Flying with Southwest Airlines is often a popular choice for travelers due to their distinct policies. If you're wondering how many bags you can take on Southwest Airlines, you've come to the right place! While their "Bags Fly Free" policy was a hallmark for years, recent changes mean it's crucial to understand the updated rules. Let's break it down step-by-step to ensure your next trip is smooth and stress-free.
Unpacking Southwest's Baggage Policy: A Step-by-Step Guide
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| How Many Bags Can U Take On Southwest Airlines |
Step 1: Let's Talk About Your Travel Style - Are You a Light Packer or a "Just in Case" Traveler?
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, take a moment to consider your travel habits. Are you the type who can jet off for a week with just a small backpack, or do you believe in bringing options for every conceivable scenario? Your packing philosophy will directly influence how many bags you need to consider and, more importantly, what fees you might encounter. Let's see how Southwest caters to both!
Step 2: Understanding Your Carry-On Allowance
Every passenger on Southwest Airlines is generally permitted to bring two items on board the aircraft, free of charge. This includes one carry-on bag and one personal item.
Sub-heading 2.1: Your Carry-On Bag - Overhead Bin Ready!
Your main carry-on bag is designed to fit in the overhead bins.
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Dimensions: It should not exceed 24 x 16 x 10 inches (approx. 61 x 40 x 25 cm), including handles and wheels.
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Weight: Southwest does not specify a weight limit for carry-on items, which is a nice perk! However, you must be able to lift it into the overhead bin yourself.
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What to Pack: This is where you put your essential clothing, toiletries, and anything you might need during the flight or immediately after landing.
Sub-heading 2.2: Your Personal Item - Under the Seat!
In addition to your carry-on, you get a personal item. This smaller bag needs to fit under the seat in front of you.
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Dimensions: It should not exceed 18.5 x 8.5 x 13.5 inches (approx. 46 x 21 x 34 cm).
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Examples: Common personal items include a purse, a briefcase, a laptop bag, or a small backpack.
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What to Pack: Think about items you'll want quick access to during the flight, like a book, snacks, medications, or your electronic devices.
Sub-heading 2.3: Additional Carry-On Items (Exemptions)
Tip: Avoid distractions — stay in the post.
Southwest allows certain items in addition to your standard carry-on and personal item. These include:
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Umbrellas or walking canes
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Outer garments (coats, jackets)
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Food for consumption during the flight (in disposable packaging)
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Assistive or mobility devices (wheelchairs, crutches)
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Child restraints (car seats) for a ticketed child or when space is available.
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Pet carriers: If you're traveling with a small pet in the cabin, their carrier counts as one of your permitted carry-on items (either the carry-on bag or the personal item). A fee of $125 (one-way) applies for each pet carrier.
Step 3: Navigating Checked Baggage and Recent Changes
This is where Southwest's policy has seen some significant adjustments. Historically, Southwest was famous for "Bags Fly Free," allowing two checked bags per passenger at no cost. As of May 28, 2025, this policy has changed for most bookings.
Sub-heading 3.1: The New Standard Checked Bag Fees (for most)
For reservations booked or voluntarily changed on or after May 28, 2025, the following fees apply for most passengers:
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First Checked Bag: $35
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Second Checked Bag: $45
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Third Checked Bag and Beyond: $150 per bag
Sub-heading 3.2: Checked Bag Size and Weight Limits
Regardless of whether you pay a fee or get them for free, all checked bags must adhere to specific size and weight restrictions:
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Weight Limit: Each checked bag must not exceed 50 pounds (22.7 kg).
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Size Limit (Linear Inches): The total dimensions (length + width + height) of each checked bag must not exceed 62 inches (157.5 cm). This includes handles and wheels.
Sub-heading 3.3: Who Still Gets Free Checked Bags? (The Exceptions)
While the "Bags Fly Free" policy has largely changed, there are some important exceptions where passengers can still check bags for free:
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Business Select® Fare Passengers: Those who purchase a Business Select® fare will continue to receive two free checked bags.
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Rapid Rewards® A-List Preferred Members: These elite members enjoy two free checked bags for themselves and up to eight additional passengers on the same reservation.
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Rapid Rewards® A-List Members: A-List members receive one free checked bag.
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Southwest Rapid Rewards® Credit Cardmembers: Many Southwest credit cards offer a benefit of one free checked bag for the cardmember. Check your specific card benefits for details.
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Active Duty Military Personnel: Military personnel traveling on active duty or permanent change of station orders 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 lbs in weight or 80 inches in total dimensions.
Step 4: Understanding Overweight and Oversized Baggage Fees
If your checked bags exceed the standard weight or size limits, additional fees will apply. These fees are in addition to any standard checked baggage fees.
QuickTip: A quick skim can reveal the main idea fast.
Sub-heading 4.1: Overweight Baggage Charges
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51 to 70 pounds (23.1-31.8 kg): An additional fee of $100 per bag.
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71 to 100 pounds (31.9-45.4 kg): An additional fee of $200 per bag.
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Over 100 pounds: Bags exceeding 100 pounds will generally not be accepted as checked baggage.
Sub-heading 4.2: Oversized Baggage Charges
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Between 63 and 80 inches (160-203 cm) linear dimensions: An additional fee of $200 per bag.
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Over 80 inches (203 cm) linear dimensions: Bags exceeding 80 inches will generally not be accepted as checked baggage.
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Important Note: If a bag is both overweight and oversized, you will generally only pay one of the higher applicable excess fees (e.g., if a bag is 75 lbs and 70 inches, you'll pay the $200 overweight fee, not an additional $200 oversized fee).
Step 5: Special Baggage and Sporting Equipment
Traveling with unique items like sports equipment or musical instruments? Southwest has specific policies for these. Many special items can be checked as part of your regular baggage allowance, but some may incur additional fees, especially if they are oversized or overweight.
Sub-heading 5.1: Common Sporting Equipment
Items like golf clubs, skis, snowboards, fishing equipment, and bowling balls are generally accepted as part of your checked baggage allowance, provided they meet the standard weight and size limits. If they exceed these limits, overweight or oversized fees will apply.
Sub-heading 5.2: Musical Instruments
Musical instruments can be carried on board if they fit in the overhead bin or under the seat. If an instrument is too large, you may purchase a separate seat for it. Larger instruments can also be checked as baggage, subject to standard checked baggage fees and potential overweight/oversized charges if they exceed the limits. Be aware that very large instruments may not be accepted.
Sub-heading 5.3: Other Special Items
For items like bicycles, surfboards, or other large sporting goods, it's highly recommended to check Southwest's official website or contact their customer service before your travel date. Specific rules and fees apply to these items, and some may have different size/weight thresholds or require special handling.
QuickTip: A short pause boosts comprehension.
Step 6: Practical Tips for a Smooth Baggage Experience
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Weigh and Measure Before You Go: Invest in a luggage scale and measure your bags at home to avoid surprises at the airport.
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Pack Smart, Not Just More: Consider rolling your clothes to save space, and utilize packing cubes to organize.
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Know Your Fare Type: Remember that certain fare types (Business Select) or Rapid Rewards status (A-List Preferred, A-List) grant you free checked bags. Double-check your booking.
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Label Your Bags Clearly: Always put your name and contact information (phone number, email) on the outside and inside of your bags.
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Arrive Early: Especially if you anticipate paying for checked bags or have oversized items, allow extra time at the airport for check-in.
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Consider Shipping: For very large or numerous items, consider using a luggage shipping service as an alternative to airline baggage fees.
By following these steps, you'll be well-prepared to manage your baggage allowance on Southwest Airlines, ensuring a more relaxed start to your journey.
10 Related FAQ Questions:
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, a bag that is 20 inches long, 12 inches wide, and 10 inches high would be 20 + 12 + 10 = 42 linear inches.
How to avoid checked bag fees on Southwest Airlines?
You can avoid checked bag fees by being a Business Select fare passenger, a Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred or A-List member, a Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cardholder, or active-duty military personnel. Otherwise, checked bag fees apply for most bookings made on or after May 28, 2025.
How to measure my carry-on bag correctly?
Measure your carry-on bag from its outermost points, including handles and wheels, to ensure it fits within Southwest's maximum dimensions of 24 x 16 x 10 inches.
How to travel with a pet on Southwest Airlines?
QuickTip: Read in order — context builds meaning.
Small, vaccinated domestic cats and dogs are allowed in the cabin on domestic flights in an approved carrier that counts as one of your carry-on items. A fee of $125 each way applies, and reservations are highly recommended due to limited space.
How to check special sports equipment on Southwest?
Most standard sports equipment (like golf clubs or skis) can be checked as a regular piece of luggage, subject to the standard weight and size limits. If they exceed these limits, overweight or oversized fees will apply. For larger or less common items, check Southwest's official policy or contact them directly.
How to pay for overweight or oversized baggage fees?
Overweight and oversized baggage fees are typically paid at the airport during check-in, as Southwest does not generally allow pre-payment for these specific charges.
How to pack for a Southwest flight to maximize my allowance?
Utilize space efficiently by rolling clothes, using compression bags, and packing cubes. Prioritize essentials in your carry-on and personal item. Distribute weight evenly if you have multiple checked bags to avoid overweight fees.
How to know if my Rapid Rewards status grants me free bags?
Check your Rapid Rewards account status on the Southwest Airlines website or app. A-List Preferred members get two free checked bags, and A-List members get one free checked bag.
How to prepare a musical instrument for travel on Southwest?
For carry-on, ensure it fits in the overhead bin or under the seat. For larger instruments, you may need to purchase an additional seat or check it as baggage. If checked, use a hard-sided case and be aware of potential overweight/oversized fees.
How to find the most up-to-date baggage policy for Southwest Airlines?
Always refer to the official Southwest Airlines website (southwest.com) or their customer service for the most current and detailed baggage policy information, as policies can change.
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