Alright, buckle up, because we're about to embark on a comprehensive journey into the world of Southwest Airlines baggage policy! Forget everything you thought you knew about "free bags" on Southwest, as there have been some recent changes that are important to understand. Let's dive in!
How Many Bags Can You Take on Southwest Airlines for Free? A Comprehensive Guide
Hello there, savvy traveler! Are you planning a trip with Southwest Airlines and wondering about their baggage policy? You've come to the right place! Understanding baggage allowances can be a bit tricky, especially with recent changes, but I'm here to break it down for you, step by step. No more last-minute surprises at the check-in counter!
Let's get started on ensuring your travel is as smooth as possible, from packing your bags to touchdown!
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| How Many Bags Can You Take On Southwest Airlines For Free |
Step 1: Understanding the Recent Changes to Southwest's "Bags Fly Free" Policy
First things first, it's crucial to acknowledge a significant update. For years, Southwest Airlines was famous for its "Bags Fly Free" policy, allowing two checked bags for every passenger without extra charge. However, as of May 28, 2025, this policy has been revised for most fares.
What does this mean for YOU?
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Most Fares Now Incur Fees: If you booked your flight on or after May 28, 2025, and you have a Basic, Wanna Get Away Plus®, or Anytime fare, you will now likely pay for your checked bags.
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Business Select® Still Gets Two Free Bags: If you're flying on a Business Select® fare, you're in luck! This premium fare still includes two free checked bags.
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Rapid Rewards® A-List Preferred Members: These elite members also continue to receive two free checked bags.
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Rapid Rewards® A-List Members & Credit Cardholders: If you hold A-List status or a Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card, you will typically receive your first checked bag for free.
It's absolutely vital to check your specific fare type and any loyalty program status you might have, as these determine your exact free baggage allowance.
Step 2: Decoding Your Carry-On and Personal Item Allowance
Tip: Break long posts into short reading sessions.
Even with changes to checked bags, Southwest's carry-on policy remains quite traveler-friendly. You still get to bring two items onboard for free!
2.1: Your Carry-On Bag
This is the bag that typically goes in the overhead bin. Think roller bags, small suitcases, or garment bags.
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Dimensions: It must not exceed external dimensions of 24 inches (L) x 16 inches (W) x 10 inches (H). Remember to include wheels and handles in your measurements!
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Weight Limit: Southwest does not specify a weight limit for carry-on bags, but you must be able to lift it into the overhead bin unassisted.
2.2: Your Personal Item
This is a smaller item that needs to fit under the seat in front of you.
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Examples: Purses, briefcases, laptop computer cases, small backpacks, or a small bag containing items like a neck pillow or blanket.
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Dimensions: While not as strictly defined as the carry-on, it should be a "smaller, personal type item." Generally, it should fit comfortably under the seat. Common dimensions are around 18.5 x 8.5 x 13.5 inches.
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Pet Carriers: If you're traveling with a pet, the pet carrier counts as either your personal item or your carry-on bag. A fee applies for pets.
Pro Tip: Always try to consolidate items into your personal bag to maximize space and avoid checking a bag if possible.
Step 3: Navigating Checked Baggage and Associated Fees
This is where the recent changes come into play for many travelers. Let's break down the standard allowances, dimensions, and potential fees.
Tip: Highlight what feels important.
3.1: Standard Checked Baggage Allowance (and When it's Free)
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General Rule (for most fares booked on or after May 28, 2025):
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First Checked Bag: $35
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Second Checked Bag: $45
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Third+ Checked Bag: $150 per bag
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Exceptions for Free Checked Bags:
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Business Select® Fare: 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 Cardmembers: One free checked bag for the primary cardmember and up to eight additional passengers on the same reservation, provided their Rapid Rewards number is included in the booking.
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Active Duty Military: Active duty military personnel 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 each piece does not exceed 100 pounds or 80 inches in linear dimensions.
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Hawaii Residents (inter-island travel): Residents traveling between the Hawaiian islands continue to receive two free checked bags.
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3.2: Standard Checked Baggage Dimensions and Weight
Whether your bag is free or you're paying a fee, standard size and weight limits apply.
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Maximum Weight: Each checked bag must weigh 50 pounds (22.7 kg) or less.
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Maximum Size: Each checked bag must have a maximum linear dimension (length + width + height) of 62 inches (157.5 cm). This includes handles and wheels!
3.3: Understanding Oversized, Overweight, and Excess Baggage Fees
If your bags exceed the standard limits, you'll incur additional charges. These fees are per item, per way.
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Overweight Baggage:
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51 to 70 pounds: $150 per bag
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71 to 100 pounds: $200 per bag
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Bags over 100 pounds will generally not be accepted as checked baggage and may need to be shipped as cargo.
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Oversized Baggage:
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Over 62 inches but not more than 80 inches: $200 per bag
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Bags over 80 inches will generally not be accepted as checked baggage.
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Combined Oversized and Overweight: If a bag is both oversized and overweight, only one fee (the higher of the two) applies, as long as it does not exceed 100 lbs. However, if it's also an excess bag (3rd+ bag), then the excess baggage fee applies plus the overweight/oversized fee.
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Important Note: Southwest does not allow you to prepay for luggage online. Baggage fees are paid at the airport during check-in.
Step 4: Special Items – Sporting Equipment & Musical Instruments
Southwest has specific policies for various special items, including sporting equipment and musical instruments.
QuickTip: Read again with fresh eyes.
4.1: Sporting Equipment
Many types of sporting equipment can be checked as part of your standard baggage allowance, but some may incur additional fees, especially if they are oversized or overweight.
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General Rule: Most sporting equipment will count as one piece towards your checked baggage allowance. Standard weight and size limits (50 lbs and 62 linear inches) apply.
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Fees for Oversized/Overweight Sporting Equipment:
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If the equipment is between 62 and 80 inches, or 51-70 lbs, a fee of $75 per item, each way, typically applies.
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If it's both oversized and overweight, only one $75 fee applies (up to 100 lbs).
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Specific Examples:
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Golf Clubs: A golf bag (including clubs, balls, and shoes) counts as one checked bag.
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Skis/Snowboards: Skis and snowboards in a proper bag count as one checked bag.
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Bicycles: Must be in a bicycle box or case, with pedals and handlebars removed. May incur oversized/overweight fees.
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Surfboards: Accepted for a fee of $75. Note: Surfboards travel free as a substitute for one of your two free bags only on Hawaiian inter-island flights.
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Always check Southwest's official website for specific rules regarding your particular sporting equipment, as policies can vary.
4.2: Musical Instruments
Traveling with a musical instrument requires careful consideration.
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Carry-On Instruments:
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If your instrument (including case) meets the carry-on dimensions (24" L x 16" W x 10" H), you can bring it as your carry-on item if there's space available.
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Larger instruments that do not exceed carry-on dimensions but still fit in the overhead bin or under a seat may be allowed if space permits.
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Purchasing a Seat for an Instrument:
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If your instrument won't fit in the overhead bin or under a seat, you can purchase an additional seat for it.
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It must be placed in the first row, closer to the window, secured with a seatbelt, and not block any aircraft signage.
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Certain large instruments (e.g., double bass, cello) may be too large to be secured in a seat and must be checked.
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Checked Instruments:
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For reservations booked before May 28, 2025, and not voluntarily changed, a musical instrument could substitute one piece of free checked baggage.
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For reservations booked on or after May 28, 2025, and/or voluntarily changed, a checked baggage fee may apply.
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Oversize/Overweight Fees: Apply if the instrument (including case) is between 62 and 150 inches (linear dimensions) or weighs between 51 and 165 pounds.
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Southwest generally won't accept instruments exceeding 150 inches or 165 pounds.
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Instruments in soft-sided cases or inadequate packaging may be subject to a limited release of liability, meaning Southwest isn't responsible for damage.
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It's highly recommended to contact Southwest Airlines directly if you're traveling with a particularly valuable or large musical instrument to confirm their exact requirements.
Step 5: Essential Tips for a Smooth Baggage Experience
To ensure your baggage experience with Southwest is as seamless as possible, keep these tips in mind:
QuickTip: If you skimmed, go back for detail.
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Measure and Weigh Before You Go: Invest in a luggage scale! This is the single most important step to avoid unexpected fees. Measure your bags (length + width + height) to ensure they're within the 62-inch linear limit for checked bags and the 24x16x10 inch limit for carry-ons.
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Pack Smart: Optimize your packing. Roll clothes tightly, use packing cubes, and wear your heaviest items to reduce bag weight.
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Check Your Fare Details: Double-check your specific fare type (Basic, Wanna Get Away Plus®, Anytime, Business Select®) and your Rapid Rewards® status. These are the key determinants of your free checked bag allowance.
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Understand Credit Card Benefits: If you have a Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card, ensure your Rapid Rewards number is linked to your reservation to receive your free checked bag benefit.
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Arrive Early: Especially if you anticipate paying for checked bags or have special items, allow ample time at the airport for check-in. Southwest does not offer online baggage fee payment, so you'll handle this at the counter.
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Label Your Bags: Always put identification tags on both the outside and inside of your checked bags. Include your name, phone number, and email.
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Consider Baggage Embargoes: During peak travel times or for certain international destinations, Southwest may implement "baggage embargoes," which restrict the number of extra bags you can check. Check their website if you're traveling during a busy period or internationally.
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Document Valuables: If you must check valuable items (though generally not recommended), take photos of them and their condition before checking them.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common "How to" questions about Southwest Airlines baggage, with quick answers:
How to know if my bag is oversized for Southwest Airlines? Your checked bag is oversized if its total linear dimensions (length + width + height) exceed 62 inches.
How to avoid baggage fees on Southwest Airlines? Book a Business Select® fare, be a Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred member, or a Rapid Rewards A-List member or Credit Cardmember to potentially get free checked bags. For most other fares booked on or after May 28, 2025, fees will apply.
How to measure my luggage for Southwest Airlines? Use a tape measure to get the length, width, and height of your bag, then add these three numbers together. This sum must be 62 inches or less for checked bags and 24" (L) + 16" (W) + 10" (H) or less for carry-ons.
How to check a third bag on Southwest Airlines? A third (and subsequent) checked bag will incur a fee of $150 per bag, each way, in addition to meeting size and weight limits.
How to travel with a car seat and stroller on Southwest Airlines? Southwest allows one car seat and one stroller per child to be checked for free, in addition to your standard baggage allowance. They can also be gate-checked.
How to bring a musical instrument as a carry-on on Southwest Airlines? If your instrument (with case) is within 24" L x 16" W x 10" H and fits in the overhead bin or under a seat, you can bring it as your carry-on. Space availability is key.
How to pay for checked bags on Southwest Airlines? Baggage fees are paid at the airport check-in counter when you drop off your bags; Southwest does not offer online prepayment.
How to check a pet on Southwest Airlines? Small domesticated dogs and cats can be carried in the cabin for a fee ($125 one-way), and the pet carrier counts as either your carry-on or personal item. Southwest does not allow pets to be checked in the cargo hold.
How to handle an overweight bag at Southwest Airlines check-in? If your bag is between 51 and 70 lbs, a $150 overweight fee applies. For 71-100 lbs, it's $200. You may be given the option to remove items to reduce weight.
How to get an exception for military baggage on Southwest Airlines? Active duty military personnel with a valid military ID receive an exemption from the two-piece baggage limit and from excess, oversized, or overweight charges, provided bags don't exceed 100 pounds or 80 inches.
By following this detailed guide, you'll be well-prepared for your next Southwest Airlines flight, minimizing stress and maximizing your travel enjoyment. Happy travels!
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