Planning a trip with Southwest Airlines and wondering about their checked baggage policy? You've come to the right place! Southwest has long been known for its unique "Bags Fly Free" philosophy, setting it apart from many other major airlines. However, recent changes have adjusted this policy for some travelers. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about checked baggage on Southwest, from allowances and restrictions to fees and special circumstances.
Let's dive in and make sure your luggage journey is as smooth as your flight!
Understanding Southwest's Checked Baggage Policy: A Detailed Guide
Southwest Airlines, while still offering generous baggage allowances, has recently updated its policy. As of May 28, 2025, the "Bags Fly Free" benefit is no longer universal for all travelers. This means it's more important than ever to understand the nuances of their baggage rules.
Step 1: Are You Eligible for Free Checked Bags? Let's Find Out!
Before you even start packing, the first and most crucial step is to determine if your specific ticket and status qualify you for free checked bags. This is where Southwest's policy has seen the most significant shift.
For flights booked or voluntarily changed on or after May 28, 2025:
Most Passengers: The majority of passengers will now pay for their first and second checked bags.
The fee for the first checked bag is $35.
The fee for the second checked bag is $45.
Business Select Travelers: Good news if you're flying Business Select! You still get two free checked bags.
Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred Members: As a highly valued Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred member, you also enjoy the benefit of two free checked bags.
Rapid Rewards A-List Members: If you're an A-List member, you get one free checked bag.
Southwest Credit Cardholders: Many Southwest co-branded credit cards offer a perk of one free checked bag. Always check your specific card's benefits.
Active-Duty Military Personnel: This is a fantastic benefit! Active-duty military passengers with a current, valid military ID are exempt from the two-piece baggage limit and will not be subject to excess, oversize, or overweight baggage charges, provided each piece does not exceed 100 pounds in weight and 80 inches in size (L+W+H).
For flights booked and ticketed before May 28, 2025, and no changes made on or after May 28, 2025: You may still fall under the previous "Bags Fly Free" policy, which allowed two free checked bags for all passengers. However, if you voluntarily change your reservation on or after May 28, 2025, the new policy will apply.
Takeaway: Don't assume your bags will fly free! Always verify your eligibility based on your ticket type, Rapid Rewards status, or military affiliation.
Step 2: Understanding the Standard Checked Bag Dimensions and Weight
Regardless of how many bags you're allowed, there are standard size and weight limits that apply to each individual checked bag. Adhering to these limits is crucial to avoid additional fees.
Maximum Weight: Each checked bag must not exceed 50 pounds (23 kilograms).
Maximum Size: The total linear dimensions (length + width + height) of each checked bag must not exceed 62 inches (157.5 centimeters). Remember to include wheels and handles when measuring!
Pro Tip: It's always a good idea to weigh and measure your bags before heading to the airport. A simple luggage scale can save you time and money.
Step 3: Navigating Overweight, Oversized, and Excess Baggage Fees
What happens if your bags don't meet the standard requirements, or if you need to check more bags than your allowance? Southwest has clear fee structures for these situations.
Excess Baggage Fees (for bags beyond your allowance):
For the third bag and any additional bags (beyond your allowance), the fee is typically $150 per bag, one way.
For international flights to/from certain destinations (e.g., Belize, Mexico City, Montego Bay, San Jose, Costa Rica) during specific periods (e.g., November 16 through January 16), there might be a limitation to 2 checked bags, and additional bags may not be accepted. Always check for specific embargoes for your destination.
Overweight Baggage Fees (for bags between 51 and 100 lbs):
If your bag weighs between 51 and 70 pounds, an overweight fee of $150 per bag, one way applies.
If your bag weighs between 71 and 100 pounds, an overweight fee of $200 per bag, one way applies.
Important Note: Any item weighing more than 100 pounds will not be accepted as checked baggage and must be shipped as Air Cargo.
Oversized Baggage Fees (for bags larger than 62 inches):
If your bag measures between 63 and 80 inches (length + width + height), an oversized fee of $200 per bag, one way applies.
Important Note: Any bag measuring over 80 inches in total linear dimensions will not be accepted as checked baggage.
Combined Fees: If a bag is both overweight and oversized, generally only one additional fee (the higher of the two) applies, provided it doesn't exceed the absolute maximums for acceptance. For example, if a bag is 65 inches and 60 pounds, you'd likely pay the oversized fee.
Step 4: Special Items and Their Baggage Policies
Southwest understands that travelers often need to transport more than just clothes. Here's a look at some common special items and their respective policies:
Sports Equipment:
Many common sports items, such as golf equipment, skis, snowboards, and fishing equipment, can be checked as part of your standard baggage allowance if they meet the weight and size limits.
If the sports equipment exceeds the standard limits, overweight or oversized fees will apply.
Surfboards generally incur a fee of $75 (unless on Hawaiian inter-island flights where they can be substituted as a free bag).
Always ensure your equipment is properly packed to prevent damage.
Musical Instruments:
Musical instruments can be carried on board if they fit in the overhead bin or under the seat and space is available. They must meet carry-on size requirements (24" L x 16" W x 10" H).
Larger instruments that don't fit as a carry-on may be checked as a standard bag, subject to weight and size limits.
If an instrument exceeds standard checked bag dimensions (62 linear inches) or weight (50 lbs), oversize or overweight charges will apply (up to 150 inches and 165 pounds). Instruments over these limits will not be accepted.
You can also purchase a separate seat for a larger instrument if it can be safely secured.
Pets:
Southwest allows small domesticated cats and dogs to travel in the cabin on domestic flights, provided they are in an approved carrier that fits under the seat in front of you.
A fee applies for pets traveling in the cabin (typically $125 each way).
Pet carriers count as either your carry-on or personal item.
Important: Southwest does not accept pets as checked baggage in the cargo hold due to temperature restrictions. Pets are also not permitted on international itineraries.
Firearms and Ammunition:
Firearms and ammunition can be checked as baggage under very specific conditions, adhering strictly to TSA and Southwest regulations.
They must be unloaded, in a locked, hard-sided container, and declared at the ticket counter. Ammunition must be securely packed in a proper container.
Always check Southwest's detailed policy and TSA guidelines for firearms before traveling.
Step 5: Checking Your Bags at the Airport
Once you've packed and understood the policies, the final step is to check your bags efficiently at the airport.
Self-Tagging Kiosks: At many airports, Southwest offers self-tagging kiosks. You can print your baggage tags, attach them to your bags, and then drop them off with a Southwest Employee. This can save you time.
Ticket Counter: Alternatively, you can always check your bags directly with a Southwest Agent at the airport ticket counter.
Check-in Cut-off Times: Ensure you check your bags at least 45 minutes before your scheduled departure for domestic flights. For international flights, these times may be longer. Bags checked too close to departure may not make it onto your flight.
Paying Fees: Any applicable baggage fees must be paid at the airport ticket counter with accepted credit cards. Southwest typically does not offer prepayment for checked baggage.
Tracking Your Bags: Southwest offers digital bag tracking, allowing you to monitor the status of your checked luggage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 related FAQ questions to help clarify common concerns about Southwest Airlines checked baggage:
How to know if my checked bags are free on Southwest Airlines? Your eligibility for free checked bags depends on when you booked your flight (before or after May 28, 2025), your fare type (e.g., Business Select), or your Rapid Rewards status (A-List, A-List Preferred), or if you are active-duty military or a Southwest credit cardholder. Most general passengers on new bookings will pay.
How to determine the correct size for my checked bag on Southwest? Measure the length, width, and height of your bag, including wheels and handles. The sum of these three dimensions (linear dimensions) must not exceed 62 inches (157.5 cm).
How to avoid overweight baggage fees on Southwest? Ensure each checked bag weighs 50 pounds (23 kg) or less. Use a luggage scale at home before you leave for the airport to verify the weight.
How to check oversized sports equipment on Southwest? Most sports equipment can be checked as regular baggage. If it exceeds 62 linear inches or 50 pounds, an oversized or overweight fee will apply (typically $200 per item for oversized, and $150-$200 for overweight, up to 100 lbs and 80 inches). Items over 80 inches or 100 pounds will not be accepted.
How to travel with a musical instrument on Southwest? Small instruments can be carried on if they fit in the overhead bin or under the seat. Larger instruments can be checked as baggage (subject to standard fees if exceeding limits, up to 150 inches and 165 pounds), or you can purchase a separate seat for them if they can be safely secured.
How to check in my bags quickly at a Southwest airport? Utilize the self-tagging kiosks available at many airports. Print your tags, attach them, and then drop your bags at the designated area.
How to pay for extra baggage on Southwest? All applicable baggage fees (for additional, overweight, or oversized bags) must be paid at the airport ticket counter with a valid credit card. Southwest does not allow prepayment for checked bags.
How to bring a pet on a Southwest flight? Small domesticated cats and dogs are allowed in the cabin on domestic flights only, in an approved carrier that fits under the seat. A pet fee applies, and the carrier counts as your carry-on or personal item. Southwest does not accept pets as checked baggage.
How to know about baggage embargoes for international Southwest flights? Check Southwest's official website or contact their customer service for any active baggage embargoes for your specific international destination. These restrictions can limit the number of bags you can check, especially during peak travel seasons.
How to find out if my military status grants me extra baggage allowance on Southwest? Active-duty military personnel with a valid military ID are exempt from the two-piece baggage limit and excess, oversize, or overweight fees, provided bags do not exceed 100 pounds and 80 inches. Be sure to present your ID at check-in.
