Traveling with luggage can sometimes feel like a puzzle, especially when you're trying to figure out airline baggage fees. And if you've been a loyal Southwest Airlines flyer, you might be wondering about recent changes to their famous "Bags Fly Free" policy. Let's break down exactly how much it will cost to check a bag on Southwest Airlines, step by step!
Unpacking the Costs: How Much Will It Cost to Check a Bag on Southwest Airlines?
For years, Southwest Airlines stood out from the crowd with its generous "Bags Fly Free" policy, allowing every passenger to check two bags without charge. However, as of May 28, 2025, this policy has undergone significant changes. For most travelers, checking bags on Southwest now comes with a fee.
Ready to demystify those baggage costs? Let's dive in!
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| How Much Will It Cost To Check A Bag On Southwest Airlines |
Step 1: Are You Affected by the New Policy?
First things first, let's see if these changes even apply to you.
The new baggage fee policy applies to flights booked or voluntarily changed on or after May 28, 2025. If you booked your flight before this date and haven't made any changes, you might still fall under the old "Bags Fly Free" policy.
Engage with this question: Do you remember when you booked your Southwest flight? This will be crucial in determining your baggage cost!
Step 2: Understanding the Standard Checked Bag Fees
For the majority of travelers, here's what you can expect to pay for your standard checked bags.
If your flight was booked or changed on or after May 28, 2025, and you don't fall into any of the exception categories (which we'll discuss next), the following fees apply:
QuickTip: Absorb ideas one at a time.
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First Checked Bag: $35 per bag, each way.
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Second Checked Bag: $45 per bag, each way.
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Third Checked Bag and Beyond: For each additional bag (the third bag and any subsequent bags), the fee is $150 per bag, each way.
It's important to remember that these fees are per bag, per one-way trip. So, if you're checking two bags on a round trip, you'll pay the fees for each bag on both the outbound and return journeys.
Standard Bag Dimensions and Weight Limits:
Before you even consider the fees, make sure your bags adhere to Southwest's standard size and weight limits to avoid additional charges:
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Weight Limit: Each checked bag must not exceed 50 pounds (22.7 kg).
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Size Limit: The linear dimensions (length + width + height) of each bag must not exceed 62 inches (157.5 cm). This includes handles and wheels!
Pro Tip: Always weigh and measure your bags at home before heading to the airport to avoid any last-minute surprises!
Step 3: Discovering Ways to Still Fly with Free Bags
While the "Bags Fly Free" policy has changed for many, there are still ways to avoid those checked bag fees! See if you qualify for any of these exceptions:
Southwest Airlines has maintained free checked bag benefits for certain fare classes and loyalty program members:
A. Business Select® Customers:
If you purchase a Business Select® fare, you will still receive two free checked bags. This is their highest fare class and comes with other perks like priority boarding and a complimentary premium drink.
QuickTip: Repetition reinforces learning.
B. Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred Members:
As a top-tier member of Southwest's Rapid Rewards loyalty program, A-List Preferred members are entitled to two free checked bags. This benefit also extends to up to eight additional passengers on the same reservation!
C. Rapid Rewards A-List Members and Southwest Credit Cardholders:
If you are a Rapid Rewards A-List member (the lower tier of their loyalty program) or a holder of a Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card, you will receive one free checked bag. This also extends to up to eight additional passengers on the same reservation for A-List members.
Consider applying for a Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card if you fly with them frequently and want to save on baggage fees!
D. Active Duty Military Personnel:
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Southwest continues to offer a generous baggage allowance for active-duty military personnel. If you are traveling on active duty or permanent change of station orders with a current, valid military ID, you are exempt from checked, overweight, and oversized bag fees, provided your bags do not exceed 100 pounds and 80 inches in size.
Step 4: Navigating Overweight and Oversized Bag Fees
If your bags are a little too heavy or too large, be prepared for additional charges on top of the standard checked bag fees.
These fees apply in addition to the standard checked bag fee (unless you are a military exception).
Tip: Look out for transitions like ‘however’ or ‘but’.
A. Overweight Bags:
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51 to 70 pounds: $150 per bag, each way.
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71 to 100 pounds: $200 per bag, each way.
Bags weighing more than 100 pounds are generally not accepted as checked baggage and may need to be shipped as cargo.
B. Oversized Bags:
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If your bag exceeds the 62-inch linear dimension limit (but is no more than 80 inches), there is a fee of $200 per bag, each way.
If a bag is both overweight AND oversized, only one oversized or overweight fee will apply, whichever is higher, in addition to the standard checked bag fee. However, if your bag is both overweight and oversized, and also a third or subsequent bag, all applicable fees will be stacked.
Step 5: Special Baggage Items and Sports Equipment
Traveling with sports gear or other unique items? Here's how Southwest handles them.
Southwest Airlines generally accepts many types of sports equipment as checked baggage, often counting as one of your standard checked bags. However, specific rules and potential fees apply:
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Sports Equipment: Many common items like golf bags, skis/snowboards, and surfboards (with specific dimensions) can be substituted for one checked bag. Standard baggage fees (if applicable to your fare) will apply.
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Overweight/Oversized Sports Equipment: If your sports equipment exceeds the standard 50-pound weight limit or 62-inch linear dimension limit, the applicable overweight or oversized fees will apply, similar to regular baggage.
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Specific Item Guidelines: It's highly recommended to check the official Southwest Airlines website for detailed guidelines on specific sports equipment (e.g., bicycles, fishing equipment, musical instruments), as rules and fees can vary. Some items might have special packaging requirements.
Step 6: Paying for Your Checked Bags
Unlike some airlines, Southwest does not allow you to prepay for checked baggage online.
Tip: Read actively — ask yourself questions as you go.
You will need to pay for your checked bags at the airport when you check in. This can be done at the self-tagging kiosks (where available) or at the airport ticket counter with a Southwest Agent. Make sure you have a valid credit card for payment.
FAQs: How to Navigate Southwest Airlines Baggage Fees
Here are 10 related FAQ questions to help you further understand Southwest Airlines' checked bag policy:
How to avoid paying checked bag fees on Southwest Airlines? You can avoid checked bag fees by being a Business Select® passenger, a Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred member (allowing two free bags), a Rapid Rewards A-List member or Southwest credit cardholder (allowing one free bag), or active-duty military personnel. Alternatively, try to fit everything into a carry-on and personal item.
How to determine if my bag is overweight for Southwest Airlines? To determine if your bag is overweight, weigh it at home using a luggage scale. Southwest's standard weight limit for checked bags is 50 pounds (22.7 kg). Bags between 51-70 lbs incur a $150 fee, and bags between 71-100 lbs incur a $200 fee.
How to determine if my bag is oversized for Southwest Airlines? Measure the length, width, and height of your bag and add these three dimensions together. If the sum exceeds 62 linear inches (157.5 cm), your bag is considered oversized and will incur a $200 fee, as long as it's no more than 80 inches.
How to check a third bag on Southwest Airlines? A third (or subsequent) checked bag on Southwest Airlines will cost $150 per bag, each way, in addition to any applicable overweight or oversized fees.
How to pack efficiently to minimize checked bag costs on Southwest? Pack efficiently by utilizing packing cubes, rolling your clothes, wearing bulkier items, and prioritizing essentials. Consider shipping some items if you have a significant amount of luggage that would incur multiple fees.
How to check in baggage at the airport for Southwest Airlines? You can check in your baggage at Southwest's self-tagging kiosks (available at many airports) or at the traditional ticket counter with a Southwest Agent. Payment for any applicable fees will be made at this time.
How to understand Southwest's carry-on baggage policy? Southwest allows one carry-on bag (max 24" L x 16" W x 10" H) and one personal item (max 16.25" L x 13.5" W x 8" H) per passenger, free of charge. Your personal item must fit under the seat in front of you, and the carry-on in the overhead bin.
How to travel with musical instruments on Southwest Airlines? Small musical instruments that fit within carry-on dimensions (10x16x24 inches) can be brought as your carry-on item. Larger instruments may require purchasing an additional seat or checking them as special baggage, subject to standard or oversized fees if they exceed limits.
How to travel with sporting equipment on Southwest Airlines? Most sporting equipment can be checked as part of your standard baggage allowance. However, if it exceeds the standard weight (50 lbs) or size (62 linear inches) limits, additional overweight or oversized fees will apply. Always check specific guidelines for your particular equipment on Southwest's website.
How to find the most up-to-date baggage information for Southwest Airlines? The most up-to-date and comprehensive baggage information for Southwest Airlines can always be found on their official website, typically under the "Checked Bag Policy" or "Optional Travel Charges" sections. Policies can change, so it's best to verify directly with the airline.
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