Hey there, savvy traveler! Planning a trip with Southwest Airlines and wondering about those all-important baggage rules? You've landed in the right place! While Southwest was once famous for its "Bags Fly Free" policy for all, things have changed as of May 28, 2025. Don't worry, we're here to break down everything you need to know about Southwest Airlines baggage allowances and fees, step-by-step, so you can pack smart and avoid any surprises at the airport.
Let's dive in!
Step 1: Understand the New Southwest Baggage Philosophy (Post-May 28, 2025)
First things first, it's crucial to acknowledge the recent shift. Southwest Airlines, traditionally known for its generous "two free checked bags" for all passengers, has updated its policy. This change took effect for flights booked or voluntarily changed on or after May 28, 2025. This means that for the majority of travelers, checked baggage fees now apply.
So, what does this mean for you? It means it's more important than ever to understand the specifics of your fare type and any loyalty status you might have.
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| How Much Is Baggage On Southwest Airlines |
Step 2: Demystifying Carry-On Baggage
Before we get to checked bags, let's talk about what you can bring with you into the cabin. Southwest Airlines still offers a very straightforward carry-on policy that applies to all passengers, regardless of fare type or status.
What You Get to Carry On (Free!)
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One Carry-On Bag: This is your main cabin bag, designed to fit in the overhead bin.
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Maximum dimensions: 24 inches (L) x 16 inches (W) x 10 inches (H). Remember to include wheels, handles, and any attachments when measuring!
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Examples: A standard roller bag or a small suitcase.
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One Personal Item: This smaller item should fit under the seat in front of you.
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Maximum dimensions: 18.5 inches (L) x 8.5 inches (W) x 13.5 inches (H).
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Examples: A purse, briefcase, laptop bag, small backpack, or a neck pillow.
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Important Considerations for Carry-On:
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No specified weight restriction for carry-on items.
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Pet Carriers: If you're traveling with a pet (small domesticated cat or dog on domestic flights), their carrier counts as either your carry-on bag or your personal item. A fee of $125 (one-way) is levied for each pet carrier.
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Additional Items Not Counted: Certain items can be brought on board in addition to your standard carry-on allowance, such as:
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Umbrellas/walking canes
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Outer garments (coats, jackets)
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Food for consumption during the flight (in disposable packaging)
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Assistive/mobility devices (wheelchairs, crutches)
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Child restraints for a ticketed child or if a complimentary, available space exists.
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Musical Instruments: Can be carried on if they fit under the seat or in the overhead locker. Larger instruments may require purchasing an additional seat.
QuickTip: Look for repeated words — they signal importance.
Step 3: Navigating Checked Baggage Fees and Allowances
This is where the recent changes come into play. The cost of your checked bags on Southwest now depends on your fare type and Rapid Rewards status.
Standard Checked Baggage Limits for All Bags
Regardless of whether your bags are free or you're paying a fee, the standard limits for checked bags remain:
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Maximum Weight: 50 pounds (22.7 kg) per bag.
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Maximum Size: 62 inches (157.5 cm) in total dimensions (length + width + height) per bag. This includes wheels and handles.
Who Gets Free Checked Bags? (The New Landscape)
Southwest's "Bags Fly Free" policy is no longer universal. Here's a breakdown of who still enjoys complimentary checked baggage:
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Business Select® Fare Passengers: If you book a Business Select fare, you will continue to receive two free checked bags. This is their highest fare class.
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Rapid Rewards® A-List Preferred Members: These elite loyalty members are entitled to two free checked bags.
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Rapid Rewards® A-List Members: If you hold A-List status, you will receive one free checked bag.
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Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers: If you have a Southwest co-branded credit card, you will generally receive one free checked bag.
Who Pays for Checked Bags? (The Majority)
For all other fare types booked or changed on or after May 28, 2025, including:
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Basic
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Wanna Get Away Plus®
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Anytime
...you will be subject to checked baggage fees.
Tip: Keep scrolling — each part adds context.
Current Checked Baggage Fees (as of July 2025)
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First Checked Bag: Approximately $35 USD
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Second Checked Bag: Approximately $45 USD
Important Note: These fees are per bag, each way. So, a round trip with one checked bag would cost you $70 ($35 out + $35 back).
Step 4: Understanding Excess, Overweight, and Oversized Baggage Fees
Sometimes, your bags might not fit neatly into the standard allowances. This is where additional fees come in. These charges are in addition to any standard checked bag fees that may apply.
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1. Excess Baggage (More than the allowed number of bags)
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If you're checking a third bag or more (beyond your free allowance or the first two paid bags), the fee is typically around $75 USD per bag.
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Example: If you're a Basic fare passenger and want to check three bags, you'd pay $35 (first bag) + $45 (second bag) + $75 (third bag) = $155 one-way.
2. Overweight Baggage (Heavier than 50 lbs)
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If your checked bag weighs between 51 and 70 pounds (23-32 kg), an overweight fee of approximately $100 USD applies.
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If your checked bag weighs between 71 and 100 pounds (32-45 kg), an overweight fee of approximately $200 USD applies.
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Any item weighing more than 100 pounds will not be accepted as checked baggage and must be shipped as air cargo (which has different rules and is usually for known shippers).
3. Oversized Baggage (Larger than 62 inches)
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If your checked bag measures between 63 and 80 inches (160-203 cm) in total dimensions (L+W+H), an oversized fee of approximately $125 USD applies.
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Bags measuring over 80 inches cannot be checked as baggage but may be shipped as cargo.
Combining Fees
QuickTip: Don’t rush through examples.
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If a bag is both oversized and overweight, only one fee typically applies (the higher of the two, usually the oversized fee if it's within the 80-inch limit, provided it doesn't exceed 100 lbs). Southwest's policy states that a single $200 charge applies if the piece is both oversized and overweight, as long as it does not exceed 100 lbs.
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However, if you're checking an excess bag that is also overweight or oversized, you will be charged the excess baggage fee plus the applicable oversize or overweight charge.
Step 5: Special Baggage and Sports Equipment
Traveling with sports gear, musical instruments, or other unique items? Southwest has specific policies for these. Many items can be substituted for your standard checked baggage allowance, but size and weight restrictions still apply, and additional fees may be incurred.
Common Special Items and Their Policies:
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Sports Equipment: Many common sports items (like golf clubs, skis, snowboards, fishing equipment) can be checked as one piece of your allowed baggage (free or paid) as long as they meet the 50 lbs/62 inches limits. If they exceed these, standard overweight/oversized fees apply.
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Bicycles: Can be checked as baggage if properly packaged. If they exceed 62 inches in total dimensions, they will incur an oversized fee.
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Surfboards: Can be checked, but keels and fins must be removed. If the bag exceeds 50 lbs, an overweight fee applies. Length and width restrictions do not apply to surfboards.
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Musical Instruments: Can be checked as baggage, subject to standard size and weight limits and associated fees. If too large, they may need to be shipped as cargo or require purchasing an additional seat.
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Assistive Devices: Wheelchairs, mobility aids, and other assistive devices are always checked free of charge and do not count towards your baggage allowance.
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Child Equipment: Strollers and car seats can be checked free of charge in addition to your regular baggage allowance.
Always check the Southwest Airlines website or contact their customer service for specific details on your particular special item, as rules can be quite detailed.
Step 6: Practical Tips for Managing Your Baggage
Now that you know the rules, here are some tips to make your Southwest travel smoother:
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Weigh Your Bags at Home: Invest in a small luggage scale. This simple step can save you significant money and stress at the airport by allowing you to redistribute items or decide to ship them if they're too heavy.
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Measure Your Bags: Don't just eyeball it! Use a tape measure to confirm your bags (especially carry-ons) fit within the dimensions. Remember, wheels and handles count!
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Pack Smart and Light: Can you really get by with just a carry-on and personal item? For shorter trips, it might be worth the effort to avoid checked bag fees altogether.
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Consider Your Fare Type: When booking, weigh the cost of a higher fare class (like Business Select) against the checked bag fees. Sometimes, the overall cost might be similar, but you gain other perks.
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Utilize Rapid Rewards Status and Credit Cards: If you're a frequent Southwest flyer, aiming for A-List status or getting a Southwest credit card can significantly reduce your baggage costs.
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Check In Early: While it won't change baggage fees, checking in online and being prepared helps streamline your airport experience, especially if you have bags to check.
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Label Your Bags: Always put your name and contact information both inside and outside of your luggage. This helps immensely if your bag gets misplaced.
Step 7: What to Do if Your Baggage is Lost, Delayed, or Damaged
While we all hope for a smooth journey, sometimes things go wrong. If your baggage is lost, delayed, or damaged:
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Report Immediately: You must report lost, damaged, or delayed baggage in person at the Southwest Airlines baggage claim office within four hours of your arrival at your destination.
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Keep Your Claim Checks: These are essential for tracking your bag and filing a claim.
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Understand Liability: Southwest's liability for lost, damaged, or delayed baggage is limited to $3,800.00 per fare-paying customer. For valuable items, consider travel insurance or shipping them separately.
QuickTip: Check if a section answers your question.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Southwest Airlines Baggage
Here are 10 common "How to" questions related to Southwest baggage, with quick answers:
How to get free checked bags on Southwest Airlines? You can get free checked bags on Southwest Airlines if you book a Business Select® fare, are a Rapid Rewards® A-List Preferred Member (two free bags), or a Rapid Rewards® A-List Member or Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmember (one free bag).
How to measure my baggage for Southwest Airlines? For carry-on bags, measure length, width, and height including wheels and handles, ensuring it's 24 x 16 x 10 inches or less. For personal items, ensure it's 18.5 x 8.5 x 13.5 inches or less. For checked bags, the sum of length + width + height should not exceed 62 inches.
How to avoid overweight baggage fees on Southwest? To avoid overweight baggage fees, weigh your checked bags at home using a luggage scale and ensure they are 50 pounds (22.7 kg) or less. Redistribute items to lighter bags or consider shipping heavier items.
How to check a third bag on Southwest Airlines? If you need to check a third bag (or more), you will incur an excess baggage fee of approximately $75 USD per bag, in addition to any applicable first or second bag fees.
How to travel with a pet on Southwest Airlines? Small domesticated cats or dogs are allowed in the cabin on domestic flights in a suitable carrier (max 8.5"H x 18.5"L x 13.5"W). The pet carrier counts as either your personal item or carry-on, and a one-way fee of $125 USD applies.
How to check a car seat or stroller on Southwest Airlines? Car seats and strollers can be checked free of charge with Southwest Airlines, in addition to your regular baggage allowance.
How to report lost or damaged baggage to Southwest Airlines? You must report lost, damaged, or delayed baggage in person at the Southwest Airlines baggage claim office at your destination within four hours of your arrival.
How to know if my fare type includes free checked bags on Southwest? Check your specific booking details or refer to Southwest's fare information. As of May 28, 2025, only Business Select® fares and Rapid Rewards® A-List Preferred members get two free checked bags; A-List and credit cardholders get one free bag. Other fare types (Basic, Wanna Get Away Plus®, Anytime) now pay fees.
How to travel with sports equipment on Southwest Airlines? Most sports equipment can be checked as part of your baggage allowance, provided it meets standard weight (50 lbs) and size (62 inches) limits. If these limits are exceeded, overweight or oversized fees will apply.
How to find the most up-to-date Southwest baggage policy? Always refer to the official Southwest Airlines website's "Baggage" or "Optional Travel Charges" sections, as policies can be subject to change.
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