Navigating Baggage Fees on Southwest Airlines: Your Comprehensive Guide
Are you planning a trip with Southwest Airlines and wondering about those pesky baggage fees? You're not alone! While Southwest was famously known for its "Bags Fly Free" policy, recent changes have brought them more in line with other major US carriers. But don't fret! This lengthy guide will walk you through everything you need to know about paying for baggage on Southwest Airlines, step by step, with tips to make your travel as smooth as possible.
Step 1: Understand the New Landscape of Southwest Baggage Fees – Have You Been Impacted?
Before we dive into how to pay, let's first clarify if you'll even need to pay. This is the crucial first step, and it depends heavily on when you booked your flight and what fare class you chose.
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The "Bags Fly Free" Era is Largely Over (for new bookings): If you booked your Southwest flight on or after May 28, 2025, the chances are high that you'll be subject to baggage fees for your first and second checked bags, unless you fall into specific exempt categories.
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Grandfathered Bookings: If you booked your flight before May 28, 2025, you're likely still eligible for Southwest's original policy of two free checked bags. This is a significant distinction, so double-check your booking confirmation!
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Who Still Gets Free Bags? Even with the new policy, some passengers can still enjoy free checked bags. These include:
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Business Select fare holders (two free checked bags).
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Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred members (two free checked bags).
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Rapid Rewards A-List members (one free checked bag).
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Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card holders (one free checked bag, often extending to up to eight additional passengers on the same reservation).
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Active Duty Military Personnel traveling on orders (exempt from most checked, overweight, and oversized bag fees, provided bags don't exceed 100 pounds and 80 inches).
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Take a moment to check your booking details and your Rapid Rewards status. Knowing this upfront will save you time and potential stress at the airport!
Step 2: Know the Current Baggage Fees for Most Travelers
If you're not one of the lucky few still enjoying completely free bags, it's essential to know what to expect in terms of cost. As of the recent policy changes (for flights booked on or after May 28, 2025), the standard fees are:
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First Checked Bag: $35 per bag, one way.
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Second Checked Bag: $45 per bag, one way.
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Third (and subsequent) Checked Bags: $150 per bag, one way.
Important Considerations:
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Weight Limits: Each checked bag must not exceed 50 pounds (23 kg).
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Size Limits: Each checked bag must not exceed 62 linear inches (length + width + height).
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Overweight Bags: Bags weighing between 51-70 pounds will incur a fee of $100 (in addition to the standard bag fee if applicable).
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Heavily Overweight Bags: Bags weighing between 71-100 pounds will incur a fee of $200 (in addition to the standard bag fee if applicable).
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Oversized Bags: Bags exceeding 62 linear inches but not more than 80 inches will incur a fee of $200 (in addition to the standard bag fee if applicable). Note: If a bag is both oversized and overweight, typically only one higher fee applies.
These fees are per bag, per direction. So, for a round trip with one checked bag, you'd pay the fee twice.
Tip: Don’t overthink — just keep reading.
Step 3: The Crucial Step - Paying for Your Bags (At the Airport Only!)
This is where Southwest Airlines currently differs significantly from most other major carriers. Unlike many airlines that allow pre-payment of baggage fees online during booking or check-in, Southwest currently requires you to pay for checked bags at the airport.
There are two primary ways to do this:
Sub-heading: Option A: The Self-Tagging Kiosk (Where Available)
This is often the quickest and most convenient method at airports that offer them.
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Locate a Self-Tagging Kiosk: Upon arrival at the airport, look for Southwest Airlines self-service kiosks in the check-in area.
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Scan Your Boarding Pass: Follow the on-screen prompts. You'll typically scan your boarding pass (either on your phone or a printed copy).
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Confirm Your Flight Details: The kiosk will display your flight information.
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Declare Your Checked Bags: Indicate how many bags you intend to check. The system will calculate the applicable fees based on your fare type and the number of bags.
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Pay with a Credit Card: You will need a credit card for payment. Southwest Airlines accepts major credit cards such as American Express, MasterCard, Visa, Discover, and others. Cash is generally not accepted for baggage fees at kiosks.
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Print Bag Tags: Once payment is complete, the kiosk will print out your baggage tags.
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Attach Tags Securely: Carefully attach the printed tags to the handles of each of your checked bags.
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Drop Off Your Bags: Proceed to the designated bag drop-off area. An airline agent will verify your tags and take your bags.
Pro-Tip: Using a self-tagging kiosk can significantly speed up your check-in process, especially during peak travel times.
Sub-heading: Option B: The Southwest Airlines Ticket Counter
If self-tagging kiosks aren't available, or if you prefer speaking with an agent, the ticket counter is your alternative.
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Join the Check-in Line: Head to the Southwest Airlines ticket counter. Be prepared for potentially longer wait times, especially during busy periods.
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Present Your Identification and Booking: Have your valid government-issued ID and flight information (e.g., confirmation number) ready for the agent.
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Declare Your Checked Bags: Inform the agent how many bags you wish to check. They will assess any applicable fees.
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Pay with a Credit Card: The agent will process your baggage fees. Again, credit card is the primary accepted payment method for baggage fees. While cash might be accepted at international airport ticket counters, it's not a reliable option for domestic flights.
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Receive Bag Tags: The agent will print and attach your bag tags for you.
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Place Bags on the Scale: The agent will weigh and measure your bags to ensure they meet the limits and to confirm any potential overweight/oversize charges.
Pro-Tip: Arrive at the airport with ample time, especially if you anticipate needing to check bags at the ticket counter, to account for potential lines.
QuickTip: A quick skim can reveal the main idea fast.
Step 4: Consider Ways to Mitigate or Avoid Baggage Fees
While Southwest has introduced baggage fees for many, there are still strategies you can employ to minimize or even eliminate these costs:
Sub-heading: Strategy A: Leverage Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cards
Many Southwest co-branded credit cards offer a free checked bag benefit. This is one of the easiest and most common ways to avoid baggage fees for eligible cardholders and their companions.
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Check Your Card Benefits: If you already have a Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card, review its benefits. It likely includes at least one free checked bag for the primary cardmember and sometimes for additional travelers on the same reservation.
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Consider Applying: If you fly Southwest frequently and don't have one, applying for a Southwest credit card could be a worthwhile investment, especially if the annual fee is offset by the baggage fee savings and other perks.
Sub-heading: Strategy B: Achieve Rapid Rewards Elite Status
Southwest's A-List and A-List Preferred elite status tiers offer free checked baggage.
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A-List: Entitles you to your first checked bag free.
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A-List Preferred: Entitles you to your first two checked bags free.
Elite status is earned by flying a certain number of qualifying flights or earning a specific amount of tier-qualifying points within a calendar year. This is a great option for frequent Southwest flyers.
Sub-heading: Strategy C: Pack Smart (Carry-On Only!)
Southwest still allows passengers to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item for free. If you can condense your belongings into these allowances, you'll avoid all checked bag fees.
QuickTip: Keep a notepad handy.
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Carry-on dimensions: Typically up to 10 x 16 x 24 inches.
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Personal item dimensions: Smaller, designed to fit under the seat in front of you (e.g., purse, laptop bag, small backpack).
Pro-Tip: Invest in quality, lightweight carry-on luggage and learn effective packing techniques to maximize your space.
Sub-heading: Strategy D: Purchase a Business Select Fare
If your travel budget allows, purchasing a Business Select fare explicitly includes two free checked bags. This fare also comes with other benefits like priority boarding and complimentary premium drinks.
Step 5: Keep Records and Be Aware of Refund Policies
Once you've paid for your bags, it's always a good idea to keep your receipt, either a physical copy or a digital one.
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Refund Policy: If your flight is canceled, significantly delayed, or significantly impacted by a schedule change (generally 3+ hours domestically, 6+ hours internationally), and you decide not to travel, you are eligible for a refund of any bag fees paid, even for non-refundable tickets. Refunds are typically processed within seven business days.
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Voluntary Cancellations: If you voluntarily cancel your flight without a significant disruption, baggage fees are generally not refundable unless your original ticket (e.g., Business Select or Anytime) was fully refundable and you canceled within the specified timeframe.
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| How Do I Pay For Baggage On Southwest Airlines |
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to know if my flight is impacted by the new Southwest baggage fee policy? Check your booking confirmation date. If your flight was booked or voluntarily changed on or after May 28, 2025, the new baggage fees will likely apply unless you fall into an exempt category (Business Select, A-List/A-List Preferred, Southwest credit card holder, or active military).
How to pre-pay for baggage on Southwest Airlines? Currently, you cannot pre-pay for baggage on Southwest Airlines online. All checked bag fees must be paid at the airport, either at a self-tagging kiosk or the ticket counter.
Tip: Take your time with each sentence.
How to check my baggage allowance with Southwest Airlines? Your baggage allowance depends on your fare type and Rapid Rewards status. Generally, Basic, Wanna Get Away Plus, and Anytime fares booked after May 28, 2025, will incur fees, while Business Select, A-List/A-List Preferred, and Southwest credit card holders receive free checked bags. Refer to Southwest's official website or your booking details for specifics.
How to get a free checked bag on Southwest Airlines? You can get a free checked bag by holding a Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card, having A-List or A-List Preferred elite status, or purchasing a Business Select fare. Active duty military personnel also receive free checked bags.
How to avoid overweight baggage fees on Southwest? Ensure your checked bags do not exceed 50 pounds (23 kg). Use a luggage scale at home before heading to the airport, or consider packing less or distributing weight across multiple bags (if allowed).
How to pay for oversized baggage on Southwest Airlines? Oversized baggage fees are paid at the airport, similar to standard baggage fees. If your bag exceeds 62 linear inches but is within 80 linear inches, an oversized fee (currently $200) will apply in addition to any standard bag fees.
How to check a third bag on Southwest Airlines? A third (and subsequent) checked bag will incur a fee of $150 per bag, one way. These can be checked and paid for at the airport's self-tagging kiosks or ticket counters, provided they meet weight and size limits.
How to get a refund for baggage fees on Southwest Airlines? Baggage fees are typically refundable only if your flight is significantly impacted (canceled, significantly delayed, or major schedule change) and you decide not to travel. Contact Southwest Customer Service for eligible refunds.
How to use self-tagging kiosks for baggage on Southwest? At airports with self-tagging kiosks, scan your boarding pass, declare your bags, pay with a credit card, print the tags, attach them securely, and then drop your bags off at the designated area.
How to confirm payment methods accepted for Southwest baggage fees? Southwest Airlines primarily accepts credit cards for baggage fees at the airport (kiosks and ticket counters). While cash might be accepted at international ticket counters, it's generally not accepted for domestic baggage payments.
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