Flying with Southwest Airlines is often a popular choice for travelers due to their historically generous baggage policy. However, as of May 28, 2025, some significant changes have taken effect. This comprehensive guide will walk you through exactly how much luggage you can take on Southwest Airlines, ensuring you're prepared and avoid any surprises at the airport.
Step 1: Let's Get Packing! But First, Are You Aware of the Recent Changes?
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of dimensions and weights, it's crucial to understand that Southwest's famous "Bags Fly Free" policy has been revised for most passengers as of May 28, 2025. This is a major change that could impact your travel budget if you're accustomed to their previous allowances. Are you ready to see how this might affect your next trip?
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| How Much Luggage Can I Take On Southwest Airlines |
Step 2: Understanding Your Baggage Allowance Categories
Southwest Airlines categorizes luggage into a few distinct types, each with its own set of rules and limitations. Knowing these categories is the first step to packing smart.
2.1: Carry-On Baggage – Keeping Essentials Close
Your carry-on bag is the one you bring with you into the cabin and store in the overhead bin. This is perfect for your essentials, valuables, and anything you might need during your flight.
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Quantity Allowed: You are permitted one carry-on bag per ticketed Customer.
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Dimensions: Your carry-on bag must not exceed 24 inches (L) x 16 inches (W) x 10 inches (H). Important note: These dimensions include wheels, handles, and any attachments. Make sure to measure your bag accurately!
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Weight Limit: There is no specific weight limit for carry-on bags, but you must be able to lift it into and out of the overhead bin yourself.
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Examples: A small roller bag, a duffel bag, or a small suitcase typically fit these requirements.
2.2: Personal Item – Under Your Seat Companion
Tip: Remember, the small details add value.
In addition to your carry-on, you're also allowed one small personal item that must fit under the seat in front of you. This is ideal for smaller necessities.
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Quantity Allowed: One personal item per ticketed Customer.
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Dimensions: Your personal item should not exceed 18.5 inches (L) x 8.5 inches (W) x 13.5 inches (H).
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Weight Limit: Similar to carry-on bags, there is no specific weight limit for personal items, but it must comfortably fit under the seat.
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Examples: A purse, a briefcase, a laptop bag, a small backpack, or a camera bag are common personal items.
2.3: Checked Baggage – For the Bulk of Your Belongings
Checked bags are those you check in at the counter and retrieve at your destination's baggage claim. This is where the recent policy changes come into play for many travelers.
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Standard Quantity and Fees (for most fares booked/changed on or after May 28, 2025):
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First Checked Bag: $35 USD
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Second Checked Bag: $45 USD
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Standard Quantity and Fees (for specific fare classes and loyalty tiers):
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Business Select® Fares: Continue to receive two free checked bags.
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Rapid Rewards® A-List Preferred Members: Receive their first and second checked bags for free.
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Rapid Rewards® A-List Members and Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers: Receive their first checked bag for free.
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Dimensions: Each checked bag must not exceed 62 linear inches (length + width + height). This includes wheels and handles.
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Weight Limit: Each checked bag must not exceed 50 pounds (22.7 kg).
Step 3: Navigating Overweight, Oversized, and Excess Baggage Fees
It's easy to get carried away when packing, but going over the limits can lead to additional charges. Understanding these fees is crucial to avoid unexpected costs.
3.1: Overweight Baggage
If your checked bag exceeds the standard 50-pound weight limit, you'll incur an overweight baggage fee.
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51 to 70 pounds (23.1 to 31.8 kg): $100 USD per bag
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71 to 100 pounds (32.2 to 45.4 kg): $200 USD per bag
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Bags exceeding 100 pounds will generally not be accepted as checked baggage and may need to be shipped via Southwest Cargo if you are a "Known Shipper."
QuickTip: Stop to think as you go.
3.2: Oversized Baggage
If your checked bag exceeds the 62 linear inches dimension limit, it's considered oversized.
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63 to 80 linear inches: $125 USD per bag
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Bags exceeding 80 linear inches will generally not be accepted as checked baggage.
3.3: Excess Baggage
If you wish to check more than the standard allowance (even if they meet size and weight limits), these are considered excess bags.
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Third Checked Bag and Beyond: $150 USD per bag
Important Note on Combined Fees: If a bag is both oversized and overweight, only one fee will apply – the higher of the two, as long as the bag does not exceed 100 lbs. For instance, an oversized bag between 51-70 lbs would incur a $125 oversized fee. An overweight bag between 51-70 lbs that is not oversized would be $100. Always double-check with Southwest's official policy for the most accurate and up-to-date pricing, as fees can change.
Step 4: Special Items and Sports Equipment
Traveling with unique items like sports equipment, musical instruments, or assistive devices requires specific knowledge of Southwest's policies.
4.1: Sports Equipment
QuickTip: Highlight useful points as you read.
Many types of sports equipment can be checked as part of your standard baggage allowance, provided they meet the weight and size limits. However, some larger items may incur additional fees.
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Common Sports Equipment: Items like golf clubs, skis, and snowboards are often accepted. They generally count as one piece of checked luggage.
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Size and Weight Exceptions: While standard weight and size limits generally apply, Southwest often has specific guidelines and sometimes fee waivers for certain oversized sports equipment (e.g., surfboards on Hawaiian inter-island flights may have different rules).
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Specific Fees: For items like bicycles (if exceeding 62 inches or 50 lbs), surfboards, or other significantly large equipment, additional charges may apply, typically around $75 - $200 per item. Always check Southwest's "Optional Travel Charges" page for precise details on your specific sports equipment.
4.2: Musical Instruments
Musical instruments can often be carried on or checked, depending on their size.
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Carry-on: Smaller instruments that fit in the overhead bin or under the seat may be carried on, counting as your carry-on bag or personal item.
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Checked: Larger instruments can be checked as baggage. Standard checked baggage rules (size, weight, and associated fees) apply. It is highly recommended to use a hard-sided case for checked musical instruments.
4.3: Assistive Devices
Southwest Airlines is generally very accommodating with assistive devices for passengers with disabilities.
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No Limit/No Charge: There is no limit to the number of assistive/mobility devices a Customer can bring onboard, and they do not count against your baggage allowance, nor are they subject to excess, overweight, or oversized fees. This includes items like wheelchairs, crutches, walkers, and medical equipment.
Step 5: Important Considerations and Pro Tips
Beyond the basic allowances, there are a few more things to keep in mind for a smooth baggage experience with Southwest.
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5.1: Active-Duty Military Personnel
Southwest offers special allowances for active-duty military passengers.
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Exemption from Limits and Fees: Active-duty military with a valid ID are exempt from the two-piece baggage limit and are not subject to excess, oversized, or overweight baggage charges, provided each piece does not exceed 100 pounds in weight and 80 inches in size. This is a fantastic benefit!
5.2: Traveling with Infants and Children
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Strollers and Car Seats: You can usually check one stroller and one car seat free of charge in addition to your regular baggage allowance. These items can often be gate-checked as well.
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Diaper Bags: Diaper bags are typically considered additional items and do not count against your carry-on or personal item limit.
5.3: Paying for Baggage
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Online vs. Airport: If you anticipate paying for checked bags, it's often cheaper to pay for them when you book your flight online or through the Southwest app. Fees can sometimes be higher if paid at the airport.
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Credit Card Benefits: As mentioned, certain Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cards may offer benefits like waived checked bag fees for eligible members. Check your card's benefits.
5.4: Late Check-In
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Allow Sufficient Time: Always allow ample time to check your baggage, especially if you have an international flight. Baggage checked 45 minutes or less before scheduled departure may be considered "Late Check." While Southwest will try to get your bag on your flight, they may not assume delivery charges if it doesn't arrive with you.
10 Related FAQ Questions (How to...)
Here are some quick answers to common "How to" questions about Southwest Airlines baggage:
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How to check my bag on Southwest Airlines? You can check your bags at the Southwest Airlines ticket counter inside the airport, or at the curbside check-in if available for domestic flights. For international flights, you must check in at the ticket counter.
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How to ensure my carry-on fits Southwest's limits? Measure your bag accurately at home, including wheels and handles. Many travelers use a measuring tape or purchase a bag specifically designed to meet airline carry-on dimensions. Most airports also have sizing bins near the check-in counters.
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How to avoid overweight baggage fees on Southwest? Weigh your bags at home using a luggage scale. Distribute weight evenly across multiple bags, or consider shipping heavier items separately if necessary.
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How to pack efficiently for Southwest Airlines? Roll clothes tightly, use packing cubes, and wear your heaviest items (like coats or bulky shoes) to save space and weight in your luggage.
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How to track a lost or delayed bag on Southwest Airlines? Report lost, damaged, or delayed baggage in person at the Southwest Airlines baggage claim office at your destination within four hours of your arrival. You will be given a claim number to track your bag.
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How to travel with a pet on Southwest Airlines? A pet carrier counts as either your carry-on bag or your personal item. There is a specific fee for traveling with a pet in the cabin, and pets cannot be checked as cargo. You must reserve a spot for your pet in advance as there's a limit per flight.
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How to bring a car seat on Southwest Airlines? You can check one car seat for free, or bring it onboard if you've purchased a seat for your child or if there's available space, provided it meets safety requirements.
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How to transport fragile items with Southwest Airlines? Fragile items are best transported in your carry-on if they fit. If checked, pack them extremely well in a hard-sided case, as Southwest may conditionally accept them and not be responsible for damage to improperly packed or fragile items.
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How to know if my fare includes free checked bags on Southwest? Check your specific fare class (e.g., Basic, Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, Business Select®) and your Rapid Rewards® A-List or A-List Preferred status. The baggage allowance will be clearly stated when you book your flight and on your itinerary.
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How to save money on baggage fees with Southwest Airlines? Consider booking Business Select® fares, achieving Rapid Rewards® A-List or A-List Preferred status, or using a Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card that offers baggage fee benefits. Packing light and sticking to carry-on/personal item limits is also a surefire way to save!
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