Hey there, savvy traveler! Planning a trip with Southwest Airlines and wondering about those all-important bag allowances? You've come to the right place! Gone are the days when Southwest was synonymous with "Bags Fly Free" for absolutely everyone. While they still offer a generous policy compared to many other carriers, there have been significant changes. So, let's dive in and clear up any confusion so you can pack smart and travel stress-free!
Step 1: First, let's figure out YOUR situation!
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, tell me:
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Are you a frequent flyer with Southwest's Rapid Rewards A-List or A-List Preferred status?
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Do you hold a Southwest co-branded credit card?
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Are you booking a Business Select fare?
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Are you an active-duty military member?
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Or are you a standard traveler booking a Basic, Wanna Get Away Plus®, or Anytime fare?
Your answer to this question is crucial, as it directly impacts how many free bags you'll get!
Once you've identified your traveler type, follow the steps below for a detailed breakdown of Southwest's baggage policy.
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| How Many Free Bags Do You Get On Southwest Airlines |
Step 2: Understanding the New Checked Bag Policy (Effective May 28, 2025)
This is the biggest change to be aware of. For flights booked or voluntarily changed on or after May 28, 2025, Southwest has adjusted its checked bag policy.
2.1. Standard Fares (Basic, Wanna Get Away Plus®, and Anytime Fares)
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First Checked Bag: Expect to pay $35.
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Second Checked Bag: Expect to pay $45.
Yes, you read that right. The "Bags Fly Free" era for most standard travelers on Southwest has indeed come to an end for new bookings or changes made on or after the specified date. This brings Southwest in line with many other major US carriers.
2.2. Premium Fares and Elite Status Holders
Here's where the free bags still come into play:
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Business Select® Fare: If you're booking Southwest's top-tier Business Select fare, you will still receive two free checked bags. This offers a significant advantage for those needing to check multiple items.
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Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred Members: Congratulations! As an A-List Preferred member, you'll also enjoy two free checked bags. This benefit extends to you and up to eight (8) additional Passengers on the same reservation!
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Rapid Rewards A-List Members: As an A-List member, you're entitled to one free checked bag. For a second checked bag, you'll pay $35. This benefit also applies to you and up to eight (8) additional Passengers on the same reservation.
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Southwest Co-Branded Credit Card Holders: Good news! If you are the primary Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmember, you and up to eight (8) additional Passengers traveling on the same reservation are eligible to receive your first standard checked bag free. Remember to include your Rapid Rewards number in your reservation to qualify.
QuickTip: Don’t just scroll — process what you see.
2.3. Active Duty Military Customers
Southwest continues to show appreciation for active-duty military personnel.
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Exemption from Limits & Fees: Active-duty military customers (with a current, valid military I.D.) 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). This is a fantastic benefit for those serving our country.
Step 3: Understanding Carry-On and Personal Item Allowances
Regardless of your fare type or status, Southwest has a consistent and generous policy for carry-on items.
3.1. One Carry-On Bag
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You are allowed one carry-on bag per passenger.
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This bag is typically stowed in the overhead bin.
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Dimensions: It must not exceed external dimensions of 24 inches (L) x 16 inches (W) x 10 inches (H), including wheels, handles, and any attachments.
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Weight Limit: There is no stated weight restriction for carry-on bags, but you must be able to lift it into the overhead bin unassisted.
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Examples: Common carry-on bags include roller bags and small suitcases.
3.2. One Personal Item
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In addition to your carry-on, you are allowed one smaller personal item.
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This item should fit under the seat in front of you.
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Dimensions: While specific dimensions aren't always strictly enforced for personal items as long as they fit, common guidelines are around 18.5 inches x 13.5 inches x 8.5 inches.
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Weight Limit: There is no stated weight limit for personal items.
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Examples: Purses, briefcases, laptop computer cases, small backpacks, and neck pillows are common personal items.
Step 4: Weight and Size Limits for Checked Bags
Even with free bag allowances, standard weight and size limits still apply. Exceeding these limits will result in additional fees.
4.1. Standard Checked Bag Limits
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Weight: Each checked bag must not exceed 50 pounds (22.7 kg).
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Size: The linear dimensions (length + width + height) of each checked bag must not exceed 62 inches.
QuickTip: Absorb ideas one at a time.
4.2. Overweight Baggage Fees
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If your checked bag weighs between 51 and 70 pounds, an additional fee of $100 applies.
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If your checked bag weighs between 71 and 100 pounds, an additional fee of $200 applies.
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Bags over 100 pounds will generally not be accepted as checked baggage.
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4.3. Oversized Baggage Fees
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If your checked bag has linear dimensions between 63 and 80 inches, an additional fee of $200 applies.
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Bags over 80 inches in linear dimensions will generally not be accepted as checked baggage.
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Important Note: If a bag is both oversized and overweight, only one $200 charge applies, provided the bag does not exceed 100 lbs.
Step 5: Special Items and Sports Equipment
Traveling with unique items or sports gear? Southwest has specific policies for these.
5.1. Sports Equipment
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Many types of sports equipment (like golf bags or ski equipment) are accepted as standard checked bags and count towards your allowance, provided they meet the regular weight and size limits.
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If sports equipment is oversized (63"-80") or overweight (51-70 lbs), standard oversized or overweight fees apply.
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Some specialized items, like surfboards, may have specific fees or acceptance criteria. Always check the Southwest website for details on your particular equipment.
5.2. Other Special Items
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Strollers and Car Seats: When traveling with a child, each ticketed customer can check one stroller and one car seat/child restraint system free of charge, in addition to their regular baggage allowance. These can be checked curbside, at the ticket counter, or at the gate.
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Musical Instruments: Instruments that fit within carry-on dimensions can be brought on board. Larger instruments may require purchasing a dedicated seat.
Step 6: How to Pay for Baggage Fees
If you incur baggage fees, you'll typically pay them at the airport.
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You can check your bags and pay any applicable fees at the Southwest self-tagging kiosks (where available) or directly with a Southwest Agent at the ticket counter.
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Southwest does not typically offer the option to pre-pay for checked baggage online.
Step 7: Double-Checking Your Specific Booking
Tip: Reread sections you didn’t fully grasp.
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Always review your specific itinerary and fare details after booking. While this guide provides general information, the precise terms and conditions for your flight will be outlined in your booking confirmation.
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Check the Southwest Airlines official website for the most up-to-date and comprehensive information, especially close to your travel date, as policies can sometimes change.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common questions about Southwest's baggage policy, with quick answers:
How to know if my bag is oversized for Southwest?
Measure the total linear dimensions (length + width + height) of your bag. If it's more than 62 inches, it's considered oversized and will incur a fee, unless you're active military and within their higher limits.
How to avoid checked bag fees on Southwest?
You can avoid checked bag fees by being a Rapid Rewards A-List or A-List Preferred member, a Southwest co-branded credit card holder (for the first bag), or by booking a Business Select fare. Active-duty military also get exemptions.
How to pack a carry-on bag for Southwest?
Pack essentials, valuable items, and anything you need during the flight in your carry-on. Ensure it fits within the 24" x 16" x 10" dimensions and can be lifted into the overhead bin. Your personal item should fit under the seat in front of you.
How to check a third bag on Southwest?
For Basic, Wanna Get Away Plus®, and Anytime fares, a third (or more) checked bag will incur a fee of $150 per bag, in addition to any overweight/oversized charges.
Tip: Don’t skim past key examples.
How to get two free checked bags on Southwest?
You get two free checked bags if you book a Business Select fare or are a Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred member. Active-duty military also receive multiple free bags.
How to handle overweight bags on Southwest?
If your bag is overweight (51-70 lbs or 71-100 lbs), you will pay an additional fee of $100 or $200 respectively at the airport. Consider repackaging to reduce weight.
How to travel with sports equipment on Southwest?
Most standard sports equipment counts as a regular checked bag, subject to standard weight and size limits. If it's oversized or overweight, specific fees apply. Check Southwest's website for details on your specific equipment.
How to get my military baggage exemption on Southwest?
Present your current, valid active-duty military ID at the time of check-in to receive the exemption from excess, oversize, or overweight baggage charges (up to 100 lbs and 80 inches).
How to check a stroller or car seat on Southwest?
Each ticketed customer can check one stroller and one car seat/child restraint system for free, in addition to their regular baggage allowance. You can check them curbside, at the ticket counter, or at the gate.
How to know if my flight was booked before the new baggage policy effective date?
The new baggage policy for checked bags (fees for standard fares) applies to flights booked or voluntarily changed on or after May 28, 2025. If your original booking was before this date and hasn't been changed, you might still fall under the old "Bags Fly Free" policy for your first two checked bags. Always verify your booking details!
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