Planning a trip with Southwest Airlines and wondering, "How much can your luggage weigh on Southwest Airlines?" You're not alone! It's a common question that can save you from unexpected fees and airport stress. Let's dive into the specifics so you can pack smart and travel smoothly!
Step 1: Understand the Baggage Basics – What Are You Bringing?
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of weight limits, let's identify the different types of luggage you might be bringing. Southwest categorizes baggage into two main types:
Carry-on Bags: These are the bags you take with you into the aircraft cabin and store in the overhead bin.
Personal Items: These are smaller items that fit under the seat in front of you.
Checked Bags: These are the larger bags that are stowed in the cargo hold of the aircraft and collected at baggage claim upon arrival.
Knowing the difference is the first crucial step to avoiding surprises at the airport.
Step 2: Deciphering the Carry-On and Personal Item Rules
Southwest has a relatively straightforward policy for carry-on and personal items, but there are a few key points to remember.
Carry-On Bag Weight and Size:
Southwest Airlines is quite generous when it comes to carry-on weight. There is no specified weight limit for carry-on bags. However, you must be able to lift your bag into the overhead bin without assistance. If you can't, it might need to be checked.
Size matters! Your carry-on bag must not exceed dimensions of 10 x 16 x 24 inches (25.4 x 40.64 x 60.96 cm). This includes handles and wheels. Always measure your bag with these elements included. If your carry-on exceeds these dimensions, it will likely be gate-checked.
Personal Item Weight and Size:
Similar to carry-on bags, Southwest does not specify a weight limit for personal items. The primary requirement is that it must fit under the seat in front of you.
The recommended dimensions for personal items are approximately 18.5 x 8.5 x 13.5 inches (46.9 x 21.6 x 34.3 cm). Examples include purses, briefcases, laptop bags, or small backpacks.
Pro Tip: While there's no weight limit for carry-ons, remember that you'll be responsible for lifting it. Overpacking your carry-on can make it incredibly difficult to manage!
Step 3: Navigating Checked Baggage Weight and Fees
This is where the weight limits become most critical and where you can potentially incur fees. Southwest's checked baggage policy has recently undergone some significant changes (as of May 28, 2025), so it's vital to be up-to-date.
Standard Checked Bag Allowance:
Historically, Southwest was known for its "Bags Fly Free" policy, allowing two free checked bags per passenger. However, for flights booked on or after May 28, 2025, this policy has changed for most passengers.
Most passengers will now pay for their first and second checked bags.
First checked bag: Starting at $35 USD.
Second checked bag: Starting at $45 USD.
Maximum Weight per Bag: Each standard checked bag must weigh 50 pounds (23 kg) or less.
Maximum Size per Bag: Each standard checked bag must not exceed 62 linear inches (length + width + height).
Exemptions to Checked Bag Fees:
Business Select® and A-List Preferred Members: These passengers still receive two free checked bags.
A-List Members and Rapid Rewards Credit Card Holders: These passengers typically receive one free checked bag.
Active-duty Military Personnel: With a valid military ID, they are exempt from the two-piece baggage limit and will not be subject to excess, oversize, or overweight baggage charges, provided no single piece of baggage exceeds 100 pounds in weight and 80 inches in size.
Overweight and Oversized Baggage Fees:
This is where the costs can really add up! If your checked bag exceeds the standard weight or size limits, you'll be charged an additional fee per bag.
Overweight Bags (51 to 100 pounds / 24 to 46 kg):
Bags weighing 51 to 70 pounds will incur a fee of $150 USD per bag.
Bags weighing 71 to 100 pounds will incur a fee of $200 USD per bag.
Bags exceeding 100 pounds (46 kg) will NOT be accepted as checked baggage and must be shipped as air cargo.
Oversized Bags (over 62 linear inches up to 80 linear inches):
Bags measuring 63 to 80 linear inches will incur a fee of $200 USD per bag.
Combined Overweight and Oversized: If a bag is both overweight and oversized, only one applicable fee will be charged, provided it doesn't exceed 100 pounds. For example, a bag weighing 60 pounds and measuring 70 linear inches would incur a $150 overweight fee, not both.
Additional Checked Bags (Beyond Two):
For any bags beyond your first two (if not covered by an exemption), the fee for a third or more checked bag is typically $150 USD per bag. This is in addition to any overweight or oversized fees that may apply to those bags.
Always double-check the latest fees on Southwest's official website, as policies can be subject to change.
Step 4: Measuring and Weighing Your Luggage Accurately
Don't wait until you're at the airport to find out your bag is too heavy or too big!
Invest in a Luggage Scale:
A small, portable luggage scale is an invaluable tool for any frequent traveler. These are inexpensive and can save you a significant amount of money in overweight baggage fees.
Measure Dimensions Carefully:
For checked bags, remember it's the sum of length + width + height that determines the linear inches. Use a tape measure to get accurate readings.
For carry-on and personal items, ensure you measure including wheels and handles.
Distribute Weight Evenly:
If you find one bag is overweight, consider shifting some items to another bag, or even to your personal item or carry-on, if space and weight allowances permit. Remember, carry-ons generally have no weight limit, making them a good option for heavier but smaller items.
Step 5: What About Special Items and Sports Equipment?
Southwest has specific policies for various special items, including sports equipment, musical instruments, and assistive devices.
Sports Equipment: Many common sports equipment items (e.g., golf clubs, skis, surfboards) are often accepted as checked bags and may be subject to standard baggage fees, weight, and size limits. Some items might have specific allowances or be exempt from oversized fees, so it's always best to check Southwest's official "Special Baggage & Sports Equipment" page for details on your particular item.
Musical Instruments: Small musical instruments that fit within carry-on dimensions can typically be brought on board as your carry-on item. Larger instruments may require purchasing an additional seat or checking them as baggage, subject to specific guidelines.
Assistive/Mobility Devices: Wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, and other assistive devices for individuals with disabilities do not count against the "one-bag plus one personal-type item" limit and can be brought onboard without charge.
Always contact Southwest Airlines directly if you have any unusual or valuable items to ensure you understand their specific transportation requirements and any associated fees.
10 Related FAQ Questions (How to...)
Here are 10 common "How to" questions related to Southwest Airlines baggage, with quick answers:
How to avoid overweight baggage fees on Southwest Airlines?
Weigh your bags at home using a luggage scale to ensure they are 50 pounds or less. Distribute weight evenly among your bags, or consider shipping heavier items separately.
How to measure my luggage for Southwest Airlines?
For checked bags, measure the length, width, and height, then add those three numbers together. The sum should not exceed 62 linear inches. For carry-on and personal items, ensure their individual dimensions (including wheels and handles) are within the specified limits (24x16x10 inches for carry-on, 18.5x8.5x13.5 inches for personal item).
How to check if my carry-on bag is too big for Southwest?
Measure your carry-on bag, including all wheels and handles. If it exceeds 10 x 16 x 24 inches, it is too large and will likely need to be gate-checked or checked at the counter.
How to travel with more than two checked bags on Southwest Airlines?
You can check more than two bags, but for flights booked on or after May 28, 2025, a fee of $150 USD per bag will apply for the third and subsequent bags, in addition to any overweight or oversized charges.
How to know if I get free checked bags on Southwest Airlines?
For flights booked on or after May 28, 2025, only Business Select® and A-List Preferred members get two free checked bags. A-List members and Rapid Rewards Credit Card holders typically get one free checked bag. Active-duty military personnel also have special exemptions.
How to pay for overweight baggage on Southwest Airlines?
Overweight baggage fees are paid at the airport at the ticket counter or baggage drop-off. Southwest does not typically allow pre-payment for overweight or oversized bags.
How to travel with a pet on Southwest Airlines?
Southwest allows small, vaccinated domestic cats and dogs in the cabin on domestic flights, but they count as either your carry-on or personal item. A pet fare (currently $95 USD each way) applies, and space is limited, so reservations are recommended in advance.
How to bring a musical instrument on Southwest Airlines?
Small instruments fitting carry-on dimensions can be brought as your carry-on. Larger instruments may require purchasing an additional seat if they meet specific size and placement requirements, or they must be checked as baggage with applicable fees and careful packing.
How to handle liquids in my Southwest Airlines carry-on?
Follow TSA's 3-1-1 rule: Liquids, gels, and aerosols must be in containers of 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less, fit in one quart-sized clear, sealable bag, and be limited to one bag per passenger.
How to find the most current Southwest Airlines baggage policies?
Always refer to the official "Optional Travel Charges" and "Baggage" sections on the Southwest Airlines website (southwest.com) for the most up-to-date and accurate information.
