Unpacking the Costs: How Much Does an Extra Suitcase Cost on Southwest Airlines?
Hey there, fellow traveler! Are you staring at that extra suitcase, wondering if it's going to break the bank on your next Southwest Airlines flight? You're not alone! With recent changes to Southwest's baggage policy, understanding the costs involved for additional luggage is more important than ever. Gone are the days when all bags truly "flew free" for everyone. But don't worry, we're going to break down everything you need to know, step-by-step, to help you budget for your journey.
Let's dive in and demystify Southwest's baggage fees!
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| How Much Does It Cost For An Extra Suitcase On Southwest Airlines |
Step 1: Identify Your Baggage Status - The New Reality
First things first, let's figure out where you stand with Southwest's updated baggage policy. This is the most crucial step, as it determines whether you'll pay for your first, second, or subsequent bags.
A. The "Bags Fly Free" Era is Evolving
Historically, Southwest was renowned for its "Bags Fly Free" policy, allowing all passengers two free checked bags. However, as of May 28, 2025, this policy has undergone a significant shift. For most travelers, checked bag fees now apply.
B. Who Still Gets Free Checked Bags?
While the blanket "Bags Fly Free" is largely a thing of the past for new bookings, certain passenger categories still enjoy free checked baggage benefits. Check if you fall into any of these:
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Business Select® Fare: If you've booked a Business Select® fare, you are entitled to two free checked bags.
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Rapid Rewards® A-List Preferred Members: These elite flyers also receive two free checked bags.
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Rapid Rewards® A-List Members: You get your first checked bag free.
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Rapid Rewards® Credit Cardmembers: If you're a primary Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmember, you also receive your first standard checked bag free. This benefit applies to the cardmember and up to eight additional passengers on the same reservation, provided your Rapid Rewards account number is included in the booking.
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Active Duty Military: Active duty military personnel with a valid military ID are exempt from checked, overweight, and oversized bag fees, provided their bags do not exceed 100 pounds and 80 inches.
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Hawaii Residents (Inter-island travel): If you're a Hawaii resident traveling between the islands, you generally receive two free checked bags.
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Bookings Made Before May 28, 2025: If your reservation was booked and ticketed (or voluntarily changed) on or before May 27, 2025, you will not be charged standard checked bag fees for your first or second checked bag, regardless of your travel date.
If you don't fall into any of the above categories, then standard checked bag fees will likely apply to your first and subsequent bags.
Step 2: Understanding Standard Checked Bag Fees
If you've determined that you'll be paying for your checked bags, here's what you can expect for standard suitcases that meet Southwest's size and weight limits.
A. The Base Charges
For flights booked or voluntarily changed on or after May 28, 2025, the following fees apply to Basic, Wanna Get Away Plus®, and Anytime fares:
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First Checked Bag: $35 per bag
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Second Checked Bag: $45 per bag
So, if you're bringing one extra suitcase beyond your personal item and carry-on (which are still free), and it's your first checked bag, it will cost $35. If it's your second checked bag (meaning you already have one checked bag), it will cost $45.
B. What's a "Standard" Bag?
Tip: Reread the opening if you feel lost.
To avoid additional fees, your checked bag must adhere to Southwest's standard dimensions and weight:
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Maximum Weight: 50 pounds (23 kg) per bag.
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Maximum Size: 62 linear inches (length + width + height). Remember to include wheels and handles when measuring!
Step 3: Calculating the Cost of More Than Two Bags (The "Extra Suitcase" Scenario)
This is where the term "extra suitcase" truly comes into play. If you're planning on checking more than two bags, you'll incur additional charges.
A. Third Bag and Beyond
For your third and any subsequent checked bags (meaning the third, fourth, fifth, and so on, up to a limit of 20 pieces per Customer), the fee is a hefty:
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$150 per bag
So, if you're checking three bags, and you're paying standard fees, your costs would look something like this:
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Bag 1: $35
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Bag 2: $45
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Bag 3: $150
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Total for three bags: $230
As you can see, those "extra suitcases" can quickly add up!
Step 4: Navigating Overweight and Oversized Baggage Fees
Sometimes, that "extra suitcase" isn't just an additional piece, but it's also too heavy or too large. This triggers separate, additional fees on top of any standard or excess baggage charges.
A. Overweight Bags
If your suitcase weighs more than the standard 50 pounds (23 kg), you'll face an overweight fee. Southwest has a tiered system for this:
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51 to 70 pounds (24 to 32 kg): $100 + Standard Fee (if applicable)
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71 to 100 pounds (33 to 45 kg): $200 + Standard Fee (if applicable)
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Bags exceeding 100 pounds (45 kg) will generally not be accepted as checked baggage and may need to be shipped as Air Cargo.
B. Oversized Bags
If your suitcase exceeds the 62 linear inches (length + width + height) limit, it's considered oversized:
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63 to 80 inches (160 to 203 cm): $200 + Standard Fee (if applicable)
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Bags exceeding 80 linear inches (203 cm) will generally not be accepted as checked baggage.
C. When a Bag is Both Overweight AND Oversized
Southwest has a specific policy for bags that are both overweight and oversized. Only one $200 charge applies if the piece is both oversized and overweight, regardless of the weight, as long as it does not exceed 100 lbs. However, it will still incur any applicable standard checked bag fees if it's your 1st, 2nd, or 3rd+ checked bag.
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Example: If your third checked bag is also oversized (65 inches) and overweight (60 lbs), you would pay:
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$150 (for the 3rd bag) + $200 (for being oversized/overweight) = $350 for that single suitcase!
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Tip: Keep the flow, don’t jump randomly.
Step 5: Special Considerations and Exemptions
Beyond the main categories, there are a few other points to keep in mind regarding specialized items or situations.
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A. Sporting Equipment
Many sporting equipment items are accepted as checked baggage and count towards your free checked bag allowance (if you have one) or incur standard checked bag fees. However, specific weight and size limits apply, and some larger items might have additional fees or be subject to overweight/oversized charges if they exceed standard limits. Always check Southwest's specific policy for your particular sports equipment. For example, oversized charges for some sporting equipment (like skis or golf bags) might be waived, but overweight charges could still apply.
B. Musical Instruments
Musical instruments can often be carried on or checked, depending on their size. If checked, standard baggage fees, size, and weight limits apply.
Step 6: How and When to Pay Baggage Fees
Southwest Airlines does not allow you to prepay for checked luggage online. All baggage fees must be paid at the airport.
A. Payment Options at the Airport
You can pay for your checked bags:
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At a Self-Tagging Kiosk: At select airports, you can use self-tagging kiosks to check your bags and pay applicable fees.
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With a Southwest Agent: You can always check your bags and pay at the airport ticket counter with a Southwest Agent.
B. Timing is Key
Ensure you allow ample time at the airport to check your bags, especially if you anticipate paying fees or if your bags might be overweight/oversized. Baggage check-in typically closes 45 minutes before scheduled departure for most flights.
Step 7: Tips to Avoid or Minimize Extra Suitcase Costs
Nobody likes unexpected fees! Here are some strategies to keep your baggage costs down:
A. Pack Smart: Maximize Your Carry-On and Personal Item
QuickTip: Save your favorite part of this post.
Southwest still allows one carry-on bag and one personal item for free.
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Your carry-on should not exceed external dimensions of 10 x 16 x 24 inches.
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Your personal item (e.g., purse, briefcase, laptop bag, small backpack) must fit under the seat in front of you.
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Strategic packing of these free items can often eliminate the need for an extra checked bag.
B. Consider Consolidating (If Possible)
If you're traveling with a companion, see if you can consolidate items into fewer bags that meet the weight and size limits, rather than checking multiple smaller bags that could trigger individual fees.
C. Leverage Rapid Rewards Status or Credit Card Benefits
As detailed in Step 1, if you're an A-List, A-List Preferred member, or a Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmember, make sure your Rapid Rewards number is linked to your booking to ensure you receive your free checked bag benefit.
D. Ship Your Luggage
For very heavy or numerous "extra" suitcases, especially for long trips, consider using a luggage shipping service. Sometimes, the cost can be comparable to or even less than airline excess baggage fees, and it offers the convenience of not having to haul your bags through the airport.
E. Weigh Your Bags at Home
Invest in a portable luggage scale. Weighing your bags before you leave for the airport can prevent costly surprises at the check-in counter and give you time to redistribute weight if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Now that we've covered the ins and outs, let's address some common questions.
How to determine if my bag is overweight for Southwest Airlines?
Your bag is overweight if it exceeds 50 pounds (23 kg). You can use a home luggage scale or a scale at the airport to check its weight.
How to measure my suitcase to avoid oversized bag fees on Southwest?
To measure your suitcase, add its length, width, and height (including wheels and handles). If the total sum exceeds 62 linear inches (157 cm), it will be considered oversized.
Tip: Reading with intent makes content stick.
How to avoid paying for my first checked bag on Southwest?
You can avoid paying for your first checked bag if you are a Business Select® fare passenger, a Rapid Rewards® A-List Preferred member, a Rapid Rewards® A-List member, or a Rapid Rewards® Credit Cardmember. Active duty military are also exempt.
How to avoid paying for my second checked bag on Southwest?
Your second checked bag can fly free if you are a Business Select® fare passenger, a Rapid Rewards® A-List Preferred member, or active duty military. For other fare types and Rapid Rewards A-List/Credit Cardmembers, a fee typically applies.
How to check more than two bags on Southwest Airlines?
You can check a third bag and beyond on Southwest, but each will incur a fee of $150, provided they meet weight and size limits. A maximum of 20 pieces of checked baggage per Customer is generally allowed.
How to pay for extra baggage on Southwest Airlines?
Extra baggage fees for Southwest Airlines must be paid at the airport, either at a self-tagging kiosk or with a Southwest Agent at the ticket counter. Online prepayment is not available.
How to calculate the total baggage cost for multiple bags on Southwest?
Add up the fees for each bag: $35 for the first, $45 for the second, and $150 for the third and subsequent bags (if applicable). Then, add any overweight ($100 or $200) or oversized ($200) fees per bag if they apply.
How to know if the "Bags Fly Free" policy still applies to my Southwest flight?
The "Bags Fly Free" policy (for the first two checked bags) still applies to reservations booked and ticketed or voluntarily changed on or before May 27, 2025. For bookings made on or after May 28, 2025, fees apply unless you fall into an exempt category (Business Select, A-List Preferred, A-List, Credit Cardmember, Military, Hawaii resident for inter-island travel).
How to save money if my bag is overweight or oversized on Southwest?
To save money, try to redistribute items to meet weight limits (50 lbs) or consider shipping heavier/larger items via a cargo or luggage shipping service instead of paying airline fees.
How to find the most up-to-date baggage fee information for Southwest Airlines?
Always consult the official Southwest Airlines website's "Optional Travel Charges" or "Checked Baggage Policy" pages for the most current and detailed information, as policies can change.
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