Demystifying Southwest Airlines' Baggage Policy: Your Ultimate Guide to Packing Smart!
Ever found yourself staring at your luggage, wondering if it'll pass the airline's rigorous tests? You're not alone! Baggage policies can be a maze of dimensions, weights, and fees. But fear not, savvy traveler! This comprehensive guide will walk you through every detail of Southwest Airlines' baggage allowances, ensuring your journey is as smooth and stress-free as possible. Let's get packing!
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| How Many Suitcases Does Southwest Airlines Allow |
Step 1: Understanding the Basics of Southwest's Baggage Policy
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, it's crucial to grasp the fundamental principles of Southwest's baggage policy. While Southwest was famously known for its "Bags Fly Free" policy, this has undergone significant changes as of May 28, 2025. It's vital to be aware of these updates to avoid unexpected costs at the airport.
Sub-heading: The New Landscape of "Bags Fly Free"
Historically, Southwest stood out by allowing all passengers two free checked bags. However, this is largely no longer the case for most travelers. The airline has adjusted its policy to align more closely with industry standards, introducing fees for checked luggage for many fare types.
Step 2: Mastering Carry-On Baggage: What You Can Bring Aboard
Southwest offers a generous allowance for carry-on items, which can significantly reduce your checked baggage needs if you pack strategically.
Sub-heading: Your Carry-On Bag: Dimensions and Weight
You are allowed one carry-on bag per passenger, free of charge. This bag is designed to fit in the overhead bin.
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Maximum Dimensions: Your carry-on bag, including handles and wheels, must not exceed 24 inches (L) x 16 inches (W) x 10 inches (H) (approximately 61 x 40 x 25 cm).
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Weight Limit: There is generally no specific weight restriction for carry-on bags, but you must be able to lift it into and out of the overhead bin yourself.
Sub-heading: Your Personal Item: The Under-Seat Essential
In addition to your carry-on bag, you can bring one small personal item that must fit under the seat in front of you. This is also free of charge.
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Examples: Common personal items include a purse, briefcase, laptop bag, small backpack, or camera bag. Neck pillows, blankets, and walking canes typically do not count against this limit.
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Maximum Dimensions: Your personal item should not exceed 18.5 inches (L) x 8.5 inches (W) x 13.5 inches (H).
Sub-heading: What Doesn't Count Towards Your Carry-On Limit
Southwest allows certain items in addition to your one carry-on and one personal item:
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A child restraint device (car seat) for a ticketed child or if space is available.
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Assistive/mobility devices for individuals with disabilities (no limit).
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Outer garments or other wearable articles of clothing.
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Food for consumption during flight, contained in disposable packaging.
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Walking canes or umbrellas.
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Breast pumps, milk/formula, and diaper bags for infants.
Step 3: Navigating Checked Baggage: The New Fee Structure and Allowances
This is where the recent changes to Southwest's policy are most significant. The "Bags Fly Free" policy, as many knew it, has largely been phased out for most fare types.
Sub-heading: Standard Checked Baggage Allowance
As of May 28, 2025, for most passengers:
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First Checked Bag: $35 USD
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Second Checked Bag: $45 USD
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Third and Additional Bags (up to 10 bags maximum): $150 USD per bag
Each checked bag must adhere to specific size and weight limits:
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Maximum Weight: 50 pounds (23 kg) per bag.
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Maximum Dimensions: 62 linear inches (157 cm). This is calculated by adding the length, width, and height of the bag (L+W+H).
QuickTip: Focus more on the ‘how’ than the ‘what’.
Sub-heading: Who Still Gets Free Checked Bags?
While the general policy has shifted, certain travelers still enjoy complimentary checked baggage:
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Business Select Fares: Passengers who purchase a Business Select fare continue to receive two free checked bags.
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Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred Members: These elite status holders also get two free checked bags.
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Rapid Rewards A-List Members: A-List members receive one free checked bag.
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Southwest Co-branded Credit Card Holders: Travelers holding a Southwest co-branded credit card generally receive one free checked bag. Check your specific card benefits for details.
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Active U.S. Military Personnel and Dependents: They are typically exempt from checked, overweight, and oversized bag fees, provided bags do not exceed 100 pounds and 80 inches.
Sub-heading: International Flight Considerations
For international itineraries, especially those involving connections within the U.S.:
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You must check luggage at the ticket counter.
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Baggage for international flights will not be accepted less than 60 minutes prior to scheduled departure (75 minutes for flights departing Aruba).
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If your itinerary to the U.S. includes a connection, you must claim all checked luggage from baggage claim upon arrival in the U.S. (unless originating from a pre-clear city). After clearing Customs, you may need to re-check your luggage.
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Step 4: Understanding Overweight and Oversized Baggage Fees
If your bags exceed the standard weight or size limits, prepare for additional fees. These fees are in addition to the standard checked bag fees (if applicable).
Sub-heading: Overweight Baggage
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51 to 100 pounds (24 to 46 kg): $150 USD extra per bag.
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Bags exceeding 100 pounds (46 kg) will NOT be accepted as checked baggage. They must be shipped as cargo.
Sub-heading: Oversized Baggage
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63 to 80 linear inches (160 to 203 cm): $200 USD extra per bag.
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Bags exceeding 80 linear inches (203 cm) will NOT be accepted as checked baggage. They must be shipped as cargo.
Important Note: If a bag is both overweight and oversized, only one additional fee (the higher one, typically) applies, provided it does not exceed 100 lbs or 80 linear inches.
Tip: Let the key ideas stand out.
Step 5: Special Baggage Items: Sports Equipment and More
Southwest has specific policies for various special items, including sports equipment, musical instruments, and medical devices. These often count towards your checked baggage allowance, but may have unique sizing or packing requirements, and sometimes additional fees.
Sub-heading: Common Sports Equipment
Many types of sports equipment are accepted as checked baggage, provided they meet the size and weight limits. Some may incur additional fees if oversized or overweight.
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Golf Equipment: A golf bag (with clubs, balls, and shoes) counts as one checked bag. Standard weight and size limits apply.
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Skis and Snowboards: One pair of skis or one snowboard, poles, and boots can be packed in one or two bags but still count as one checked bag. Excess size charges may be waived, but overweight charges may apply.
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Bicycles: Accepted when properly packed in a bike box or bag. Fees and specific requirements may apply.
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Surfboards: Accepted, often with an additional fee of $75. They can travel free as a substitution for one of your two free bags only on Hawaiian inter-island flights (not to and from Hawaii).
Sub-heading: Musical Instruments and Medical Devices
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Musical Instruments: Policies vary based on size. Smaller instruments may be carried on if they fit in the overhead bin or under the seat. Larger instruments may need to be checked and may require special handling or a purchased seat. Always contact Southwest customer service in advance for large instruments.
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Medical Equipment: Assistive devices and medical equipment generally do not count against your baggage allowance and can be brought on board or checked without charge. However, it's highly recommended to notify Southwest in advance if you're traveling with significant medical equipment to ensure a smooth process.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to pack efficiently for Southwest Airlines?
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Focus on maximizing your carry-on and personal item space with versatile clothing and travel-sized toiletries. For checked bags, roll clothes tightly to save space and use packing cubes.
How to avoid checked baggage fees on Southwest Airlines?
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Consider obtaining a Southwest co-branded credit card, achieving Rapid Rewards A-List or A-List Preferred status, or booking a Business Select fare, as these offer free checked bags. Otherwise, try to fit everything into your free carry-on and personal item.
Reminder: Focus on key sentences in each paragraph.
How to measure your luggage for Southwest Airlines?
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Use a tape measure to check the length, width, and height of your bag. For linear inches, sum these three dimensions. For weight, use a luggage scale. Do this before you leave for the airport!
How to handle overweight baggage at the Southwest Airlines counter?
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If your bag is overweight, you'll be charged an additional fee. To avoid this, consider repacking items into another bag (if you have allowance) or shipping items separately if feasible.
How to check special sports equipment with Southwest Airlines?
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Review Southwest's specific policies for your type of sports equipment on their official website. Ensure it's properly packed and meets any specified dimensions or weight limits to avoid issues or additional fees.
How to bring a pet on Southwest Airlines?
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Southwest allows small domesticated cats or dogs to travel in the cabin in an approved pet carrier, which counts as either your carry-on or personal item. There is a one-way fee of $95. Pets are generally not allowed in the cargo hold due to temperature concerns.
How to pre-pay for checked baggage on Southwest Airlines?
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Currently, Southwest Airlines does not offer the option to pre-pay for checked baggage. Any applicable baggage fees are paid at the airport during check-in.
How to get an infant's items on Southwest Airlines without extra fees?
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Compact strollers, FFA-approved car seats, breast pumps, milk/formula, and diaper bags for infants are generally allowed as additional items and do not count against your carry-on or checked baggage allowance.
How to manage baggage on Southwest Airlines with a connecting flight?
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If you have a connecting flight on the same Southwest itinerary, your checked baggage will typically be checked through to your final destination. However, for international connections into the U.S., you will likely need to re-claim and re-check your bags after clearing customs.
How to contact Southwest Airlines for specific baggage questions?
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For the most up-to-date and specific information regarding your unique baggage situation, it's always best to visit the official Southwest Airlines website or contact their customer service directly.
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