Thinking about packing for your next Southwest Airlines adventure? Excellent! Before you even think about zipping up that suitcase, let's make sure you're crystal clear on the Southwest baggage weight limits. Trust me, avoiding those unexpected fees at the airport can save you a significant amount of stress and cash. So, let's dive right into making your packing process as smooth as a Southwest landing!
Understanding Southwest Airlines Baggage Policy: A Step-by-Step Guide
Southwest is famous for its "Bags Fly Free" policy (though there have been some recent changes, which we'll get into!), but there are still crucial weight and size restrictions you need to adhere to. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown:
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| How Much Does Your Luggage Have To Weigh For Southwest Airlines |
Step 1: Know Your Baggage Types and Allowances
This is where it all begins! Southwest categorizes luggage into a few main types, each with its own rules. Understanding these distinctions is paramount to a hassle-free travel day.
1. Carry-On Bags
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What is it? This is the bag you bring with you into the cabin and store in the overhead bin.
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Size Limit: Your carry-on bag must not exceed 24 inches (L) x 16 inches (W) x 10 inches (H). This includes handles and wheels! So, measure carefully.
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Weight Limit: Here's a great perk! Southwest generally has no weight restriction for carry-on bags. However, you must be able to lift it into and out of the overhead bin yourself. If you can't, it will need to be checked.
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What to pack: Essentials, valuables, medications, electronics, and anything you need during the flight. Remember TSA liquid rules apply (3-1-1 rule: containers 3.4 ounces or less, in a quart-sized bag, one bag per passenger).
2. Personal Items
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What is it? This is a smaller item that fits under the seat in front of you. Think purse, laptop bag, small backpack, or briefcase.
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Size Limit: Your personal item should not exceed 16.25 inches (L) x 13.5 inches (W) x 8 inches (H).
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Weight Limit: Like carry-on bags, there's no stated weight limit for personal items, but it must fit under the seat without impeding your ability to exit.
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What to pack: Anything you want easy access to during the flight – a book, headphones, snacks, a tablet, etc.
3. Checked Bags
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What is it? These are the bags that go into the cargo hold of the airplane.
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Standard Weight Limit: Each checked bag can weigh up to 50 pounds (22.7 kg). This is the golden number to remember!
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Standard Size Limit: Each checked bag should not exceed 62 linear inches (length + width + height). Again, this includes wheels and handles.
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Allowance (and recent changes!): This is where it gets a little nuanced due to recent policy updates.
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Prior to May 28, 2025: Southwest was renowned for its "first two checked bags fly free" policy for all passengers.
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On or After May 28, 2025: For most passengers (specifically those on Basic, Wanna Get Away Plus®, and Anytime fares), there is now a fee for the first and second checked bags.
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Business Select® flyers and Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred members still receive two free checked bags.
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A-List members and Rapid Rewards Credit Cardholders typically receive their first checked bag for free.
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Always check your specific fare type and Rapid Rewards status to confirm your exact allowance!
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Step 2: How to Accurately Weigh and Measure Your Luggage
QuickTip: Keep going — the next point may connect.
This step is crucial to avoid surprises at the airport. Don't eyeball it – measure it!
1. Invest in a Luggage Scale
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Why? This small, affordable gadget will be your best friend. Weigh your bags before you leave for the airport.
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How to use: Simply attach the hook to your bag's handle, lift, and the digital display will show the weight. It's much more accurate than guessing or trying to use your bathroom scale.
2. Measure Your Bag's Dimensions
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For checked bags: Use a tape measure to get the length, width, and height of your bag. Add these three numbers together to get the "linear inches." Remember, 62 linear inches is the maximum for standard checked bags.
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For carry-on bags: Measure the length, width, and height. Remember the 24" x 16" x 10" rule.
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For personal items: Measure for 16.25" x 13.5" x 8".
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Tip: Always measure from the outermost points, including wheels and handles. Manufacturers often list internal dimensions, which can be misleading.
Step 3: Understanding Overweight and Oversized Baggage Fees
This is where not paying attention to Step 1 and 2 can hit your wallet. Southwest charges fees for bags that exceed their standard weight and size limits.
1. Overweight Baggage Fees
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If your checked bag weighs between 51 and 100 pounds, you will incur an overweight fee, typically around $75 to $150 per bag, depending on the exact weight.
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Important: Any item weighing over 100 pounds will not be accepted as checked baggage and must be shipped via Southwest Cargo.
2. Oversized Baggage Fees
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If your checked bag's linear dimensions are between 63 and 80 inches, you will incur an oversized fee, typically around $75 to $200 per bag.
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Important: Any item exceeding 80 linear inches will not be accepted as checked baggage.
3. Combined Fees
QuickTip: Look for patterns as you read.
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If your bag is both overweight and oversized, you will generally be charged only one fee (the higher of the two, or a flat combined fee, usually the overweight fee if it applies). However, always confirm with Southwest directly or check their official website for the most up-to-date fee structure.
Step 4: Special Circumstances and Exceptions
Southwest does make allowances for certain items and passengers. It's always worth checking if your situation qualifies for an exception.
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1. Sporting Equipment
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Many types of sporting equipment (e.g., golf clubs, skis, surfboards) are accepted as checked baggage.
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They often count towards your standard baggage allowance.
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However, if they exceed the standard 50-pound weight or 62-linear-inch size limit, overweight/oversize fees may apply, even if they are your first two "free" bags.
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Some items have specific packing requirements (e.g., bicycles need to be in a box). Always check the Southwest website for details on your specific equipment.
2. Musical Instruments
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Small instruments that fit within carry-on dimensions can be brought onboard.
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Larger instruments may require purchasing an additional seat or checking them.
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Checked instruments are subject to weight and size limits, and fees may apply if they exceed these.
3. Military Personnel
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Excellent news for active-duty military! Southwest provides a significant exemption. Active-duty military personnel with a valid ID are generally exempt from the two-piece baggage limit and will not be subject to excess, oversized, or overweight baggage charges, provided each bag does not exceed 100 pounds in weight and 80 inches in size. This is a fantastic benefit!
4. Infants and Children
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Strollers, car seats, and diaper bags are typically allowed as additional items and do not count towards your baggage allowance. Always verify specifics on their website.
Step 5: Last-Minute Airport Tips
Even with all your careful planning, sometimes things happen. Here’s what to keep in mind at the airport.
QuickTip: Stop scrolling if you find value.
1. Arrive Early
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Especially if you anticipate your bags might be close to the weight or size limits, or if you have special items. This gives you time to reorganize or address any issues without rushing.
2. Be Prepared to Shift Items
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If your checked bag is slightly overweight, you might be able to shift some heavier items to your carry-on or personal item (as long as they fit within those limits and don't violate TSA rules).
3. Know Your Fare & Status
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Be aware of your fare type (e.g., Wanna Get Away, Business Select) and any Rapid Rewards elite status you hold (A-List, A-List Preferred) as these significantly impact your free checked bag allowance.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to check my bag's weight before I leave home?
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Use a portable luggage scale. They are inexpensive and highly accurate, giving you peace of mind before you even reach the airport.
How to measure my bag's dimensions correctly?
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Use a tape measure and include all protruding parts like wheels and handles. For checked bags, add length + width + height to get the linear inches.
How to avoid overweight baggage fees on Southwest Airlines?
Reminder: Reading twice often makes things clearer.
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Weigh your bags at home! If a bag is over 50 lbs, redistribute items to another bag, your carry-on, or a personal item, or consider shipping heavier items separately.
How to find out the exact baggage fees for my specific Southwest flight?
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Check the "Optional Travel Charges" section on the official Southwest Airlines website, or refer to your booking confirmation which will detail your baggage allowance based on your fare type and Rapid Rewards status.
How to qualify for free checked bags on Southwest Airlines?
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As of May 28, 2025, free checked bags are generally included for Business Select® flyers, Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred members (two bags), and A-List members and Rapid Rewards Credit Cardholders (one bag). Active-duty military also receive generous allowances.
How to check special items like sports equipment or musical instruments on Southwest?
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Most sporting equipment and musical instruments are accepted, but they count towards your baggage allowance and may incur overweight/oversized fees if they exceed the standard limits. Always check Southwest's specific policy for your item.
How to handle liquids in my Southwest luggage?
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For carry-on bags, adhere to the TSA 3-1-1 rule: liquids, gels, and aerosols must be in containers 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less, fit in one quart-sized bag, and be limited to one bag per passenger. There are generally no liquid restrictions for checked bags, but ensure containers are secure to prevent leaks.
How to travel with medical devices or medications on Southwest?
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Medically necessary devices (like CPAP machines, wheelchairs, crutches) and medications are generally allowed in the cabin without counting towards your carry-on or personal item limit. Keep prescription medications in your personal item for easy access.
How to avoid gate-checking my carry-on bag?
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Ensure your carry-on bag strictly adheres to the 24" x 16" x 10" dimensions, including wheels and handles. If it's too large or the overhead bins are full, you might be required to gate-check it.
How to contact Southwest Airlines for specific baggage questions?
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The best way is to visit their official website's "Baggage" or "Help Center" section, or call their customer service line directly for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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