Are you ready to unravel the mystery of how many pounds you can bring on your next Southwest Airlines adventure? Whether you're a seasoned traveler or planning your very first trip with the beloved low-cost carrier, understanding their baggage policy is key to a smooth and stress-free journey. Let's dive in!
Navigating Southwest Airlines Baggage Policy: A Step-by-Step Guide
Southwest Airlines has long been known for its customer-friendly approach, and its baggage policy, while recently updated for some fare classes, still offers some fantastic benefits. Knowing the limits and how to optimize your packing can save you time, money, and hassle at the airport.
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| How Many Pounds Allowed On Southwest Airlines |
Step 1: Understand the Basics – What's "Free" (and What's Not Anymore!)
Alright, let's get this crucial detail out of the way first: as of May 28, 2025, Southwest Airlines has changed its long-standing "Bags Fly Free" policy for most passengers. This is a significant update, so pay close attention!
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The Good News (for some): If you've booked a Business Select fare or are a Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred member, you still get two free checked bags. This is a huge perk!
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The Slightly Less Good News (for others): For most other fare classes, including Basic, Wanna Get Away Plus, and Anytime fares, you will now incur fees for your first and second checked bags.
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Rapid Rewards A-List members and Southwest co-branded credit card holders will receive their first checked bag free.
So, before you even start packing, check your fare type and loyalty status! This will immediately tell you where you stand regarding checked bag fees.
Step 2: Mastering the Checked Baggage Limits (The All-Important Pounds and Inches)
Regardless of whether you're paying for your bags or enjoying a free allowance, there are strict limits on how much your checked luggage can weigh and its overall size. Exceeding these limits can lead to hefty fees!
Sub-heading: The Golden Rules for Checked Bags
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Weight Limit: Each checked bag has a maximum weight limit of 50 pounds (23 kg). This is a non-negotiable rule.
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Size Limit: The maximum linear dimensions (length + width + height) for each checked bag must not exceed 62 inches (158 cm). Remember to include wheels and handles in your measurements!
Sub-heading: What Happens if You Go Over? (Overweight and Oversized Fees)
If your bag exceeds these limits, be prepared to pay additional charges:
Tip: Focus on clarity, not speed.
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Overweight Baggage:
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Bags weighing between 51 and 70 pounds will incur a fee of $150 per bag.
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Bags weighing between 71 and 100 pounds will incur a fee of $200 per bag.
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Any item weighing more than 100 pounds must be shipped as Air Cargo, which has its own set of rules and requirements (and generally requires you to be a "Known Shipper").
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Oversized Baggage:
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Bags larger than 62 inches but not exceeding 80 inches in linear dimensions will incur a fee of $200 per bag.
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Combined Overweight and Oversized: If a bag is both overweight (over 51 pounds) and oversized (over 62 inches), you will pay a combined fee. The fee structure for this has recently been updated, so it's best to consult Southwest's official website for the most current pricing, but typically, it's a single, higher fee.
It's always cheaper to pack lighter or ship items separately than to pay overweight/oversized fees at the airport!
Step 3: Understanding Carry-On and Personal Item Allowances (Your In-Cabin Essentials)
Even with changes to checked baggage, Southwest still offers a generous allowance for what you can bring into the cabin. This is where strategic packing can really shine!
Sub-heading: Your Free Carry-On Bag
Each passenger is allowed one carry-on bag.
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Size Limit: Your carry-on bag should not exceed 24 inches (L) x 16 inches (W) x 10 inches (H). This includes wheels and handles.
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Weight Limit: Southwest Airlines does not specify a weight limit for carry-on bags. However, you must be able to lift and store your carry-on in the overhead bin yourself without assistance. If you can't, it will need to be checked.
Sub-heading: Your Free Personal Item
In addition to your carry-on, you are allowed one personal item.
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Size Limit: While Southwest doesn't provide exact linear dimensions for personal items on its website, it must be able to fit under the seat in front of you. Common examples include a purse, briefcase, laptop bag, or a small backpack.
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Weight Limit: Similar to carry-on bags, there is no specified weight limit for personal items.
Pro Tip: Maximize your personal item! This is often overlooked, but a well-packed personal item can hold a surprising amount of essentials, like electronics, medications, and a change of clothes, just in case your checked bag is delayed.
Step 4: Special Baggage Considerations (Sports Equipment, Musical Instruments, and More)
Southwest understands that travelers often have unique needs. Here's a quick rundown of some common special items:
Tip: Revisit challenging parts.
Sub-heading: Sports Equipment
Many types of sporting equipment are accepted as checked baggage, but they are subject to the same weight and size limits as regular checked bags.
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If your sporting equipment exceeds the 50-pound weight limit or 62-inch size limit, overweight and/or oversized fees will apply.
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However, for some specific items like golf equipment or skis/snowboards, Southwest has specific guidelines where excess size charges may be waived, but excess weight charges will still apply. It's crucial to check the specific policy for your type of equipment on the Southwest website.
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Items over 100 pounds or 80 inches in linear dimensions generally cannot be checked and must be shipped via Air Cargo.
Sub-heading: Musical Instruments
Musical instruments are handled similarly to other baggage, with some flexibility for carry-on.
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Carry-on: Smaller instruments that fit within the standard carry-on dimensions (10" x 16" x 24") can be brought on board if there's space. Even if they exceed these dimensions slightly but can fit in the overhead bin or under a seat, they may be allowed.
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Cabin Seat: For larger instruments that don't fit in the overhead bin (like a cello), you can purchase an additional seat for them. The instrument must be secured with a seatbelt in the first row, closer to the window.
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Checked Baggage: Instruments can also be checked, subject to the standard 50-pound and 62-inch limits. If they are between 62 and 150 inches or weigh between 51 and 165 pounds, oversize or overweight charges will apply. Instruments over 150 inches or 165 pounds are generally not accepted as checked baggage.
Always ensure musical instruments are packed in a hard-sided case to prevent damage, as Southwest may not be liable for damage to improperly packed items.
Step 5: Military Exceptions – A Salute to Service!
Southwest Airlines offers a fantastic benefit for active-duty military personnel. If you are an active-duty military passenger with a current, valid military ID, you are exempt from the two-piece baggage limit and will not be subject to excess, oversized, or overweight baggage charges.
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Increased Limits: For military personnel, bags can weigh up to 100 pounds and measure up to 80 inches (length + width + height) without incurring fees.
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Dependents traveling without the active-duty military member are subject to normal baggage fees.
This is a significant advantage and a great way Southwest supports those serving.
Step 6: Avoiding Baggage Fees and Packing Smart (Tips from a Pro Traveler)
Now that you know the rules, here are some actionable tips to help you save money and stress:
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Invest in a Lightweight Suitcase: Every pound counts! A lighter suitcase means more allowance for your belongings.
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Weigh Your Bags at Home: Don't guess! Use a luggage scale before you leave for the airport. It's a small investment that can save you big money.
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Pack Smart, Not Just More:
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Roll your clothes – it saves space and reduces wrinkles.
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Wear your heaviest items on the plane (e.g., bulky boots, heavy jacket).
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Consider using compression packing cubes to maximize space.
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Ship Non-Essentials: For truly bulky or heavy items that aren't critical for your immediate arrival, consider shipping them via a courier service. Sometimes, this can be cheaper than airline fees.
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Utilize Your Personal Item: As mentioned, maximize your personal item for essentials. This can often negate the need for a second carry-on or a paid checked bag.
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Consider a Southwest Credit Card: If you fly Southwest frequently, a co-branded credit card can offer a free checked bag and other perks, making the annual fee worthwhile.
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Loyalty Pays Off: Aiming for A-List or A-List Preferred status if you're a frequent flyer can unlock significant baggage benefits.
By following these steps and understanding Southwest's policies, you can confidently prepare for your flight without any last-minute baggage surprises!
QuickTip: Read section by section for better flow.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to calculate the linear dimensions of my bag?
To calculate the linear dimensions, simply add the length, width, and height of your bag (L + W + H). Make sure to include any wheels or handles in your measurements!
How to weigh my luggage at home?
You can easily weigh your luggage using a luggage scale, which is a small, portable device. Alternatively, you can use a regular bathroom scale: first, weigh yourself, then weigh yourself while holding your packed bag, and subtract your weight to find the bag's weight.
How to pack to maximize space and stay within weight limits?
Roll your clothes tightly, use packing cubes to compress items, wear your heaviest shoes and jacket on the plane, and consider solid toiletries instead of liquids. Distribute weight evenly across multiple bags if you have a free allowance.
How to know if my fare class includes free checked bags?
When booking your flight, the details of your fare class (e.g., Basic, Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, Business Select) will specify the baggage allowance. You can also find this information on your booking confirmation or by logging into your Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards account.
How to avoid overweight baggage fees?
QuickTip: Read a little, pause, then continue.
Weigh your bags at home before heading to the airport. If they are overweight, remove heavier items and either transfer them to your carry-on/personal item (if space and limits allow) or consider shipping them separately.
How to deal with oversized sports equipment?
Check Southwest's specific policy for your type of sports equipment on their official website. Some items may have waived oversized fees, but overweight fees almost always apply. Pack equipment in appropriate, durable cases.
How to bring a musical instrument on Southwest?
Smaller instruments can be carried on if they fit in the overhead bin or under the seat. Larger instruments may require purchasing an additional seat for them, or they can be checked, subject to specific size and weight limits and potential fees.
How to claim military baggage benefits on Southwest?
Present your current, valid active-duty military ID at the Southwest Airlines check-in counter. This will ensure your baggage is exempt from standard fees and allowed the increased weight and size limits.
How to pay for extra baggage on Southwest?
Baggage fees are paid at the airport during check-in. Southwest does not allow you to prepay for checked baggage online.
How to check the most up-to-date baggage policy for Southwest Airlines?
The most accurate and current information will always be on the official Southwest Airlines website under their "Baggage" or "Checked Bag Policy" sections. Policies can change, so it's always best to verify before your trip.
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