Planning a trip with Southwest Airlines and wondering, "How many bags can I have on Southwest Airlines?" You're in the right place! Southwest has a unique baggage policy that, while historically generous, has seen some changes. Understanding these rules before you head to the airport can save you time, stress, and most importantly, money. Let's dive in!
Step 1: Engage Your Inner Packing Pro!
Before we even talk numbers and dimensions, let's think about your trip. What kind of traveler are you?
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Are you a minimalist, aiming for just a backpack?
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Or a maxi-packer, needing options for every possible scenario?
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Are you traveling for a quick weekend getaway, or an extended adventure?
Seriously, take a moment. Visualizing your trip and the essentials you'll truly need will set you up for success and help you determine your baggage strategy. Once you have a rough idea, let's get into the nitty-gritty of Southwest's policy.
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| How Many Bags Can I Have On Southwest Airlines |
Step 2: Understanding Southwest's Baggage Tiers
Southwest Airlines has recently updated its baggage policy, so it's crucial to understand how your fare type and loyalty status impact your free baggage allowance. No more blanket "bags fly free" for everyone!
Your Carry-On Allowance: The Overhead Bin & Under-Seat Essentials
Regardless of your fare type, Southwest generally allows every passenger to bring:
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One Carry-On Bag: This is your overhead bin bag. It's designed to fit in the compartments above your seat.
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Dimensions: Typically, your carry-on bag should not exceed 24 x 16 x 10 inches (61 x 40 x 25 cm), including handles and wheels.
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Weight Limit: Southwest is unique in that it does not have a stated weight limit for carry-on bags, as long as you can comfortably lift it into the overhead bin yourself. However, always ensure it's not excessively heavy for practical and safety reasons.
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One Personal Item: This smaller item is meant to fit under the seat in front of you.
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Examples: This could be a purse, briefcase, laptop bag, small backpack, or a similar item.
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Dimensions: Your personal item should not exceed 18.5 x 8.5 x 13.5 inches (47 x 21 x 34 cm).
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Pro-Tip: Always measure your bags before you leave for the airport! Airlines are strict about these dimensions, and an oversized bag might need to be checked, potentially incurring fees.
What Doesn't Count Towards Your Carry-On Limit?
QuickTip: Pause at transitions — they signal new ideas.
Southwest is quite accommodating with certain items that can be brought on board in addition to your carry-on and personal item. These include:
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Outer garments: Coats, jackets, etc.
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Food for consumption during the flight: As long as it's in disposable packaging.
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Assistive/mobility devices: Wheelchairs, crutches, canes, etc., for individuals with disabilities. There's no limit to the number of these devices.
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Child restraint devices: For a ticketed child or when space is available.
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Diaper bags, breast pumps, and formula/milk: These are also typically allowed in addition to your standard allowance when traveling with an infant.
Step 3: Decoding Checked Baggage – Where the Fees Come In (Now!)
This is where the biggest change has occurred for many Southwest flyers. As of May 28, 2025, Southwest Airlines no longer offers two free checked bags for all passengers. Your eligibility for free checked bags now depends on your fare type or Rapid Rewards status.
Standard Checked Baggage Rules for Most Fares (Booked on or After May 28, 2025):
For most passengers booking flights on or after May 28, 2025, the following fees apply:
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First Checked Bag: $35 per bag, one way.
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Second Checked Bag: $45 per bag, one way.
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Third Bag and Any Additional Bags: $150 per bag, one way.
Size and Weight Limits for Checked Bags:
All checked bags, regardless of whether they are free or paid, must adhere to the following:
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Maximum Weight: 50 pounds (23 kg) per bag.
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Maximum Dimensions: 62 linear inches (158 cm). This is calculated by adding the length, width, and height of the bag (L+W+H).
Who Still Gets Free Checked Bags?
While the "bags fly free" policy is largely gone for basic fares, there are still ways to get complimentary checked bags:
QuickTip: A slow read reveals hidden insights.
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Business Select Fares: Customers who book Business Select fares receive two free checked bags.
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Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred Members: These elite members receive two free checked bags.
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Rapid Rewards A-List Members: These members receive one free checked bag.
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Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card Holders: Many Southwest co-branded credit cards offer a perk of one free checked bag. Check your specific card benefits for details.
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Active Duty U.S. Military Personnel and their Dependents: Active duty military personnel (and often their dependents, though it's wise to verify) are generally exempt from the two-piece baggage limit and will not be subject to excess, oversize, or overweight baggage charges, provided no piece exceeds 100 lbs in weight or 80 inches in total dimensions. This is a significant benefit!
Important Note on Fees: Southwest does not allow you to prepay for luggage online. All baggage fees, if applicable, must be paid at the airport ticket counter or self-service kiosk during check-in.
Step 4: Navigating Overweight, Oversized, and Special Baggage
Sometimes, your bags might exceed the standard limits, or you might be traveling with unique items. Southwest has specific policies and fees for these situations.
Overweight Baggage Fees:
If your checked bag weighs more than 50 pounds but less than 100 pounds:
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51 to 70 pounds (23-32 kg): $100 extra per bag, one way.
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71 to 100 pounds (32-45 kg): $200 extra per bag, one way.
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Bags exceeding 100 pounds (45 kg) will generally not be accepted as checked baggage. You might need to ship these via cargo.
Oversized Baggage Fees:
If your checked bag exceeds 62 linear inches but is less than 80 linear inches:
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63 to 80 linear inches (160-203 cm): $125 extra per bag, one way.
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Bags greater than 80 linear inches (203 cm) will generally not be accepted as checked baggage.
Key Point: If a bag is both overweight and oversized, only one fee applies (the higher of the two), provided the bag does not exceed 100 lbs.
Special Baggage and Sports Equipment:
QuickTip: Reread tricky spots right away.
Southwest is generally accommodating with sports equipment and other special items, often allowing them as part of your checked baggage allowance if they meet the standard size and weight limits. However, there are exceptions and specific rules:
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Golf Equipment: A golf bag (including clubs, balls, and shoes) counts as one checked bag. Standard weight and size limits apply.
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Skis and Snowboards: Ski and snowboard equipment (including skis/snowboard, boots, and poles) in a single container or separate containers for skis/snowboard and boots generally count as one checked bag. Excess size charges are often waived for these items, but overweight charges may still apply. Always check the most current policy as these can vary.
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Bicycles: Accepted when properly packed in a bicycle box or bag. Standard fees apply, and often oversized charges may apply if the box exceeds 62 linear inches.
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Musical Instruments: Small instruments that fit in the overhead bin or under the seat can be carried on. Larger instruments may require the purchase of an additional seat or must be checked. Checked musical instruments are subject to standard baggage rules and potential oversized/overweight fees. Southwest may also require a limited release of liability for fragile instruments checked in soft-sided cases.
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Pet Carriers: Small domesticated cats and dogs are allowed in the cabin on domestic flights (excluding Hawaii). The pet carrier will count as one of your permitted carry-on items (either your personal item or your main carry-on). There is a fee of $125 per pet carrier, each way. Pets must remain in their carrier under the seat in front of you.
Always consult Southwest's official website or contact their customer service for the most up-to-date and specific policies for any unusual or specialized items you plan to bring. Policies can change, and specific rules apply to certain destinations (e.g., Hawaii, international flights).
Step 5: Packing Smart to Avoid Surprises!
Now that you know the rules, let's talk strategy!
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Weigh and Measure: Invest in a luggage scale! This small investment can save you significant fees. Measure your bags (length + width + height) to ensure they're within the linear inch limits.
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Consolidate: If you're traveling with a partner or family, consolidate items into fewer, larger bags that still meet the weight and size limits, rather than having multiple smaller bags that could push you into paying for additional checked items.
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Wear Your Heaviest Items: If your carry-on is pushing the limits, wear your heaviest shoes or jacket on the plane.
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Ship It! For very large or numerous items (like extensive sports equipment or moving supplies), consider shipping them via a dedicated luggage shipping service. This can sometimes be more cost-effective than airline excess baggage fees.
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Leverage Loyalty & Credit Cards: If you fly Southwest frequently, consider applying for a Rapid Rewards credit card or working towards A-List status to unlock free checked bags. The annual fee might be worth it if you travel often.
By following these steps and understanding Southwest's current baggage policies, you can confidently pack for your next adventure and avoid any unwelcome surprises at the airport!
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to pack a carry-on bag to maximize space on Southwest Airlines?
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Quick Answer: Roll your clothes, use packing cubes to compress items, wear your bulkiest shoes, and utilize all available pockets in your bag. Place essential and flat items (like laptops) on top for easy access at security.
How to avoid overweight baggage fees on Southwest Airlines?
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Quick Answer: Weigh your bags at home using a luggage scale. If over 50 lbs, redistribute items between bags, wear heavier clothing, or consider shipping some items. Remember military personnel often have higher limits.
Tip: Check back if you skimmed too fast.
How to check a third bag on Southwest Airlines?
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Quick Answer: A third checked bag (and any beyond the second) will incur a fee of $150 per bag, one way. You will pay this at the airport check-in counter.
How to find the most current Southwest Airlines baggage policy?
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Quick Answer: Always refer to the official Southwest Airlines website (Southwest.com) and navigate to their "Baggage" or "Optional Travel Charges" section for the most up-to-date information.
How to travel with a pet on Southwest Airlines?
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Quick Answer: Small domesticated cats and dogs are allowed in the cabin in a carrier that fits under the seat. The carrier counts as your carry-on or personal item, and there's a fee of $125 each way. Reservations for pets are required and space is limited per flight.
How to bring a guitar or other musical instrument on Southwest Airlines?
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Quick Answer: Small instruments can be carried on if they fit in the overhead bin or under the seat. Larger instruments may require purchasing an additional seat or must be checked, subject to standard or oversized/overweight baggage fees.
How to bring sports equipment (e.g., skis, golf clubs) on Southwest Airlines?
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Quick Answer: Most sports equipment counts as one checked bag and is subject to standard weight and size limits. Excess size charges are often waived for specific items like skis, but overweight charges may still apply. Always check the specific item's policy on Southwest's website.
How to ensure my personal item fits under the seat on Southwest Airlines?
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Quick Answer: Ensure your personal item's dimensions do not exceed 18.5 x 8.5 x 13.5 inches. Test it at home by sliding it under a chair or desk that approximates the under-seat space on an airplane.
How to get free checked bags on Southwest Airlines?
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Quick Answer: Book a Business Select fare, hold Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred status, be a Rapid Rewards A-List member (for one free bag), or utilize the free checked bag benefit offered by some Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards. Active duty military personnel also receive special allowances.
How to handle lost or damaged baggage with Southwest Airlines?
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Quick Answer: Report lost or damaged baggage immediately to a Southwest Airlines representative at the airport baggage claim desk before leaving the airport. They will provide instructions for filing a claim.
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