Are you ready to unravel the mystery of Southwest Airlines' baggage weight limits? Let's dive in and make sure your next trip is a breeze, not a baggage-fee nightmare!
Understanding Southwest Airlines' Baggage Policy: A Step-by-Step Guide
Southwest Airlines has a reputation for being a little different, and their baggage policy is no exception. While they used to be famous for "Bags Fly Free," there have been some recent updates you need to be aware of. Getting this right will save you both money and stress at the airport.
Step 1: The Golden Rule – The 50-Pound Limit for Checked Bags
Let's start with the most crucial piece of information for checked luggage.
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The Standard: For each checked bag, Southwest Airlines enforces a 50-pound (23 kg) maximum weight limit. This is a hard and fast rule that applies to the vast majority of travelers. Exceed this, and you're entering the realm of additional fees.
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Dimensions Matter Too: It's not just about weight! Your checked bag must also adhere to a maximum linear dimension of 62 inches (length + width + height). Always remember to include handles and wheels when you measure!
Step 2: Carry-On and Personal Items – Your Freebies!
Good news here! Southwest Airlines generally allows you to bring two items onboard without extra charge:
Sub-heading: Your Carry-On Bag
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Size, Not Weight, is Key: Unlike checked bags, Southwest generally does not have a weight limit for carry-on bags. However, you must be able to lift it into the overhead bin yourself.
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Dimensions: Your carry-on bag should not exceed 24" (L) x 16" (W) x 10" (H), including wheels and handles. If it's too big, it might be gate-checked (potentially for a fee if you've already checked two bags, or if new policies for checked bags apply to your fare).
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Where it Goes: This bag is designed to fit in the overhead compartments.
Tip: Don’t skip the details — they matter.
Sub-heading: Your Personal Item
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Fits Under the Seat: This is your smaller bag that goes under the seat in front of you. Examples include a purse, briefcase, laptop bag, small backpack, or even a pillow.
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Dimensions: While there's no weight limit, the personal item should typically be no larger than 18.5" (L) x 13.5" (W) x 8.5" (H).
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What Doesn't Count: Certain items like assistive devices (wheelchairs, crutches), outer garments, and food for consumption during the flight (in disposable packaging) do not count against your carry-on or personal item limit.
Step 3: Navigating Checked Baggage Fees (The New Landscape)
This is where things have recently changed for many. While Southwest was famous for "Bags Fly Free," as of May 28, 2025, their policy for checked bags has changed for most travelers.
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Standard Checked Bags (for most fares):
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First Bag: Expect a fee, generally around $35.
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Second Bag: Expect a fee, generally around $45.
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Third (+) Bags: For three or more checked bags, the fee can jump significantly, often around $150 per bag.
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Who Still Gets Free Checked Bags?
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Business Select and A-List Preferred customers: You're usually eligible for two free checked bags.
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A-List members and Rapid Rewards Credit Cardholders: You typically get one free checked bag or a bag credit.
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Active Duty Military Personnel: With a valid military ID, you are exempt from the two-piece baggage limit and will not be subject to excess, oversize, or overweight baggage charges, provided none of your bags exceed 100 pounds in weight and 80 inches in size. This is a significant benefit!
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Step 4: The Dreaded Overweight and Oversized Fees
This is where your packing strategy truly pays off (or costs you!). If your checked bag exceeds the standard 50-pound weight limit or 62-inch linear dimension limit, you'll incur additional fees.
Sub-heading: Overweight Baggage Fees
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51 to 100 pounds (24 to 46 kg): Bags falling into this range will typically incur an additional fee of $75 per bag.
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Bags exceeding 100 pounds (46 kg) are generally NOT accepted as checked baggage. They must be shipped as Air Cargo, which has different rules and typically requires you to be a "Known Shipper."
Sub-heading: Oversized Baggage Fees
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63 to 80 inches (158 to 203 cm) linear dimension: Bags in this range will also typically incur an additional fee of $75 per bag.
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Bags exceeding 80 inches (203 cm) are generally NOT accepted as checked baggage. Similar to extremely overweight bags, they may need to be shipped as Air Cargo.
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Double Whammy: If your bag is both overweight AND oversized, you will typically only be charged one fee (the higher of the two, usually $75 if within the accepted limits), not a combined charge, as long as the bag doesn't exceed 100 pounds or 80 linear inches.
Tip: Review key points when done.
Step 5: Special Items and Sporting Equipment
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Southwest has specific policies for various special items, including musical instruments and sporting equipment.
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Sporting Equipment: Many common sporting items (like golf bags, skis/snowboards) can be checked as part of your standard baggage allowance, provided they meet the standard weight and size limits. However, some items may have specific restrictions or additional fees, especially if they are oversized or overweight. For instance, a golf bag can replace one checked bag, and ski equipment (skis/snowboard, poles, and boots) can be split into two bags but still count as one item as long as they meet the usual limits. Surfboards typically incur a $75 fee, unless it's an inter-island Hawaiian flight.
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Musical Instruments: Smaller instruments might fit as a carry-on, while larger ones may require purchasing an additional seat or checking them as baggage. Oversize or overweight charges apply if the instrument exceeds certain dimensions or weight (e.g., between 62 and 150 inches linear, or 51 and 165 pounds). Instruments exceeding 150 inches linear or 165 pounds are generally not accepted as baggage.
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Car Seats & Strollers: These are a lifesaver for families! When traveling with a child, each ticketed customer can check one stroller and one car seat/child restraint system FREE of charge. If you purchase a ticket for your child, an FAA-approved car seat used during the flight can also be carried on and does not count towards your carry-on limit.
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| How Much Can Your Luggage Weigh For Southwest Airlines |
Important Tips for a Smooth Baggage Experience:
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Weigh and Measure BEFORE You Go: Invest in a small luggage scale. It's a lifesaver and can save you significant fees. Measure your bags too!
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Pack Smart and Efficiently: Utilize packing cubes, roll your clothes, and only bring what you truly need.
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Consider Shipping: For extremely heavy or bulky items, sometimes shipping them via a cargo service is more cost-effective than airline baggage fees.
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Check for Embargoes: For international travel, Southwest (and other airlines) may have baggage embargoes in place, restricting the number of extra, oversized, or overweight bags allowed during peak travel times or to specific destinations. Always check this if traveling internationally.
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Arrive Early: Especially if you have special items or anticipate potential baggage issues, give yourself plenty of time at the airport.
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Know Your Fare/Status: Your Rapid Rewards status or the type of fare you purchased (e.g., Business Select) directly impacts your checked baggage allowance. Double-check this before packing!
By following these guidelines, you'll be well-prepared to navigate Southwest Airlines' baggage policy and ensure your journey is as smooth and cost-effective as possible. Happy travels!
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to avoid overweight baggage fees on Southwest Airlines?
To avoid overweight baggage fees, weigh your checked bags at home using a luggage scale to ensure they are 50 pounds or less. If your bag is over, redistribute items to another bag or remove non-essential items.
How to measure my luggage for Southwest Airlines?
Tip: Use this post as a starting point for exploration.
To measure your luggage, use a tape measure to get the length, width, and height (including handles and wheels). Add these three dimensions together to get the "linear inches." For checked bags, this sum should be 62 inches or less. For carry-ons, the dimensions are fixed at 24" x 16" x 10".
How to check if my fare includes free checked bags on Southwest?
Check your specific fare type (e.g., "Wanna Get Away," "Anytime," "Business Select") on your booking confirmation or the Southwest Airlines website. Generally, only Business Select, A-List Preferred, A-List, and Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cardholders (along with active duty military) receive free checked bags.
How to bring a car seat and stroller on Southwest Airlines?
You can check one stroller and one car seat/child restraint system per ticketed customer for free. If you have purchased a seat for your child, an FAA-approved car seat can be carried on and used during the flight without counting towards your carry-on limit.
How to travel with musical instruments on Southwest Airlines?
Smaller musical instruments may 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, overweight, or oversized fees depending on their size and weight.
How to deal with a bag over 100 pounds on Southwest Airlines?
Tip: Slow down at important lists or bullet points.
Bags weighing over 100 pounds are not accepted as checked baggage on Southwest Airlines. You will need to ship them via a cargo service, such as Southwest Airlines Cargo, but you typically need to be a "Known Shipper" for this service.
How to check in oversized sports equipment on Southwest Airlines?
Oversized sports equipment (63-80 linear inches) will generally incur an oversized baggage fee of $75. Ensure it is properly packed and arrive early to check it at the airport counter. Equipment exceeding 80 linear inches is typically not accepted.
How to combine overweight and oversized baggage fees on Southwest?
If a single checked bag is both overweight (51-100 lbs) and oversized (63-80 linear inches), Southwest typically charges only one fee, usually the $75 fee, not a combination of both.
How to track my checked baggage on Southwest Airlines?
Southwest Airlines offers digital baggage tracking. You can usually track your checked bags through the Southwest Airlines mobile app or on their website after you've checked them in.
How to prepare liquids for carry-on luggage on Southwest Airlines?
Follow TSA's 3-1-1 rule for liquids in your carry-on: containers must be 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less, fit in one quart-sized clear, re-sealable bag, and be limited to one bag per passenger. Larger liquid medications are generally allowed with proper documentation and screening.
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