Decoding Southwest Airlines Checked Bag Fees: Your Ultimate Guide (2025 Update!)
Ah, Southwest Airlines. For decades, the mere mention of their name brought a smile to travelers' faces, often accompanied by the whispered words: "Bags Fly Free!" It was a unique, cherished perk that set them apart in the often-costly world of air travel. But as of May 28, 2025, that era, for most, has drawn to a close.
If you're like countless others wondering, "Just how much is a checked bag at Southwest Airlines now?", you've come to the right place. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Southwest's updated baggage policy, including costs, exceptions, and savvy tips to save money. So, let's dive in and ensure your next trip is as smooth as possible!
Step 1: Are you feeling the change? Understanding the New Reality
First things first, let's address the elephant in the room. If you've flown Southwest before, you might be accustomed to simply showing up with your two free bags. However, that's no longer the standard for most.
Engage with me: Were you aware of this policy change before reading this? Share your initial thoughts in your head! It's a significant shift, and understanding that the "Bags Fly Free" policy is largely a thing of the past for new bookings or voluntarily changed flights on or after May 28, 2025, is the crucial first step. This change aligns Southwest more closely with other major U.S. carriers, who have long charged for checked luggage.
Step 2: The Price Tag Revealed: How Much Will You Pay?
Now for the numbers. For the majority of Southwest passengers, the new baggage fees are straightforward:
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Your First Checked Bag: A fee of $35 per bag, per one-way trip.
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Your Second Checked Bag: A fee of $45 per bag, per one-way trip.
Important Note: These fees are applicable to your Basic, Wanna Get Away Plus®, and Anytime fares if booked or changed on or after May 28, 2025. This means if you booked your flight before that date, your original "Bags Fly Free" terms should still be honored. Always double-check your booking confirmation!
Step 3: The Fine Print Matters: Weight and Size Limits
Even with fees, there are still rules about how much your bag can weigh and its dimensions. Exceeding these limits will incur additional charges.
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Standard Weight Limit: Each checked bag must not exceed 50 pounds (23 kg).
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Standard Size Limit: The sum of the bag's length, width, and height (L+W+H) must not exceed 62 inches (157 cm).
QuickTip: Read line by line if it’s complex.
Sub-heading: Overweight and Oversized Baggage Fees
If your bag is a little too heavy or a bit too big, prepare for extra fees:
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Overweight Baggage (51-70 pounds): An additional fee of $100 per bag.
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Overweight Baggage (71-100 pounds): An additional fee of $200 per bag.
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Oversized Baggage (63-80 inches L+W+H): An additional fee of $200 per bag.
Note: If your bag is both overweight and oversized, you'll generally only pay one of the additional fees (the higher one), not both, as long as it doesn't exceed 100 lbs. Bags over 100 pounds or 80 inches are typically not accepted as checked baggage and may need to be shipped as cargo.
Step 4: Still Flying Free? Exceptions to the New Policy
While the "Bags Fly Free" policy is mostly gone, there are still several important exceptions where you might not have to pay for your checked bags. Knowing these can save you a significant amount!
Sub-heading: Fare Class Privileges
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Business Select® Fares: If you book a Business Select® fare, you will continue to receive two free checked bags. This is Southwest's highest-tier fare, offering maximum flexibility and perks.
Sub-heading: Rapid Rewards® Status Benefits
Southwest's loyalty program, Rapid Rewards®, offers valuable baggage benefits to elite members:
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Rapid Rewards® A-List Preferred Members: These top-tier members will receive their first and second checked bags for free. This benefit also extends to up to eight additional passengers on the same reservation!
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Rapid Rewards® A-List Members: A-List members will receive their first checked bag for free. Similar to A-List Preferred, this also applies to up to eight additional passengers on the same reservation.
Sub-heading: Southwest Rapid Rewards® Credit Cardmembers
Holding a Southwest co-branded credit card can also grant you free checked bags:
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Southwest Rapid Rewards® Credit Cardmembers: The primary cardmember is eligible to receive their first standard checked bag free. This benefit also extends to up to eight additional passengers traveling on the same reservation. Remember to include your Rapid Rewards number in your reservation to ensure eligibility.
QuickTip: If you skimmed, go back for detail.
Sub-heading: Active Duty Military Personnel
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Active Duty Military: Southwest continues to offer generous baggage allowances for active duty military personnel. They are generally exempt from baggage fees for their checked bags. It's always best to check the latest policy directly on the Southwest website or contact them for specific details.
Sub-heading: Inter-island Hawaii Travel
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Hawaii Residents (inter-island flights): For Hawaii residents traveling between the islands, two free checked bags are allowed.
Step 5: Smart Strategies: How to Avoid or Minimize Baggage Fees
Nobody likes paying extra, so here are some proactive steps you can take to keep your baggage costs down:
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Travel Light: The simplest and most effective way to avoid checked bag fees is to pack only a carry-on and a personal item. Southwest still allows one carry-on bag and one personal item for free. Ensure your carry-on meets the dimensions (typically 10 x 16 x 24 inches) and your personal item fits under the seat in front of you.
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Consider Fare Classes: If you know you'll be checking bags, compare the cost of a higher fare class (like Business Select®) that includes free checked bags versus paying the individual bag fees. Sometimes, the overall cost might be similar, and you'll get additional perks with the higher fare.
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Leverage Rapid Rewards® Status: If you fly Southwest frequently, strive for A-List or A-List Preferred status. The free checked bags are a significant benefit that can quickly offset the effort of achieving status.
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Get a Southwest Credit Card: The Southwest Rapid Rewards® credit cards offer various benefits, including a free first checked bag for the primary cardmember. If you're a loyal Southwest flyer, this can be a worthwhile investment.
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Weigh Your Bags at Home: Invest in a portable luggage scale. This small tool can save you from costly overweight bag fees at the airport. You'll know before you leave if you need to redistribute weight or leave something behind.
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Ship Your Luggage: For very heavy or numerous bags, consider shipping your luggage ahead of time through a service like LugLess or directly with a shipping carrier. This can sometimes be more cost-effective than airline baggage fees, especially for oversized or extremely heavy items.
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Consolidate Bags (if traveling with others): If you're traveling with family or friends, strategically pack your belongings to minimize the total number of checked bags, especially if some of your group has free bag allowances (e.g., a credit card holder or A-List member).
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Check for Embargoes: For international travel, especially to certain destinations, Southwest may have baggage embargoes in place, restricting oversized, overweight, or extra checked bags. Always check their website for specific destination restrictions.
Step 6: At the Airport: Checking Your Bags
Southwest makes checking bags relatively easy. You have a few options:
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Self-Tagging Kiosks: At many airports, you can use self-service kiosks to print your bag tags and pay any applicable fees. Simply attach the tags to your bags and drop them off at the designated baggage drop area.
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Ticket Counter: You can always check your bags directly with a Southwest Agent at the airport ticket counter. This is recommended if you have any questions, oversized items, or special circumstances.
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Curbside Check-in: In some locations, curbside check-in is available, offering a convenient way to check your bags without going inside the terminal.
Remember to allow ample time for bag check, especially during peak travel seasons.
Step 7: Stay Informed: Policy Changes and Updates
Airline policies can change, and Southwest has certainly proven that recently. It's always a good practice to check the official Southwest Airlines website for the most up-to-date information on baggage fees, size, and weight restrictions before each trip. This guide is current as of July 2025, but policies can evolve.
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| How Much Is A Checked Bag At Southwest Airlines |
FAQs: Your Quick Answers to Checked Bag Queries
QuickTip: Slowing down makes content clearer.
Here are 10 related FAQ questions with quick answers to help you navigate Southwest's checked bag policies:
How to check if my booking is subject to the new baggage fees?
Check your flight booking confirmation. If your flight was booked or voluntarily changed on or after May 28, 2025, the new fees likely apply unless you fall into an exception category.
How to avoid paying for checked bags on Southwest?
The best ways are to either pack only a carry-on and personal item, achieve Rapid Rewards A-List status, fly Business Select, or be a Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cardholder.
How to know the exact weight and size limits for Southwest checked bags?
Standard limits are 50 pounds (23 kg) and 62 linear inches (157 cm) (L+W+H). Always confirm on the official Southwest Airlines website for any potential updates.
How to pay for checked bags on Southwest?
You can pay at self-tagging kiosks or at the ticket counter with a Southwest Agent at the airport.
How to get two free checked bags on Southwest now?
Tip: Absorb, don’t just glance.
You can still get two free checked bags if you book a Business Select fare, or if you are a Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred member.
How to utilize my Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card for free checked bags?
Ensure your Rapid Rewards number is included in your reservation. The primary cardmember and up to eight passengers on the same reservation are eligible for the first free checked bag.
How to determine if my sports equipment counts as a standard checked bag?
Many common sports equipment items (e.g., skis, golf clubs) are accepted as a checked bag, counting towards your allowance, but special rules and potential oversized/overweight fees may apply. Check Southwest's special baggage section for specifics.
How to handle an overweight or oversized bag if I'm already at the airport?
You will be charged the applicable overweight ($100 or $200) or oversized ($200) fee. If significantly over, you may need to lighten your bag or ship items separately.
How to check bags if I'm an active duty military member with Southwest?
Active duty military personnel generally receive special allowances and are exempt from standard baggage fees. Present your military ID at the counter.
How to find the most current and official Southwest baggage policy?
Always refer to the official "Checked Baggage Policy" or "Optional Travel Charges" pages on the Southwest Airlines website (Southwest.com) for the latest and most accurate information.
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