Hey there, fellow traveler! Are you ready to unravel the mysteries of Southwest Airlines' baggage policies? You've come to the right place. While Southwest was famously known for its "Bags Fly Free" policy, things have seen some significant changes as of May 28, 2025. Don't worry, we're here to guide you through every twist and turn of bringing your belongings on your next Southwest adventure.
Let's dive in!
Understanding Southwest Airlines Baggage Policy (Effective May 28, 2025)
Gone are the days when all Southwest passengers enjoyed two free checked bags. The airline has revised its policy to align more closely with other major U.S. carriers. This means that most passengers will now incur fees for their first and second checked bags. However, there are still ways to keep those costs down, and we'll cover them!
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| How Does Baggage Work On Southwest Airlines |
Step 1: Determine Your Fare Type and Rapid Rewards Status
This is the most crucial first step because it directly impacts your baggage allowance. Southwest has introduced new fare types and updated benefits for its Rapid Rewards members.
Sub-heading: For Bookings Made On or After May 28, 2025
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Basic Fare: This is Southwest's new lowest price point. For this fare, you will pay for both your first and second checked bag.
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Wanna Get Away Plus® Fare: Similar to the Basic fare, you will also pay for both your first and second checked bag.
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Anytime Fare: Again, you will pay for both your first and second checked bag with this fare.
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Business Select® Fare: Good news for Business Select passengers! You still receive two free checked bags. This is a significant perk for those who choose this premium option.
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Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred Members: If you've achieved A-List Preferred status, you're in luck! You receive two free checked bags. This benefit also extends to up to eight additional passengers on the same reservation.
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Rapid Rewards A-List Members: As an A-List member, you get your first checked bag free. Subsequent bags will incur a fee. This benefit also applies to up to eight additional passengers on the same reservation.
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Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers: Primary Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers are eligible to receive their first standard checked bag free. This applies to the cardmember and up to eight additional passengers on the same reservation, provided the primary cardmember is on the reservation and has included their Rapid Rewards account number.
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Active-duty Military Passengers: With a current, valid military ID, active-duty military personnel are exempt from the two-piece baggage limit and will not be subject to excess, oversize, or overweight baggage charges, provided no single piece exceeds 100 pounds or 80 inches in size (L+W+H).
Sub-heading: For Bookings Made On or Before May 27, 2025
If you booked your reservation on or before May 27, 2025, regardless of your travel date, Southwest's previous "Bags Fly Free" policy still applies for your first two checked bags, provided they meet weight and size limits.
Step 2: Understand Carry-On and Personal Item Allowances
Even with the changes to checked baggage, Southwest's carry-on policy remains quite generous.
Sub-heading: Your Carry-On Bag
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You are permitted one carry-on bag.
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Dimensions: Your carry-on bag should not exceed 24 inches (L) x 16 inches (W) x 10 inches (H). This includes wheels, handles, and any attachments.
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Placement: This bag is intended to fit in the overhead bin.
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Weight: There is no specified weight restriction for carry-on items, but you must be able to lift it into the overhead bin yourself.
Sub-heading: Your Personal Item
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In addition to your carry-on bag, you can bring one small personal item.
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Examples: This could be a purse, briefcase, laptop computer case, or a small backpack. Items like neck pillows and blankets do not count towards your personal item limit.
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Dimensions: Your personal item must not exceed 18.5 inches x 8.5 inches x 13.5 inches.
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Placement: This item is designed to fit under the seat in front of you.
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Weight: Similar to carry-on bags, there is no specific weight limit for personal items.
Sub-heading: Additional Items You Can Bring Onboard
Beyond your carry-on and personal item, you can typically bring the following without it counting against your allowance:
Tip: Stop when you find something useful.
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Outer garments (coats, jackets)
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Umbrella or walking cane
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Food for consumption during the flight in disposable packaging
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Assistive devices (wheelchairs, crutches, canes, etc.)
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Child restraint systems for a ticketed child or if a complimentary, available space exists
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Diaper bags, breast pumps, and milk/formula
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Medications (with proper screening)
Step 3: Adhere to Checked Baggage Size and Weight Limits
Whether your bags are free or you're paying a fee, the standard size and weight limits for checked baggage on Southwest Airlines are consistent.
Sub-heading: Standard Checked Bag Limits
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Maximum Weight: Each checked bag must not exceed 50 pounds (22.7 kg).
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Maximum Size: The total linear dimensions (length + width + height) of each checked bag must not exceed 62 inches (157.5 cm).
Sub-heading: Overweight and Oversized Baggage Fees
If your checked bags exceed these limits, additional charges will apply:
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Overweight Baggage:
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51 - 70 pounds: A fee of $100 per bag will be charged.
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71 - 100 pounds: A fee of $200 per bag will be charged.
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Oversized Baggage:
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Bags larger than 62 inches (up to 80 inches total linear dimensions) will incur a fee of $200 per bag.
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Important Note: If a bag is both oversized AND overweight (up to 100 lbs), only one $200 charge applies.
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Items over 100 pounds or 80 inches: These items generally cannot be checked as baggage and may need to be shipped via Southwest Cargo (with specific shipper requirements).
Step 4: Understanding Baggage Fees and Payment
Knowing the potential costs is key to avoiding surprises at the airport.
Sub-heading: Current Baggage Fees (Effective May 28, 2025, for applicable fares)
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First Checked Bag: $35 (USD)
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Second Checked Bag: $45 (USD)
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Third+ Checked Bag: $150 (USD) per bag.
These fees are per bag, per way.
Sub-heading: How to Pay Baggage Fees
You can pay applicable baggage fees at the airport using Southwest's self-tagging kiosks (where available) or with a Southwest Agent at the ticket counter.
Step 5: Special Baggage and Sporting Equipment
Traveling with unique items or sports gear? Southwest has specific guidelines and fees for these.
Sub-heading: General Guidelines for Special Items
QuickTip: Go back if you lost the thread.
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Many special items and sporting equipment can be substituted for one of your checked bags, provided they meet the standard weight and size limits.
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If they exceed these limits, additional fees will apply.
Sub-heading: Common Examples of Special Items and Fees
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Bicycles: Bicycles that are larger than 62 inches in total dimensions will incur a $75 one-way charge. They must be packaged in a bike box.
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Surfboards/Windsurfing Equipment: These are often accepted as checked baggage but may incur an oversized fee if they exceed the 62-inch limit, typically $75 one-way.
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Musical Instruments: Small instruments can often be carried on if they fit in the overhead bin or under the seat. Larger instruments may need to be checked and could be subject to oversized baggage fees if they exceed standard dimensions.
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Skis and Snowboards: Ski equipment (one pair of skis or one snowboard, one pair of poles, and one pair of boots) counts as one checked item, even if it's in two pieces (bag and boots). Standard checked baggage fees and overweight/oversize fees apply if limits are exceeded.
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Golf Clubs: Golf clubs in a hard-sided case count as one checked item. Standard checked baggage fees and overweight/oversize fees apply.
Always check Southwest's official website for the most up-to-date information on specific sporting equipment and special items, as policies can vary.
Step 6: Checking Your Bags at the Airport
Once you've sorted out your baggage allowance, the actual check-in process is straightforward.
Sub-heading: At the Ticket Counter or Curbside Check-in
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You can check your bags directly with a Southwest Agent at the ticket counter inside the airport or at the curbside check-in area (for domestic flights).
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For international flights, you will always need to check your bags at the Southwest Airlines Ticket Counter inside the airport. Curbside check-in is not permitted for international itineraries.
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Ensure you have your identification ready.
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You will receive a separate claim check for each piece of checked baggage. Verify that the city shown on the claim check matches your final destination.
Sub-heading: Self-Tagging Kiosks
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Many airports offer self-tagging kiosks. You can print your baggage tags and apply them yourself before proceeding to a bag drop area. This can save time.
Sub-heading: Late Check-In Considerations
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Southwest recommends allowing sufficient time for your baggage to be placed on your flight.
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Baggage checked 45 minutes or less before the scheduled or posted departure time (whichever is later) is considered "Late Check." While Southwest will make every effort to get late-checked baggage on your flight, they will not assume delivery charges if your baggage doesn't arrive with you.
Step 7: Baggage Claim Process
After your flight, retrieving your bags is typically simple.
Sub-heading: Locating Baggage Claim
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Upon arrival at your destination, follow the signs within the airport to the baggage claim area.
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Bags are usually displayed on carousels corresponding to your flight number.
Sub-heading: International Arrivals
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If any portion of your itinerary includes an international flight, you will be required to claim all luggage upon arrival in the U.S., regardless of your final destination.
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After clearing Customs, you will then need to re-check all checked luggage with a Southwest Airlines Customer Service Agent before proceeding to your connecting flight(s).
Step 8: Dealing with Delayed, Damaged, or Lost Baggage
While rare, issues with baggage can occur. Knowing what to do can save you a lot of stress.
Tip: Let the key ideas stand out.
Sub-heading: Reporting Issues at the Airport
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If your baggage is missing, delayed, or damaged, you should make a report in person to the Southwest Airlines Baggage Service Office. This office is usually located in the baggage claim area or at the ticket counter.
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Signage with QR codes may also be available outside Baggage Service Offices to help you file a report.
Sub-heading: Reporting Issues After Leaving the Airport
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If you've already left the airport, you can generally create a report online through Southwest's website.
Sub-heading: Tracking Your Bag
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Southwest provides an online tool to track your bag. You'll need your incident number.
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You can often opt-in for text updates on your bag's status.
Sub-heading: Claim Timelines
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Domestic Itineraries: For lost or delayed baggage, you must notify Southwest no later than four hours after your flight's arrival or receipt of baggage. For damaged baggage, report within 24 hours of arrival or receipt.
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International Itineraries: For damage, report within seven calendar days. For delay, report within twenty-one calendar days.
Sub-heading: Liability and Reimbursement
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Southwest Airlines' liability for lost, damaged, or delayed baggage is limited to a certain amount per fare-paying Customer (currently around $3,800.00).
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If your baggage is delayed or lost due to reasons outside your control, you may be able to submit a claim for consideration of reimbursement for reasonable expenses you incurred.
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If you paid a baggage fee and your checked bag was delayed (12+ hours domestic, 15+ hours international) or not recovered, you may be eligible for a refund of the applicable fee(s).
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are some common questions about Southwest Airlines baggage policies, with quick answers:
How to avoid checked baggage fees on Southwest Airlines?
You can avoid checked baggage fees by flying Business Select, being a Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred or A-List member (for your first bag), or by being a Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmember (for your first bag). Active-duty military personnel also get free checked bags.
How to measure my bag to ensure it meets Southwest's size requirements?
For checked bags, use a tape measure to determine the length, width, and height. Add these three measurements together; the sum should not exceed 62 inches. For carry-on and personal items, ensure their dimensions (24" x 16" x 10" and 18.5" x 8.5" x 13.5" respectively) are met.
How to travel with a pet on Southwest Airlines?
Southwest allows small, vaccinated domestic cats and dogs to travel in the cabin on domestic flights, in an approved carrier that fits under the seat. A pet carrier counts as either your personal item or carry-on, and there's a pet fare fee ($95 per carrier, each way, as of current information). Only six pet carriers are allowed per flight, so make reservations early. Pets are not allowed in cargo.
Tip: Take a sip of water, then continue fresh.
How to check in oversized or overweight luggage on Southwest?
Oversized (63"-80") or overweight (51-100 lbs) luggage can be checked for an additional fee of $200 per bag. If an item is both oversized and overweight (up to 100 lbs), only one $200 fee applies. Items over 100 lbs or 80 inches typically need to be shipped as cargo.
How to track my checked bag on Southwest Airlines?
You can track your checked bag online through the Southwest Airlines website using your incident number if you've filed a report for a delayed or lost bag. You may also receive text updates if you opt-in.
How to file a claim for damaged baggage with Southwest?
Report damaged baggage in person at the Baggage Service Office at the airport within 24 hours of arrival for domestic flights or within seven calendar days for international flights. If you've already left the airport, you can often file a report online.
How to carry on liquids through TSA security on Southwest flights?
Follow the TSA's 3-1-1 rule for liquids in carry-on bags: containers must be 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less, fit in one quart-sized bag, and be limited to one bag per passenger. Larger liquid medications require a doctor's note and special screening.
How to check special items like sports equipment on Southwest?
Many sports equipment items can be checked as part of your standard baggage allowance if they meet the weight and size limits. If they exceed these limits, specific oversized/overweight fees, usually $75-$200, will apply depending on the item. Always check Southwest's specific policy for your type of equipment.
How to ensure my bags are transferred on a connecting Southwest flight?
Typically, if your connecting flights are on the same Southwest itinerary, your checked bags will be tagged to your final destination. However, for international connections entering the U.S., you must claim your bags, clear customs, and then re-check them.
How to find the most current Southwest Airlines baggage policies?
Always refer to the official Southwest Airlines website (Southwest.com) under their "Baggage" or "Optional Travel Charges" sections. Airline policies can change, and the official website will always have the most up-to-date and accurate information.
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