Flying with Southwest Airlines has long been known for its customer-friendly policies, especially their "Bags Fly Free" perk. However, as of May 28, 2025, Southwest has introduced changes to its baggage policy, which means understanding the costs for overweight bags is more crucial than ever. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Southwest's overweight baggage fees, so you can avoid surprises at the airport and enjoy a smoother travel experience.
Ready to decipher those baggage fees? Let's get started!
Understanding Southwest Airlines' Checked Baggage Policy
Before diving into overweight bag fees, it's essential to understand Southwest's general checked baggage policy. As of the recent policy changes, the "Bags Fly Free" policy is no longer universal, and fees now apply to most fare types.
Standard Baggage Allowance:
Weight Limit: Each checked bag generally must not exceed 50 pounds (23 kg).
Size Limit: The total linear dimensions (length + width + height) of each checked bag must not exceed 62 inches (158 cm). This includes handles and wheels.
New Checked Bag Fees (for reservations booked/changed on or after May 28, 2025):
First Checked Bag: $35
Second Checked Bag: $45
Third and Additional Checked Bags: $150 per bag
Important Note: Some fare types and Rapid Rewards members still qualify for waived fees. We'll touch on those exemptions later.
Step 1: Identify Your Baggage Status – Are You Exempt or Not?
The very first thing you need to do is figure out if you're even subject to the new baggage fees or if your bags might still fly free! This is the most crucial step in determining your potential costs.
A. Check Your Fare Type:
Business Select® Fare: If you've booked a Business Select fare, congratulations! You still receive two free checked bags.
Basic, Wanna Get Away Plus®, and Anytime Fares: For these fare types, the new baggage fees of $35 for the first bag and $45 for the second bag will apply.
B. Check Your Rapid Rewards Status:
Rapid Rewards® A-List Preferred Members: You and up to eight additional passengers on the same reservation are entitled to two free checked bags.
Rapid Rewards® A-List Members: You and up to eight additional passengers on the same reservation get your first checked bag free. The second checked bag will cost $35.
Rapid Rewards® Credit Cardmembers: Primary credit cardmembers and up to eight additional passengers on the same reservation receive their first standard checked bag free. If you already have A-List status, this benefit does not provide an additional free bag.
C. Are You Military Personnel?
Active Duty Military Personnel: If you're traveling on active duty or permanent change of station orders with a valid military ID, you are exempt from checked, overweight, or oversized bag fees, provided your bags do not exceed 100 pounds and 80 inches. This is a significant perk!
If you fall into any of the exemption categories, your concern about overweight bag fees might be significantly reduced or even eliminated for your first two bags! If not, proceed to Step 2.
Step 2: Weigh Your Bags – The Critical Measurement
This might seem obvious, but it's where most people get caught off guard. Knowing your bag's weight before you get to the airport is essential.
A. The Standard Weight Limit:
As mentioned, the standard weight limit for a checked bag on Southwest Airlines is 50 pounds (23 kg). Anything over this will incur an overweight fee.
B. How to Weigh Your Bag at Home:
Bathroom Scale Method: The easiest way is to use a bathroom scale. First, weigh yourself. Then, weigh yourself while holding your packed bag. Subtract your weight from the combined weight to get your bag's weight.
Luggage Scale: For more precision and convenience, consider investing in a portable digital luggage scale. These are relatively inexpensive and can save you a lot of hassle (and money!) in the long run.
Pack Smart: If your bag is already feeling heavy, consider shifting some items to your carry-on or personal item (within their respective limits, of course) or shipping items ahead.
Step 3: Calculate the Overweight Bag Fee
Once you know your bag's weight, you can determine the specific fee. Southwest has different tiers for overweight bags.
A. Overweight Bag Fee Tiers:
51 to 70 pounds (24 to 32 kg): For bags in this weight range, the overweight fee is $100 per bag. This fee is in addition to any standard checked bag fee that applies to your fare type (e.g., if you're paying $35 for your first checked bag and it's also overweight, your total cost for that bag would be $35 + $100 = $135).
71 to 100 pounds (32 to 45 kg): For bags in this heavier range, the overweight fee is $200 per bag. Again, this is in addition to any standard checked bag fee.
Bags exceeding 100 pounds (45 kg): Bags weighing over 100 pounds will generally not be accepted as checked baggage. You would need to consider shipping these items via cargo services.
B. What if Your Bag is Both Overweight and Oversized?
If your bag is both overweight (e.g., 55 lbs) and oversized (e.g., 65 linear inches), Southwest generally applies only one excess charge, which is the higher of the two fees. For instance, if an oversized fee is $125 and an overweight fee is $100, you would pay the $125 fee (plus any standard checked bag fee). However, it's critical to confirm the exact policy at the time of travel, as policies can be subject to change. Based on current information, it appears if a bag is both oversized and overweight, a single $200 charge applies, as long as it doesn't exceed 100 lbs.
Step 4: Strategize to Avoid or Reduce Fees
Now that you understand the costs, let's explore ways to minimize or even eliminate these fees.
A. Re-distribute Weight:
If you're traveling with multiple bags and one is overweight, consider shifting some heavier items to another bag that is under the limit. This is the simplest way to avoid an overweight fee on a single bag.
Move heavy items to your carry-on or personal item. Just be mindful of the carry-on size and weight restrictions, and TSA regulations for certain items.
B. Consolidate or Downsize:
Can you fit everything into fewer bags? If you're checking three bags and one is slightly overweight, perhaps you can consolidate into two bags that meet the limits.
Do you really need everything you packed? A little ruthless decluttering can go a long way.
C. Wear Your Heaviest Items:
If you have heavy clothing items like coats or boots, consider wearing them on the plane instead of packing them.
D. Ship Your Luggage Ahead:
For very heavy or numerous bags, especially for long trips or relocations, consider using a luggage shipping service. Companies like Luggage Forward or SendMyBag can sometimes be more cost-effective than airline excess baggage fees, particularly for items exceeding 100 pounds that airlines won't accept.
E. Utilize Credit Card Benefits:
Some travel credit cards offer baggage fee reimbursements or waived checked bag fees as a benefit. Check your credit card benefits guide to see if you qualify.
Step 5: Be Prepared to Pay at the Airport
Southwest Airlines does not allow you to prepay for checked baggage fees, including overweight bag fees, online. Payment is handled at the airport.
A. Where to Pay:
Self-Tagging Kiosks: At select airports, you can use self-tagging kiosks to check your bags and pay applicable fees.
Ticket Counter: You can always check your bags and pay any fees with a Southwest® Agent at the ticket counter.
B. Payment Methods:
Southwest typically accepts major credit cards and debit cards.
By following these steps, you'll be well-prepared to handle your baggage on Southwest Airlines, whether it's within the limits or a little on the heavy side!
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 frequently asked questions, specifically starting with "How to," along with their quick answers, to further assist you with Southwest Airlines baggage policies:
1. How to avoid overweight bag fees on Southwest Airlines?
Answer: Weigh your bags at home, redistribute heavy items to other bags or your carry-on, or consider shipping excessive luggage ahead. Utilizing credit card benefits or having A-List Preferred/Business Select status can also waive fees.
2. How to check if my bag is overweight for Southwest Airlines?
Answer: Use a bathroom scale by weighing yourself, then weighing yourself holding the bag and subtracting your weight. Alternatively, use a portable digital luggage scale for accuracy.
3. How to pay for an overweight bag on Southwest Airlines?
Answer: Overweight bag fees cannot be paid online in advance. You will pay the applicable fee at the airport, either at a self-tagging kiosk or with a Southwest Agent at the ticket counter.
4. How to know Southwest Airlines' standard baggage weight limit?
Answer: The standard weight limit for checked bags on Southwest Airlines is 50 pounds (23 kg) per bag.
5. How to handle a bag that is over 100 pounds on Southwest Airlines?
Answer: Bags exceeding 100 pounds (45 kg) will generally not be accepted as checked baggage by Southwest Airlines. You will need to make alternative arrangements, such as shipping the item via cargo services.
6. How to find out if my Southwest fare includes free checked bags?
Answer: As of May 28, 2025, only Business Select fares and A-List Preferred members (and their companions) receive two free checked bags. A-List members and Rapid Rewards credit card holders get one free checked bag. Most other fares (Basic, Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime) incur fees for checked bags.
7. How to combine overweight and oversized fees on Southwest Airlines?
Answer: If a bag is both overweight and oversized, Southwest typically applies a single, higher charge. Based on current information, if a bag is both oversized (over 62 inches) and overweight (51-100 lbs), a single $200 charge applies.
8. How to get a military exemption for Southwest Airlines baggage fees?
Answer: Active duty military personnel traveling on active duty or permanent change of station orders, with a valid military ID, are exempt from checked, overweight, or oversized bag fees, provided bags don't exceed 100 pounds and 80 inches.
9. How to know the linear dimensions for Southwest Airlines checked bags?
Answer: The maximum linear dimensions (length + width + height) for a standard checked bag on Southwest Airlines is 62 inches (158 cm).
10. How to save money on baggage fees when flying Southwest Airlines?
Answer: Pack lighter, adhere to weight and size limits, take advantage of Rapid Rewards A-List/A-List Preferred status or Southwest credit card benefits, consider wearing heavier clothing, or ship excessive luggage if costs become prohibitive.
