Navigating airline baggage policies can sometimes feel like solving a complex puzzle, right? With varying rules for carry-on, personal items, and checked bags, it's easy to get confused. But don't worry, Southwest Airlines has generally been known for its customer-friendly approach, though recent changes have impacted their once-famous "Bags Fly Free" policy for all.
This lengthy guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Southwest Airlines' checked baggage allowance, step-by-step. Let's make sure you're fully prepared for your next trip without any unexpected fees or surprises!
The Evolving Landscape of Southwest Airlines Baggage Policy
For a long time, Southwest stood out from other major US airlines by offering two free checked bags to every passenger, regardless of their fare type. This was a significant selling point and a major reason why many travelers chose Southwest. However, as of May 28, 2025, this policy has undergone a significant change. While some travelers still enjoy free checked bags, the majority will now encounter fees.
This shift brings Southwest's baggage policy more in line with other airlines, but they still maintain certain benefits for specific fare classes and loyalty members. Understanding these nuances is key to a smooth travel experience.
Step 1: Identify Your Fare Type and Rapid Rewards Status
This is the most crucial first step because your baggage allowance largely depends on the type of ticket you've purchased and your loyalty status with Southwest's Rapid Rewards program.
Sub-heading: Understanding Southwest Fare Classes
Southwest offers several fare classes, each with different benefits:
Basic: This is the most budget-friendly option.
Wanna Get Away Plus®: A step up from Basic, offering more flexibility.
Anytime: More flexible than Wanna Get Away Plus, with additional benefits.
Business Select®: This is Southwest's premium fare, offering the most perks.
Sub-heading: Checking Your Rapid Rewards Status
Your Rapid Rewards status can also significantly impact your checked bag allowance:
Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred Members: These are Southwest's most frequent flyers.
Rapid Rewards A-List Members: Another tier of frequent flyers.
Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers: Holding a Southwest co-branded credit card can also grant you baggage benefits.
General Rapid Rewards Members (without elite status or credit card): This applies to most casual travelers.
Step 2: Determine Your Standard Free Checked Bag Allowance
Once you know your fare type and Rapid Rewards status, you can figure out your standard free checked bag allowance.
Business Select® Fare: Great news! If you've booked a Business Select fare, you still receive two free checked bags.
Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred Members: Just like Business Select passengers, A-List Preferred members also get two free checked bags. This benefit extends to up to eight (8) additional passengers on the same reservation.
Rapid Rewards A-List Members and Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers: You are entitled to one free checked bag. For A-List members, this benefit also extends to up to eight (8) additional passengers on the same reservation.
Basic, Wanna Get Away Plus®, and Anytime Fares (booked on or after May 28, 2025): Unfortunately, if you fall into these categories, your first and second checked bags are no longer free. Fees will apply.
Active-duty Military Passengers: Southwest continues to show its appreciation for military personnel. Active-duty military with a current, valid military ID are exempt from the two-piece baggage limit and will not be subject to excess, oversize, or overweight baggage charges, provided each piece doesn't exceed 100 pounds in weight and 80 inches in size (L+W+H).
Step 3: Understand Standard Bag Weight and Size Limits
Regardless of your free bag allowance, all checked bags must adhere to specific weight and size restrictions. Failing to meet these can result in additional fees.
Sub-heading: Weight Limit
Each checked bag has a maximum weight limit of 50 pounds (23 kg).
Sub-heading: Size Limit
The maximum size for each checked bag is 62 linear inches (length + width + height). This means if you add the length, width, and height of your bag, the total should not exceed 62 inches. Remember to include wheels and handles in your measurements!
Step 4: Calculate Fees for Additional, Overweight, or Oversized Bags
If you need to check more bags than your free allowance, or if your bags exceed the standard weight and size limits, you will incur additional charges. These fees can add up quickly, so it's essential to be aware of them.
Sub-heading: Fees for Additional Bags (Beyond your free allowance)
Third and subsequent checked bags (3rd+ checked bag): Each additional bag will cost you $150. This applies to bags beyond your free allowance (e.g., if you have 0 free bags, your 1st bag is $35, 2nd is $45, and 3rd is $150).
Sub-heading: Fees for Overweight Bags
Overweight (51-70 lbs): If your bag weighs between 51 and 70 pounds, there will be an additional charge of $150 per bag.
Overweight (71-100 lbs): For bags weighing between 71 and 100 pounds, the fee is $200 per bag.
Bags exceeding 100 pounds will NOT be accepted as checked baggage. They must be shipped as Air Cargo, which has different requirements and is typically for Known Shippers.
Sub-heading: Fees for Oversized Bags
Oversized (63-80 inches): If your bag's linear dimensions are between 63 and 80 inches, an additional fee of $200 per bag applies.
Bags exceeding 80 inches will NOT be accepted as checked baggage. They can only be shipped as Air Cargo if you are a Known Shipper.
Sub-heading: Combined Oversize and Overweight Fees
If a single piece of baggage is both oversized and overweight (but does not exceed 100 lbs), only one $200 charge applies. This means you won't be charged for both separately, as long as it's within the 100 lbs limit.
However, if you have an excess bag (meaning it's beyond your free allowance) that is also overweight or oversized, you'll pay the excess baggage fee plus the applicable overweight or oversized charge.
Step 5: Consider Special Baggage and Embargoes
Some items, like sports equipment or musical instruments, have specific rules and may count towards your checked bag allowance or incur special fees. Additionally, some international routes may have baggage embargoes, limiting the number and type of bags you can check.
Sub-heading: Sports Equipment
Many types of sports equipment (e.g., skis, golf bags, surfboards, bicycles) are accepted as checked baggage.
Generally, standard checked bag fees (including overweight/oversize fees) apply to sports equipment.
Specific items like windsurfing/surfboards, kiteboards, vaulting poles, non-motorized bicycles (62 inches or less and less than 50 pounds), life rafts, javelins, and kayaks may have specific allowances or waived oversized fees, but overweight charges may still apply. Always check Southwest's website for details on your specific item.
A surfboard bag containing surfboard(s) when traveling on flights between the islands of Hawaii can be substituted for one checked bag.
Sub-heading: Musical Instruments
Musical instruments can often be carried on if they fit within carry-on dimensions and there's space.
Larger instruments can be checked. If the instrument (including case) is between 62 and 150 linear inches or weighs between 51 and 165 pounds, oversize/overweight fees may apply.
Instruments transported in soft-sided cases may be subject to a "limited release" tag, meaning Southwest assumes no liability for damage.
For very large instruments, you might even purchase an additional seat for them, provided they can be secured.
Sub-heading: International Baggage Embargoes
Certain international destinations, especially during peak travel seasons, may have baggage embargoes. This means restrictions on the number of checked items, or a refusal to accept oversized or overweight bags, or even boxes.
For example, Cuba (HAV) has a year-round embargo, limiting passengers to two bags, and not accepting oversized bags (over 62 linear inches) or overweight bags (more than 50 pounds). Boxes are also generally not accepted, with limited exceptions.
Destinations like Bahamas (NAS), Belize (BZE), Jamaica (MBJ), and San Jose, Costa Rica (SJO) often have temporary embargoes between November 15 and January 15, and Jamaica (MBJ) also has one between August 15 and September 15.
It's imperative to check Southwest's official website or contact them directly if your itinerary includes international travel to an embargoed destination.
Step 6: Packing Smart and Saving Money
Now that you understand the rules, let's talk about how to pack strategically to avoid those extra fees.
Sub-heading: Weigh and Measure Before You Go
Invest in a luggage scale! These are inexpensive and can save you a lot of money and stress at the airport.
Measure your bag's dimensions (length + width + height) to ensure it's within the 62-linear-inch limit.
Sub-heading: Consolidate and Pack Efficiently
Can you fit essentials into a single carry-on and personal item? Remember, Southwest allows one carry-on bag and one personal item for free.
Carry-on bag dimensions: Maximum 24" (L) + 16" (W) + 10" (H), including wheels and handles.
Personal item dimensions: Must fit under the seat in front of you (typically around 18.5" x 13.5" x 8.5").
Consider rolling your clothes or using packing cubes to maximize space and minimize wrinkles.
Sub-heading: Wear Your Heaviest Items
If you're close to the weight limit, wear your bulkiest shoes, jackets, or sweaters onto the plane. This doesn't count against your baggage allowance!
Sub-heading: Ship It!
For extremely heavy or numerous items, consider using a shipping service. Sometimes, this can be more cost-effective than paying airline baggage fees, especially for specialized equipment.
Step 7: Arriving at the Airport and Checking Your Bags
Allow Sufficient Time: Southwest advises allowing sufficient time for checked baggage to be placed on your flight. Baggage checked 45 minutes or less before the scheduled or posted departure time (whichever is later) is considered "Late Check." While they'll try their best, Southwest will not assume delivery charges if late-checked baggage doesn't arrive with you.
International Travel: If any portion of your itinerary includes an international flight, you will be required to check your luggage at the Southwest Airlines Ticket Counter upon arrival at the airport. You cannot check in or check luggage at the curbside for international itineraries. For flights departing Aruba, minimum check-in time for passengers (with or without checked baggage) is 75 minutes before departure. For all other international flights, passengers and baggage must be checked in 60 minutes prior to departure.
Claim Checks: Make sure you receive a separate claim check for each piece of luggage you've checked. Verify that the city shown on the claim check matches your final destination.
By following these steps, you'll be well-prepared to manage your luggage on Southwest Airlines and potentially avoid any unwanted surprises or fees. Happy travels!
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 common "How to" questions related to Southwest Airlines baggage, with quick answers:
How to avoid paying for checked bags on Southwest Airlines?
The best ways to avoid paying for checked bags are to book a Business Select fare, hold Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred status (which gives you two free bags), or be a Rapid Rewards A-List member or Southwest co-branded credit card holder (which gives you one free bag). Active-duty military personnel also get free checked bags.
How to measure my bag for Southwest Airlines?
To measure your checked bag, sum its length, width, and height. The total should not exceed 62 linear inches. For carry-on bags, ensure they are no larger than 24" (L) x 16" (W) x 10" (H). Always include wheels and handles in your measurements.
How to weigh my bag for Southwest Airlines?
Use a luggage scale at home before heading to the airport. Each checked bag must not exceed 50 pounds (23 kg) to avoid overweight fees.
How to pack efficiently to fit more in my bag for Southwest Airlines?
Roll your clothes tightly, use packing cubes to compress items, and wear your bulkiest items (like jackets and heavy shoes) on the plane to save space and weight in your checked luggage.
How to check special items like sports equipment on Southwest Airlines?
Most sports equipment is accepted as checked baggage and counts towards your baggage allowance. Standard overweight or oversized fees may apply, so check Southwest's specific policy for your type of equipment on their website.
How to travel with a musical instrument on Southwest Airlines?
Small instruments can often be carried on if they fit in the overhead bin or under the seat. Larger instruments can be checked, but may be subject to overweight or oversized fees. You can also purchase an additional seat for very large instruments.
How to know if my international flight has a baggage embargo with Southwest Airlines?
Check the "Baggage Embargo for Checked Bags" section on the Southwest Airlines website or contact their customer service. Embargoes typically apply to specific destinations during peak travel periods and can limit the number, size, and type of bags accepted.
How to deal with an overweight bag at the airport with Southwest Airlines?
If your bag is overweight, you will be charged a fee of $150 (for 51-70 lbs) or $200 (for 71-100 lbs). To avoid this, you can remove items to lighten the bag, transfer items to another bag (if within allowance), or mail the excess items separately.
How to handle an oversized bag at the airport with Southwest Airlines?
If your bag exceeds 62 linear inches but is within 80 linear inches, you'll incur a $200 oversized bag fee. Bags over 80 inches are generally not accepted as checked baggage. Re-packing into smaller bags or shipping might be alternatives.
How to ensure my checked bags arrive with me on Southwest Airlines?
Check your bags well in advance of your flight's departure time (at least 45 minutes, ideally more). Ensure your bags are properly tagged with your name and destination, and keep your claim checks until you retrieve your luggage at your destination.
