Navigating airline baggage policies can often feel like solving a complex puzzle, but with Southwest Airlines, understanding your checked bag allowance is crucial for a smooth journey. While Southwest was famously known for its "Bags Fly Free" policy, significant changes were implemented for flights booked on or after May 28, 2025. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how many checked bags you can have with Southwest Airlines, including fees, size limits, and exceptions.
Ready to unravel the mystery of Southwest's baggage rules? Let's dive in!
Step 1: Understand the New Baseline Policy
First things first, let's address the big change. For flights booked on or after May 28, 2025, Southwest Airlines has largely moved away from its universal "Bags Fly Free" policy for most passengers. This means that for many travelers, checked bags will now incur fees.
The Standard Approach:
First Checked Bag: Expect to pay a fee of around $35.
Second Checked Bag: The fee for your second checked bag will be approximately $45.
Third Checked Bag and Beyond: For any additional checked bags (third, fourth, etc.), the fee can jump significantly to around $150 per bag.
Important Note: These fees are per bag, per person, and apply each way. They are also non-refundable.
Step 2: Determine Your Eligibility for Free Checked Bags
While the "Bags Fly Free" policy has changed for many, there are still ways to enjoy complimentary checked bags with Southwest. Your eligibility often depends on your fare type, loyalty status, or credit card affiliation.
Sub-heading: Fare Types and Their Baggage Benefits
Southwest offers various fare types, and your chosen fare significantly impacts your checked baggage allowance:
Business Select® Fare: This is Southwest's premium fare, and it continues to be the most generous when it comes to baggage.
Benefit: Passengers on Business Select fares receive two free checked bags. This is a fantastic perk for those who prioritize flexibility and additional baggage.
Anytime Fare: This fare offers more flexibility than the Wanna Get Away Plus or Basic fares, but it generally does not include free checked bags as a standard benefit.
Benefit: Checked bag fees may apply. You'll likely pay the standard $35 for the first bag and $45 for the second.
Wanna Get Away Plus® Fare: This fare offers some flexibility, but like the Anytime fare, it typically does not include free checked bags.
Benefit: Checked bag fees may apply. Expect the standard $35 and $45 fees.
Basic Fare: This is Southwest's most restrictive and lowest-priced fare.
Benefit: Checked bag fees will apply. You'll definitely be paying for your checked luggage.
Sub-heading: Rapid Rewards Status and Credit Card Perks
If you're a loyal Southwest flyer or a Rapid Rewards credit cardholder, you might still enjoy some free checked bag benefits:
Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred Members: These elite members receive a significant baggage allowance.
Benefit: Two free checked bags are included for A-List Preferred members and up to eight (8) additional passengers on the same reservation.
Rapid Rewards A-List Members: A-List members also get a valuable checked bag perk.
Benefit: One free checked bag for A-List members and up to eight (8) additional passengers on the same reservation.
Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers: Holding a co-branded Southwest Airlines credit card can also get you a free bag.
Benefit: The primary Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmember and up to eight (8) passengers traveling on the same reservation are eligible to receive their first standard checked bag free. Note that this benefit does not apply to flights booked with a partner carrier.
Sub-heading: Active-Duty Military Personnel
Southwest offers special consideration for active-duty military.
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 that none of the pieces of baggage exceeds 100 pounds in weight and 80 inches in size (L+W+H). Thi
s is a fantastic benefit for our service members!
Step 3: Adhere to Weight and Size Limits
Regardless of whether your bags are free or paid, all checked bags must adhere to Southwest's standard weight and size restrictions. Failing to meet these limits will result in additional fees.
Sub-heading: Standard Checked Bag Dimensions
Maximum Size: Each checked piece of luggage must not exceed 62 inches in total linear dimensions (length + width + height). Remember to include wheels and handles when measuring!
Sub-heading: Standard Checked Bag Weight
Maximum Weight: Each checked bag has a maximum weight limit of 50 pounds (23 kg).
Sub-heading: Overweight and Oversize Baggage Fees
If your bag exceeds these standard limits, prepare for extra charges. These fees are in addition to any standard checked bag fees you might already be paying.
Overweight Baggage Fees:
51 to 70 pounds: Approximately $100 - $150 per bag.
71 to 100 pounds: Approximately $200 per bag.
Any item weighing more than 100 pounds generally must be shipped as Air Cargo, with exceptions for military personnel.
Oversize Baggage Fees:
63 to 80 inches: Approximately $200 per bag.
Bags in excess of 80 inches cannot be checked as baggage, though they might be shippable as cargo if you are a "Known Shipper."
Combined Fees: If a single piece of luggage is both overweight and oversized, you will typically only be charged the higher of the two applicable fees, not both. For example, if a bag is 70 lbs (overweight) and 65 inches (oversized), you'd likely pay the $200 oversize fee, not both.
Step 4: Special Items and Exceptions
Southwest Airlines has specific policies for various special items, such as sports equipment and musical instruments. These often have different sizing and weight rules or may count differently towards your allowance.
Sub-heading: Sports Equipment
Many types of sports equipment (e.g., golf clubs, skis, surfboards, bicycles) are accepted as checked baggage.
Important: Standard checked bag fees and overweight/oversize fees still apply unless specific exceptions are noted. For example, some oversized charges might be waived for certain sports equipment if it's within a specific size range, but overweight charges may still apply. Always check Southwest's "Optional Travel Charges" page for specifics on your particular equipment.
Sub-heading: Musical Instruments
Carry-on: Smaller instruments that fit within carry-on dimensions (24" x 16" x 10") can be brought onboard if space is available.
Purchasing a Seat: Larger instruments that won't fit in the overhead bin or under a seat can have a seat purchased for them, provided they can be properly secured.
Checked Baggage: Instruments can be checked as baggage. However, if your reservation was booked on or after May 28, 2025, a checked baggage fee may apply. Oversize or overweight charges will apply if the instrument exceeds the standard 62 linear inches or 50 pounds, with certain exceptions for larger instruments (e.g., up to 150 inches and 165 pounds, but subject to limited release of liability).
Step 5: International Travel Considerations
If your itinerary includes an international flight, there are a few additional points to keep in mind regarding checked baggage.
Check-in Location: For any portion of your itinerary that includes an international flight, you must check your luggage at the Southwest Airlines Ticket Counter upon arrival at the airport. You cannot use curbside check-in.
Check-in Time: Baggage for international flights generally will not be accepted less than 60 minutes prior to scheduled departure (75 minutes for flights departing Aruba).
Connecting International Flights: If you are connecting through a U.S. airport after an international flight, you will often be required to claim all your luggage (regardless of final destination), clear U.S. Customs, and then re-check your bags with a Southwest Customer Service Agent before proceeding to your connecting flight(s).
Step 6: How to Pay for Checked Bags
Southwest Airlines currently does not allow prepayment for checked bags online. Fees for checked bags, overweight, and oversized baggage must be paid at the airport.
Payment Options: You can pay at the self-tagging kiosks (where available) or directly at the airport ticket counter with a Southwest Agent.
Final Thoughts: Plan Ahead and Measure!
The key to avoiding unexpected baggage fees with Southwest Airlines is to plan ahead and measure your bags before you even leave for the airport. Know your fare type, understand your Rapid Rewards status benefits, and be aware of the standard size and weight limits. While the "Bags Fly Free" era for all has largely passed, Southwest still offers competitive baggage options, especially for its frequent flyers and Business Select customers.
10 Related FAQ Questions:
How to calculate the linear dimensions of my bag?
To calculate the linear dimensions, simply add the length, width, and height of your bag (L + W + H). Make sure to include any wheels and handles!
How to avoid checked bag fees on Southwest?
To avoid checked bag fees, consider booking a Business Select fare, achieving Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred status, becoming a Rapid Rewards A-List member, or being a Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmember (for the first bag). Active-duty military personnel also receive significant waivers.
How to check bags late for a Southwest flight?
Baggage checked 45 minutes or less before the scheduled or posted departure time is considered "Late Check." While Southwest will try to get it on your flight, they won't assume delivery charges if it doesn't arrive with you. For international flights, the cut-off is typically 60-75 minutes before departure.
How to check a car seat or stroller with Southwest?
Southwest allows passengers traveling with children to check one pushchair (stroller) and one car seat free of charge, in addition to their regular baggage allowance.
How to know if my bag is overweight for Southwest?
Weigh your packed bag at home using a luggage scale. The maximum weight for a standard checked bag on Southwest is 50 pounds (23 kg). If it's over, redistribute items or prepare to pay an overweight fee.
How to track my checked bag with Southwest?
Southwest offers digital bag tracking. You can often track your bags through the Southwest Airlines mobile app or by asking a Southwest Customer Service Agent at the airport.
How to get a refund for incorrect baggage fees on Southwest?
If you believe you were incorrectly charged for baggage fees, you should contact Southwest Airlines customer service directly or file a refund claim within 45 days of the charge.
How to travel with large sports equipment like a surfboard on Southwest?
Large sports equipment like surfboards are accepted as checked baggage, but they are subject to standard checked bag fees and potential overweight/oversize charges. Specific rules and waivers might apply, so check Southwest's "Optional Travel Charges" page for details on your specific item.
How to get two free checked bags on Southwest?
You can get two free checked bags on Southwest if you purchase a Business Select fare, or if you are a Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred member. Active-duty military personnel also receive an exemption from the two-piece limit and associated fees.
How to handle connecting flights with checked bags on international Southwest itineraries?
If your international itinerary involves a connection in the U.S., you must claim all your checked luggage after your international flight, clear U.S. Customs, and then re-check your bags with Southwest before proceeding to your connecting domestic flight.
