Flying with Southwest Airlines? One of the biggest questions travelers have is about baggage, and rightly so! Knowing exactly how much luggage you can bring can save you from unexpected fees and last-minute airport stress. Southwest has historically been famous for its "Bags Fly Free" policy, but as of May 28, 2025, significant changes have been implemented. So, let's dive deep into the current baggage policies for Southwest Airlines for 2025, ensuring you're fully prepared for your next adventure.
Step 1: Are you ready to unlock the secrets of Southwest's baggage policy and avoid hidden fees?
Before we get into the nitty-gritty details, it's crucial to understand that Southwest's baggage rules have undergone a major update. If you booked your flight on or after May 28, 2025, the "Bags Fly Free" policy generally no longer applies to all fare types. This is a critical distinction that can impact your travel budget. Let's break down exactly what you can expect.
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| How Much Luggage Can You Bring On Southwest Airlines |
Step 2: Understanding Carry-On Baggage (What You Can Bring Onboard)
Your carry-on luggage is what stays with you in the cabin. Southwest is quite consistent with its carry-on policy.
2.1: Your Main Carry-On Bag
Every ticketed passenger is allowed one carry-on bag that must fit in the overhead bin.
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Dimensions: Your carry-on bag should not exceed 24 inches (L) x 16 inches (W) x 10 inches (H). This includes wheels, handles, and any attachments.
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Weight Limit: Southwest does not specify a weight limit for carry-on bags. However, you must be able to lift your bag into the overhead bin without assistance.
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Examples: This typically includes standard roller bags or small suitcases.
2.2: Your Personal Item
In addition to your main carry-on, you can bring one small personal item that must fit under the seat in front of you.
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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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Examples: Common personal items include purses (including crossbody bags), briefcases, laptop computer cases, small backpacks, pillows, or small cameras.
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Important Note: If you're traveling with a pet, the pet carrier counts as either your personal item or your carry-on bag.
2.3: Additional Items Not Counted Towards Your Carry-On Limit
Southwest allows certain items in addition to your one carry-on and one personal item. These typically include:
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Outer garments (coats, wraps)
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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/mobility devices (wheelchairs, crutches)
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Child restraint systems (car seats) for a ticketed child or if an available space exists
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Diaper bags, breast pumps, and breast milk/formula (when traveling with an infant)
Step 3: Navigating Checked Baggage (What Goes Under the Plane)
Tip: Focus more on ideas, less on words.
This is where the major changes come into play for flights booked on or after May 28, 2025. Southwest's previous "Bags Fly Free" policy of two free checked bags for all customers has been modified.
3.1: Standard Checked Baggage Allowance and Fees
For reservations booked and/or voluntarily changed on or after May 28, 2025, here's how the checked baggage fees generally apply:
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Basic, Wanna Get Away Plus®, and Anytime Fares:
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First checked bag: $35
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Second checked bag: $45
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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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A-List Members and Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers: Receive their first checked bag for free.
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Hawaii Residents traveling between the islands continue to receive two free checked bags.
3.2: Weight and Size Limits for Standard Checked Bags
Regardless of whether your bags are free or you're paying for them, the following limits apply:
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Maximum Weight: Each checked piece of luggage must not exceed 50 pounds (22.7 kg).
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Maximum Size: The total linear dimensions (length + width + height) of each bag must not exceed 62 inches (157.5 cm). Wheels and handles are included in these measurements.
3.3: Paying for Checked Baggage
You can check your bags and pay any applicable fees at the airport using Southwest's self-tagging kiosks (where available) or with a Southwest Agent at the ticket counter. It's always a good idea to check in early to allow sufficient time for baggage handling.
Step 4: Understanding Overweight and Oversized Baggage Fees
If your bags exceed the standard weight or size limits, you will incur additional charges. These fees are per item, one way.
4.1: Overweight Baggage Fees
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51-70 pounds (23.1-31.7 kg): $100 per bag
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71-100 pounds (32.2-45.3 kg): $200 per bag
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Items weighing over 100 pounds (45.3 kg): These items must be shipped as Air Cargo and cannot be checked as standard baggage, unless you are classified as a "Known Shipper" as defined by the TSA or TSA-approved Indirect Air Carriers (IAC).
4.2: Oversized Baggage Fees
QuickTip: Pause at transitions — they signal new ideas.
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Between 63 inches and 80 inches (160 cm - 203 cm) in total linear dimensions: $200 per bag
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Items exceeding 80 inches (203 cm): These items generally cannot be checked as baggage and must be shipped as Air Cargo, similar to very overweight items.
4.3: Combined Overweight and Oversized Fees
If a bag is both overweight and oversized, only one additional fee will apply, usually the higher of the two, provided it doesn't exceed the absolute maximums for checked baggage (100 lbs or 80 linear inches).
Step 5: Special Items and Sports Equipment
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Traveling with something unique or large? Southwest has specific policies for various special items and sports equipment. Many of these items can be checked as part of your standard baggage allowance if they meet the size and weight criteria. If they exceed these, specific fees may apply.
5.1: Common Sports Equipment Examples
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Golf Equipment: One golf bag containing clubs, balls, and shoes is generally accepted as one piece of checked baggage. Standard baggage fees and overweight/oversize charges apply if limits are exceeded.
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Skis and Snowboards: Ski equipment (one pair of skis or one snowboard, one pair of poles, and one pair of ski/snowboard boots) typically counts as one piece of checked baggage. It must be properly packed. Standard fees apply.
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Bicycles: Bicycles are accepted when properly packed in a bicycle box or case. They are subject to standard baggage fees, and if dimensions or weight exceed limits, additional fees will apply.
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Surfboards: Surfboards are often accepted for a flat fee of $75 per item, one way, in addition to any standard checked bag fees if it's not one of your free bags. For inter-island Hawaiian flights, surfboards may be substituted as one of your two free checked bags. Check specific dimensions and packing requirements.
5.2: Musical Instruments
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Carry-On: Smaller musical instruments (like violins or guitars) can be brought onboard as your carry-on item if they fit in the overhead bin or under the seat.
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Purchasing a Seat: For larger instruments that don't fit in the overhead bin or under a seat (e.g., cellos), you may purchase a separate seat for them. The instrument must fit in the seat, be secured with a seatbelt, and not block any aircraft signage.
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Checked Baggage: Instruments that cannot be carried on or have a seat purchased for them can be checked as baggage. Standard checked baggage fees apply, and if the instrument (including its case) exceeds 62 inches or 50 lbs, oversized/overweight charges will be incurred. Instruments exceeding 150 inches in total linear dimensions or 165 pounds will generally not be accepted as baggage. Southwest recommends using hard-sided cases for checked musical instruments.
5.3: Other Special Items
Always check Southwest's official website or contact their customer service for the most up-to-date information on less common items, as policies can vary. This includes items like fishing equipment, camping gear, and more.
Step 6: Traveling with Pets
Southwest allows small, vaccinated domestic cats and dogs to travel in the cabin on domestic flights only.
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Pet Carrier: The pet carrier counts as either your personal item or your carry-on bag.
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Carrier Dimensions: Carriers must be no larger than 18.5 inches (L) x 13.5 inches (W) x 9.5 inches (H) (or smaller dimensions for other specific carriers) and must fit under the seat in front of you. Your pet must be able to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably inside.
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Fee: There is a pet fare of approximately $125 per pet carrier, one way. This fee is subject to change.
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Reservations: Space for pets is limited to a certain number per flight (typically six pet carriers), so it's highly recommended to make a reservation in advance by calling Southwest.
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Restrictions: Pets are not accepted on flights to or from Hawaii or on international itineraries. Unaccompanied minors cannot travel with a pet. Pets must remain in their carrier at all times in the gate area and onboard.
QuickTip: Note key words you want to remember.
Step 7: Important Considerations and Tips
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Measure and Weigh: Always measure and weigh your bags before heading to the airport. This is the single most effective way to avoid surprises and extra fees.
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Check Your Fare Type: Re-confirm your specific fare type (Basic, Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, Business Select) to understand your exact baggage allowance.
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Rapid Rewards Status & Credit Cards: If you have A-List, A-List Preferred status, or a Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card, remember to leverage those benefits for potential free checked bags.
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Late Check-In: Baggage checked in 45 minutes or less before the scheduled departure time is considered "Late Check." While efforts will be made to get it on your flight, Southwest will not assume delivery charges if your late-checked bag doesn't arrive with you.
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International Travel: For any portion of your itinerary that involves international travel, you will be required to check luggage at the Southwest Airlines Ticket Counter upon arrival at the airport. You cannot check in or check luggage at the curbside for international flights.
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Connecting Flights: If you have a connecting flight on the same ticket, your baggage will typically be checked through to your final destination. However, for international connections, especially when entering the U.S., you'll often need to claim your bags, clear customs, and then re-check them.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 related FAQ questions to help you further:
How to avoid checked baggage fees on Southwest Airlines?
You can avoid checked baggage fees if you are a Business Select® fare customer, a Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred Member (two free bags), an A-List Member or Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmember (one free bag), or a Hawaii resident traveling inter-island (two free bags). Otherwise, fees apply for Basic, Wanna Get Away Plus®, and Anytime fares.
How to measure my luggage for Southwest Airlines?
To measure your carry-on, ensure it's no larger than 24" (L) x 16" (W) x 10" (H), including wheels and handles. For checked bags, the total linear dimensions (L+W+H) must not exceed 62 inches. Use a tape measure and include all parts of the bag.
How to weigh my luggage for Southwest Airlines?
You can weigh your luggage using a home bathroom scale. First, weigh yourself, then weigh yourself holding your bag, and subtract your weight to get the bag's weight. Portable luggage scales are also widely available and very accurate.
How to bring a musical instrument on Southwest Airlines?
Small instruments can be carried on if they fit in the overhead bin or under the seat. Larger instruments can have a seat purchased for them. Otherwise, they can be checked as baggage, subject to standard, overweight, or oversized fees, and must not exceed 150 inches or 165 pounds.
Tip: Summarize each section in your own words.
How to travel with sports equipment on Southwest Airlines?
Most sports equipment can be checked as standard baggage, subject to regular fees and weight/size limits. Specific items like surfboards may have a flat fee ($75) in addition to other applicable baggage charges. Always check Southwest's website for specific item policies.
How to bring a pet on Southwest Airlines?
You can bring a small domestic cat or dog in the cabin on domestic flights only. The pet carrier counts as your carry-on or personal item, must fit under the seat (max 18.5"L x 13.5"W x 9.5"H), and there's a fee of approximately $125 each way. Reservations are highly recommended due to limited space.
How to check in oversized baggage on Southwest Airlines?
Oversized baggage (63-80 inches total linear dimensions) will incur a fee of $200 per bag. Items over 80 inches generally must be shipped as air cargo.
How to handle overweight baggage on Southwest Airlines?
Bags weighing 51-70 pounds will cost $100, and bags 71-100 pounds will cost $200. Anything over 100 pounds must be shipped as air cargo.
How to utilize my Rapid Rewards status for free bags on Southwest Airlines?
Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred Members get two free checked bags. A-List Members get one free checked bag. Ensure your Rapid Rewards number is linked to your reservation.
How to get more than two checked bags on Southwest Airlines?
Additional checked bags (beyond the first two, or beyond your free allowance if applicable) will incur a fee of $150 per bag, one way, for Basic, Wanna Get Away Plus®, and Anytime fares.
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