Flying with Southwest Airlines often comes with a reputation for being more baggage-friendly than many other carriers. However, as of May 28, 2025, their baggage policy has seen some significant changes. So, let's break down exactly how many bags you're allowed to take on Southwest Airlines, step by step, to ensure your next trip is smooth and free of surprises!
Step 1: Understanding the "Bags Fly Free" Myth – Has It Changed for You?
"Bags Fly Free" has long been a cornerstone of Southwest's appeal. But here's the crucial update: As of May 28, 2025, this policy no longer applies to all fare types. This is a significant shift, and it's the first thing you need to understand when planning your Southwest journey.
So, are your bags still flying free? Let's find out!
Step 2: Your Carry-On & Personal Item Allowance – The Basics for Everyone
Regardless of your fare type, Southwest Airlines generally allows all ticketed customers to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item onboard. This is standard across the airline.
Sub-heading: The Carry-On Bag
This is the bag you'll typically place in the overhead bin.
Maximum Dimensions: Your carry-on bag, including handles and wheels, must not exceed 24 inches (L) x 16 inches (W) x 10 inches (H) (approx. 61 x 40 x 25 cm).
Weight Limit: Interestingly, Southwest does not specify a weight limit for carry-on bags. However, you must be able to lift it into the overhead bin unassisted. If you can't, it might need to be checked.
Sub-heading: The Personal Item
This smaller item should fit under the seat in front of you.
Examples: This could be a purse, laptop bag, briefcase, camera bag, or a small backpack.
Maximum Dimensions: Your personal item must not exceed 18.5 inches (L) x 8.5 inches (W) x 13.5 inches (H) (approx. 47 x 21 x 34 cm).
Step 3: Checked Baggage Allowance – Where the Changes Come In
This is where the recent policy updates are most impactful. The number of free checked bags you're allowed now depends on your specific fare class or loyalty status.
Sub-heading: For Most Passengers (Basic, Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime Fares)
As of May 28, 2025, if you book a "Basic," "Wanna Get Away Plus," or "Anytime" fare, you will no longer receive two free checked bags.
Fees Apply: You will now be charged for your checked bags:
First checked bag: Approximately $35
Second checked bag: Approximately $45
Maximum Dimensions for Each Checked Bag: Each checked bag must not exceed 62 inches in total linear dimensions (length + width + height).
Maximum Weight for Each Checked Bag: Each checked bag must not exceed 50 pounds (23 kg).
Sub-heading: Who Still Gets Free Checked Bags?
Southwest hasn't completely abandoned its free baggage perk. Certain passengers still enjoy this benefit:
Business Select travelers: You continue to receive two free checked bags.
Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred members: You also get two free checked bags.
Rapid Rewards A-List members: You receive one free checked bag.
Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card holders: Many co-branded Southwest credit cards offer one free checked bag as a benefit. Check your specific card benefits for details.
Active Duty Military Personnel: This is a fantastic perk! Active duty military members with a valid military ID are exempt from the two-piece baggage limit and will not be subject to excess, oversized, or overweight baggage charges, provided their bags don't exceed 100 pounds in weight and 80 inches in size.
Sub-heading: Additional and Excess Baggage Fees
What happens if you have more bags than your allowance or if they're too big or heavy?
Third (or more) Checked Bag: If you wish to check a third bag (and are not exempt due to status/military), the fee is typically around $150 per bag.
Overweight Baggage (51-70 lbs): If your checked bag weighs between 51 and 70 pounds, an additional fee of $100 applies per bag.
Overweight Baggage (71-100 lbs): For bags weighing between 71 and 100 pounds, the additional fee is $125 per bag.
Bags over 100 lbs: Southwest generally does not accept bags weighing over 100 pounds as checked baggage. You may need to explore cargo options.
Oversized Baggage (63-80 inches): If your checked bag exceeds 62 linear inches but is up to 80 linear inches, an additional fee of $125 applies per bag.
Bags over 80 inches: Southwest generally does not accept bags over 80 linear inches as checked baggage.
Important Note: If a bag is both overweight and oversized, only one applicable fee is charged, not both. However, this varies, so always confirm with Southwest if your bag falls into both categories.
Step 4: Special Items & Exceptions – Beyond the Standard Suitcase
Southwest has specific policies for various special items, including sporting equipment, musical instruments, and more.
Sub-heading: Sporting Equipment
Many common sporting equipment items (like golf clubs, skis, or snowboards) can be checked as part of your standard baggage allowance as long as they adhere to the 50 lbs and 62-inch dimensions.
If they exceed these limits, overweight or oversized fees will apply. Some larger items like bicycles and surfboards often have specific fees. Always check Southwest's official policy for your particular item.
Sub-heading: Musical Instruments
Small musical instruments that fit within carry-on dimensions can be brought onboard as your carry-on item.
Larger instruments may be carried on if they fit in the overhead bin or under a seat and there's space available.
For very large instruments that don't fit, you might need to purchase a separate seat for them or check them as baggage. Oversize/overweight fees will apply if checked and exceeding limits.
Sub-heading: Traveling with Pets
Southwest allows small domesticated cats and dogs to travel in the cabin on domestic flights, provided they are in an approved carrier.
Crucially, a pet carrier counts as either your carry-on item or your personal item, depending on its size.
There is a one-way pet fee (currently around $125), and space is limited, so reservations are highly recommended. Pets are generally not accepted on international flights or in the cargo hold with Southwest.
Sub-heading: Children's Items (Strollers, Car Seats)
Southwest allows you to check one stroller and one car seat free of charge in addition to your regular baggage allowance, even if you are checking other bags. These items do not count towards your standard baggage limits.
Step 5: Paying for Baggage & Airport Procedures
Sub-heading: Payment Options
Southwest does not allow you to prepay for checked baggage online. All applicable baggage fees must be paid at the airport when you check in your bags.
You can pay using accepted credit cards at the airport ticket counter or self-tagging kiosks (where available).
Sub-heading: Check-in Times
It's generally recommended to check your bags at least 45 minutes before your scheduled departure time for domestic flights to ensure they make it onto your flight. For international flights, allow even more time.
Step 6: Double-Check Before You Fly!
Airline policies can change, and while this guide provides the most up-to-date information as of July 2025, it's always a best practice to:
Visit the Official Southwest Airlines Website: Navigate to the "Bags" or "Baggage Policy" section on Southwest.com for the absolute latest and most detailed information.
Review Your Ticket/Confirmation: Sometimes your specific fare class or booking might have unique notes regarding baggage.
Use a Baggage Sizer: If you're concerned about your carry-on or personal item fitting, use the baggage sizers available at the airport before you head to the gate.
Being prepared is the best way to ensure a stress-free travel experience with Southwest!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to calculate linear inches for my checked bag?
To calculate linear inches, simply add the length, width, and height of your bag (L + W + H). For example, if your bag is 20 inches long, 12 inches wide, and 8 inches high, its linear dimensions would be inches.
How to avoid checked baggage fees on Southwest Airlines?
You can avoid checked baggage fees by holding a Business Select fare, having Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred or A-List status, or by being an active duty military member. Some Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards also offer a free checked bag benefit.
How to check my carry-on bag if it's too big?
If your carry-on bag exceeds Southwest's size limits or you cannot lift it into the overhead bin, it will need to be checked at the gate. If you've already used your free checked bag allowance, applicable fees for an additional checked bag will apply.
How to travel with a pet on Southwest Airlines?
To travel with a pet (small cat or dog) in the cabin on a domestic Southwest flight, you must book a reservation for your pet in advance due to limited space. The pet must be in an approved carrier that counts as either your carry-on or personal item, and a one-way fee will apply.
How to check sporting equipment on Southwest?
Most sporting equipment can be checked as part of your standard baggage allowance if it meets the weight (50 lbs) and linear dimension (62 inches) limits. If it exceeds these, overweight or oversized fees will be charged. Always check specific equipment rules on Southwest's website.
How to handle overweight or oversized bags?
If your bag is overweight (over 50 lbs but under 100 lbs) or oversized (over 62 linear inches but under 80 linear inches), you will incur an additional fee per bag (e.g., $100-$125 for overweight, $125 for oversized). Bags exceeding 100 lbs or 80 linear inches are generally not accepted.
How to know if my Rapid Rewards status qualifies me for free bags?
Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred members get two free checked bags, while A-List members get one free checked bag. Check your Rapid Rewards account details or the Southwest website for your current status benefits.
How to manage liquids in my carry-on bag?
Southwest Airlines follows TSA regulations for liquids. This means you can bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes in your carry-on bag. Each item in the bag must be 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less.
How to transport musical instruments on Southwest?
Small musical instruments can be carry-on items. Larger instruments might fit in the overhead bin or under a seat if space allows. For very large instruments, you may need to purchase a separate seat or check them, potentially incurring overweight/oversized fees.
How to confirm the most current baggage policy for my flight?
For the most current and specific details, always refer to the official Southwest Airlines website (Southwest.com), particularly their "Bags" or "Checked Baggage Policy" sections, or review your booking confirmation. Airline policies can be updated, so direct confirmation is key.
