Ever wondered how much luggage you can truly bring on your next Southwest Airlines adventure without incurring unexpected fees? You're in the right place! Navigating airline baggage policies can feel like a labyrinth, but with Southwest, while their "Bags Fly Free" motto was a hallmark, there have been some recent changes to be aware of for 2025. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Southwest's luggage allowance, from carry-ons to checked bags, special items, and even how to avoid those pesky extra charges. Let's get packing!
Your Ultimate Guide to Southwest Airlines Luggage Allowance
Southwest Airlines has long been lauded for its passenger-friendly policies, particularly its "Bags Fly Free" offering. However, as of May 28, 2025, there have been updates. It's crucial to understand these changes to ensure a smooth and cost-effective journey.
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| How Much Luggage Are You Allowed On Southwest Airlines |
Step 1: Understanding the Core Philosophy - What's Changed?
For years, Southwest stood out by allowing two free checked bags for every ticketed customer. This was a significant differentiator in an industry where baggage fees are standard. However, as of May 28, 2025, this policy has been revised for most fare types. While the spirit of passenger value remains, you'll now find that only certain fare classes and Rapid Rewards elite members continue to enjoy two free checked bags. For Basic, Wanna Get Away Plus®, and Anytime fares, you will likely incur fees for your first and second checked bags. Business Select® fares, Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred members, and Hawaii residents traveling between islands will still benefit from two free checked bags. Rapid Rewards A-List members and Southwest credit card holders will generally get their first checked bag free.
So, before you even think about packing, double-check your fare type and Rapid Rewards status! This is the most critical first step to understanding your personal baggage allowance.
Step 2: Demystifying Carry-On Luggage
Carry-on luggage is your best friend for a quick getaway or to keep essential items close. Southwest is quite consistent with its carry-on policy.
Sub-heading: What You Can Bring Onboard for Free
You are permitted to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item per passenger, free of charge.
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One Carry-On Bag: This is your main cabin bag, often a small suitcase or a duffel bag, designed to fit in the overhead bin.
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Maximum Dimensions: The sum of the length, width, and height must not exceed 50 linear inches (24 x 16 x 10 inches or 61 x 41 x 28 cm), including handles and wheels.
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Weight Limit: Southwest does not have a specified weight limit for carry-on bags, as long as you can lift it into the overhead bin unassisted. However, it's always wise to pack reasonably.
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One Personal Item: This is a smaller item that must fit under the seat in front of you.
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Examples: A purse, briefcase, laptop bag, small backpack, or camera bag.
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Maximum Dimensions: Typically no more than 16.25 x 13.5 x 8.5 inches (41 x 34 x 21 cm).
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Weight Limit: There is no specified weight limit for personal items either.
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QuickTip: Pause at transitions — they signal new ideas.
Sub-heading: Additional Items You Can Bring (Beyond the Standard)
In addition to your carry-on and personal item, you can typically bring the following without them counting towards your allowance:
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Outer garments (coats, jackets)
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Umbrellas or walking canes
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Food for consumption during the flight in disposable packaging
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Assistive or mobility devices (wheelchairs, crutches, braces)
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Child restraint systems for a ticketed child or when a complimentary, available space exists.
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Pet carrier: If you're traveling with a small cat or dog, their carrier will count as either your carry-on bag or your personal item. A fee applies for pets.
Step 3: Navigating Checked Baggage Rules
This is where the recent changes come into play, so pay close attention!
Sub-heading: The New Standard for Most Passengers (As of May 28, 2025)
For most fares (Basic, Wanna Get Away Plus®, Anytime), you will now generally face fees for checked bags.
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First Checked Bag: Approximately $35 (subject to change)
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Second Checked Bag: Approximately $45 (subject to change)
Sub-heading: The "Still Fly Free" Exceptions
Certain passengers still enjoy the benefit of free checked bags:
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Business Select® Fare Passengers: You get two free checked bags.
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Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred Members: You also receive two free checked bags. This benefit extends to up to eight (8) additional passengers on the same reservation.
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Rapid Rewards A-List Members: You receive your first checked bag free. This benefit also extends to up to eight (8) additional passengers on the same reservation.
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Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers: You typically receive your first standard checked bag free. This benefit usually applies to the primary cardmember and up to eight (8) passengers on the same reservation.
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Hawaii Residents: If you are a Hawaii resident traveling between the Hawaiian islands, you are allowed two free checked bags.
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Active-Duty Military Personnel: This is a significant perk! Active-duty military personnel (with 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 piece does not exceed 100 pounds (45 kg) in weight and 80 inches (203 cm) in size. This is a fantastic benefit for service members!
Sub-heading: Standard Dimensions and Weight Limits for All Checked Bags
Regardless of whether your bags are free or paid, they must adhere to these limits:
Tip: Take your time with each sentence.
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Maximum Weight per Bag: 50 pounds (23 kg)
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Maximum Linear Dimensions per Bag: 62 inches (157.5 cm) (Length + Width + Height)
Remember: These dimensions include handles, pockets, and wheels!
Step 4: Understanding Excess, Oversized, and Overweight Baggage Fees
If your bags exceed the standard limits, you'll incur additional charges. These fees are per item, one-way, and are in addition to any standard checked bag fees that may apply to your fare.
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Overweight Baggage:
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51-70 pounds (23-32 kg): Approximately $100 per bag.
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71-100 pounds (32-45 kg): Approximately $125 - $200 per bag (depending on exact weight and current policy).
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Bags over 100 pounds (45 kg) will NOT be accepted as checked baggage. They may need to be shipped via cargo.
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Oversized Baggage:
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Greater than 62 inches (157.5 cm) but up to 80 inches (203 cm) linear dimensions: Approximately $125 - $200 per bag.
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Bags over 80 inches (203 cm) will NOT be accepted as checked baggage. They may need to be shipped via cargo.
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Excess Baggage (3rd bag and beyond):
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If you're checking a third bag or more (and you don't fall under the free bag exceptions), the fee is typically around $75 per bag.
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If an excess bag is also overweight or oversized, only one combined higher fee applies (e.g., if a third bag is also overweight, you pay the overweight fee, not both excess and overweight).
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It's always more cost-effective to stay within the standard limits if possible!
Step 5: Special Items and Sports Equipment
Southwest is generally accommodating with special items and sports equipment, often allowing them as part of your standard checked baggage allowance, provided they meet certain criteria.
Sub-heading: General Rules for Special Items
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Many common sports items (golf clubs, skis, snowboards) and musical instruments are accepted as one of your two free checked bags (if applicable to your fare/status) or as a regular paid checked bag, as long as they don't exceed the 50 lbs and 62 inches linear dimensions.
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If they exceed these limits, oversize and/or overweight fees will apply.
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Bicycles: Bicycles are accepted when packaged in a bike box or case. Oversize fees typically apply if the box dimensions exceed 62 linear inches.
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Surfboards: Accepted with a $75 fee (subject to change), unless on Hawaiian inter-island flights where they may travel free when substituted as one of your two free bags.
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Musical Instruments: Small instruments can often be carried on if they fit in the overhead bin or under the seat. Larger instruments may require purchasing an additional seat or checking them as baggage. If checked, they are subject to standard baggage rules and fees if oversized/overweight.
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Medical Equipment/Assistive Devices: These generally do not count towards your baggage allowance and can be checked for free. However, it's always best to contact Southwest directly for specific guidelines regarding complex medical devices.
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Always check Southwest's official website or call their customer service for the most up-to-date and specific information on special items, as policies can vary and evolve.
Step 6: Practical Tips for a Smooth Baggage Experience
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Pack Smart, Not Heavy: Try to utilize your carry-on and personal item allowance effectively to avoid checking bags or to reduce the number of checked bags.
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Weigh Your Bags at Home: Invest in a luggage scale. This simple tool can save you significant money by preventing overweight baggage fees.
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Measure Your Bags: Before heading to the airport, measure your bags (length + width + height) to ensure they meet the linear dimension requirements.
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Consider Shipping: For extremely heavy or numerous items, consider using a luggage shipping service. This can sometimes be more cost-effective than airline excess baggage fees.
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Label Your Bags: Always put identification tags on both the outside and inside of your luggage with your name, phone number, and email address.
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Know Your Fare Class and Status: As highlighted, your fare and Rapid Rewards status are key to understanding your free checked bag allowance. Have this information readily available.
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Arrive Early for Checked Bags: Especially for international flights or if you have special items, allow ample time at the airport for checking your luggage. For international flights, baggage will generally not be accepted less than 60 minutes prior to departure (75 minutes for Aruba).
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Keep Essentials in Your Carry-On: Always pack medications, valuable electronics, important documents, and a change of clothes in your carry-on in case your checked luggage is delayed.
10 Related FAQ Questions
QuickTip: Return to sections that felt unclear.
Here are 10 common "How to" questions related to Southwest Airlines baggage, with quick answers:
How to check my bag for free on Southwest Airlines?
You can check your bag for free if you are flying on a Business Select® fare, are a Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred member (or an A-List member for your first bag), a Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmember (for your first bag), or an active-duty military member. Hawaii residents flying inter-island also get two free checked bags.
How to avoid overweight baggage fees on Southwest?
Weigh your bag at home using a luggage scale to ensure it's 50 lbs (23 kg) or less. If it's over, redistribute items to another bag or remove non-essential items.
How to measure my baggage for Southwest's size limits?
For checked bags, measure the length, width, and height of your bag (including wheels and handles) and add the three numbers together. The sum should not exceed 62 linear inches (157.5 cm). For carry-ons, ensure it's no more than 24 x 16 x 10 inches.
How to bring a pet on Southwest Airlines?
Southwest allows small domesticated cats and dogs in the cabin on domestic flights, in an approved carrier that fits under the seat. The pet carrier counts as one of your carry-on items, and a fee (currently $125 one-way) applies. Reservations are highly recommended due to limited space. Pets are not allowed in the cargo hold.
Tip: Reread if it feels confusing.
How to bring a musical instrument on Southwest Airlines?
Small instruments that fit within carry-on dimensions (24 x 16 x 10 inches) can be brought onboard as your carry-on. Larger instruments can be checked as baggage (subject to standard size/weight limits and fees), or you can purchase an additional seat for them if they fit and can be secured.
How to travel with sports equipment on Southwest Airlines?
Most sports equipment (golf clubs, skis, snowboards) can be checked as part of your standard baggage allowance (either free if applicable, or paid). If the equipment exceeds the 50 lbs or 62 linear inches limits, overweight/oversize fees will apply. Specific rules apply to items like bicycles and surfboards. Always check Southwest's dedicated policy for your specific item.
How to find out the exact baggage fees for my specific flight?
The most accurate way is to visit the "Optional Travel Charges" page on the official Southwest Airlines website, or call their customer service directly, especially if your itinerary includes international flights or unique items.
How to pack a carry-on efficiently for Southwest?
Roll your clothes tightly, use packing cubes, and wear your bulkiest items to save space. Place liquids (under 3-1-1 rule) in an easily accessible pouch. Keep electronics and medications at the top for easy removal at security.
How to handle lost or damaged baggage on Southwest?
If your bag is lost or damaged, report it to a Southwest Airlines representative immediately upon arrival at the airport baggage claim. They will initiate a report and guide you through the claims process.
How to confirm baggage policies for international Southwest flights?
For international flights, you must check luggage at the ticket counter (not curbside). Baggage for international flights won't be accepted less than 60 minutes prior to departure (75 minutes for Aruba). If you have a connecting international flight into the U.S., you will likely need to claim and re-check your bags after clearing customs. Always consult Southwest's international baggage policy on their website for specific details, especially regarding pre-clearance locations like Aruba and Nassau.
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