Ever found yourself at the airport, bag heavy in hand, wondering if you're about to face a hefty fee for your meticulously packed (or perhaps overpacked!) luggage? You're not alone! The question of "how much extra for overweight baggage on Southwest Airlines" is a common one, especially with recent changes to their long-standing baggage policy. Let's dive deep into understanding Southwest's current baggage rules and how to avoid those surprising charges.
Navigating Southwest's Baggage Policy: A Step-by-Step Guide
Southwest Airlines, once renowned for its "Bags Fly Free" policy, has implemented significant changes as of May 28, 2025. This means understanding the updated guidelines is more crucial than ever!
Step 1: Are you eligible for free checked bags? Let's find out!
Tip: Pause if your attention drifts.
Before you even think about weight, the first and most important question is: Do you get any free checked bags at all? This is where Southwest's new policy really comes into play.
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For most passengers booking flights on or after May 28, 2025, the "Bags Fly Free" era has largely ended. You will likely incur fees for your first and second checked bags.
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Business Select® fare holders: Good news for you! You still receive two free checked bags.
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Rapid Rewards® A-List Preferred members: You also continue to enjoy the benefit of two free checked bags.
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Rapid Rewards® A-List members: You are entitled to one free checked bag.
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Southwest® Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers: If you hold a Southwest co-branded credit card, you typically get one free checked bag.
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Active-duty Military Personnel: This is a fantastic exception! Active-duty military 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, provided each bag does not exceed 100 pounds in weight and 80 inches in size (L+W+H).
Takeaway: Always check your specific fare type and loyalty status, or if you hold a co-branded credit card, to determine your free baggage allowance before you even start packing!
Step 2: Understanding Standard Checked Baggage Limits
Even if you get free bags, there are still limits to adhere to. Overweight fees kick in when your bag exceeds these standard specifications.
Tip: Pause whenever something stands out.
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Standard Weight Limit: Each checked bag must not exceed 50 pounds (22.7 kg).
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Standard Size Limit: Each checked bag must not exceed 62 inches (length + width + height) when measured linearly. This includes wheels, handles, and any attachments.
Important Note: Any item weighing more than 100 pounds must be shipped as Air Cargo via SWA Cargo, and customers must be classified as a Known Shipper as defined by the TSA or TSA approved Indirect Air Carriers (IAC).
Step 3: Calculating Overweight Baggage Fees
This is the core of our discussion! If your bag goes over the standard 50-pound limit, you're looking at additional charges. Southwest has a tiered system for overweight baggage fees.
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Bags weighing between 51 and 70 pounds (23.1 to 31.8 kg): These will incur an overweight fee of $150 per bag, each way. This is in addition to any standard checked bag fees that may apply to your fare class.
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Bags weighing between 71 and 100 pounds (32.2 to 45.4 kg): These will incur an overweight fee of $200 per bag, each way. Again, this is in addition to any standard checked bag fees.
Example Scenario: Let's say you're flying on a "Basic" fare (which now incurs bag fees), and your single checked bag weighs 60 pounds.
Tip: Read the whole thing before forming an opinion.
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First checked bag fee: $35
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Overweight fee (51-70 lbs): $150
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Total for this bag: $185
That can add up quickly!
Step 4: Understanding Oversized Baggage Fees
While our focus is on overweight, it's crucial to understand oversized fees as they can also apply. Sometimes a bag is both overweight and oversized, but Southwest has a specific rule for that.
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Bags larger than 62 inches (L+W+H) up to 80 inches (203 cm): These will incur an oversized fee of $200 per bag, each way.
What if my bag is both overweight AND oversized? Southwest clarifies that only one $200 charge applies if the piece is both oversized and overweight, as long as the weight does not exceed 100 lbs. If your bag is, for example, 75 pounds and 70 inches in total dimensions, you would pay the $200 fee, not $150 + $200.
Tip: Note one practical point from this post.
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Step 5: Strategies to Avoid Overweight Baggage Fees
No one wants to pay extra! Here are some practical tips to keep your bags within limits:
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Weigh Your Bags at Home: Invest in a luggage scale! This is your best defense against unexpected fees. Weigh your bags before you leave for the airport.
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Pack Lightly and Smartly: Do you really need that third pair of shoes? Consider if there are items you can leave behind or purchase at your destination. Roll your clothes to save space and minimize bulk.
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Utilize Your Carry-On and Personal Item: Southwest allows one carry-on bag and one personal item for free. Your carry-on should fit in the overhead bin (24" L x 16" W x 10" H), and your personal item under the seat in front of you (18.5" L x 8.5" W x 13.5" H). Load up heavier items like books, electronics, or shoes into these if they fit within the carry-on and personal item restrictions.
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Wear Your Heaviest Items: If you have heavy boots or a bulky jacket, wear them on the plane instead of packing them.
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Ship Excess Baggage: For truly significant amounts of luggage or very heavy items, consider using a luggage shipping service. This can often be more cost-effective than airline excess baggage fees, especially for international travel or multiple heavy bags.
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Distribute Weight Evenly: If you're traveling with multiple checked bags, try to distribute the weight so no single bag exceeds the 50-pound limit.
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Consider Upgrading Your Fare or Loyalty Status: If you travel frequently, the cost of a "Business Select" fare or achieving A-List Preferred status might offset baggage fees in the long run. Also, look into Southwest co-branded credit cards for the free checked bag benefit.
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| How Much Extra For Overweight Baggage Southwest Airlines |
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are some common "How to" questions regarding Southwest baggage, with quick answers:
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How to check my bag's weight before I go to the airport?
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Quick Answer: Use a home luggage scale. These are inexpensive and readily available online or at travel stores.
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How to pack efficiently to avoid overweight charges?
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Quick Answer: Roll clothes tightly, use packing cubes, wear heavy items, and prioritize essentials.
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How to handle oversized but not overweight baggage on Southwest?
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Quick Answer: If your bag is over 62 inches but not over 80 inches, and within 50 lbs, it will incur an oversized fee of $200.
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How to find out if my fare includes free checked bags on Southwest?
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Quick Answer: Check your booking confirmation or log into your Rapid Rewards account to see your fare type (e.g., Basic, Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, Business Select).
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How to get free checked bags on Southwest even with the new policy?
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Quick Answer: Be a Business Select fare holder, Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred member, A-List member, Southwest credit card holder, or active-duty military.
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How to consolidate items if my bag is overweight at the airport?
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Quick Answer: You can often shift items to a personal item or carry-on, or if traveling with others, distribute weight among their bags if they have allowance. Be prepared to potentially discard items if you cannot re-distribute.
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How to check special items like sports equipment or musical instruments on Southwest?
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Quick Answer: Most sports equipment and musical instruments can be checked as part of your baggage allowance, but specific size and weight restrictions, and potential fees, may apply. Always check Southwest's specific policy for the item. For instance, some items may have oversized fees waived but still be subject to overweight fees.
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How to know the exact dimensions and weight limits for carry-on bags on Southwest?
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Quick Answer: Carry-on bags should not exceed 24" (L) x 16" (W) x 10" (H), and personal items should fit under the seat (approx. 18.5" L x 8.5" W x 13.5" H). There's no specified weight limit for carry-on items.
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How to pay for overweight baggage fees on Southwest?
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Quick Answer: Overweight baggage fees are paid at the airport, typically at the check-in counter. Southwest does not allow pre-payment for checked luggage.
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How to avoid last-minute baggage fee surprises at the Southwest counter?
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Quick Answer: Weigh your bags at home, understand your specific baggage allowance based on your fare/status, and review Southwest's official baggage policy before your travel date.
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