How Much Is The Baggage Fee For Southwest Airlines

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How Much is the Baggage Fee for Southwest Airlines in 2025? Your Essential Guide to Navigating the New Policy!

Are you planning to fly Southwest Airlines in 2025 and wondering what's up with their baggage fees? If you've been a loyal Southwest flyer, you're probably aware of their famous "Bags Fly Free" policy. Well, get ready for a change! As of May 28, 2025, Southwest Airlines has made a significant shift, introducing checked baggage fees for most travelers. But don't fret! This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from standard fees to exceptions and tips to avoid extra costs.

Let's dive right in and ensure you're fully prepared for your next Southwest adventure!

Step 1: Understand the New Baggage Policy – Has "Bags Fly Free" Really Ended?

So, has the legendary "Bags Fly Free" policy truly vanished? For most passengers, yes, it has. This change applies to reservations booked and ticketed, or voluntarily changed, on or after May 28, 2025. This means if you booked your flight before this date, your original baggage allowance might still apply, so it's crucial to check your specific booking details.

Why the Change? Southwest has stated this move is part of a broader strategy to stay competitive, modernize the airline, and meet evolving customer expectations. While it might be a jolt for some long-time customers, it brings Southwest more in line with other major U.S. carriers.

Step 2: Grasp the Standard Checked Baggage Fees

For the majority of travelers on Basic, Wanna Get Away Plus®, and Anytime fares booked on or after May 28, 2025, you will now incur fees for checked bags.

Standard Bag Fees (per item, each way):

First Checked Bag: $35
Second Checked Bag: $45
Third and Additional Checked Bags (3rd+): $150 per bag

Important Note on Payment: Southwest Airlines does not currently allow you to prepay for checked luggage online. You will need to pay for your bags at the airport, either at a self-tagging kiosk (where available) or with a Southwest Agent at the ticket counter.

Step 3: Know the Size and Weight Limits for Checked Bags

Even with the new fees, standard size and weight limits still apply to all checked bags. Adhering to these limits is vital to avoid additional charges.

Standard Checked Bag Dimensions and Weight:

Maximum Size: 62 inches (length + width + height). Remember to include wheels and handles when measuring!
Maximum Weight: 50 pounds (22.7 kg) per bag.

Step 4: Identify Who Still Gets Free Checked Bags

While "Bags Fly Free" is largely gone, there are still some exceptions and ways to avoid or reduce baggage fees. It's essential to know if you qualify for these benefits!

Exceptions to Checked Baggage Fees:

Business Select® Fares: If you book a Business Select® fare, you continue to receive two free checked bags. This is their highest-tier fare and offers the most flexibility.
Rapid Rewards® A-List Preferred Members: These elite members of Southwest's loyalty program receive their first and second checked bags for free.
Rapid Rewards® A-List Members: A-List members will receive their first checked bag for free.
Rapid Rewards® Credit Cardmembers: Primary Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers and up to eight additional passengers on the same reservation are eligible to receive their first standard checked bag free. To qualify, the primary Credit Cardmember must be on the reservation and have included their Rapid Rewards account number when booking. Note: If you already qualify for a free first checked bag through A-List status, this credit card benefit does not provide an additional free bag.
Hawaii Residents: Travelers residing in Hawaii and traveling between the Hawaiian islands still receive two free checked bags. (Hawaii residency is based on your primary mailing address.)
Active Duty U.S. Military Personnel: Active duty U.S. military personnel and their dependents are typically exempt from the standard two-piece baggage limit and will not be subject to excess, oversize, or overweight baggage charges, provided no piece exceeds 100 lbs or 80 inches in total dimensions. Always confirm with Southwest for the most current military policy.

Step 5: Be Aware of Overweight and Oversized Baggage Fees

Even if your bag is within the number allowance, exceeding the standard size or weight limits will result in additional charges. These fees can add up quickly, so weigh and measure your bags before you head to the airport!

Overweight Baggage Fees:

51-70 lbs: $100 per bag (in addition to any standard checked bag fee if applicable).
71-100 lbs: $200 per bag (in addition to any standard checked bag fee if applicable).
Bags exceeding 100 lbs will generally not be accepted as checked baggage.

Oversized Baggage Fees:

Greater than 62 inches up to 80 inches: $200 per bag (in addition to any standard checked bag fee if applicable).
Bags greater than 80 inches will generally not be accepted as checked baggage.

Important: If a bag is both overweight and oversized, only one $200 charge will apply, as long as it does not exceed 100 lbs. However, if it's an excess bag that is also overweight or oversized, you'll be charged for the excess bag plus the applicable overweight/oversized fee.

Step 6: Special Items and Sports Equipment

Southwest has specific policies and potential fees for special items and sports equipment. Many can be substituted for a standard checked bag, but others may incur additional charges due to size or weight.

Common Special Items and General Guidelines:

Car Seats and Strollers: Generally accepted free of charge in addition to your baggage allowance. They can be checked at the curb, ticket counter, or gate.
Musical Instruments: Can often be carried on if they fit in the overhead bin or under the seat. Larger instruments may require purchasing an additional seat or checking them, potentially incurring fees if oversized or overweight.
Sports Equipment (e.g., skis, golf clubs, surfboards, bicycles): Many items of sports equipment count as one checked bag toward your allowance. However, they may be subject to overweight or oversized fees if they exceed the standard 50 lbs or 62 inches. Some specific items, like bicycles over 62 inches, may have a flat $75 fee (though general oversized fees of $200 can also apply). Always check Southwest's specific sports equipment policy for your item. For example, a surfboard bag on flights between Hawaiian islands might be substituted for one checked bag, but an overweight fee of $75 might apply if it exceeds 50 pounds.
Pet Carriers: If traveling with a pet in the cabin, the pet carrier counts as either your carry-on item or personal item. A separate fee applies for the pet itself (e.g., $125 one-way for U.S. mainland domestic flights).

Always consult the Southwest Airlines website or contact their customer service for specific details on your particular special item, as policies can vary.

Step 7: Carry-On and Personal Item Allowance

Good news! Southwest's carry-on and personal item policy largely remains the same. You are still allowed one carry-on bag and one personal item free of charge.

Carry-On Bag Limits:

Dimensions: Must not exceed 24 x 16 x 10 inches (including wheels and handles).
Placement: Must fit in the overhead bin.
Weight: No specified weight limit, but you must be able to lift it into the overhead bin yourself.

Personal Item Limits:

Dimensions: Must fit under the seat in front of you. Common examples include a purse, briefcase, laptop bag, or small backpack. Southwest generally suggests dimensions around 18.5 x 8.5 x 13.5 inches.
Weight: No specified weight limit.

Step 8: Tips for Saving on Baggage Fees

With the new fee structure, saving money on baggage becomes even more important. Here are some strategies:

Travel Light: The simplest way to avoid fees is to pack only a carry-on and a personal item. This also saves you time at baggage claim!
Utilize Free Baggage Benefits: If you qualify for free checked bags through your fare type (Business Select), Rapid Rewards status (A-List, A-List Preferred), or a Southwest credit card, make sure your Rapid Rewards number is on your reservation.
Consolidate Bags (Within Limits): If traveling with family or friends, try to consolidate items into fewer bags, ensuring they stay within the 50 lbs and 62 inches limits. Sometimes, one slightly heavier or larger bag (within the oversized/overweight limits) with a single fee is cheaper than two separate bags with standard fees.
Ship Your Luggage: For very heavy or numerous items, consider using a luggage shipping service. This can sometimes be more cost-effective than airline excess baggage fees, especially for international travel or long trips.
Wear Bulky Items: Wear your heaviest coat or bulkiest shoes on the plane to save space and weight in your luggage.
Vacuum Seal Bags: These can significantly reduce the volume of your clothes, allowing you to fit more into your permitted bags.
Check Fare Details Carefully: When booking, pay close attention to the fare type you select. A higher-tier fare like Business Select, while more expensive upfront, might save you money on baggage fees if you plan to check multiple bags.
Consider a Southwest Credit Card: If you fly Southwest frequently, the baggage benefit offered by their co-branded credit cards could easily offset the annual fee.

Step 9: What to Do at the Airport for Checked Bags

When you arrive at the airport with checked bags, follow these steps:

Locate Self-Tagging Kiosks or Ticket Counter: Southwest offers self-tagging kiosks at many airports. This allows you to print your bag tags yourself. If not available, or if you prefer assistance, head to the Southwest ticket counter.
Weigh and Measure: If you haven't already, ensure your bags meet the size and weight requirements. Scales are available at the check-in area.
Pay Applicable Fees: If fees apply to your bags, you will pay them at the kiosk or with the agent. Southwest generally accepts major credit cards.
Drop Off Bags: Once tagged and paid for, you'll drop your bags off at the designated baggage drop area.
Keep Your Receipt/Bag Tag: Always keep your baggage claim tags until you have safely retrieved your luggage at your destination. You can also track your bags digitally via the Southwest app.