Unpacking the Mystery: How Much Does Southwest Airlines Charge Per Bag?
Hey there, fellow traveler! Are you planning a fantastic trip with Southwest Airlines and suddenly find yourself scratching your head about baggage fees? You're not alone! For years, Southwest was famous for its "Bags Fly Free" policy, a true breath of fresh air in the airline industry. However, things have recently shifted, and understanding the new baggage policy is crucial for a smooth and budget-friendly journey.
Don't worry, we're going to break down everything you need to know about Southwest Airlines' baggage charges, step by step. Get ready to pack smart and avoid any last-minute surprises!
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| How Much Does Southwest Airlines Charge Per Bag |
Step 1: Understanding the Recent Policy Shift (It's a Big One!)
First things first, let's address the elephant in the room. If you've flown Southwest before, you might be thinking, "But Southwest always let me check two bags for free!" That was the old policy. As of May 28, 2025, Southwest Airlines has made a significant change to its baggage policy. This means that for reservations booked or voluntarily changed on or after this date, the "Bags Fly Free" perk is no longer universal.
Why the change? Southwest has stated that this shift is part of a broader transformation to meet evolving traveler expectations and improve profitability, aligning more with industry trends where most other major airlines charge for checked bags.
So, what does this mean for you? It means you need to be extra attentive to your fare type and any special statuses you might hold with Southwest.
Step 2: Decoding Southwest's Current Checked Bag Fees
Now, let's get down to the numbers. The standard fees for checked bags on Southwest Airlines (for most fares booked on or after May 28, 2025) are as follows:
Sub-heading: Standard Checked Bag Fees
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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 Checked Bag (and beyond): $150 per bag
Important Note: These fees are per bag, per one-way trip. So, a round trip would involve paying these fees for each leg of your journey.
Sub-heading: Weight and Size Limitations for Standard Bags
Before you even think about the fees, you need to ensure your bags meet Southwest's standard dimensions and weight limits. Failing to do so will result in additional charges!
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Maximum Weight: 50 pounds (23 kg) per bag
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Maximum Size: 62 linear inches (length + width + height) per bag (including handles and wheels)
Step 3: Discovering Ways to Still Get Free Checked Bags
Tip: Reading with intent makes content stick.
While the universal "Bags Fly Free" policy is a thing of the past for most, Southwest does still offer exceptions for certain travelers. This is where knowing your status and booking savvy comes into play!
Sub-heading: Business Select® Fare Holders
If you've booked a Business Select® fare, you're in luck! This premium fare still includes two free checked bags (within the standard weight and size limits). This is a great perk for business travelers or those who simply prefer the added convenience and flexibility.
Sub-heading: Rapid Rewards® A-List Preferred Members
Rapid Rewards® A-List Preferred members are also among the fortunate few who still get to enjoy two free checked bags. This elite status is earned through frequent flying with Southwest.
Sub-heading: Rapid Rewards® A-List Members & Rapid Rewards® Credit Cardmembers
If you're a Rapid Rewards® A-List member or a primary Rapid Rewards® Credit Cardmember, you're eligible for one free checked bag. This benefit applies to the Cardmember and up to eight additional passengers on the same reservation, provided the Rapid Rewards account number is included at the time of booking. It's a fantastic perk for loyal Southwest flyers and cardholders.
Sub-heading: Active Duty Military Personnel
Southwest Airlines shows its appreciation for active-duty military personnel. If you are active duty military with a valid military ID, you are exempt from the two-piece baggage limit and will not be subject to excess, oversize, or overweight baggage charges, provided each piece does not exceed 100 pounds in weight and 80 inches in size. This is a significant benefit!
Sub-heading: Hawaii Residents (Interisland Travel)
For Hawaii residents traveling between the islands, Southwest continues to offer two free checked bags.
Step 4: Navigating Oversize and Overweight Baggage Fees
Sometimes, your adventures require a little extra gear, and your bags might exceed the standard limits. Southwest has specific fees for these situations, which are in addition to any standard checked bag fees that may apply.
QuickTip: Read section by section for better flow.
Sub-heading: Overweight Baggage
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51-70 pounds: $100 per bag (in addition to the standard checked bag fee if applicable)
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71-100 pounds: $200 per bag (in addition to the standard checked bag fee if applicable)
Bags exceeding 100 pounds must be shipped as Air Cargo.
Sub-heading: Oversize Baggage
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63-80 linear inches: $200 per bag (in addition to the standard checked bag fee if applicable)
Bags exceeding 80 linear inches cannot be checked as baggage and must be shipped as Air Cargo.
Important Consideration: If a bag is both overweight and oversized, you will generally only be charged the single, higher fee (e.g., $200 for oversized, even if it's also 70 lbs, as long as it doesn't exceed 100 lbs). However, it's always best to confirm with a Southwest agent if you have a uniquely sized or weighted item.
Step 5: Understanding Carry-On and Personal Item Policies (Still Free!)
Good news! Southwest Airlines still allows passengers to bring a carry-on bag and a personal item for free. This is a great way to save on checked bag fees if you can pack light.
Sub-heading: Carry-On Bag Dimensions
Your carry-on bag must fit in the overhead bin and adhere to the following maximum dimensions:
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Maximum Size: 24 inches (L) x 16 inches (W) x 10 inches (H) (including handles and wheels)
Sub-heading: Personal Item Dimensions
Your personal item must fit under the seat in front of you. Examples include a purse, briefcase, laptop bag, or small backpack.
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Maximum Size: While not strictly enforced with a measurement, it should be able to fit comfortably under the seat. Typically, this means something around 18.5 x 8.5 x 13.5 inches.
Pro Tip: Maximize your carry-on and personal item space to avoid checked bag fees! A good travel backpack can often hold a surprising amount.
Step 6: Special Items and Sporting Equipment
Tip: Skim only after you’ve read fully once.
Traveling with unique items or sporting equipment? Southwest has specific policies and potential fees for these. Many sporting equipment items are considered standard checked bags if they meet weight and size limits, but some have waivers for oversized fees or specific rules.
Sub-heading: Common Sporting Equipment Examples
Many common sporting items, like golf clubs, skis, or fishing rods, are often accepted as a checked bag and count towards your baggage allowance. Standard checked bag fees and overweight charges will apply. Oversized charges are sometimes waived for certain sports equipment if they exceed 62 linear inches but not 115 linear inches, but overweight charges will still apply.
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Bicycles: Must be in a hard-sided bicycle box that meets the 62-inch and 50-pound limits. If it exceeds these, excess baggage fees will apply.
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Scuba Equipment: Air tanks must be empty.
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Musical Instruments: Can often be carried on if they fit in the overhead bin or under the seat, or checked as baggage.
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Firearms: Specific regulations apply and they must be unloaded, in a locked, hard-sided container, and declared to Southwest.
Always check Southwest's "Optional Travel Charges" or "Special Baggage" pages on their official website for the most up-to-date and detailed information regarding specific items. Policies can vary, and it's best to be fully informed before you arrive at the airport.
Step 7: How and When to Pay Baggage Fees
Southwest Airlines does not offer prepayment for checked baggage fees online. You will need to pay for your checked bags at the airport.
Sub-heading: Payment Options at the Airport
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Self-Tagging Kiosks: At select airports, you can use self-tagging kiosks to print your bag tags and pay applicable fees.
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Ticket Counter: You can always check your bags and pay any fees with a Southwest® Agent at the ticket counter.
When to check your bags? Arrive at the airport with enough time to check your bags, especially if you anticipate paying fees. Southwest typically recommends arriving at least 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours for international flights. Bag check cutoff times vary by airport and flight.
Step 8: Tips for Minimizing Baggage Costs
Now that you're well-versed in Southwest's baggage policies, here are some actionable tips to keep those costs down:
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Pack Light: This is the most obvious but often overlooked tip. Can you really fit everything into a carry-on and personal item? Challenge yourself!
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Utilize Your Free Carry-On and Personal Item: Make the most of your free allowance. Invest in a good, spacious carry-on and a well-designed personal item (like a travel backpack).
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Consider Southwest Credit Cards: If you fly Southwest frequently, a Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card can quickly pay for itself with the free checked bag benefit and other perks.
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Aim for Elite Status: For very frequent flyers, achieving A-List or A-List Preferred status offers significant baggage benefits.
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Ship Your Luggage: For extremely heavy or numerous items, consider shipping them via a third-party luggage shipping service. This can sometimes be more cost-effective than airline overweight/oversize fees.
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Wear Your Heaviest Items: If you have heavy shoes or a bulky jacket, wear them on the plane rather than packing them.
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Distribute Weight Evenly: If traveling with a companion, strategically distribute heavier items between your bags to avoid one bag exceeding weight limits while another is under.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 related FAQ questions that start with 'How to' with quick answers:
How to avoid Southwest baggage fees entirely?
QuickTip: Skim for bold or italicized words.
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Book a Business Select® fare, be an active duty military member, or achieve Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred status.
How to measure my bag to ensure it's not oversized?
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Use a tape measure to calculate the sum of its length, width, and height, including wheels and handles. It should not exceed 62 linear inches for standard checked bags or 24x16x10 inches for carry-ons.
How to pay for checked bags on Southwest Airlines?
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You pay at the airport, either at a self-tagging kiosk (where available) or at the ticket counter with a Southwest Agent.
How to know if my Rapid Rewards credit card offers a free bag?
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Check your specific Rapid Rewards credit card's benefits. Most primary cardmembers receive one free checked bag.
How to travel with sports equipment on Southwest?
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Refer to Southwest's "Optional Travel Charges" or "Special Baggage" section on their website, as policies and fees vary by equipment type. Many standard sporting items count as a checked bag, with potential waivers for oversized fees but not overweight.
How to check if my reservation was booked before the new baggage policy went into effect?
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Reservations booked or voluntarily changed on or after May 28, 2025, are subject to the new fees. Check your booking confirmation date.
How to maximize my carry-on allowance on Southwest?
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Choose a carry-on bag that meets the 24x16x10 inch dimensions and a personal item that fits under the seat. Utilize packing cubes and strategically pack to fit as much as possible.
How to track my checked bag with Southwest?
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Southwest offers digital bag tracking. You can usually track your bag through the Southwest mobile app or their website using your baggage tag number.
How to handle a bag that is both overweight and oversized on Southwest?
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Generally, you will be charged the single, higher fee (e.g., $200 for oversized) if it's both overweight (up to 100 lbs) and oversized. Always confirm with an agent for clarity.
How to get military baggage benefits on Southwest?
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Present your current, valid active duty military ID at the Southwest ticket counter when checking in your bags.
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