Oh, the dreaded overweight bag! It's a common travel nightmare, isn't it? That moment you hoist your perfectly packed (or so you thought!) suitcase onto the scale at the airport, and the numbers stubbornly creep past the limit. The sigh, the eye-roll from the agent, and then the inevitable question: "Did you know your bag is overweight?"
Fear not, fellow traveler! While Southwest Airlines used to be famous for its incredibly generous "two free checked bags" policy for all fares, things have changed as of May 28, 2025. This guide will walk you through exactly what to expect when it comes to overweight bags on Southwest, so you can avoid those unexpected fees and travel with peace of mind.
Let's dive in!
Step 1: Understand Southwest's New Baggage Policy (as of May 28, 2025)
Before we even talk about overweight fees, it's crucial to understand the foundational shift in Southwest's baggage policy. For years, Southwest was the outlier, offering two free checked bags to everyone. That's largely a thing of the past for new bookings!
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What's Changed? For reservations booked and ticketed (or changed) on or after May 28, 2025, standard checked bag fees now apply to Basic, Wanna Get Away Plus®, and Anytime fares.
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Who Still Gets Free Bags?
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Business Select® fares continue to receive two free checked bags.
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Rapid Rewards® A-List Preferred members get their first and second checked bags free.
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Rapid Rewards® A-List members and Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers receive their first checked bag for free.
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Important Note: If you booked your flight on or before May 27, 2025, regardless of your travel date, your existing two free checked bags policy still applies. However, if you change that reservation on or after May 28, 2025, the new rules will likely apply.
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| How Much Does Southwest Airlines Charge For Overweight Bags |
Step 2: Know the Standard Checked Bag Limits (and What Triggers Overweight Fees)
Even with the new fare-based baggage fees, there are still fundamental rules regarding the size and weight of your bags. Exceeding these limits is what leads to those extra charges.
Standard Checked Bag Allowance:
QuickTip: Take a pause every few paragraphs.
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Weight: Each checked bag must not exceed 50 pounds (23 kg).
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Size: Each checked bag's linear dimensions (length + width + height) must not exceed 62 inches (158 cm).
Bags exceeding either of these limits will incur additional fees.
Step 3: Calculate the Overweight Bag Charges
This is the moment of truth for your heavy suitcase! Southwest has clear tiers for overweight baggage fees.
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Bags weighing 51 to 70 pounds (23.1 kg to 31.8 kg): You will be charged $100 per bag, each way. This fee is in addition to any standard checked bag fees that may apply to your fare class.
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Bags weighing 71 to 100 pounds (31.9 kg to 45.4 kg): You will be charged $200 per bag, each way. Again, this is on top of any standard checked bag fees.
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Bags weighing over 100 pounds (45.4 kg): Items exceeding 100 pounds will not be accepted as checked baggage. You will need to make alternative arrangements, such as shipping it via cargo. This applies to everyone, even active-duty military.
Example Scenario: Let's say you're on a Wanna Get Away Plus® fare (booked after May 28, 2025) and your first checked bag weighs 60 pounds.
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Standard Bag Fee: $35 (for your first checked bag).
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Overweight Fee: $100 (since it's between 51-70 lbs).
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Total Cost for that bag: $35 + $100 = $135 one-way!
As you can see, those overweight fees can add up quickly.
Step 4: Consider Oversized Bag Charges (They Can Apply Too!)
It's important to differentiate between overweight and oversized. While this post focuses on weight, a bag can be both overweight and oversized, though typically only one surcharge applies for both.
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Oversized Bags (63 to 80 inches linear dimensions): If your bag is larger than 62 linear inches but not more than 80 linear inches, you will be charged $200 per bag, each way.
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Combined Overweight & Oversized: If a bag is both overweight (up to 100 lbs) and oversized (up to 80 inches), Southwest generally applies only one $200 charge (the higher of the two applicable fees), in addition to any standard checked bag fees.
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Bags over 80 inches: Similar to bags over 100 pounds, these items will not be accepted as checked baggage.
Step 5: Special Circumstances and Exemptions
QuickTip: Look for patterns as you read.
While the new policies are stricter, there are still some exceptions and scenarios where fees might be waived or different rules apply.
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Active-Duty Military: Active-duty military personnel with a current, valid military ID are typically exempt from the two-piece baggage limit and will not be subject to excess, oversize, or overweight baggage charges, provided each bag does not exceed 100 pounds in weight and 80 inches in size. This is a significant perk!
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Sports Equipment: Southwest has specific guidelines for various types of sports equipment. While some items may have oversized fees waived (e.g., surfboards between Hawaiian islands), overweight charges can still apply if they exceed the standard 50 lbs. Always check Southwest's specific policy for your particular sports equipment.
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Large Media Camera Equipment: In some cases, large media camera equipment may also have certain fees waived.
Step 6: Practical Tips to Avoid Overweight Bag Fees
Now that you know the rules, here are some actionable strategies to keep those extra dollars in your pocket!
A. Pack Smart, Pack Light:
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Invest in a Luggage Scale: These small, portable scales are a game-changer. Weigh your bags before you leave for the airport.
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Distribute Weight Evenly: If you have multiple bags, try to spread heavier items across them to stay under the 50 lb limit for each.
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Wear Your Heaviest Items: Those bulky boots or heavy jackets? Wear them on the plane instead of packing them.
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Consider a Carry-On for Heavy Small Items: Items like books, electronics, or dense toiletries can quickly add weight. If they fit, put them in your carry-on or personal item (within their respective size limits, of course!).
B. Know Your Fare Type & Loyalty Status:
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Check Your Booking: Double-check the fare type you purchased. Basic, Wanna Get Away Plus®, and Anytime fares now typically incur checked bag fees.
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Leverage Rapid Rewards Status: If you're an A-List or A-List Preferred member, remember to link your Rapid Rewards number to your booking to receive your free checked bag allowance.
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Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card: If you have a Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Credit Card, ensure your Rapid Rewards number is on your reservation to get your first checked bag free.
C. Ship It! (For Really Heavy or Numerous Items):
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If you have genuinely heavy or numerous items (e.g., moving, bringing back many souvenirs), consider shipping them via a dedicated luggage shipping service or even Southwest Cargo (though the latter requires you to be a "Known Shipper"). This can often be more cost-effective than multiple overweight or excess bag fees.
QuickTip: Absorb ideas one at a time.
D. Consolidate (if traveling with others):
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If you're traveling with family or friends, consider consolidating your belongings into fewer, lighter bags that meet the standard limits. You might still pay per bag for certain fare types, but you'll avoid the hefty overweight charges.
By following these steps and keeping Southwest's current policies in mind, you can minimize surprises and enjoy a smoother travel experience!
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are some quick answers to common questions about Southwest's baggage policies:
How to avoid Southwest Airlines overweight bag fees?
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Weigh your bags at home using a luggage scale and redistribute heavy items, wear bulky clothing, or consider shipping extremely heavy items.
How to check if my Southwest bag is oversized?
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Measure your bag's length, width, and height, then add those three numbers together. If the sum is greater than 62 inches (158 cm), it's considered oversized.
How to know if my Southwest fare includes free checked bags?
QuickTip: Stop scrolling if you find value.
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For bookings made on or after May 28, 2025, only Business Select® fares, Rapid Rewards® A-List Preferred, and A-List members (for the first bag) get free checked bags. Other fares typically incur fees.
How to pay for overweight bags on Southwest Airlines?
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Overweight bag fees are paid at the airport ticket counter or at self-tagging kiosks (where available) when you check your baggage.
How to pack efficiently to stay under Southwest's weight limit?
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Roll your clothes tightly, use packing cubes, wear bulky items, and leave non-essential heavy items at home.
How to handle bags over 100 pounds on Southwest?
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Bags over 100 pounds are not accepted as checked baggage by Southwest Airlines and must be shipped via alternative cargo services.
How to get free checked bags on Southwest Airlines?
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Book a Business Select® fare, achieve Rapid Rewards A-List or A-List Preferred status, or be a Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmember.
How to check sports equipment on Southwest and avoid overweight fees?
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Check Southwest's specific sports equipment policy, as some items may have oversized fees waived, but overweight fees can still apply if they exceed 50 lbs. Pack smart and light where possible.
How to find the most up-to-date Southwest baggage policy?
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Always refer to the official Southwest Airlines website's "Optional Travel Charges" or "Checked Baggage Policy" pages for the very latest information.
How to decide between paying overweight fees or shipping my bag?
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Calculate the total overweight fees for your trip (one-way or round-trip) and compare that cost to quotes from luggage shipping services. For very heavy or numerous items, shipping can often be more economical.
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