Planning a trip with Southwest Airlines and wondering about those all-important checked bag fees? You've come to the right place! Southwest recently updated its baggage policy for flights booked on or after May 28, 2025, so understanding the new rules is key to avoiding unexpected costs. Let's break it down step-by-step to ensure your travel is as smooth as possible.
Step 1: Engage Your Inner Baggage Detective - When Was Your Flight Booked?
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let's ask ourselves a crucial question: When did you book your Southwest flight? This is the most important factor in determining your checked bag fees.
If you booked your flight (or made changes to it) ON or AFTER May 28, 2025: Welcome to the new era of Southwest baggage fees for most fares! The information below is directly relevant to you.
If you booked your flight (and haven't changed it) BEFORE May 28, 2025: Good news! For these reservations, Southwest's long-standing "Bags Fly Free" policy (two free checked bags) still applies, regardless of your travel date. You can mostly skip the fee details below, unless you're curious about overweight/oversized charges.
Now that we've established which policy applies to you, let's proceed with the details for those impacted by the new fee structure.
Step 2: Unpacking Your Fare Type - The Key to Your Baggage Allowance
Southwest's new baggage policy, effective for bookings on or after May 28, 2025, depends heavily on the fare type you purchased. This is a significant shift from their previous universal free bag policy.
Sub-heading: Understanding the Fare Tiers and Their Baggage Impact
Basic, Wanna Get Away Plus®, and Anytime Fares:
First Checked Bag: $35
Second Checked Bag: $45
These are the fare types where you'll now incur checked bag fees. This applies to the majority of travelers.
Business Select® Fare:
First Checked Bag: FREE
Second Checked Bag: FREE
If you've opted for a Business Select fare, you still enjoy the benefit of two free checked bags.
Rapid Rewards® A-List Preferred Members:
First Checked Bag: FREE
Second Checked Bag: FREE
As an A-List Preferred member, you and up to eight additional passengers on the same reservation are exempt from the first and second checked bag fees.
Rapid Rewards® A-List Members:
First Checked Bag: FREE
Second Checked Bag: $35 (This price applies to up to eight additional passengers on the same reservation).
A-List members get one free bag, but the second one will cost you.
Rapid Rewards® Credit Cardmembers (Primary Cardholder):
First Checked Bag: FREE
Second Checked Bag: $45
If you're the primary cardholder of a Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card and your Rapid Rewards account number is included in the booking, your first checked bag is free. This benefit extends to up to eight additional passengers on the same reservation.
Active-Duty Military Customers:
First Checked Bag: FREE
Second Checked Bag: FREE
Southwest continues to support active-duty military personnel by allowing them to check two bags for free.
Important Note: For all fare types and passenger categories, standard weight and size limits still apply. We'll cover those next!
Step 3: Measuring Up Your Luggage - Standard Size and Weight Limits
Even if your bags are "free," they still need to meet Southwest's standard dimensions and weight to avoid additional charges.
Sub-heading: The Golden Rules for Standard Bags
Weight Limit: Each checked bag must not exceed 50 pounds (23 kg).
Size Limit: The sum of the length, width, and height (L + W + H) of your checked bag must not exceed 62 inches (157 cm). This includes wheels and handles!
Why are these limits important? Because exceeding them will lead to additional fees, regardless of your fare type or status.
Step 4: When Bags Go Big (or Heavy) - Understanding Additional Fees
Sometimes, you just need to pack a little extra, or you're traveling with specialized equipment. This is where additional fees come into play.
Sub-heading: Overweight and Oversized Bag Charges
These fees are in addition to any standard checked bag fees you might incur based on your fare type.
Overweight Bags:
51-70 pounds (23-32 kg): $100 per bag
71-100 pounds (32-45 kg): $200 per bag
Bags exceeding 100 pounds (45 kg) will generally not be accepted as checked baggage and may need to be shipped as cargo.
Oversized Bags:
63-80 inches (160-203 cm) in total linear dimensions: $200 per bag
Bags exceeding 80 inches (203 cm) in total linear dimensions will generally not be accepted as checked baggage.
Sub-heading: The Third Bag and Beyond - Additional Checked Bags
If you need to check more than two bags, here's what you can expect:
Third (and subsequent) Checked Bag: $150 per bag
This fee applies after your first two checked bags (whether they were free or paid for based on your fare).
Sub-heading: Special Items - Sporting Equipment and More
Southwest has specific policies for sporting equipment. In many cases, standard checked bag fees apply. However, some items may have waived oversized fees or specific charges. Always check Southwest's official website for the most up-to-date and detailed information on your specific item.
Sporting Equipment: Often, standard checked bag fees apply. However, oversized fees (63"-115") are waived for many sporting equipment items (e.g., skis, golf clubs). Overweight fees (51-70 lbs: $100, 71-100 lbs: $200) still apply.
Large Media Camera Equipment: A specific charge of $75 per item might apply.
Step 5: Making the Payment - Where and How to Pay
Unlike some airlines, Southwest currently does not allow you to prepay for checked baggage online. You will pay for your checked bags at the airport.
Sub-heading: Options for Payment at the Airport
Self-Tagging Kiosks: At select airports, you can use self-service kiosks to tag your bags and pay any applicable fees. This can save you time!
Ticket Counter: You can always check your bags and pay fees with a Southwest Customer Service Agent at the airport ticket counter.
Step 6: Smart Packing Strategies - Avoiding Extra Fees
Nobody likes unexpected charges. Here are some proactive tips to keep your baggage costs down:
Weigh Your Bags at Home: Invest in a portable luggage scale. This simple tool is your best friend for avoiding overweight bag fees.
Measure Dimensions: Use a tape measure to confirm your bag's dimensions (L+W+H) are within the 62-inch limit. Remember to include wheels and handles!
Consolidate When Possible: If you're traveling with others, try to distribute weight evenly or share larger items to stay within limits.
Consider Shipping: For very heavy or oversized items, especially if you're not eligible for free checked bags, explore luggage shipping services. This can sometimes be more cost-effective than airline fees.
Pack Smart for Carry-On: Remember Southwest allows one carry-on bag (up to 10 x 16 x 24 inches) and one personal item (fits under the seat) for free. Maximize this allowance for essential items.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common questions about checking bags with Southwest Airlines, with quick answers:
How to check if my fare type gets free bags on Southwest? Check your booking confirmation or log into your Southwest Rapid Rewards account to see your fare type (Basic, Wanna Get Away Plus®, Anytime, Business Select®). If booked on or after May 28, 2025, Basic, Wanna Get Away Plus®, and Anytime fares generally incur fees, while Business Select® and A-List Preferred get two free bags.
How to avoid checked bag fees on Southwest? Book a Business Select® fare, be a Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred member, or an active-duty military customer. Rapid Rewards A-List members and Credit Cardmembers get their first bag free. For other fares booked after May 28, 2025, fees apply.
How to measure my bag to avoid oversized fees on Southwest? Add the length, width, and height of your bag (including wheels and handles). This sum should not exceed 62 inches (157 cm) for standard bags.
How to weigh my bag to avoid overweight fees on Southwest? Use a portable luggage scale at home before heading to the airport. This will give you an accurate weight and allow you to adjust if necessary.
How to pay for checked bags on Southwest? You will pay for checked bags at the airport, either at a self-tagging kiosk (where available) or at the Southwest Airlines ticket counter.
How to check a third bag with Southwest? The third and any subsequent checked bags will cost $150 per bag, in addition to any fees for your first two bags.
How to check sporting equipment on Southwest? Many sporting equipment items are accepted as checked baggage, and often, oversized fees are waived. However, overweight fees (51-70 lbs: $100, 71-100 lbs: $200) still apply. Always check Southwest's official website for specific item policies.
How to know if my Rapid Rewards status gives me free bags? Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred members get two free bags. Rapid Rewards A-List members get their first bag free, but pay $35 for the second.
How to ensure my credit card offers free checked bags on Southwest? If you are the primary cardholder of a Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card and your Rapid Rewards account number is linked to your booking, you receive your first checked bag free. This applies to flights booked on or after May 28, 2025.
How to get help if my bag is oversized or overweight and I can't adjust it? You will need to pay the applicable overweight and/or oversized baggage fees at the airport. If the bag is significantly over the limits (e.g., over 100 lbs or 80 linear inches), it may need to be shipped via cargo.
