Are you getting ready for an exciting trip with Southwest Airlines and wondering about those crucial baggage limits? You're in the right place! Figuring out how much your suitcase can weigh, and what fees you might encounter, can be a bit confusing with all the different airline policies. But don't worry, we're going to break it down for you step-by-step to ensure your travel experience is as smooth as possible, without any last-minute surprises at the airport.
Understanding Southwest Airlines Baggage Policy: The Essentials
Southwest Airlines has a reputation for being customer-friendly, and while their "Bags Fly Free" policy for the first two checked bags has seen recent changes for most fares, they still offer some attractive allowances. It's essential to understand both checked baggage and carry-on limits to avoid unexpected charges and ensure a stress-free journey.
Step 1: Get to Grips with Checked Baggage Weight Limits
This is often where most travelers encounter issues, so let's tackle it head-on!
1.1 The Standard Weight Allowance
For most checked bags on Southwest Airlines, the maximum weight is 50 pounds (23 kg) per piece of luggage. This is a pretty standard limit across many airlines, so if you're a frequent flyer, this number might already be familiar to you.
1.2 The All-Important Size Limit
Beyond weight, there's also a size limit for checked bags. Each checked piece of luggage must not exceed 62 linear inches (length + width + height). Remember to include wheels and handles when you measure!
1.3 The Recent Changes: Who Still Gets Free Bags?
As of May 28, 2025, Southwest's "Bags Fly Free" policy has been adjusted. Here's a breakdown of who still gets free checked bags and for what fares:
Business Select® Fares: Customers flying on Business Select® fares still receive two free checked bags.
Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred Members: If you're a Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred member, you also get your first and second checked bags for free. This benefit extends to up to eight additional passengers on the same reservation!
Rapid Rewards A-List Members and Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers: These travelers are entitled to their first checked bag for free.
Basic, Wanna Get Away Plus®, and Anytime Fares: For these fares, booked or changed on or after May 28, 2025, checked bags now incur fees. The first checked bag is typically $35, and the second is $45.
1.4 What Happens if Your Bag is Overweight? (Overweight Fees)
This is where it can get costly if you're not careful!
51 to 100 pounds (24 to 46 kg): If your checked bag weighs between 51 and 100 pounds, you will be charged an overweight fee of $75 USD per bag.
Bags exceeding 100 pounds (46 kg): Any item weighing more than 100 pounds will not be accepted as checked baggage and must be shipped as air cargo. (Note: Customers cannot use Southwest Cargo unless classified as a Known Shipper as defined by the TSA or TSA-approved Indirect Air Carriers.)
1.5 What if Your Bag is Oversized? (Oversize Fees)
Even if your bag is within the weight limit, it can still incur a fee if it's too large.
63 to 80 linear inches: If your bag measures between 63 and 80 linear inches, an oversize fee of $75 USD per bag will apply.
Bags exceeding 80 linear inches: Bags measuring over 80 inches cannot be checked as baggage. Similar to extremely overweight items, they would need to be shipped as cargo if you are a Known Shipper.
1.6 Combined Overweight and Oversized Fees
If your bag is both overweight and oversized, only one $200 charge applies as long as the weight does not exceed 100 lbs and the size does not exceed 80 linear inches. However, fees may vary depending on the exact weight and size, so always double-check the latest Southwest Airlines Optional Travel Charges page for the most precise information.
Step 2: Understanding Carry-On Baggage Rules
While checked bags have strict weight limits, carry-on bags generally do not have a published weight restriction on Southwest, but there are size limitations.
2.1 Carry-On Bag Allowance
Southwest allows one carry-on bag and one personal item per passenger, fee-free.
Carry-On Bag Dimensions: Your carry-on bag should not exceed 24 inches (L) x 16 inches (W) x 10 inches (H). This includes handles and wheels! It must fit in the overhead bin.
Personal Item Dimensions: Your personal item (like a purse, briefcase, laptop bag, or small backpack) should be smaller and fit under the seat in front of you. The general dimensions are around 18.5 inches (L) x 8.5 inches (W) x 13.5 inches (H).
2.2 No Weight Limit, But...
While Southwest doesn't have a specific weight limit for carry-on bags, you must be able to lift your carry-on into the overhead bin unaided. If you can't, you may be required to check it, and if you've already utilized your checked bag allowance, this could result in fees.
Step 3: How to Accurately Weigh and Measure Your Suitcase
Now that you know the limits, let's talk about how to ensure your bags comply before you get to the airport. This is where a little preparation goes a long way!
3.1 Invest in a Luggage Scale
Your best friend for avoiding overweight fees is a portable luggage scale. These are inexpensive and can save you a lot of hassle and money. Simply hook your suitcase to the scale and lift it to get an accurate reading.
3.2 Use a Measuring Tape
For checking the linear dimensions (length + width + height), a flexible measuring tape is essential.
Lay your bag flat: Measure its length from bottom to top (including wheels and handles).
Measure the width: Measure across the widest part of the bag.
Measure the depth/height: Measure from the front to the back of the bag, including any protruding pockets.
Add them up! Length + Width + Height should not exceed 62 inches for checked bags.
3.3 Pack Smart: Tips for Staying Within Limits
Distribute Weight Evenly: If you're traveling with multiple bags, try to distribute heavier items across them to keep each bag under the 50-pound limit.
Wear Your Heaviest Items: If you have heavy boots or a bulky jacket, consider wearing them on the plane instead of packing them.
Packing Cubes: These can help compress your clothes and organize your belongings, potentially allowing you to fit more without exceeding size limits. However, they won't reduce the actual weight!
Leave Room for Souvenirs: If you plan on shopping, leave some extra space and weight capacity in your bags for new purchases.
Consider Shipping: For extremely bulky or heavy items that won't fit within airline limits, shipping them via a dedicated cargo service might be a more cost-effective option.
Step 4: Special Considerations and Exceptions
Southwest offers some exceptions and specific rules for certain items and passengers.
4.1 Active-Duty Military Personnel
This is a significant benefit! Active-duty military personnel with a current, valid military ID are exempt from the two-piece baggage limit and will not be subject to excess, oversize, or overweight baggage charges. This is provided that none of the pieces of baggage exceeds 100 pounds in weight and 80 inches in size (L+W+H). Bags over 80 inches still cannot be checked as baggage.
4.2 Sports Equipment
Many types of sports equipment (e.g., golf bags, skis/snowboards) can be checked as one piece of baggage and may have specific allowances or fee waivers for oversized items, though overweight fees might still apply. Always check Southwest's official "Optional Travel Charges" page for specifics on your particular equipment.
4.3 Child Restraint Devices and Assistive Devices
A child restraint device for a ticketed child with a reserved seat (or when complimentary, available space exists) does not count against the "one-bag plus one personal-type item" limit.
Assistive/mobility devices for individuals with disabilities also do not count against baggage limits and there is no limit to the number of these devices a Customer can bring onboard.
Step 5: At the Airport - What to Expect
Even with all your careful planning, it's good to know what happens at the airport.
5.1 Self-Tagging Kiosks
At many airports, Southwest offers self-tagging kiosks. This can save you time. You'll weigh your bag and print your own tag, then drop it off with an agent.
5.2 Agent Assistance
If you're unsure about your bag's weight or size, or if you prefer, a friendly Southwest agent at the check-in counter can assist you. They have the official scales and measuring tools.
5.3 Be Prepared for Fees
If your bag is overweight or oversized, the agent will inform you of the applicable fees. These must be paid at the airport. It's always better to know these costs beforehand, which is why pre-weighing is so crucial!
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are some common questions travelers have about Southwest Airlines baggage:
How to weigh your luggage at home accurately? Use a portable luggage scale for precise weight measurement. Alternatively, you can use a bathroom scale by weighing yourself, then weighing yourself while holding the suitcase, and subtracting the first number from the second.
How to measure luggage dimensions correctly for Southwest? Use a flexible measuring tape and measure the length, width, and height of your bag, including wheels and handles. Add these three measurements together to get the total linear inches.
How to avoid overweight baggage fees on Southwest? Pack lighter, distribute weight across multiple bags, wear heavier clothing items, or consider shipping items separately if they are very heavy.
How to pack efficiently to maximize space in your suitcase? Roll your clothes instead of folding them, use packing cubes to compress items, and wear bulkier items on the plane.
How to find the latest Southwest baggage fees? Always refer to the "Optional Travel Charges" section on the official Southwest Airlines website (southwest.com) for the most up-to-date information, as policies can change.
How to check a third or additional bag on Southwest? For most fares, additional checked bags beyond the first two will incur a fee, typically starting around $150 per bag, assuming they meet standard weight and size limits.
How to know if your carry-on bag is too big for Southwest? Your carry-on should fit in the overhead bin and not exceed 24" (L) x 16" (W) x 10" (H), including handles and wheels. If it's too big, you may be required to gate-check it.
How to deal with fragile items in your luggage on Southwest? It's recommended to carry fragile items in your carry-on bag. If you must check them, ensure they are extremely well-packed and understand that Southwest generally accepts fragile articles as checked baggage at the customer's own risk.
How to track your checked bags on Southwest Airlines? Southwest offers digital bag tracking services. You can often track your bags through their mobile app or website after check-in.
How to confirm if your specific fare type includes free checked bags on Southwest? When booking your flight or checking your reservation details on southwest.com, the baggage allowance for your specific fare type (e.g., Business Select, Wanna Get Away Plus) will be clearly indicated.
