Have you ever found yourself staring at your suitcase, wondering if it's too big, too heavy, or if Southwest Airlines will actually let you take it on your international adventure without an extra charge? You're not alone! Southwest has historically been known for its generous "Bags Fly Free" policy, but recent changes have made things a bit more complex, especially for international travel. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Southwest's baggage policy for international flights.
Understanding Southwest Airlines' Evolving Baggage Policy for International Travel
Southwest Airlines has made significant changes to its baggage policy, particularly for flights booked on or after May 28, 2025. This date is crucial as it marks a shift away from the blanket "Bags Fly Free" policy that many travelers have come to associate with Southwest. While the airline still offers some exemptions, it's no longer a universal perk. For international flights, the rules generally align with domestic flights, but it's always best to double-check based on your specific booking.
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| How Many Bags Can You Take On Southwest Airlines For Free International |
Step 1: Determine Your Booking Date - This is Crucial!
First things first, let's figure out where you stand.
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Did you book your international flight on or before May 27, 2025?
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Good news! For these reservations, Southwest will not charge standard checked bag fees for your first or second checked bag, regardless of your travel date. Weight and size limits still apply, so keep reading for those details.
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Did you book your international flight on or after May 28, 2025?
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This is where the new policy comes into play. For most fares (Basic, Wanna Get Away Plus®, and Anytime fares), checked baggage fees will now apply. However, there are still ways to get free bags, which we'll cover in the next steps!
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Step 2: Identify Your Fare Type or Elite Status
Even with the new policy, certain passengers are still eligible for free checked bags on international flights. This depends on your fare type or your Rapid Rewards status.
Sub-heading: Understanding Fare Types and Their Baggage Benefits
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Business Select® Fares: If you booked a Business Select fare, you continue to receive two free checked bags. This is Southwest's most flexible and premium fare, and it comes with valuable perks.
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Wanna Get Away Plus® and Anytime Fares: For these fares, checked baggage fees now apply if booked on or after May 28, 2025.
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Basic Fares: Similar to Wanna Get Away Plus and Anytime, Basic fares booked on or after May 28, 2025, will incur checked baggage fees.
Sub-heading: Leveraging Your Rapid Rewards Elite Status
Southwest's Rapid Rewards program offers elite tiers that come with baggage benefits:
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Rapid Rewards® A-List Preferred Members: Congratulations! You receive your first and second checked bags for free. This is a significant perk for frequent flyers.
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Rapid Rewards® A-List Members: You are entitled to your first checked bag for free.
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Rapid Rewards® Credit Cardmembers: As a primary Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmember, you and up to eight additional Passengers traveling on the same reservation are eligible to receive their first standard checked bag free. Important Note: If you already qualify for a free bag through A-List status, this credit card benefit does not provide an additional free bag.
Step 3: Know the Standard Checked Bag Limitations (Weight & Size)
QuickTip: Keep a notepad handy.
Regardless of whether your bags are free or not, all checked bags on Southwest international flights must adhere to specific weight and size restrictions. Exceeding these limits will result in additional fees.
Sub-heading: Checked Bag Dimensions and Weight
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Maximum Weight: Each checked bag must not exceed 50 lbs (22.7 kg).
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Maximum Size: The total linear dimensions (length + width + height) of each checked bag must not exceed 62 inches (157.5 cm).
Sub-heading: What Happens if Your Bag is Overweight or Oversized?
If your bag exceeds the standard limits, you'll be subject to additional charges:
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Overweight Bags:
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Bags weighing between 51 and 100 lbs (23 and 45 kg) will incur a fee of $75 USD per item.
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Bags exceeding 100 lbs (45 kg) will generally not be accepted as checked baggage.
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Oversized Bags:
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Bags measuring between 63 and 80 inches (160 to 203 cm) in total linear dimensions will incur a fee of $75 USD per item.
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Bags greater than 80 inches (203 cm) will generally not be accepted as checked baggage.
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Pro-Tip: Invest in a portable luggage scale to avoid surprises at the airport! It's a small investment that can save you significant money.
Step 4: Understand Carry-On and Personal Item Allowances
Beyond checked bags, Southwest also allows you to bring items on board. This policy remains consistent for international flights.
Sub-heading: Your Free Carry-On Bag
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You are permitted one carry-on bag that must fit in the overhead bin.
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Size Limits: The maximum dimensions are 24” (L) x 16” (W) x 10” (H), including wheels, handles, and any attachments.
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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: Your Free Personal Item
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In addition to your carry-on, you can bring one personal item that must fit under the seat in front of you.
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Examples of personal items: Purses, briefcases, laptop bags, small backpacks, camera bags, or food containers.
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Size Limits: While Southwest doesn't have a strict linear inch rule for personal items, it must fit under the seat. Common suggested dimensions are around 18.5 inches (L) x 8.5 inches (W) x 13.5 inches (H).
Important Consideration: If your carry-on bag is too big and exceeds the size limits, Southwest staff may gate-check it for you, potentially incurring a fee if you've already utilized your free checked bag allowance (for those paying fees).
QuickTip: Focus on one paragraph at a time.
Step 5: Special Circumstances and Exceptions
Certain items and passenger types have specific baggage considerations.
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Sub-heading: Traveling with Infants and Children
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Child Restraint Devices (Car Seats): FAA-approved car seats can be brought onboard for a ticketed child with a reserved seat or if complimentary, available space exists. They do not count against your carry-on limit.
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Strollers: Compact strollers that fit in the overhead bin are allowed. Larger strollers can typically be checked for free at the gate or ticket counter.
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Diaper Bags, Breast Pumps, Milk/Formula: These are generally considered free additional infant items and do not count against your carry-on or personal item allowance.
Sub-heading: Medical Devices and Mobility Aids
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Assistive/Mobility Devices: There is no limit to the number of assistive/mobility devices (like wheelchairs, walkers, canes, crutches) a customer can bring onboard. They do not count against your baggage limits.
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Medications: Most required medications (e.g., insulin kits, EpiPens) are allowed as free additional items after going through security.
Sub-heading: Active Duty Military Personnel
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Significant Perk! Active duty U.S. military personnel on active duty or permanent change of station orders are exempt from the standard two-piece baggage limit and will not be subject to excess, oversize, or overweight baggage charges. This applies as long as no single piece exceeds 100 lbs in weight or 80 inches in total dimensions.
Step 6: Paying for Baggage (If Applicable)
If your international flight booking falls under the new fee structure, you'll need to pay for your checked bags.
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Payment Method: Baggage fees are typically paid at the airport using self-tagging kiosks (where available) or with a Southwest Agent at the ticket counter.
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Current Fees (as of May 28, 2025 bookings):
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First Bag: Approximately $35 USD
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Second Bag: Approximately $45 USD
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Third or More Bags: Approximately $150 USD per bag
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Remember: These fees are per bag, per direction. So, for a round trip, you'd pay the fee for each bag on both your outbound and return flights.
Step 7: Double-Check for Specific International Destination Restrictions
While Southwest's general policy applies to international flights, some specific destinations might have unique restrictions. For example, some sources indicate that for travel to/from Belize, Mexico City, Montego Bay, and San Jose, Costa Rica, from November 16 through January 16, there might be a limitation of 2 checked bags, even for those who might otherwise qualify for more. It's always a good practice to check Southwest's official website or contact them directly for any specific rules related to your international destination.
QuickTip: Break reading into digestible chunks.
Step 8: Consider Travel Insurance or Credit Card Benefits
Some travel credit cards offer baggage delay or loss protection, and some even provide statement credits for airline incidental fees, which can include baggage charges. It's worth checking with your credit card provider to see if you have any such benefits.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Southwest's baggage policy for international flights, focusing on "How to" scenarios:
How to avoid paying checked bag fees on Southwest international flights?
You can avoid checked bag fees if you booked your flight on or before May 27, 2025. For bookings after that date, you can avoid fees by having a Business Select fare, being a Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred or A-List member, or being a Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmember (for your first free bag). Active duty military personnel also get an exemption.
How to measure my bag to ensure it meets Southwest's size requirements?
To measure your bag, use a tape measure to get the length, width, and height (including handles and wheels). Add these three dimensions together to get the total linear inches. For checked bags, this sum must be 62 inches or less. For carry-on bags, the dimensions must be 24" (L) x 16" (W) x 10" (H) or less.
How to pack effectively to stay within Southwest's weight limits?
To stay within the 50 lbs (22.7 kg) weight limit for checked bags, pack heavier items in your carry-on or wear them. Consider using lightweight luggage, rolling your clothes tightly to save space, and bringing travel-sized toiletries. A portable luggage scale is an excellent tool to pre-check your bag's weight at home.
How to check a third bag on Southwest for an international flight?
Tip: Read the whole thing before forming an opinion.
If you need to check a third bag (or more) on Southwest for an international flight, you will generally be charged an additional fee of $150 per bag, assuming it meets the standard weight and size limits.
How to travel with sports equipment on Southwest international flights?
Most standard sports equipment, such as golf clubs, skis, or snowboards, can be checked as one piece of your standard baggage allowance. If they exceed the standard weight or size limits, additional fees will apply. Always check Southwest's specific policy for your particular type of sports equipment on their website.
How to bring a pet on a Southwest international flight and what are the bag implications?
Southwest allows small dogs and cats in the cabin on domestic flights, but pets are generally not allowed in the cabin on international flights or itineraries that include international travel. If allowed, the pet carrier counts as either your personal item or carry-on. Always confirm the specific pet policy with Southwest directly for international routes.
How to ensure my carry-on fits in the overhead bin on Southwest?
Ensure your carry-on bag's dimensions (including wheels and handles) are no more than 24" (L) x 16" (W) x 10" (H). If your bag is soft-sided, don't overpack it, as a bulging bag may not fit. Be prepared to place it in the sizer at the gate if asked.
How to manage excess baggage if I'm not eligible for free bags?
If you're not eligible for free bags and anticipate having more luggage than allowed, your options are to pay the applicable checked bag fees at the airport, ship some of your belongings via a cargo service, or consider bringing only a carry-on and personal item to avoid checked bag fees entirely.
How to use my Rapid Rewards Credit Card for free baggage on Southwest international flights?
To use your Rapid Rewards Credit Card for a free checked bag, ensure your Rapid Rewards account number is included in your reservation when booking. At the time of bag check, the cost of one standard bag will be waived per passenger on the reservation if the primary Credit Cardmember is on the reservation.
How to find the most up-to-date baggage policy for my specific international itinerary with Southwest?
The most reliable way to find the most up-to-date baggage policy for your specific international itinerary is to visit the official Southwest Airlines website (southwest.com), navigate to their "Baggage" or "Help Center" section, and review the current policies. You can also contact their customer service for personalized assistance.
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