Have you ever found yourself at the airport, luggage in hand, wondering about the intricacies of checking your bags with Southwest Airlines? Perhaps you've heard whispers of their unique baggage policies, or maybe you're a seasoned traveler but need a refresher on the latest updates. Well, you're in the right place! This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the process, ensuring your checked baggage journey with Southwest is as smooth as a landing on a clear day.
Let's dive in and make sure your bags are ready to fly with you!
The Ultimate Guide to Buying Checked Baggage with Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines, known for its "Transfarency" philosophy, has long been a favorite for many travelers due to its customer-friendly policies. While the "Bags Fly Free" policy has evolved recently, there are still plenty of ways to manage your checked luggage efficiently and, in many cases, still avoid extra fees.
Step 1: Understanding Southwest's Checked Baggage Policy – The Foundation
Before you even think about packing, it's crucial to grasp Southwest's updated baggage policy. Knowing this upfront can save you time, stress, and potentially, money!
Sub-heading: The New Baggage Fee Structure (as of May 28, 2025)
Gone are the days when everyone on Southwest enjoyed two free checked bags. As of May 28, 2025, Southwest has introduced checked baggage fees for most travelers.
First Checked Bag: Most passengers will now pay $35 for their first checked bag.
Second Checked Bag: The fee for your second checked bag is $45.
Additional Bags (Third or more): For each additional checked bag beyond the second, the fee is $75 per bag.
Sub-heading: Size and Weight Limits – Don't Get Caught Off Guard!
Southwest has specific dimensions and weight limits for checked bags. Adhering to these is crucial to avoid oversize and overweight charges.
Standard Weight Limit: Each checked bag must weigh 50 pounds (23 kg) or less.
Standard Size Limit: The total linear dimensions (length + width + height) of each checked bag must not exceed 62 inches (157 cm). Remember to include wheels and handles in your measurement!
Sub-heading: Overweight and Oversize Baggage Fees
If your bag exceeds the standard limits, prepare for additional charges:
Overweight Baggage: A bag weighing between 51 and 100 pounds (23-45 kg) will incur an additional fee of $75. Bags weighing over 100 pounds must be shipped as air cargo.
Oversize Baggage: A bag with linear dimensions between 63 and 80 inches (160-203 cm) will also incur an additional fee of $75. Bags over 80 inches cannot be checked as baggage.
These fees are charged in addition to the standard first or second bag fees.
Step 2: Strategies to Potentially Avoid Baggage Fees
While fees are now the norm for most, Southwest still offers avenues for certain travelers to enjoy free checked bags. This is where savvy planning comes into play!
Sub-heading: Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cardholders
This is often the easiest and most accessible way to get free checked bags. All Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards now provide one free checked bag for the primary cardholder and up to eight companions on the same reservation. This benefit applies to flights booked on or after May 28, 2025.
Eligible Cards Include:
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card
Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card
Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card
Sub-heading: Rapid Rewards A-List and A-List Preferred Members
Loyalty pays off! If you're a frequent Southwest flyer, your elite status can grant you baggage benefits:
A-List Members: Receive one free checked bag.
A-List Preferred Members: Receive two free checked bags.
Sub-heading: Business Select Fares
Passengers who book a Business Select fare will continue to receive two free checked bags. This is Southwest's highest fare class and comes with other perks like priority boarding.
Sub-heading: Active-Duty Military Personnel
Southwest offers a generous baggage policy for active-duty military personnel. With a current, valid military ID, active-duty military Customers are exempt from the two-piece baggage limit and will not be subject to excess, oversize, or overweight baggage charges, provided no single piece of baggage exceeds 100 pounds in weight and 80 inches in size (L+W+H).
Step 3: Packing Smart for Southwest Travel
Now that you know the rules, let's talk about packing! Efficient packing can help you stay within limits and avoid those dreaded extra fees.
Sub-heading: Weigh and Measure Your Bags at Home
Don't wait until the airport! Invest in a luggage scale. These are inexpensive and can save you a lot of hassle. Measure your bag's dimensions (length + width + height) with a tape measure. It's much easier to redistribute items or use a different bag at home than it is at the check-in counter.
Sub-heading: Consider a Lightweight Suitcase
The weight of your empty suitcase counts towards your total baggage weight. Opt for lightweight luggage to maximize the weight allowance for your belongings.
Sub-heading: Utilize Carry-On and Personal Item Allowances
Southwest allows one carry-on bag and one personal item (like a backpack, purse, or laptop bag) per passenger. Make the most of these allowances for heavier items like electronics, books, or dense clothing. Remember, your carry-on must fit in the overhead bin and your personal item under the seat in front of you.
Step 4: The Check-In Process for Checked Baggage
Southwest offers several convenient ways to check in and add your bags.
Sub-heading: Online Check-in (for Domestic Travel - Baggage Still Checked at Airport)
You can check in online starting 24 hours before your flight. While you can't pay for checked bags online, checking in beforehand can streamline your airport experience. You'll still need to bring your bags to the airport for payment and tagging.
Sub-heading: Self-Service Kiosks at the Airport
This is often the quickest way to check your bags once you're at the airport.
Locate a Southwest Kiosk: These are typically found in the check-in area.
Follow On-Screen Prompts: Enter your confirmation number or scan your boarding pass.
Indicate Number of Bags: You'll be asked how many bags you wish to check.
Pay Applicable Fees: If fees apply, you'll be prompted to pay with a credit card directly at the kiosk.
Print Bag Tags: The kiosk will print your baggage tags.
Attach Tags: Carefully follow the instructions to attach the tags to your bags.
Proceed to Bag Drop: Take your tagged bags to the designated bag drop area, where a Southwest agent will verify and send them on their way.
Sub-heading: Curbside Check-in (Domestic Flights Only)
For a truly swift experience (if available at your airport), you can check your bags curbside.
Locate Curbside Check-in: Look for the Southwest curbside check-in area outside the terminal.
Present ID and Reservation: Have your photo ID and flight information ready.
Bags Weighed and Tagged: An agent will weigh your bags and apply the tags.
Pay Fees: Pay any applicable baggage fees to the agent.
Note: Curbside check-in is typically available 60 minutes to 3 hours before departure for domestic flights.
Sub-heading: Ticket Counter Check-in
If you prefer a full-service experience or have special circumstances, the main ticket counter is always an option.
Join the Line: Head to the Southwest Airlines ticket counter.
Present ID and Reservation: A Southwest agent will assist you.
Bags Weighed and Tagged: Your bags will be weighed, and tags will be applied.
Pay Fees: Pay any applicable fees directly to the agent.
Sub-heading: International Travel Baggage Check-in
If any portion of your itinerary includes an international flight, you must check your luggage at the Southwest Airlines ticket counter upon arrival at the airport. Curbside check-in is not permitted for international itineraries.
Minimum Check-in Times: For most international flights, passengers and their baggage must be checked in 60 minutes prior to scheduled departure. For flights departing Aruba, this is 75 minutes.
Step 5: After Checking Your Bags – What to Expect
Once your bags are checked, there are a few important things to keep in mind.
Sub-heading: Claim Your Bag Tags
Always ensure you receive a separate claim check for each piece of baggage you've checked. Verify that the city shown on the claim check(s) matches your final destination. These claim checks are your proof of baggage and are essential if your bag is delayed or lost.
Sub-heading: Tracking Your Bags
Southwest often allows you to track your bags digitally. Ask the agent or check the Southwest mobile app for this feature. It provides peace of mind knowing where your luggage is.
Sub-heading: Baggage Liability
Southwest Airlines' liability for lost, damaged, or delayed baggage is limited to $3,800.00 per fare-paying customer. For valuable items, consider personal travel insurance.
Sub-heading: Reporting Issues
If your baggage is damaged, delayed, or lost, it's critical to report it in person within four hours of your arrival at your destination. Head to the Southwest baggage claim office immediately.
A Few Important Reminders
Prohibited Items: Always check the TSA website for a comprehensive list of prohibited items in both carry-on and checked luggage. Some items are strictly forbidden.
Conditional Acceptance: Improperly packed or fragile items may be conditionally accepted, meaning Southwest won't be responsible for damage. Pack fragile items securely!
Late Check-In: Baggage checked 45 minutes or less before departure (or 60 minutes for international) is considered "Late Check." While Southwest will try to get it on your flight, they won't assume delivery charges if it doesn't arrive with you. Arrive early!
By following these steps and understanding Southwest's policies, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free experience when buying and checking baggage for your next flight!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common "How to" questions related to Southwest Airlines checked baggage:
How to know if my bag is oversized or overweight with Southwest?
To determine if your bag is oversized or overweight, measure its length, width, and height (including wheels and handles) and sum them up. If the total is over 62 inches, it's oversized. Weigh your bag; if it's over 50 pounds, it's overweight. Both incur a $75 fee.
How to get free checked bags on Southwest Airlines?
You can get free checked bags on Southwest by holding a Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card (1 free bag for the cardholder and up to 8 companions on the same reservation), being a Rapid Rewards A-List (1 free bag) or A-List Preferred member (2 free bags), booking a Business Select fare (2 free bags), or being active-duty military with a valid ID.
How to add a checked bag to my Southwest flight online?
You cannot directly add or pay for checked bags online with Southwest. You simply indicate the number of bags you intend to check during the online check-in process. Payment and actual bag tagging must be done at the airport (kiosk, curbside, or ticket counter).
How to check my bags if I'm flying internationally with Southwest?
For international Southwest flights, you must check your luggage at the Southwest Airlines ticket counter at the airport. Curbside check-in is not permitted for international itineraries. Ensure you arrive at least 60 minutes (or 75 minutes for Aruba) before departure.
How to track my checked bag on Southwest?
After checking your bag, you can often track its journey using the Southwest mobile app or by asking a Southwest agent for digital tracking options. You will also receive a claim check for each bag, which is essential for tracking and in case of issues.
How to pay for checked bags on Southwest?
You pay for checked bags on Southwest at the airport. This can be done at a self-service kiosk using a credit card, at the curbside check-in (for domestic flights), or directly with a Southwest agent at the ticket counter.
How to pack to avoid overweight bag fees on Southwest?
To avoid overweight fees, use a luggage scale to weigh your bag at home before heading to the airport. Distribute heavier items across multiple bags if possible, or consider putting heavier essentials in your personal item or carry-on bag, ensuring they still meet those respective size and weight limits.
How to handle damaged or lost baggage with Southwest?
If your checked baggage is damaged, delayed, or lost, you must report it in person to a Southwest Airlines baggage claim agent at the airport within four hours of your flight's arrival at your destination. Do not leave the airport without filing a report.
How to know the latest baggage policies for Southwest?
The most reliable way to know the latest baggage policies for Southwest Airlines is to visit their official website (Southwest.com) and navigate to their "Baggage" or "Checked Bag Policy" section. Policies, especially fees, can change, so always verify close to your travel date.
How to check special items like sports equipment or musical instruments with Southwest?
Southwest has specific policies for checking special items like sports equipment or musical instruments. These items often have different size/weight allowances and may incur specific fees. It's best to check the "Special Baggage" or "Sports Equipment" section on Southwest's official website or call their customer service for detailed guidelines regarding your specific item.
