Planning a trip with Southwest Airlines and wondering just how much luggage you can actually bring? You're in the right place! While Southwest was famous for its "Bags Fly Free" policy, recent changes have been implemented as of May 28, 2025, which means understanding their current baggage allowance is more important than ever. Don't worry, we'll walk you through everything you need to know, step-by-step, to ensure your travel experience is as smooth as possible.
Your Comprehensive Guide to Southwest Airlines Baggage Allowance
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| How Many Pieces Of Luggage Can You Take On Southwest Airlines |
Step 1: Let's Get Started – What Kind of Traveler Are You?
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty details, let's figure out your general baggage needs. Are you a light packer with just a small carry-on, or do you tend to travel with a few more essentials? Perhaps you're a sports enthusiast with specialized equipment, or a musician bringing your instrument along. Knowing your typical packing style will help us quickly identify the most relevant information for you.
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Are you traveling with only a small bag that can fit overhead or under your seat? Great, you'll primarily be concerned with carry-on and personal item rules.
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Do you anticipate needing to check a suitcase or two? Then pay close attention to the checked baggage allowances and new fee structures.
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Are you an active military member, a Southwest Rapid Rewards A-List/A-List Preferred member, or a Business Select fare holder? You might still enjoy some free checked bag benefits!
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Are you bringing something unusual, like a surfboard or a large musical instrument? We'll cover special items too!
Step 2: Understanding the New Baggage Landscape on Southwest (Effective May 28, 2025)
Gone are the days when all Southwest passengers enjoyed two free checked bags. While the airline still offers some ways to avoid fees, it's crucial to understand the updated policy.
2.1: The Core Allowance – Carry-On and Personal Item
Every Southwest passenger is generally allowed to bring two items onboard, free of charge:
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One Carry-On Bag: This is the bag that typically goes in the overhead bin.
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Maximum Dimensions: Your carry-on bag, including handles and wheels, must not exceed 24 x 16 x 10 inches (61 x 40 x 25 cm).
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Weight Limit: There is no specified weight restriction for carry-on items on Southwest, but you must be able to lift it into the overhead bin yourself. If you can't, it should be checked.
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One Personal Item: This smaller bag is designed to fit under the seat in front of you.
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Maximum Dimensions: Your personal item, such as a purse, briefcase, laptop bag, or small backpack, must not exceed 18.5 x 8.5 x 13.5 inches (46.9 x 21.6 x 34.3 cm).
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Important Note: If you are traveling with a pet, the pet carrier counts as either your carry-on or personal item.
QuickTip: Scan the start and end of paragraphs.
2.2: Checked Baggage – The Big Change
This is where the most significant changes have occurred for many travelers.
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Standard Checked Baggage Allowance: For most fare classes booked or voluntarily changed on or after May 28, 2025, fees now apply.
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Size Limit: Each checked bag must not exceed 62 linear inches (length + width + height).
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Weight Limit: Each checked bag must not exceed 50 pounds (23 kg).
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How Many Bags and What's the Cost?
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First Checked Bag: Expect a fee of $35.
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Second Checked Bag: Expect a fee of $45.
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Third Checked Bag and Beyond: For each additional bag (third, fourth, etc.), the fee is typically $75 per bag.
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Exemptions to the New Fees (Bags Still Fly Free for These Groups):
Southwest does still offer free checked bags for certain travelers:
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Business Select Travelers: You still get two free checked bags.
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Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred Members: You also receive two free checked bags.
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Rapid Rewards A-List Members: You are entitled to one free checked bag.
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Southwest Credit Card Holders: Many co-branded Southwest credit cards offer one free checked bag as a benefit. Check your specific card benefits for details.
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Active Duty U.S. Military Personnel and their Dependents: You are exempt from the standard two-piece baggage limit and typically will not be subject to excess, oversize, or overweight baggage charges, provided no single piece exceeds 100 pounds or 80 linear inches. Always verify with Southwest directly for military exemptions.
Step 3: Understanding Overweight, Oversized, and Special Item Fees
Sometimes, your bags might exceed the standard limits, or you might be traveling with unique items. Here's what you need to know about potential additional fees.
3.1: Overweight Baggage
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If your checked bag weighs between 51 and 100 pounds (23-45 kg), an overweight fee of $100 (or $75 USD in some older policies, so verify for your specific flight/booking) will be applied per bag, in addition to any applicable standard checked bag fees.
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Bags exceeding 100 pounds will generally not be accepted as checked baggage.
3.2: Oversized Baggage
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If your checked bag is larger than 62 linear inches (L+W+H) but does not exceed 80 linear inches (203 cm), an oversized fee of $125 (or $75 USD in some older policies, so verify for your specific flight/booking) will be applied per bag, in addition to any applicable standard checked bag fees.
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Bags exceeding 80 linear inches will generally not be accepted as checked baggage.
3.3: Special Items and Sports Equipment
QuickTip: Pause at transitions — they signal new ideas.
Many special items, including various types of sports equipment and musical instruments, can be checked as part of your baggage allowance. However, specific rules and potential fees apply.
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Sports Equipment: Items like golf bags, skis, snowboards, fishing equipment, and hockey sticks are often accepted. Generally, they will count as one piece of checked baggage.
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Size and Weight: They must adhere to the 50 lbs and 62 linear inches limits to avoid overweight/oversize fees.
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Specific Items: Some larger items, like bicycles or surfboards, may always incur an additional fee, even if they are within weight limits. For example, bicycles larger than 62 inches may cost $200.
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It is always best to check Southwest's official policy for your specific sports equipment, as rules can vary.
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Musical Instruments:
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Carry-On: Smaller instruments (e.g., violins, small guitars) that fit within the standard carry-on dimensions (24 x 16 x 10 inches) can be brought onboard if space is available. They count as your one carry-on item.
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Purchasing a Seat: For larger instruments that don't fit in the overhead bin but can be secured in a seat (e.g., cellos), you may purchase an additional seat for them. They must not block any aircraft signage.
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Checked Baggage: Instruments that cannot be carried on or have a seat purchased for them must be checked. Standard checked baggage fees, as well as overweight/oversized fees, apply if they exceed the limits. Southwest will not accept musical instruments where the sum of the length, height, and width of the outside linear dimensions exceeds 150 inches or the weight exceeds 165 pounds.
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If transporting an instrument in a soft-sided case, Southwest may assume limited liability for damage.
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Step 4: Practical Tips for a Smooth Baggage Experience
Now that you know the rules, here are some actionable tips to make your travel day easier:
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Measure and Weigh Before You Go: Invest in a luggage scale and a tape measure. Don't wait until you're at the airport to discover your bag is overweight or oversized!
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Pack Smart: Distribute weight evenly across your bags. Consider what you truly need and what can be left at home or purchased at your destination.
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Know Your Fare Class and Loyalty Status: If you're an A-List member, A-List Preferred, or traveling Business Select, remember to leverage your free checked bag allowance.
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Consider a Southwest Credit Card: If you fly Southwest frequently, a co-branded credit card could save you money on baggage fees over time.
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Arrive Early: Especially if you anticipate checking bags or have special items, give yourself ample time at the airport to check in and handle any potential fees.
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Label Your Luggage: Always put your name and contact information on both the inside and outside of your bags.
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Gate Checking: While not ideal, if your carry-on is slightly oversized or the overhead bins are full, you might be asked to gate check your bag. Be prepared for this possibility.
Step 5: What if You Have More Bags Than Allowed?
If you find yourself with more luggage than the standard allowances (even after considering your fare class or status benefits), you have a few options:
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Pay the Fees: The most straightforward option is to pay the applicable fees for additional, overweight, or oversized bags at the airport.
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Ship Your Luggage: For a potentially more cost-effective or convenient solution, consider using a luggage shipping service. Companies like My Baggage allow you to ship your bags ahead of time, often at competitive rates, and can save you the hassle of lugging heavy suitcases through the airport.
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Repack/Consolidate: If possible, try to consolidate your belongings into fewer bags or remove items to reduce weight and size.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - How To Edition
How to Avoid Checked Bag Fees on Southwest Airlines?
You can avoid checked bag fees on Southwest Airlines if you are a Business Select traveler, a Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred or A-List member (for one free bag), or a Southwest credit card holder (often for one free bag). Active duty U.S. military personnel and their dependents are also exempt.
Tip: Revisit this page tomorrow to reinforce memory.
How to Measure My Luggage for Southwest Airlines?
To measure your luggage, use a tape measure to determine the length, width, and height of your bag, including any handles and wheels. For checked bags, sum these three dimensions to ensure they do not exceed 62 linear inches. For carry-ons, verify individual dimensions of 24 x 16 x 10 inches.
How to Pack for Southwest Airlines Carry-On Only?
To pack for Southwest Airlines carry-on only, utilize packing cubes, roll your clothes tightly, wear your heaviest items, and ensure all liquids adhere to the TSA 3-1-1 rule (containers 3.4 ounces or less, in a quart-sized bag, one bag per passenger).
How to Check Overweight Luggage on Southwest Airlines?
You can check overweight luggage (between 51 and 100 lbs) on Southwest Airlines by paying an additional overweight fee, typically $100 per bag. Bags over 100 lbs are not accepted.
How to Check Oversized Luggage on Southwest Airlines?
You can check oversized luggage (between 63 and 80 linear inches) on Southwest Airlines by paying an additional oversized fee, typically $125 per bag. Bags over 80 linear inches are not accepted.
How to Bring Sports Equipment on Southwest Airlines?
Tip: The middle often holds the main point.
To bring sports equipment on Southwest Airlines, check their specific policy for your item. Most standard sports equipment counts as one checked bag and is subject to standard size/weight limits and associated fees if exceeded. Some items like bicycles may always incur a fee.
How to Travel with a Musical Instrument on Southwest Airlines?
You can travel with a musical instrument on Southwest Airlines as a carry-on (if it fits), by purchasing a separate seat for it (if large but fits a seat), or by checking it as baggage. Checked instruments are subject to standard baggage fees, and overweight/oversized fees if applicable.
How to Know If My Southwest Flight is Subject to New Baggage Fees?
Your Southwest flight is subject to the new baggage fees if it was booked or voluntarily changed on or after May 28, 2025, unless you fall under one of the exemption categories (Business Select, A-List Preferred, A-List, or credit card holder with benefit, military).
How to Pay for Additional Baggage on Southwest Airlines?
You can pay for additional baggage on Southwest Airlines at the airport ticket counter or at self-tagging kiosks (where available) when you check your bags. Southwest does not allow prepaying for checked baggage online.
How to Avoid Gate Checking My Carry-On on Southwest?
To avoid gate checking your carry-on on Southwest, ensure your bag strictly adheres to the 24 x 16 x 10 inch dimensions, board early if possible to secure overhead bin space, and avoid overpacking your personal item so it fits easily under the seat.
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