You're about to embark on a fantastic journey with Southwest Airlines, known for its unique policies! But before you even think about packing, the big question often arises: How much are bags going to cost on Southwest Airlines? Let's be honest, baggage fees can quickly inflate your travel budget, and no one wants an unpleasant surprise at the airport. So, let's dive deep into Southwest's baggage policy for 2025 and equip you with all the knowledge you need to pack smart and avoid unexpected costs.
Understanding Southwest Airlines' Baggage Policy: A Step-by-Step Guide for 2025
Southwest Airlines has recently made significant changes to its baggage policy, effective May 28, 2025, for flights booked or voluntarily changed on or after that date. This is a crucial detail, so make sure to check your booking date!
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| How Much Are Bags Going To Cost On Southwest Airlines |
Step 1: Engage with Your Luggage - The Initial Assessment!
Before we even talk about fees, let's start with your bags. Go grab the luggage you're planning to take. Seriously, go get them!
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Do you have a small backpack that will fit under the seat in front of you?
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Do you have a standard carry-on suitcase that fits in the overhead bin?
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Are you planning to check a larger suitcase or two?
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Do you have any unusually shaped items, like sports equipment?
Take a mental note (or even a physical one!) of what you're working with. This initial assessment is key to understanding which parts of Southwest's policy will apply to you.
Step 2: Carry-On and Personal Items: Your Free Allies
This is where Southwest still shines!
Sub-heading 2.1: The Personal Item
Southwest allows one personal item for free. This is typically a small bag that can fit under the seat in front of you. Think of things like:
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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
The general dimensions for a personal item are around 16.25 inches (L) x 13.5 inches (W) x 8.5 inches (H). There's typically no stated weight restriction for personal items, but you should be able to comfortably place it under the seat.
Sub-heading 2.2: The Carry-On Bag
In addition to your personal item, you are allowed one carry-on bag for free. This bag needs to fit in the overhead bin.
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The maximum dimensions for a carry-on bag are typically 24 inches (L) x 16 inches (W) x 10 inches (H). Remember to include wheels and handles in these measurements!
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Similar to personal items, there isn't a strict weight limit for carry-on bags, but you must be able to lift it into the overhead bin yourself. If it's too heavy for you to lift, it might be subject to gate-checking.
Key Takeaway: If you can pack everything into one carry-on and one personal item that adhere to the size guidelines, you can fly Southwest without paying any baggage fees! This is the most cost-effective option for many travelers.
Step 3: Checked Baggage: The New Landscape of Fees (for Most)
This is the biggest change for Southwest in 2025. The "Bags Fly Free" policy, which was a hallmark of Southwest, has been significantly curtailed for most passengers.
Tip: Scroll slowly when the content gets detailed.
Sub-heading 3.1: Standard Checked Bag Fees for Most Travelers
For most passengers flying on Basic, Wanna Get Away Plus®, and Anytime fares booked or changed on or after May 28, 2025, you will now pay:
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First Checked Bag: $35 per bag
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Second Checked Bag: $45 per bag
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Third and Subsequent Checked Bags: $150 per bag
These fees are per bag, one-way. So, for a round trip, you'd pay these fees twice.
Sub-heading 3.2: Standard Size and Weight Limits for Checked Bags
Whether you're paying for your bags or getting them for free (see Step 4), the standard size and weight limits apply to each checked bag:
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Maximum Weight: 50 pounds (23 kg) per bag
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Maximum Dimensions: 62 linear inches (Length + Width + Height) per bag
If your bag exceeds these limits, you'll incur additional fees.
Step 4: Who Still Gets Free Checked Bags? (The Exceptions!)
While the "Bags Fly Free" policy is mostly gone, there are still some key exceptions where you can enjoy complimentary checked bags:
Sub-heading 4.1: Business Select® Fares
If you book a Business Select® fare, you still receive two free checked bags. This is Southwest's highest fare class and comes with other perks.
Sub-heading 4.2: Rapid Rewards® A-List Preferred Members
As a Rapid Rewards® A-List Preferred member, you and up to eight additional passengers on the same reservation are entitled to two free checked bags. This is the highest tier of Southwest's loyalty program.
Sub-heading 4.3: Rapid Rewards® A-List Members
Rapid Rewards® A-List members (the lower tier of the loyalty program) and up to eight additional passengers on the same reservation receive their first checked bag free.
QuickTip: Read a little, pause, then continue.
Sub-heading 4.4: Rapid Rewards® Credit Cardmembers
If you are a Rapid Rewards® Credit Cardmember, you and up to eight additional passengers on the same reservation are eligible for your first checked bag free. Make sure your Rapid Rewards account number is included in your reservation at the time of booking.
Sub-heading 4.5: Active-Duty Military Customers
Active-duty military Customers receive two free checked bags, and they are also exempt from overweight and oversized baggage fees (provided the bag doesn't exceed 100 lbs or 80 inches in total dimensions). This is a great perk for our service members!
Sub-heading 4.6: Interisland Hawaii Travel
For travel between the Hawaiian Islands, Hawaii residents continue to receive two free checked bags.
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Pro Tip: If you're a frequent Southwest flyer, consider pursuing A-List status or getting a Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card. The savings on baggage fees alone could make it worthwhile!
Step 5: Navigating Overweight and Oversized Baggage Fees
This is where costs can really add up if you're not careful. Always weigh and measure your bags before heading to the airport!
Sub-heading 5.1: Overweight Baggage Fees
If your checked bag exceeds the standard 50-pound weight limit:
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51-70 lbs: $100 (in addition to the standard checked bag fee, if applicable)
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71-100 lbs: $200 (in addition to the standard checked bag fee, if applicable)
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Bags exceeding 100 lbs will generally not be accepted as checked baggage.
Sub-heading 5.2: Oversized Baggage Fees
If your checked bag exceeds the standard 62 linear inches (L+W+H) size limit:
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63-80 inches: $125 (in addition to the standard checked bag fee, if applicable)
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Bags exceeding 80 linear inches will generally not be accepted as checked baggage.
Important Note: If a bag is both overweight and oversized, you will generally only pay one additional fee (the higher of the two), plus the standard checked bag fee. However, always confirm with Southwest's official policy, as nuances can exist.
Step 6: Special Items and Sporting Equipment
QuickTip: Let each idea sink in before moving on.
Southwest has specific policies for various special items and sporting equipment. Many can be checked as part of your standard checked bag allowance (if they meet the size and weight limits), but others incur additional fees.
Sub-heading 6.1: Common Sporting Equipment
Items like skis/snowboards, golf clubs, and fishing equipment often count as one checked bag. However, if they exceed the standard weight or size limits, overweight or oversized fees will apply.
Sub-heading 6.2: Pet Travel
If you're traveling with a small domesticated cat or dog in the cabin, it counts as either your carry-on item or personal item. There is a one-way charge of $125 for each pet carrier. Southwest does not allow pets in the cargo hold.
Sub-heading 6.3: Other Special Items
For items like musical instruments, bicycles, or media camera equipment, it's highly recommended to check Southwest's official website or contact their customer service. Policies can vary based on size, fragility, and specific item type, and additional fees are common for larger or more complex items.
Step 7: Pre-Pay vs. At the Airport & Tracking Your Bags
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Pre-paying: As of now, Southwest does not allow you to prepay for checked baggage online. All applicable baggage fees must be paid at the airport when you check your bags.
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Tracking: Southwest offers a convenient digital bag tracking service, which can give you peace of mind once your bags are checked.
10 Related FAQ Questions and Quick Answers
How to avoid paying checked bag fees on Southwest Airlines?
You can avoid checked bag fees by packing only a carry-on and personal item, or by qualifying for free bags through Business Select fares, Rapid Rewards A-List/A-List Preferred status, a Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card, or active-duty military status.
How to measure your bag for Southwest Airlines?
For checked bags, sum the length, width, and height of your bag (including wheels and handles) to ensure it's within the 62 linear inches limit. For carry-on and personal items, ensure their individual dimensions (24"x16"x10" and 16.25"x13.5"x8.5" respectively) are met.
Reminder: Take a short break if the post feels long.
How to weigh your bag before going to the airport?
Use a home luggage scale, a bathroom scale (weigh yourself, then weigh yourself holding the bag, and subtract), or utilize airport scales before checking in if available.
How to pack efficiently to avoid overweight fees?
Prioritize essential items, wear your heaviest clothes, consider shipping non-essential items, and distribute weight evenly across multiple bags if you have free allowances.
How to check if my fare type includes free bags on Southwest?
Refer to your booking confirmation or log into your Rapid Rewards account on the Southwest website. For flights booked or changed on/after May 28, 2025, only Business Select, A-List/A-List Preferred, and Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers get free checked bags.
How to handle oversized sports equipment on Southwest?
Check Southwest's specific sports equipment policy online. Many items count as a standard checked bag, but fees will apply if they exceed the 50 lbs weight limit or 62 linear inches size limit. Some larger items might have specific higher fees.
How to get A-List status for free bags on Southwest?
A-List status requires 20 one-way qualifying flight segments or 35,000 tier qualifying points in a calendar year. A-List Preferred requires 40 segments or 70,000 points.
How to use a Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card for free bags?
Ensure your Rapid Rewards account number is linked to your reservation when booking. The primary cardmember and up to eight additional passengers on the same reservation can get their first checked bag free.
How to manage baggage if I have a connecting flight on Southwest?
Typically, your checked bags will be tagged to your final destination if you have a connecting flight on the same Southwest itinerary. However, it's always wise to confirm this at check-in.
How to contact Southwest Airlines about specific baggage questions?
The best way is to visit the "Help Center" or "Contact Us" section on their official website (Southwest.com) or call their customer service line directly.
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