Ah, the ever-evolving world of airline baggage fees! For years, Southwest Airlines stood out with its "Bags Fly Free" policy, a true beacon of hope for budget-conscious travelers. But, as of May 28, 2025, that era has largely come to an end for most passengers. If you're wondering how much it costs to check a bag on Southwest Airlines now, you're in the right place. Get ready for a detailed breakdown, because navigating these changes can feel like a puzzle!
Unpacking the New Reality: Southwest Airlines Checked Bag Costs
Let's dive right into the specifics of Southwest's updated baggage policy and what it means for your wallet. It's crucial to note that these changes primarily affect flights booked or voluntarily changed on or after May 28, 2025.
Step 1: Are You Among the Majority?
First things first, let's figure out if you're in the category of travelers who will now be paying for checked bags.
Ask yourself: When did you book your flight? If you booked your flight before May 28, 2025, and haven't made any voluntary changes to it since, you might still be able to enjoy the old "Bags Fly Free" policy. However, for any flights booked or changed on or after May 28, 2025, the new fee structure applies to most fare classes.
The New Baseline: For Basic, Wanna Get Away Plus®, and Anytime fares booked on or after May 28, 2025, the following standard fees are now in effect:
First checked bag: $35 per bag, each way
Second checked bag: $45 per bag, each way
This means a round-trip journey with two checked bags could now cost you an additional $160 ($35 + $45 each way). Ouch! This aligns Southwest more closely with its major airline competitors like American, Delta, and United, which generally charge similar fees.
Step 2: Exploring Exemptions and How to Avoid Fees
While the "Bags Fly Free" policy is largely gone, there are still some key exceptions and strategies to help you avoid or reduce those checked bag fees. This is where being a savvy traveler pays off!
Sub-heading: Elite Status and Fare Classes
Southwest still offers free checked bags for certain elite members and higher fare classes:
Business Select® Fare: If you're traveling on a Business Select® fare, you still get two free checked bags. This is Southwest's highest fare tier, offering premium benefits.
Rapid Rewards® A-List Preferred Members: These highly loyal frequent flyers receive two free checked bags. This status is earned through significant flying activity with Southwest.
Rapid Rewards® A-List Members: Members with A-List status are entitled to one free checked bag.
Sub-heading: Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers
This is a significant way many travelers can still get a free checked bag! Many Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cards offer a benefit of one free checked bag for the primary cardmember and up to eight additional passengers on the same reservation. If you're a frequent Southwest flyer, or even just plan a few trips a year, getting one of these co-branded credit cards could easily offset the annual fee through baggage savings alone.
Sub-heading: Active Duty Military Personnel
Southwest continues to support military personnel. Active duty military Customers 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. However, there are still weight and size limits: bags must not exceed 100 pounds and 80 inches (L+W+H). This is a fantastic benefit for our service members!
Step 3: Understanding Weight and Size Limits (and Their Associated Fees!)
Even if your bag is free, or you're paying the standard fee, it still needs to meet certain criteria. Exceeding these limits will incur additional charges.
Sub-heading: Standard Checked Bag Dimensions and Weight
Maximum Weight: Each checked bag must not exceed 50 pounds (23 kg).
Maximum Dimensions: The sum of the length, width, and height (L+W+H) of each checked bag must not exceed 62 inches (157.5 cm).
Sub-heading: Overweight Baggage Fees
If your bag exceeds the standard 50 lbs, you'll be hit with an overweight fee.
51-70 lbs: $100 per bag (in addition to any standard checked bag fee)
71-100 lbs: $200 per bag (in addition to any standard checked bag fee)
Bags over 100 pounds will not be accepted as checked baggage.
Sub-heading: Oversized Baggage Fees
If your bag's dimensions exceed 62 inches (L+W+H), you'll pay an oversized fee.
63-80 inches (L+W+H): $200 per bag (in addition to any standard checked bag fee)
Bags over 80 inches (L+W+H) cannot be checked as baggage.
Important Note: If a bag is both overweight AND oversized, only one $200 charge applies, provided the bag does not exceed 100 lbs. However, if it's overweight (51-70 lbs) and oversized, you'd pay the $100 overweight fee plus the $200 oversized fee, totaling $300 (plus any standard checked bag fee). This can get complicated, so always aim to stay within the standard limits!
Step 4: Additional Considerations
Sub-heading: Third+ Checked Bags
If you need to check more than two bags, whether free or paid, additional bags (third bag and beyond) will incur a fee:
Third (and subsequent) checked bags: $150 per bag, each way. These bags are also subject to the same weight and size limits and their corresponding additional fees.
Sub-heading: Sporting Equipment and Special Items
Southwest has specific policies for sporting equipment and other special items. While some items may be substituted for a standard checked bag, others might incur additional fees due to their size or weight. Always check Southwest's official website for the most up-to-date and specific information regarding your particular item. Generally, standard checked bag fees apply to most sporting equipment, but oversized or overweight charges might be waived for certain items (like surfboards) up to a certain dimension.
The Bottom Line
The days of "Bags Fly Free" for everyone on Southwest are largely a memory. While it's certainly a shift for loyal Southwest customers, the airline is now more in line with the baggage policies of other major U.S. carriers. Your best bet for minimizing costs is to:
Pack Light: Seriously, consider if you truly need everything!
Utilize Carry-On and Personal Item Allowance: Remember, you still get one carry-on bag and one personal item for free. Strategize your packing to maximize these.
Consider a Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card: The free checked bag benefit alone can justify the annual fee for many travelers.
Achieve A-List or A-List Preferred Status: If you fly Southwest frequently, elite status offers significant benefits, including free checked bags.
Check the Latest Information: Always verify the most current baggage policies on the official Southwest Airlines website or by contacting them directly before your trip. Policies can evolve!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are 10 common "How to" questions related to checking bags on Southwest, with quick answers:
How to check a bag on Southwest Airlines?
You can check your bag at the airport ticket counter or at a curbside check-in (where available) with a valid ID and boarding pass.
How to avoid checked bag fees on Southwest Airlines?
You can avoid checked bag fees by holding a Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card (for one free bag), having A-List or A-List Preferred status (for one or two free bags), or by booking a Business Select® fare (for two free bags). Active duty military also get free bags.
How to measure my bag for Southwest Airlines?
To measure your bag, use a measuring tape to find the length, width, and height. Add these three measurements together to get the total linear inches. For checked bags, this sum should not exceed 62 inches.
How to weigh my bag for Southwest Airlines?
Use a luggage scale at home before you leave. Most standard bathroom scales can also work if you weigh yourself holding the bag and then subtract your own weight. Ensure your bag is under 50 pounds to avoid overweight fees.
How to check oversized baggage on Southwest Airlines?
Oversized bags (63-80 inches L+W+H) can be checked for a $200 fee per bag, each way, in addition to any standard checked bag fee. Bags over 80 inches will not be accepted.
How to check overweight baggage on Southwest Airlines?
Overweight bags (51-70 lbs) incur a $100 fee, and bags (71-100 lbs) incur a $200 fee, each per bag, each way, in addition to any standard checked bag fee. Bags over 100 lbs are not accepted.
How to check a third bag on Southwest Airlines?
A third (and subsequent) checked bag on Southwest Airlines costs $150 per bag, each way, in addition to any applicable overweight or oversized fees.
How to pay for checked bags on Southwest Airlines?
Checked bag fees are typically paid at the airport when you check in your luggage, either at the ticket counter or a self-service kiosk. Southwest does not allow prepayment of checked bags online for most standard fares.
How to travel with sports equipment on Southwest Airlines?
Most sporting equipment can be checked as part of your standard baggage allowance, but some larger items may incur special handling fees or be subject to overweight/oversized charges. Always check Southwest's official website for specific item policies.
How to find the most current Southwest Airlines baggage policy?
Always refer to the official "Optional Travel Charges" or "Baggage" sections on the Southwest Airlines website (southwest.com) for the most accurate and up-to-date information on baggage policies and fees.
