Breaking News for Southwest Fliers: Your Bags No Longer Fly Free!
Are you planning a trip with Southwest Airlines in 2025 or beyond? If so, get ready for a significant change that might impact your travel budget: Southwest's iconic "Bags Fly Free" policy is largely a thing of the past for most travelers. After decades of setting themselves apart with this generous perk, the airline has revised its baggage policy, introducing new fees for checked luggage.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Southwest Airlines' current baggage charges, including step-by-step instructions on how to calculate your potential costs, understand exceptions, and even potentially avoid some fees. Let's dive in!
Step 1: Understand the Core Change – It's All About Your Booking Date!
The most crucial factor in determining if you'll pay for checked bags on Southwest is when you booked or changed your reservation.
Bookings made on or before May 27, 2025: For these reservations, regardless of your travel date, the old "Bags Fly Free" policy still applies. You're in luck! You can check two bags for free, provided they meet the standard size and weight limits.
Bookings made or voluntarily changed on or after May 28, 2025: This is where the new fees come into play. For these reservations, most passengers will now be charged for their first and second checked bags.
So, the very first thing you need to do is check your reservation details. Was it booked or altered on or after May 28, 2025? If so, proceed to the next steps!
Step 2: Determine the Standard Checked Bag Fees for Most Travelers
For the majority of passengers booking or changing flights on or after May 28, 2025, the standard fees for checked bags are as follows:
First Checked Bag: $35 USD (approximately INR 2,998)
Second Checked Bag: $45 USD (approximately INR 3,855)
These fees are per bag, per one-way flight. So, if you're flying round trip with two checked bags, you'd effectively pay these fees twice.
Sub-heading: Standard Checked Bag Dimensions and Weight
Even with the new fees, the standard size and weight limits for checked bags remain consistent:
Maximum Weight: 50 pounds (22.7 kg) per bag
Maximum Size: 62 linear inches (length + width + height) per bag
Bags exceeding these limits will incur additional fees, which we'll cover in a later step.
Step 3: Identify If You Qualify for Free Checked Bags (Exceptions to the Rule)
While the "Bags Fly Free" policy is mostly gone, Southwest does still offer free checked bags for certain categories of travelers. Don't skip this step – you might be one of them!
Sub-heading: Business Select & A-List Preferred Members
Business Select Fares: If you book a Business Select fare, you will continue to receive two free checked bags. This is Southwest's highest-tier fare and comes with other perks.
Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred Members: These elite members of Southwest's Rapid Rewards loyalty program also get two free checked bags. This benefit extends to up to eight additional passengers on the same reservation.
Sub-heading: A-List Members & Rapid Rewards Credit Cardholders
Rapid Rewards A-List Members: As an A-List member, you are eligible for one free checked bag. This benefit also applies to up to eight additional passengers on the same reservation.
Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers: If you hold a Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card, you are eligible for your first checked bag free. The primary cardmember must be on the reservation and have their Rapid Rewards account number included when booking. This benefit is typically for the primary cardholder on the reservation.
Sub-heading: Active Duty Military Personnel
Southwest Airlines continues to offer a generous baggage policy for active-duty military personnel.
Active-duty military Customers with a valid ID: You are exempt from the two-piece baggage limit and will not be subject to excess, oversize, or overweight baggage charges. However, each piece of baggage still cannot exceed 100 pounds in weight and 80 inches in size (L+W+H). Remember to present your valid United States Armed Forces identification at check-in. Note: Dependents traveling without the active-duty military member are subject to normal baggage charges.
Sub-heading: Hawaii Residents (Interisland Travel)
Hawaii residents traveling between the islands: You continue to receive two free checked bags. This is based on the primary mailing address of the customer being a valid U.S. Postal Hawaii mailing address.
Step 4: Understand Fees for Overweight and Oversized Bags
If your bags exceed the standard weight or size limits, even if you get free checked bags, you will incur additional fees.
Overweight Baggage:
For bags weighing between 51 and 70 pounds (23.1-31.8 kg): An additional $75 USD fee per bag.
For bags weighing between 71 and 100 pounds (31.8-45.4 kg): An additional $70 USD fee per bag. (Note: Some sources indicate $150 and $200 respectively for different weight tiers within this range, so it's always best to verify directly with Southwest or at the airport.)
Bags weighing over 100 pounds (45.4 kg) will not be accepted as checked baggage and may need to be shipped as cargo.
Oversized Baggage:
For bags with linear dimensions (length + width + height) between 63 inches and 80 inches (160 cm - 203 cm): An additional $75 USD fee per bag.
Bags exceeding 80 inches (203 cm) will not be accepted as checked baggage and may need to be shipped as cargo.
Combined Overweight and Oversized: If a bag is both overweight and oversized, only one fee will apply, typically the higher of the two, as long as it doesn't exceed 100 lbs. For example, an item that is both oversized (over 62" but not more than 80") and overweight (51-70 lbs) will incur a single $75 charge.
Step 5: Consider Additional (Third, Fourth, etc.) Checked Bags
If you need to check more than two bags, additional fees will apply in addition to any standard fees for the first two bags.
Third Checked Bag and Beyond: Each additional checked bag (beyond the first two, for those who pay) will cost $150 USD per bag.
This means if you're a standard traveler checking three bags, your costs would be: $35 (Bag 1) + $45 (Bag 2) + $150 (Bag 3) = $230 USD one-way.
Step 6: Understand Carry-On and Personal Item Policies (Still Free!)
Good news! Southwest's policy for carry-on bags and personal items remains free of charge for all passengers.
One Carry-On Bag: You are allowed one carry-on bag that must fit in the overhead bin.
Maximum Dimensions: 24" (L) x 16" (W) x 10" (H) (including wheels and handles).
Weight Limit: There is no stated weight limit for carry-on bags, but you must be able to lift it into the overhead bin yourself.
One Personal Item: You are also allowed one personal item that must fit under the seat in front of you.
Maximum Dimensions: Approximately 16.25” (L) x 13.5” (W) x 8” (H).
Examples: Purse, briefcase, laptop case, small backpack, or pet carrier (if traveling with a pet).
Weight Limit: There is no stated weight limit for personal items.
Step 7: Special Items and Sporting Equipment
Southwest has specific policies for various special items and sporting equipment. In many cases, these items can be checked as part of your regular baggage allowance if they meet the standard size and weight limits. However, some items may incur additional fees, especially if they are oversized or overweight.
General Rule: Most sporting equipment will be accepted as checked baggage and standard checked bag fees will apply. However, special rules and potential waivers for oversized items exist for certain equipment (e.g., surfboards on Hawaii interisland flights).
Musical Instruments: Small musical instruments may be carried on if they fit in the overhead bin or under the seat. Larger instruments may need to be checked and may incur oversized baggage fees.
Pro Tip: If you're traveling with unusual or valuable items, it's highly recommended to check Southwest's official website or contact their customer service directly for the most accurate and up-to-date information specific to your item.
Step 8: Payment Methods for Baggage Fees
Southwest Airlines does not allow you to prepay for checked baggage online or through their app. Baggage fees must be paid at the airport, typically at the check-in counter or a self-service kiosk, when you check your bags.
Step 9: Consider Alternative Shipping Options for Excessive Baggage
If you have a significant amount of luggage, especially if it's oversized or very heavy, it might be more cost-effective to ship your bags via a third-party luggage shipping service or Southwest Cargo (if you qualify as a "Known Shipper"). This can sometimes save you money compared to accumulating multiple overweight/oversized baggage fees with the airline.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are some quick answers to common questions about Southwest Airlines baggage fees:
How to avoid paying checked bag fees on Southwest Airlines?
You can avoid checked bag fees by being a Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred or A-List member, holding a Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card, purchasing a Business Select fare, or being active-duty military personnel. For everyone else, consider packing lighter or utilizing your free carry-on and personal item allowance.
How to find out if my reservation is subject to the new baggage fees?
Check the date you booked or voluntarily changed your flight. If it was on or after May 28, 2025, you will likely be subject to the new fees unless you fall under one of the exemption categories (A-List, Business Select, etc.).
How to measure my bag to ensure it meets Southwest's requirements?
For checked bags, measure the length, width, and height of your bag and add these three measurements together. The sum should not exceed 62 linear inches. For carry-on bags, the dimensions are strict: 24" (L) x 16" (W) x 10" (H). Always include wheels and handles in your measurements.
How to know the exact weight of my baggage before heading to the airport?
Invest in a portable luggage scale. These are inexpensive and can save you from unexpected overweight baggage fees at the airport. Weigh your bags at home before you leave.
How to handle oversized or overweight sporting equipment?
Check Southwest's "Special Baggage & Sports Equipment" page on their website for specific guidelines. Many sports items are accepted, but fees often apply if they exceed standard dimensions or weight. Active-duty military members typically have exceptions.
How to check more than two bags on Southwest Airlines?
You can check additional bags beyond the first two, but each will incur a fee of $150 USD, in addition to any initial checked bag fees for the first two bags.
How to pay for checked baggage on Southwest?
Baggage fees are paid at the airport at the Southwest check-in counter or a self-service kiosk when you check your bags. Prepayment is not available.
How to travel with a pet on Southwest and how does it affect my baggage allowance?
Southwest allows small domesticated cats or dogs in the cabin in a suitable carrier. The pet carrier counts as either your personal item or your carry-on bag, and there is a one-way fee (typically $125 USD as of previous policies, though verify for 2025). Pets are generally not allowed in the cargo hold due to temperature concerns.
How to confirm the most up-to-date baggage policy before my flight?
Always refer to the official Southwest Airlines website's "Optional Travel Charges" or "Baggage" sections. Airline policies can change, and the website will have the latest and most accurate information.
How to save money on baggage fees if I'm a frequent Southwest flyer?
Consider applying for a Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card or working towards A-List or A-List Preferred status through frequent travel. These options provide waivers for checked bag fees and offer other travel benefits.
