches (157 cm).
How to avoid checked baggage fees on Southwest Airlines?
You can avoid checked baggage fees by:
Being a Business Select fare passenger.
Being a Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred or A-List member.
Being a Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmember (for your first bag).
Having booked your flight before May 28, 2025.
Being active-duty military personnel.
How to check a musical instrument on Southwest Airlines?
Smaller instruments can be carried on if they fit in the overhead bin or under a seat. Larger instruments can have a seat purchased for them in the cabin, or they can be checked as baggage, subject to size/weight limits and potential fees.
How to bring a car seat and stroller on Southwest Airlines?
Each ticketed customer can check one stroller and one car seat/child restraint system for free, in addition to their regular baggage allowance.
How to travel with a pet on Southwest Airlines?
Small, vaccinated domestic cats and dogs in approved carriers can travel in the cabin on domestic flights for a fee ($125 each way), with the carrier counting as a carry-on or personal item. Reservations are required.
How to get extra baggage allowance for military personnel on Southwest Airlines?
Active-duty military personnel (with valid ID) are exempt from bag limits and excess, oversize, or overweight fees for bags up to 100 lbs and 80 inches.
How to pay for additional baggage on Southwest Airlines?
Additional baggage fees for checked bags (third bag, overweight, oversized) are paid at the airport at a self-tagging kiosk or with a Southwest agent at the ticket counter.
How to measure my luggage for Southwest Airlines?
For carry-on, measure length, width, and height (including wheels and handles). For checked bags, sum the length, width, and height to get the total linear dimensions. Use a scale to check weight.
How to check sports equipment on Southwest Airlines?
Most sports equipment can be checked as part of your baggage allowance. Standard size/weight items are free if you have free bags; otherwise, standard checked bag fees apply. Oversized/overweight sports equipment may incur specific fees.
How to ensure my personal item fits under the seat on Southwest Airlines?
Ensure your personal item is compact and flexible, typically around 18.5" x 13.5" x 8.5" or smaller. Test fitting it under a standard airplane seat or in a sizing bin (if available) before your flight is recommended.
