Are you ready to unravel the mystery of Southwest Airlines' baggage policy? It can sometimes feel like navigating a maze, but don't worry, we're going to break it down for you step-by-step. Get ready to pack smart and fly worry-free!
Demystifying Southwest Airlines Baggage: Your Ultimate Guide
Southwest Airlines has long been known for its "Bags Fly Free" policy, which set it apart from many other major carriers. However, recent changes (effective May 28, 2025) have altered this landscape, so it's more important than ever to understand what you're entitled to. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how many bags you get with Southwest Airlines, including carry-on, checked, and special item policies, along with potential fees.
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| How Many Bags Do I Get With Southwest Airlines |
Step 1: Understand the Core Baggage Types – What Are You Bringing?
Before we dive into the specifics of how many bags, let's define the two main categories of baggage you'll encounter with any airline, including Southwest:
1.1 Carry-On Baggage: Your In-Cabin Essentials
This is the bag you bring with you into the aircraft cabin. It's stored either in the overhead bins or under the seat in front of you. Think of it as your immediate access bag for things you'll need during the flight.
1.2 Checked Baggage: The Bigger Haul
These are the bags that are checked at the ticket counter or curbside and travel in the cargo hold of the aircraft. You won't have access to them during the flight, and you'll typically retrieve them at baggage claim upon arrival at your destination.
Step 2: Decoding Southwest's Carry-On Allowance – What Can You Bring Onboard?
Southwest is quite generous with its carry-on policy, allowing you to bring two items free of charge.
2.1 One Carry-On Bag
Tip: Use this post as a starting point for exploration.
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Size Limits: Your carry-on bag must not exceed 24 x 16 x 10 inches (including handles and wheels). This size is designed to fit comfortably in the overhead bins.
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Weight Limit: The good news? Southwest typically does not have a specific weight restriction for carry-on bags. However, you must be able to lift it into the overhead bin yourself without assistance.
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Examples: This could be a small rolling suitcase, a duffel bag, or a large backpack.
2.2 One Personal Item
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Size Limits: Your personal item should be smaller and must fit under the seat in front of you. The maximum dimensions are typically 16.25 x 13.5 x 8 inches.
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Weight Limit: Similar to carry-on bags, there's generally no stated weight limit for personal items, as long as they fit under the seat.
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Examples: This commonly includes a purse, briefcase, laptop bag, small backpack, or camera bag.
2.3 Additional Items Not Counted Towards Your Carry-On Limit
Southwest allows certain items in addition to your one carry-on bag and one personal item. These include:
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Outer garments (coats, jackets)
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Umbrellas or walking canes
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Food for consumption during the flight (in disposable packaging)
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Assistive/mobility devices (e.g., wheelchairs, crutches)
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Child restraint systems/car seats for a ticketed child or when a complimentary, available space exists.
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Diaper bags, breast pumps, and formula/milk when traveling with an infant.
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Medical equipment (make sure it contains only medical items to avoid it being counted against your limit).
Step 3: Navigating Southwest's Checked Baggage Policy – The Big Changes!
This is where the recent policy updates come into play. While Southwest was famous for "Bags Fly Free," this is no longer universal for all fare classes.
3.1 Standard Checked Baggage Allowance (and Fees)
As of May 28, 2025, for most travelers booking Basic, Wanna Get Away Plus, and Anytime fares, checked bags are no longer free.
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First Checked Bag: Expect to pay approximately $35 for your first checked bag.
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Second Checked Bag: The cost for a second checked bag is around $45.
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Third (or More) Checked Bags: If you need to check a third bag or more, the fee jumps to approximately $150 per bag.
3.2 Standard Checked Baggage Dimensions and Weight Limits
Regardless of whether your bags are free or paid, the following limits apply:
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Maximum Weight: Each checked bag must not exceed 50 lbs (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).
3.3 Who Still Gets Free Checked Bags?
Good news! Not everyone is affected by the new fees. Certain passengers still enjoy the "Bags Fly Free" benefit for checked luggage:
QuickTip: Skim the intro, then dive deeper.
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Business Select® Customers: If you purchase a Business Select fare, you will still receive two free checked bags.
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Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred Members: These elite loyalty members are entitled to two free checked bags.
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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 Card Holders: Many Southwest co-branded credit cards offer a benefit of one free checked bag for eligible members. Check your specific card benefits.
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Active Duty Military Personnel: Military personnel on active duty or permanent change of station orders are exempt from the two-piece baggage limit and will not be subject to excess, oversized, or overweight baggage charges, provided their bags do not exceed 100 lbs in weight and 80 inches in total dimensions. (Remember to have your valid military ID!)
Step 4: Understanding Overweight and Oversized Baggage Fees – When Your Bags Are Extra Large or Heavy
If your checked bags exceed the standard weight or size limits, you'll incur additional fees. These fees are in addition to any standard checked bag fees that may apply.
4.1 Overweight Baggage Fees
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51 lbs - 70 lbs: A fee of approximately $100-$150 per bag will apply.
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71 lbs - 100 lbs: A fee of approximately $125-$200 per bag will apply.
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Bags over 100 lbs: Bags weighing more than 100 lbs are generally not accepted as checked baggage.
4.2 Oversized Baggage Fees
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63 inches - 80 inches (linear dimensions): A fee of approximately $125-$200 per bag will apply.
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Bags over 80 inches: Bags exceeding 80 inches in linear dimensions are generally not accepted as checked baggage.
Important Note: If a bag is both overweight and oversized, you will typically only be charged one fee (the higher of the two), not a double charge, as long as it doesn't exceed the absolute maximum limits.
Step 5: Special Baggage and Sports Equipment – Traveling with Unique Items
Southwest is generally accommodating when it comes to special items and sports equipment, but specific rules and fees often apply.
5.1 Common Special Items
Many common items like golf bags, ski equipment, and musical instruments can often be substituted for one of your checked bags. However, they must still adhere to the standard weight and size limits (50 lbs and 62 inches) or incur overweight/oversized fees.
5.2 Specific Equipment Considerations
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Bicycles: Bicycles typically incur a special handling fee and may have specific packing requirements. Oversized fees may apply.
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Surfboards/Windsurfing Equipment: These usually fall under oversized item fees, with specific length restrictions.
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Firearms and Ammunition: These have very strict rules and must be declared, unloaded, and properly packaged. They are only allowed as checked baggage.
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Car Seats and Strollers: When traveling with a child, one stroller and one car seat/child restraint system can be checked free of charge, in addition to your regular baggage allowance. These can be checked at the curb, ticket counter, or gate.
Always check Southwest's official website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date and specific rules for any unusual or large items you plan to travel with.
Tip: Reading on mobile? Zoom in for better comfort.
Step 6: Tips to Avoid or Minimize Baggage Fees – Be a Savvy Traveler!
Now that you know the rules, here are some strategies to help you save money on baggage fees:
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Pack Light: This is the golden rule! The less you bring, the less you pay.
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Utilize Your Carry-On and Personal Item: Maximize the space in your free carry-on and personal item. A compact backpack that fits under the seat can hold a surprising amount.
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Consider a Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card: If you fly Southwest frequently, the checked bag benefit offered by these cards can easily offset the annual fee.
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Achieve A-List or A-List Preferred Status: For loyal Southwest flyers, earning elite status can provide valuable benefits, including free checked bags and other perks.
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Upgrade to Business Select: If the cost difference is minimal and you need two checked bags, a Business Select fare might be a cost-effective option.
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Ship Your Luggage: For very large or numerous items, consider using a luggage shipping service. This can sometimes be more economical and convenient than airline fees, especially for oversized or overweight items.
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Weigh Your Bags at Home: Invest in a luggage scale to avoid surprises at the airport and rearrange items if needed.
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Wear Your Heaviest Items: If you have heavy shoes or jackets, wear them on the plane to reduce your bag's weight.
10 Related FAQ Questions (How To)
Here are 10 common "How to" questions related to Southwest Airlines baggage, with quick answers:
How to Check My Bags with Southwest Airlines?
You can check your bags at the Southwest Airlines ticket counter, at the curbside check-in (where available), or at a self-tagging kiosk in the airport.
How to Pay for Overweight or Oversized Bags on Southwest?
Overweight and oversized baggage fees are typically paid at the airport ticket counter or at the gate if your carry-on is deemed too large. Southwest generally does not allow pre-payment for these fees.
How to Know if My Carry-On Bag is the Right Size for Southwest?
Measure your carry-on bag, including wheels and handles. It should not exceed 24 inches (L) x 16 inches (W) x 10 inches (H). Most airports also have sizing bins where you can test your bag.
How to Bring a Pet on Southwest Airlines?
QuickTip: Don’t ignore the small print.
Small domesticated cats or dogs can be carried in the cabin on domestic flights, provided they are in an approved carrier that fits under the seat. A one-way fee applies, and the pet carrier counts as one of your carry-on items. Pets are generally not allowed in the cargo hold due to temperature extremes.
How to Travel with a Car Seat and Stroller on Southwest?
Each ticketed customer traveling with a child can check one stroller and one car seat/child restraint system free of charge. These can be checked at the curb, ticket counter, or gate.
How to Confirm My Specific Baggage Allowance for My Southwest Flight?
The most accurate way is to check the baggage policy on the official Southwest Airlines website, or review your booking confirmation details, as policies can vary slightly based on your fare type and Rapid Rewards status.
How to Get Free Checked Bags if I Don't Have A-List Status or a Southwest Credit Card?
The only other way to get free checked bags for standard travelers (as of May 28, 2025) is by purchasing a Business Select® fare.
How to Pack Liquids in My Carry-On for Southwest Flights?
Follow TSA's 3-1-1 rule: liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes must be 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per container, fit in one quart-sized bag, and be limited to one bag per passenger.
How to Avoid Gate-Checking My Carry-On Bag on Southwest?
Ensure your carry-on bag strictly adheres to the dimensions (24" x 16" x 10") and is not overstuffed. If it doesn't fit in the sizer, you may be required to gate-check it.
How to Travel with Sports Equipment Like Skis or Golf Clubs on Southwest?
Sports equipment like skis (skis/snowboard, poles, and boots count as one item) or golf bags can often be substituted for one checked bag. However, standard weight (50 lbs) and size (62 inches) limits apply, and fees will be assessed if they are overweight or oversized. Always check specific equipment rules on the Southwest website.
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