You've got a trip coming up with Southwest, and you're wondering, "How many bags can I actually bring without breaking the bank or getting stuck at the gate?" Excellent question! Navigating airline baggage policies can feel like cracking a secret code, but with Southwest, it's generally more straightforward than many other airlines, though there have been some recent changes to be aware of.
This comprehensive guide will break down everything you need to know about Southwest Airlines' baggage allowance, step by step, so you can pack confidently and breeze through the airport.
Step 1: Let's Start with the Basics – What Are You Bringing?
Before we dive into numbers and dimensions, take a moment to consider what kind of bags you plan to bring. Are you a light packer with just a small backpack, or do you need multiple large suitcases for an extended vacation or a family trip?
Understanding your packing style is the first crucial step in determining how many bags you can carry on Southwest Airlines. This will help you anticipate not only the number of bags but also potential costs.
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| How Many Bags Can I Carry On Southwest Airlines |
Sub-heading: Differentiating Between Carry-On and Checked Bags
It's important to understand the fundamental difference between these two categories, as their rules and allowances differ significantly.
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Carry-on Bag: This is the bag you take with you into the aircraft cabin. It must fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.
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Personal Item: This is a smaller item that also goes into the cabin with you, typically fitting under the seat in front. Think of it as your "day bag" for essentials.
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Checked Bag: These are the bags that are checked in at the airport counter and travel in the cargo hold of the aircraft. You won't have access to them during your flight.
Step 2: Unpacking Your Carry-On Allowance
Southwest Airlines has a fairly generous policy when it comes to what you can bring into the cabin.
Sub-heading: Your Standard Carry-On and Personal Item
Southwest permits every ticketed customer to bring:
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One (1) Carry-On Bag: This is your primary cabin bag.
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Dimensions: It must not exceed 24 inches (L) x 16 inches (W) x 10 inches (H), including handles and wheels. It's crucial to measure your bag carefully! If it's too big, you might be forced to gate-check it.
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Weight: Good news! Southwest does not have a specified weight restriction for carry-on items. However, you must be able to lift it into and out of the overhead bin yourself.
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One (1) Personal Item: This is a smaller item in addition to your carry-on.
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Dimensions: It should not exceed 18.5 inches (L) x 13.5 inches (W) x 8.5 inches (H).
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Fit: Your personal item must fit under the seat in front of you. Common examples include a purse, briefcase, laptop bag, or a small backpack.
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Weight: Like the carry-on, there is no weight limit for personal items, provided it fits.
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Sub-heading: What Else Can You Bring? (Beyond the "One Plus One")
Southwest allows some additional items beyond your standard carry-on and personal item. These typically do not count against your allowance:
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An umbrella or walking cane
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Outer garments (like a coat or jacket)
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Food for consumption during the flight in disposable packaging
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Assistive/mobility devices (e.g., wheelchairs, crutches) for individuals with a disability. There's no limit to the number of these devices.
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A child restraint device (car seat) for a ticketed child or when a complimentary, available space exists.
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Medical devices (like a CPAP machine)
Remember: While these items don't count towards your carry-on limit, they still need to be screened by TSA.
Step 3: Deciphering Southwest's Checked Baggage Policy
QuickTip: Stop and think when you learn something new.
This is where recent changes have occurred, so pay close attention! Southwest was famous for its "Bags Fly Free" policy, but this has changed for most passengers as of May 28, 2025.
Sub-heading: The New Standard for Checked Bags
For most customers, Southwest now charges fees for checked bags. Here's the breakdown:
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First Checked Bag: $35 USD
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Second Checked Bag: $45 USD
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Third or More Bags: $150 USD per bag
Sub-heading: Checked Bag Dimensions and Weight Limits
Regardless of whether you're paying or getting them for free, standard checked bags must adhere to the following limits:
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Maximum Weight: Each checked bag must not exceed 50 pounds (23 kg).
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Maximum Dimensions: The total linear dimensions (length + width + height) of each checked bag must not exceed 62 inches (158 cm). This includes handles and wheels!
Sub-heading: Who Still Gets Free Checked Bags? (The Exceptions!)
While the "Bags Fly Free" policy is largely gone for general fares, certain passengers can still enjoy free checked bags:
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Business Select Travelers: If you book a Business Select fare, you will receive two free checked bags.
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Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred Members: These elite status members also get two free checked bags.
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Rapid Rewards A-List Members and Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card Holders: These individuals are typically eligible for one free checked bag.
It's always a good idea to double-check your specific fare type and Rapid Rewards status to confirm your baggage allowance.
Step 4: Understanding Fees for Overweight, Oversized, and Additional Bags
What happens if your bag is too heavy, too large, or you need to check more than the standard allowance? Southwest has clear fees for these scenarios.
Sub-heading: Overweight Baggage Fees
If your checked bag exceeds the 50-pound limit, you'll incur additional charges:
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51 to 70 pounds (23-32 kg): $100 USD per bag.
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71 to 100 pounds (32-45 kg): $200 USD per bag.
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Bags exceeding 100 pounds will generally NOT be accepted as checked baggage.
Sub-heading: Oversized Baggage Fees
If your checked bag exceeds the 62-linear-inch dimension limit:
Tip: Don’t just scroll — pause and absorb.
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63 to 80 inches (158-203 cm): $200 USD per bag.
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Bags exceeding 80 linear inches will generally NOT be accepted as checked baggage.
Important Note: If a bag is both overweight and oversized, only one fee (the higher one) will generally apply, provided it doesn't exceed the absolute maximum limits (100 lbs or 80 linear inches). For example, a bag weighing 60 lbs and measuring 70 linear inches would incur a single $200 charge.
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Sub-heading: Additional Baggage Fees (Beyond Your Included Allowance)
As mentioned in Step 3, if you check more bags than your fare or status allows, you'll pay:
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Third Bag and Any Subsequent Bags: $150 USD per bag.
Step 5: Special Items and Sporting Equipment
Traveling with unique items or sports gear? Southwest has specific guidelines for these.
Sub-heading: Sporting Equipment
Many common sporting equipment items can be checked as part of your standard baggage allowance, provided they meet the weight and size limits. If they exceed these limits, special fees may apply.
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Examples of accepted sports equipment (may incur oversized/overweight fees if limits are exceeded): Golf bags, skis, snowboards, fishing equipment, hockey sticks, bicycles, surfboards (specific rules and fees for certain items apply, always check Southwest's official website for details on your specific equipment).
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For instance, a bicycle exceeding 62 linear inches but not over 80 inches will generally incur a $200 oversized fee.
Sub-heading: Musical Instruments
Musical 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 for them, or they can be checked as baggage (subject to standard checked bag rules and potential oversized/overweight fees).
Sub-heading: Pet Carriers
If you're traveling with a small domesticated cat or dog in the cabin, the pet carrier will count as either your carry-on bag or your personal item. There is also a separate fee for bringing a pet in the cabin.
Step 6: Tips for a Smooth Baggage Experience
Now that you know the rules, here are some practical tips to ensure your baggage experience with Southwest is as smooth as possible.
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Measure and Weigh Before You Go: This is the most important tip. Invest in a luggage scale and a tape measure. Don't guess! Being accurate upfront can save you significant time and money at the airport.
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Pack Smart and Efficiently: Try to consolidate your belongings to stay within the limits. Rolling clothes, using packing cubes, and wearing your bulkiest items can help.
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Check Your Fare Type and Rapid Rewards Status: As of May 28, 2025, Southwest's baggage policy is no longer uniform for all passengers. Knowing your fare (Basic, Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, Business Select) and your Rapid Rewards status (A-List, A-List Preferred, credit card holder) is crucial to understanding your free baggage allowance.
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Don't Overstuff Your Carry-On: While there's no weight limit, if your carry-on is bursting at the seams, it might not fit in the sizer or the overhead bin, leading to a gate-check.
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Label Your Bags Clearly: Both checked and carry-on bags should have clear identification tags with your name, phone number, and email.
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Keep Valuables and Essentials in Your Personal Item: Always carry important documents, medication, electronics, and any irreplaceable items in your personal item, which stays with you.
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Consider Shipping Luggage: For multiple oversized or overweight bags, or if you simply want to travel lighter, consider using a luggage shipping service. This can sometimes be more cost-effective than airline fees.
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Arrive Early: Especially if you anticipate checking bags or having any baggage-related questions, allow yourself ample time at the airport.
Tip: Take your time with each sentence.
Step 7: What If My Bag is Gate-Checked?
If your carry-on bag is deemed too large or if the overhead bins are full, Southwest staff may gate-check your bag. This means it will be taken from you at the gate and placed in the cargo hold, similar to a checked bag, and you'll typically retrieve it at the baggage claim carousel at your destination. Usually, this is done free of charge if it's due to space limitations.
Conclusion: Fly Free(er) with Knowledge!
Southwest Airlines, while undergoing some changes to its long-standing "Bags Fly Free" policy for most fares, still offers a competitive and generally straightforward baggage policy compared to many other carriers. By understanding the allowances, dimensions, weight limits, and potential fees, you can avoid surprises at the airport and enjoy a much more relaxed travel experience.
Happy travels, and may your bags always fly within the limits!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 related FAQ questions with quick answers to further assist you:
How to measure my baggage correctly for Southwest Airlines?
To measure your baggage, use a tape measure and include all parts of the bag – including wheels and handles – for length, width, and height. For linear dimensions, add these three measurements together.
How to avoid checked baggage fees on Southwest?
You can avoid checked baggage fees on Southwest by booking a Business Select fare, being a Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred member (two free bags), or being a Rapid Rewards A-List member or Southwest credit card holder (one free bag). For other fares, consider packing lighter or shipping your bags.
How to pack a carry-on bag to maximize space for Southwest?
To maximize space in your Southwest carry-on, roll your clothes, use compression packing cubes, wear your bulkiest items (like jackets and heavy shoes), and utilize all pockets and compartments.
How to check if my pet carrier counts as a personal item or carry-on on Southwest?
Tip: Stop when you find something useful.
On Southwest, a pet carrier will count as either your carry-on bag or your personal item, meaning it takes up one of your two permitted cabin items.
How to find the most up-to-date baggage policy for Southwest Airlines?
Always refer to the official Southwest Airlines website (southwest.com) for the most current and detailed baggage policy, as rules can occasionally change.
How to handle oversized sporting equipment when flying Southwest?
For oversized sporting equipment on Southwest, check the specific guidelines on their website. Many items will be accepted but may incur the standard oversized baggage fee ($200) if they exceed 62 linear inches, up to 80 inches.
How to pay for extra baggage on Southwest Airlines?
Extra baggage fees on Southwest are typically paid at the airport check-in counter or kiosk. Southwest generally does not allow pre-payment for baggage.
How to ensure my carry-on fits in the overhead bin on Southwest?
To ensure your carry-on fits, make sure its dimensions (24" L x 16" W x 10" H) are strictly adhered to. If it's a soft-sided bag, don't overstuff it. If it's a hard-sided case, make sure it's within the exact measurements.
How to check the status of a delayed or lost bag on Southwest?
If your bag is delayed or lost, contact Southwest Airlines' baggage services immediately, either at the airport baggage claim or by calling their customer service. They will have a tracking system in place.
How to consolidate items to avoid overweight checked bag fees on Southwest?
To avoid overweight fees, distribute heavier items across multiple bags if you have a free allowance for more than one, or consider shipping some items separately. Remove dense items and place them in your carry-on if possible, provided your carry-on isn't already too heavy to lift.
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