Navigating airline baggage policies can sometimes feel like solving a complex puzzle, right? Especially when you're trying to figure out how much that extra suitcase will cost you. Southwest Airlines, known for its once-generous "Bags Fly Free" policy, has recently updated its baggage rules. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Southwest's extra suitcase fees, step by step, so you can plan your packing and budget with confidence.
Understanding Southwest's Updated Baggage Policy: A New Era of Fees
For years, Southwest Airlines stood out from the crowd by offering two free checked bags to all passengers. This was a significant perk that many travelers loved. However, as of May 28, 2025, Southwest has introduced new baggage fees for most fare types. It's crucial to be aware of these changes to avoid any surprises at the airport.
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| How Much Is An Extra Suitcase On Southwest Airlines |
Step 1: Discover Your Initial Baggage Allowance (and if you're still lucky!)
Before you even think about an "extra" suitcase, let's figure out what your standard allowance is. This is where your specific fare type and Rapid Rewards status come into play.
Your Fare Type Matters:
Business Select® Fares: If you've booked a Business Select fare, you're in luck! You still receive two free checked bags. This premium fare continues to offer the original Southwest baggage benefit.
Rapid Rewards® A-List Preferred Members: Another group that still enjoys the legacy benefit! A-List Preferred members get their first and second checked bags for free. This applies to the member and up to eight additional passengers on the same reservation.
Rapid Rewards® A-List Members & Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers: If you fall into these categories, you'll receive your first checked bag for free. This is a great perk, but any additional bags will incur a fee. For A-List members, this applies to the member and up to eight additional passengers on the same reservation. Credit Cardmembers also get this benefit for themselves and up to eight additional passengers, provided their Rapid Rewards account number is included at the time of booking.
Basic, Wanna Get Away Plus®, and Anytime Fares (Booked on or after May 28, 2025): This is where the new fees apply. For these fares, your first checked bag will cost $35, and your second checked bag will cost $45.
Important Note on Booking Dates:
The new baggage fee policy applies to flights booked and ticketed and/or changed on or after May 28, 2025. If you booked your flight before this date, you might still be under the old "Bags Fly Free" policy for your first two bags, regardless of your fare type (unless you subsequently changed your reservation on or after May 28, 2025). Always double-check your specific reservation details.
QuickTip: Read section by section for better flow.
Step 2: Determine What Counts as an "Extra Suitcase"
Once you've clarified your initial allowance, any bag beyond that number is considered an "extra suitcase."
If your fare/status gives you two free bags, your third bag is "extra."
If your fare/status gives you one free bag, your second bag is "extra."
If your fare requires you to pay for the first two bags, then your third bag is "extra."
Step 3: Calculate the Cost of Your "Extra Suitcase"
Here's where the numbers come in. Southwest has a clear fee structure for additional bags.
Third (and Subsequent) Checked Bags:
For your third and any additional checked bags, the fee is $150 per bag. This applies regardless of your fare type or status, once you've exceeded your initial allowance (including any free bags you might be entitled to).
Step 4: Understand Overweight and Oversized Bag Fees
This is a critical step! An "extra suitcase" isn't just about the number of bags; it's also about their size and weight. Even if you're within your allowed number of bags, an overweight or oversized bag will incur additional charges. These fees are in addition to any standard checked bag fees.
Standard Checked Bag Dimensions and Weight Limits:
QuickTip: Stop to think as you go.
Maximum Weight: 50 pounds (23 kg)
Maximum Dimensions: 62 linear inches (length + width + height)
Overweight Bag Fees:
51-70 pounds: If your extra suitcase (or any checked bag) weighs between 51 and 70 pounds, there will be a $100 fee in addition to any standard baggage fee.
71-100 pounds: For bags weighing between 71 and 100 pounds, the fee is $200, plus any standard baggage fee.
Important Note: Bags exceeding 100 pounds will generally not be accepted as checked baggage.
Oversized Bag Fees:
63-80 inches: If your extra suitcase (or any checked bag) is larger than 62 linear inches but not more than 80 linear inches, there will be a $200 fee in addition to any standard baggage fee.
Important Note: Bags exceeding 80 linear inches will generally not be accepted as checked baggage.
Combined Overweight and Oversized Fees:
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What if your extra suitcase is both overweight and oversized? Southwest generally charges the higher of the two applicable fees, or a combined fee, but not necessarily both full fees stacked. For example, if a bag is both oversized (63-80 inches) and overweight (51-70 lbs), only one $200 charge applies, provided it doesn't exceed 100 lbs total weight. Always confirm with Southwest directly if your bag falls into both categories.
Step 5: Consider Special Circumstances (Military, Sports Equipment, etc.)
Southwest offers some exceptions and specific policies for certain items and travelers.
Active Duty Military Personnel:
Tip: Remember, the small details add value.
Great news for active-duty military! 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, oversized, or overweight baggage charges, provided each bag does not exceed 100 pounds in weight and 80 inches in size. This is a fantastic benefit for service members.
Sports Equipment:
Many types of sports equipment (like skis, golf clubs, surfboards) are accepted as checked baggage.
Standard checked bag fees apply to sports equipment.
However, specific oversized or overweight charges may be waived or reduced for certain sports equipment. For example, ski equipment (skis/snowboard, poles, and boots) can be split into two bags but still count as one item, as long as they meet usual size and weight limits. It's crucial to check Southwest's specific policy for your particular type of sports equipment, as details can vary.
Pets:
If you're traveling with a small cat or dog, your pet carrier counts as either your carry-on bag or personal item.
There's a one-way pet fare of $125 (subject to change), which is separate from any baggage fees.
Pets are only allowed on domestic flights and must be in an approved carrier that fits under the seat.
Step 6: Payment Methods and Airport Procedures
Southwest does not allow you to prepay for checked baggage online. All baggage fees, including those for extra, overweight, or oversized suitcases, must be paid at the airport ticket counter when you check in your bags.
Accepted Payment: Typically, credit cards are accepted for baggage fees.
At the Airport: Allow extra time at the airport for checking in your bags and paying any applicable fees.
Step 7: Smart Packing Strategies to Avoid Extra Costs
Now that you know the costs, how can you minimize them?
Consolidate: Can you fit everything into fewer bags? Consider packing strategically.
Weigh Your Bags at Home: Invest in a luggage scale! This is the single best way to avoid overweight fees. Distribute weight evenly among your bags.
Measure Your Bags: Know the dimensions of your suitcases. If they're close to the 62-linear-inch limit, consider a smaller bag for your next trip.
Wear Heavier Items: If you're really pushing the weight limit, wear your heaviest shoes or jacket on the plane.
Ship Your Luggage: For a significant number of extra or heavy bags, consider using a luggage shipping service. This can sometimes be more cost-effective than airline fees.
Leverage Elite Status/Credit Card Benefits: If you fly Southwest frequently, achieving A-List or A-List Preferred status, or getting a Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card, can save you a lot on baggage fees over time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - How To Edition
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Here are 10 common questions about Southwest's baggage, with quick answers:
How to check my baggage allowance on Southwest Airlines? You can check your specific baggage allowance based on your fare type and Rapid Rewards status on Southwest's "Optional Travel Charges" page or by reviewing your booking confirmation.
How to avoid paying for my first and second checked bags on Southwest? Book a Business Select fare, or be a Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred member. Rapid Rewards A-List members and Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers get their first checked bag free.
How to determine if my bag is overweight for Southwest Airlines? Your bag is overweight if it exceeds 50 pounds (23 kg). You can use a home luggage scale to check before you leave for the airport.
How to know if my bag is oversized for Southwest Airlines? Your bag is oversized if its linear dimensions (length + width + height) exceed 62 inches (157 cm). Measure your bag with a tape measure.
How to pay for extra baggage on Southwest Airlines? You pay for extra, overweight, or oversized baggage at the airport ticket counter when you check in. Southwest typically accepts credit cards for these fees.
How to get free checked bags if I'm active duty military on Southwest? Present your current, valid military ID at the Southwest ticket counter. Active-duty military members are exempt from baggage limits and fees for bags up to 100 lbs and 80 linear inches.
How to travel with sports equipment on Southwest Airlines? Sports equipment generally counts as standard checked baggage. Check Southwest's specific policy for your item, as some oversized/overweight fees may be waived or reduced for certain equipment.
How to travel with a pet on Southwest Airlines? Book your pet's travel in advance by calling Southwest, as space is limited. Pay the pet fare ($125 one-way, subject to change) at the airport, and ensure your pet is in an approved carrier that fits under the seat.
How to pack efficiently to minimize Southwest baggage fees? Consolidate items, weigh your bags at home, wear heavier clothing on the plane, and consider shipping excess luggage if you have many bags.
How to find the most up-to-date baggage information for Southwest Airlines? Always refer to the official Southwest Airlines website, specifically their "Optional Travel Charges" or "Baggage" sections, for the latest and most accurate information. Policies can change, so it's always best to verify directly with the airline.
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