Have you ever wondered about the true cost of checking a bag when flying with Southwest Airlines? For years, Southwest was celebrated for its legendary "Bags Fly Free" policy, setting it apart from almost every other major US carrier. However, that era has officially ended. As of May 28, 2025, Southwest Airlines has introduced new checked baggage fees, bringing its policy more in line with its competitors. So, if you're planning a trip with Southwest, understanding these new costs is crucial for a smooth and budget-friendly journey.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Southwest's current checked baggage fees, helping you avoid surprises and manage your travel expenses effectively. Let's dive in!
Step 1: Understand the New Standard Checked Bag Fees
The most significant change is the introduction of fees for standard checked bags for most fare types. No more "two free bags for everyone" unless you fall into specific categories!
New Fee Structure:
First Checked Bag: $35
Second Checked Bag: $45
These fees apply per bag, each way. So, a round trip with one checked bag will cost you $70, and two checked bags round trip will be $160. Keep this in mind when budgeting your trip!
What's Considered a Standard Bag?
Southwest's standard baggage dimensions and weight limits remain the same:
Size Limit: Up to 62 inches (length + width + height). This includes wheels and handles.
Weight Limit: Up to 50 pounds (23 kg) each.
If your bag exceeds these limits, additional fees will apply, which we'll cover in a later step.
Step 2: Identify If You're Eligible for Free Checked Bags
While the "Bags Fly Free" policy for all is gone, Southwest does still offer free checked bags for certain passengers. It's essential to check if you qualify!
Categories That Still Enjoy Free Checked Bags:
Business Select® Fare Customers: If you've booked a Business Select fare, you will continue to receive two free checked bags. This is a valuable perk for those who opt for this premium fare.
Rapid Rewards® A-List Preferred Members: These elite members of Southwest's loyalty program are also entitled to two free checked bags.
Rapid Rewards® A-List Members: If you're an A-List member, you'll receive your first checked bag for free. The second checked bag will incur the standard $45 fee.
Rapid Rewards® Credit Cardmembers: Many Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards credit card holders will also receive their first checked bag for free. This is a significant benefit to consider if you're a frequent Southwest flyer.
Important Note: These baggage benefits generally do not apply to flights booked with a partner carrier. Always verify the specific terms and conditions of your fare and loyalty status.
Step 3: Account for Overweight and Oversized Baggage Fees
Even if your first or second bag is technically free, or you've paid the standard fee, exceeding the weight or size limits will result in additional charges. These fees can add up quickly!
Overweight Baggage Fees:
For bags weighing between 51 and 100 pounds (23.1-45.3 kg): An additional $100 per bag.
Bags weighing over 100 pounds will not be accepted as checked baggage.
Oversized Baggage Fees:
For bags measuring between 63 and 80 inches (160-203 cm) in total dimensions: An additional $75 per bag.
Bags measuring over 80 inches will not be accepted.
Combined Fees: If your bag is both overweight and oversized, you will typically pay both applicable fees. For example, a bag that is 65 inches and 55 pounds could incur a $75 oversized fee plus a $100 overweight fee, on top of any standard checked bag fee if it's not a free allowance. This means a single bag could cost you $175 in additional fees! Measure and weigh your bags carefully before heading to the airport!
Step 4: Special Items and Their Costs
Southwest Airlines has specific policies and potential fees for various special items, including sports equipment, musical instruments, and pet carriers.
Sports Equipment:
Many types of sports equipment (like golf clubs, skis, snowboards, fishing equipment) are generally accepted as checked baggage and count towards your free or paid baggage allowance. However, oversized or overweight rules and fees still apply. For instance, a golf bag and a shoe bag can be checked as one item, as long as they collectively meet the size and weight limits. Always check Southwest's specific policy for your particular sports equipment, as some larger items may have unique fees.
Musical Instruments:
Musical instruments can be checked as baggage, subject to standard size and weight limitations and associated fees. If an instrument is too large to fit in the overhead bin or under the seat, you may need to purchase an additional seat for it.
Pet Travel:
If you're traveling with a small domesticated cat or dog in the cabin, they must be in a carrier that fits under the seat in front of you. There is a fee for this service.
In-cabin pet fee: Approximately $125 per pet carrier, each way.
This carrier counts as either your carry-on item or personal item. Southwest does not accept pets as checked baggage in the cargo hold due to temperature concerns, with exceptions for certain active-duty military or State Department personnel.
Step 5: Strategies to Potentially Reduce or Avoid Baggage Fees
Now that you know the costs, let's explore ways to minimize or even eliminate those pesky baggage fees.
A. Pack Light and Smart:
The simplest way to save money! Can you fit everything into a carry-on and a personal item? Southwest allows one carry-on bag (up to 24 x 16 x 10 inches) and one personal item (up to 16.25 x 13.5 x 8 inches) for free. There are no weight restrictions for carry-on items, but you must be able to lift them into the overhead bin yourself.
Roll your clothes: This saves space and can reduce wrinkles.
Wear your bulkiest items: If you have heavy boots or a bulky jacket, wear them on the plane instead of packing them.
Consider travel-sized toiletries: Decant your liquids into smaller containers to save space and weight.
B. Utilize Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cards:
As mentioned in Step 2, several Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards offer a free checked bag as a benefit. If you fly Southwest frequently, this could easily offset the annual fee of the card. Check the specific benefits of the card you hold or are considering.
C. Achieve A-List or A-List Preferred Status:
For very frequent flyers, earning A-List or A-List Preferred status is an excellent way to get free checked bags, along with other valuable perks like priority boarding.
D. Ship Your Luggage:
For extremely heavy or numerous bags, or if you simply prefer to travel unencumbered, consider using a luggage shipping service. Companies like LugLess or My Baggage can often be a cost-effective alternative, especially for oversized or overweight items that would incur significant airline fees.
E. Consolidate with Travel Companions:
If you're traveling with others, coordinate your packing. Even if you each pay for one bag, consolidating heavy items into fewer, compliant bags can prevent overweight fees.
Step 6: When and Where to Pay for Checked Bags
Understanding the payment process is just as important as knowing the fees themselves.
At the Airport:
The most common way to pay for checked bags is at the airport. You can typically do this at:
Self-Tagging Kiosks: Many airports now offer self-service kiosks where you can print your bag tags and pay any applicable fees with a credit card. This can save you time.
Southwest Ticket Counter: A Southwest agent can assist you with checking your bags and processing payment.
Online (Limited Options):
Currently, Southwest primarily handles checked bag payments at the airport. While you can manage your reservation online, pre-paying for standard checked bags before arriving at the airport isn't widely available in the same way it is with some other airlines. Always double-check Southwest's official website for any changes or updates to their pre-payment options.
Step 7: Double-Check Before You Fly!
Airline policies, especially regarding baggage, can sometimes change. It's always a good practice to:
Visit the Official Southwest Airlines Website: Before your trip, navigate to Southwest.com and look for their "Baggage Policy" or "Checked Bag Policy" section. This will provide the most up-to-date information.
Review Your Ticket or Confirmation: Your booking confirmation may outline the baggage allowance and any included benefits specific to your fare type.
Measure and Weigh Your Bags: Invest in a luggage scale and a tape measure. This small investment can save you significant money in overweight or oversized fees at the airport.
By following these steps, you'll be well-prepared to navigate Southwest Airlines' checked baggage policies and avoid any unexpected costs, ensuring a smoother start to your journey!
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to calculate the total size of my checked bag for Southwest?
To calculate the total size, simply add the length, width, and height of your bag (including wheels and handles). For example, if your bag is 24 inches (L) + 16 inches (W) + 10 inches (H), its total size is 50 inches. This must be 62 inches or less for a standard bag.
How to avoid overweight baggage fees on Southwest?
The best way to avoid overweight fees is to weigh your bag at home before you leave for the airport, ensuring it's 50 pounds (23 kg) or less. Consider packing heavier items in your carry-on or wearing them.
How to get free checked bags on Southwest Airlines?
You can get free checked bags on Southwest by booking a Business Select fare, being a Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred member (2 free bags), being a Rapid Rewards A-List member (1 free bag), or being a Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmember (1 free bag).
How to check a third or more bag on Southwest?
For additional bags beyond your first two (or beyond your free allowance), Southwest generally charges a fee per extra bag. As of the current policy, it would be $75 per additional bag, subject to standard size and weight limits.
How to pay for checked bags at Southwest Airlines?
You typically pay for checked bags at the airport either at a self-tagging kiosk using a credit card or at the Southwest Airlines ticket counter with an agent. Pre-payment options online are limited for standard checked bags.
How to bring sports equipment on Southwest flights?
Most standard sports equipment can be checked as a regular bag, counting towards your allowance. However, always check Southwest's specific sports equipment policy on their website as some items may have unique requirements or additional fees if oversized or overweight.
How to travel with a pet on Southwest Airlines?
Southwest allows small domesticated cats and dogs to travel in the cabin with you, provided they are in an approved carrier that fits under the seat. There is a fee of approximately $125 each way, and the carrier counts as your carry-on or personal item. Pets are generally not accepted as checked baggage in the cargo hold.
How to measure my carry-on bag for Southwest?
For your carry-on, ensure it doesn't exceed 24 inches (L) x 16 inches (W) x 10 inches (H), including wheels and handles. For your personal item, it should fit under the seat in front of you, generally around 16.25 inches (L) x 13.5 inches (W) x 8 inches (H).
How to find the most current Southwest baggage policy?
Always refer to the official Southwest Airlines website (Southwest.com) and navigate to their "Baggage" or "Checked Baggage Policy" section. This will have the most up-to-date and accurate information.
How to pack efficiently to avoid baggage fees?
To pack efficiently, utilize packing cubes, roll your clothes tightly, wear your bulkiest items, and consider whether you truly need everything you plan to bring. Prioritize necessities and remember that you can often buy items at your destination.
