Have you ever found yourself staring at your luggage, wondering if it's going to make the cut for your Southwest Airlines flight? You're not alone! The world of airline baggage policies can be a labyrinth of rules, sizes, and fees. But fear not, because this comprehensive guide will illuminate every corner of Southwest's luggage allowance, ensuring your journey is as smooth as possible.
Step 1: Let's Get Started - What Kind of Traveler Are YOU?
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let's consider your travel style. Are you a minimalist, rocking just a small carry-on? Or are you a seasoned traveler with multiple bags for every occasion? Understanding your packing habits will help you quickly identify the most relevant sections of this guide.
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Are you flying for a quick weekend getaway?
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Are you moving cross-country and bringing your entire wardrobe?
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Are you traveling with sports equipment or musical instruments?
Keep these questions in mind as we explore Southwest's baggage policies.
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| How Many Luggages Are Allowed On Southwest Airlines |
Step 2: Understanding the Basics: Carry-On and Personal Items
Every passenger gets to bring a little something extra onto the plane with them. This is your immediate access to essentials and helps you avoid checking everything.
2.1: Your Carry-On Bag
Southwest Airlines generously allows one carry-on bag per passenger. This is typically your small rolling suitcase or a larger backpack.
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Size Matters: Your carry-on bag must not exceed dimensions of 24 x 16 x 10 inches (61 x 40 x 25 cm), including handles and wheels.
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Where it Goes: This bag needs to fit either in the overhead compartment above your seat or, if it's smaller, under the seat in front of you.
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Weight? Not Usually a Worry! Unlike some airlines, Southwest generally does not have a specific weight restriction for carry-on bags. However, you must be able to lift and stow it yourself in the overhead bin. If you can't, it might need to be checked.
2.2: Your Personal Item
Tip: Take notes for easier recall later.
In addition to your carry-on, you're permitted one personal item. Think of this as your "under-the-seat" bag, holding your immediate necessities.
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Compact Dimensions: Your personal item should be no larger than 18.5 x 8.5 x 13.5 inches (47 x 22 x 34 cm).
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Fits Under the Seat: This item must fit under the seat in front of you. Common examples include:
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A purse
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A briefcase
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A laptop bag
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A small backpack
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A camera bag
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A food container
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Step 3: Navigating Checked Baggage: The "Bags Fly Free" Era (and its Evolution)
Southwest Airlines was famously known for its "Bags Fly Free" policy, a huge differentiator. While the core spirit of this policy remains for many, there have been recent adjustments you need to be aware of, especially for flights booked on or after May 28, 2025.
3.1: The Standard Checked Baggage Allowance
For many years, Southwest allowed two checked bags for free per ticketed customer. This is still true for certain fare types and loyalty statuses.
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Size Limit: Each checked bag must not exceed 62 linear inches (length + width + height), including handles and wheels.
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Weight Limit: Each checked bag has a weight limit of 50 pounds (22.7 kg).
3.2: The Evolving "Bags Fly Free" Landscape (Effective May 28, 2025, for new bookings/changes)
This is where the recent changes come into play. While the generous allowance persists for some, others may now incur fees.
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Still Free! You still get two free checked bags if you are:
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A Business Select fare holder.
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A Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred member.
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One Free Bag! You receive one free checked bag if you are:
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A Rapid Rewards A-List member.
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A Southwest co-branded credit card holder.
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Fees Apply for Others: For most other fare classes (like Basic, Wanna Get Away Plus, and Anytime fares) booked or voluntarily changed on or after May 28, 2025:
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First checked bag: Approximately $35.
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Second checked bag: Approximately $45.
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These fees are per bag, per way.
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Step 4: Understanding Excess, Overweight, and Oversized Baggage
Tip: Reread the opening if you feel lost.
Sometimes, your luggage might not fit within the standard limits. This is where additional fees come in. It's crucial to understand these to avoid surprises at the airport.
4.1: Excess Baggage (More than the allowed number)
If you have more bags than your fare type or status allows, you'll incur an excess baggage fee.
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Third Bag and Beyond: For any bags beyond your free allowance (e.g., your third checked bag, or your second if you only get one free), the fee is typically around $75 per bag.
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Keep in mind that if you have a significant number of bags (e.g., 10 or more), there might be higher per-bag charges, and it's best to check directly with Southwest.
4.2: Overweight Baggage (Exceeding 50 lbs)
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If your checked bag weighs more than the standard 50 pounds, you'll be charged an overweight fee.
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51-70 lbs: A bag weighing between 51 and 70 pounds will generally incur a fee of $100.
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71-100 lbs: A bag weighing between 71 and 100 pounds will generally incur a fee of $200.
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Bags over 100 lbs are generally NOT accepted as checked baggage and will be returned to you.
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Note: These fees are in addition to any excess baggage fees.
4.3: Oversized Baggage (Exceeding 62 Linear Inches)
If your checked bag is larger than 62 linear inches, it's considered oversized and subject to a fee.
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63-80 inches: A bag measuring between 63 and 80 linear inches will typically cost you $200.
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Bags over 80 inches are generally NOT accepted as checked baggage.
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If a bag is both overweight AND oversized, only one $200 charge applies, provided it doesn't exceed 100 lbs.
Step 5: Special Items and Sports Equipment
QuickTip: Reading twice makes retention stronger.
Traveling with unique items like musical instruments, surfboards, or golf clubs? Southwest has specific policies for these, often substituting them for a standard checked bag.
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Most Sports Equipment: Many common sports items (golf clubs, skis, snowboards, fishing equipment) can often be substituted for one of your checked bags, provided they meet the standard weight and size limits.
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Larger or Heavier Equipment: Some larger or heavier items, like bicycles or certain types of surfboards, may incur additional oversized or overweight fees, even if they count towards your checked baggage allowance.
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Always check Southwest's specific policy for your particular item before you fly. This information is readily available on their website under "Special Baggage & Sports Equipment."
Step 6: Tips for a Smooth Baggage Experience
To make your journey even easier, consider these helpful tips:
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Measure and Weigh Before You Go: Don't wait until the airport! Invest in a luggage scale and measure your bags to ensure they comply with the limits. This saves you time, stress, and potentially costly last-minute fees.
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Pack Smart: Optimize your packing. Roll clothes to save space, utilize packing cubes, and wear your heaviest items on the plane.
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Consider a Southwest Credit Card: If you fly Southwest frequently, a co-branded credit card can offer benefits like one free checked bag, potentially saving you money in the long run.
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Check Your Fare Type: Before booking, understand the baggage benefits (or fees) associated with the specific fare type you choose.
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Arrive Early: Especially if you anticipate needing to check bags or have special items, arrive at the airport with plenty of time to spare.
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Label Your Bags: Always put identification tags on both the outside and inside of your checked bags with your contact information.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to avoid checked baggage fees on Southwest Airlines?
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You can avoid checked baggage fees if you are a Business Select fare holder, a Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred member (two free bags), or a Rapid Rewards A-List member or Southwest co-branded credit card holder (one free bag).
How to measure my luggage for Southwest Airlines?
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For carry-on bags, measure the length, width, and height, including wheels and handles, to ensure it's within 24 x 16 x 10 inches. For checked bags, sum the length, width, and height to ensure it's 62 linear inches or less.
How to know if my carry-on bag is too heavy for Southwest?
Tip: Revisit this page tomorrow to reinforce memory.
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Southwest does not have a stated weight limit for carry-on bags, but you must be able to lift and stow it yourself in the overhead bin. If you struggle to lift it, it's likely too heavy and should be checked.
How to check more than two bags on Southwest Airlines?
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You can check more than two bags, but additional bags beyond your free allowance (if any) will incur a fee, typically around $75 per bag.
How to transport a pet on Southwest Airlines?
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Southwest allows small domesticated cats or dogs in the cabin on domestic flights, provided they are in a suitable carrier (counts as your carry-on or personal item). A one-way fee of $125 applies. Pets are not allowed in the cargo hold.
How to travel with sports equipment on Southwest Airlines?
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Many sports equipment items can be checked as part of your standard baggage allowance. However, larger or heavier items may incur oversized or overweight fees. Always check Southwest's "Special Baggage & Sports Equipment" policy for specific details on your item.
How to handle oversized baggage on Southwest Airlines?
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Oversized bags (63-80 linear inches) will incur a fee, generally $200 per item. Bags over 80 inches are usually not accepted.
How to handle overweight baggage on Southwest Airlines?
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Overweight bags (51-70 lbs) incur a fee of $100, and bags (71-100 lbs) incur a $200 fee. Bags over 100 lbs are not accepted.
How to find the most up-to-date Southwest baggage policy?
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Always refer to the official Southwest Airlines website or contact their customer service directly for the most current and detailed baggage policy information, as policies can change.
How to use a baggage scale effectively?
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Place your empty bag on the scale, then add items until you reach your desired weight. Remember to include any items you plan to place in exterior pockets or attach to the bag. For linear dimensions, use a flexible tape measure.
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