Are you getting ready for an exciting adventure with Southwest Airlines and wondering about their baggage policy? You've come to the right place! Navigating airline baggage rules can sometimes feel like a puzzle, but with Southwest, it's generally quite straightforward. Let's break down exactly how many bags you're allowed on Southwest Airlines, step by step, so you can pack with confidence and avoid any last-minute surprises.
Step 1: Let's Get Started – What Are You Bringing?
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let's think about your travel style. Are you a minimalist traveler who can fit everything into a small backpack, or do you prefer to have all your essentials (and a few extras!) with you? Knowing this will help us determine which baggage allowances apply to you.
Are you planning a quick weekend getaway, or an extended international trip? Your answer will influence the number and type of bags you'll likely need. Southwest's policy is known for being customer-friendly, but understanding the specifics is key to a smooth journey.
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| How Many Bags Am I Allowed On Southwest Airlines |
Understanding the Basics of Southwest's Baggage Policy
Southwest Airlines has a fairly unique and often praised baggage policy. Unlike many other airlines that charge for every checked bag, Southwest has historically offered a more generous allowance. However, it's crucial to note that as of May 28, 2025, Southwest Airlines has introduced a fee for checked bags for newly booked flights. While this is a significant change, their allowance still remains competitive.
Step 2: Your Carry-On and Personal Item Allowance
This is where you can often save some money and ensure your most important items are always with you.
Your Carry-On Bag
Every ticketed Southwest Airlines customer is permitted to bring one carry-on bag onto the aircraft. This bag is designed to fit in the overhead bin.
Size Matters: Your carry-on bag must not exceed 24 x 16 x 10 inches (approximately 61 x 40 x 25 cm), including handles and wheels. Make sure to measure your bag carefully before you head to the airport!
Weight: While Southwest doesn't typically enforce a strict weight limit for carry-on bags, you must be able to lift it into the overhead bin without assistance.
What to Pack: It's always a good idea to pack essentials, medications, valuables, and a change of clothes in your carry-on, just in case your checked luggage gets delayed.
Your Personal Item
In addition to your carry-on, you are also allowed one small personal item. This item is intended to fit under the seat in front of you.
Tip: A slow skim is better than a rushed read.
Size Matters (Again!): Your personal item should not exceed 18.5 x 8.5 x 13.5 inches. This typically includes items like:
A purse
A briefcase
A laptop bag
A small backpack
A camera bag
Important Note for Pet Owners: If you're traveling with a pet in a carrier, the pet carrier will count as your personal item or carry-on bag, depending on its size and if it fits under the seat. Make sure to check Southwest's specific pet policy for details on pet travel.
Step 3: Understanding Checked Baggage Allowance and New Fees
This is where the recent changes come into play, so pay close attention!
Standard Checked Bags
Historically, Southwest was famous for its "Bags Fly Free" policy, allowing two checked bags per passenger at no charge. However, for flights booked on or after May 28, 2025, this policy has changed.
First Checked Bag Fee: For flights booked on or after May 28, 2025, the first checked bag will cost $35.
Second Checked Bag Fee: The second checked bag will cost $45.
Size Limit: Each checked bag must not exceed 62 inches in total linear dimensions (length + width + height), including handles and wheels.
Weight Limit: Each checked bag must not exceed 50 pounds (23 kg).
Overweight and Oversized Baggage
If your bags exceed the standard size or weight limits, you'll incur additional fees.
Overweight Baggage:
Bags weighing between 51-70 lbs (23.1-31.8 kg) will incur a charge of $100 per bag.
Bags weighing between 71-100 lbs (31.9-45.3 kg) will incur a charge of $125 per bag.
Any item over 100 lbs will generally not be accepted as checked baggage and may need to be shipped as cargo.
Oversized Baggage:
Bags larger than 62 linear inches but up to 80 linear inches (length + width + height) will incur a charge of $125 per bag.
Any item over 80 linear inches will generally not be accepted as checked baggage.
Combined Fees: If your bag is both overweight and oversized, you will typically only be charged one fee (the higher of the two, if applicable), not a cumulative fee, provided it doesn't exceed 100 lbs or 80 inches.
Exemptions and Loyalty Programs
Business Select/Choice Extra and A-List Preferred Customers: These loyalty tiers and fare types may still receive two free checked bags.
A-List and Chase Rapid Rewards Credit Card Members: These members may receive one free checked bag.
Military Personnel: Active duty military personnel and their dependents often have more generous baggage allowances. Always check Southwest's official website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date military baggage policy.
Step 4: Special Items and Sports Equipment
Planning to bring your golf clubs, surfboard, or musical instrument? Southwest has specific policies for these items.
Sports Equipment
QuickTip: Break reading into digestible chunks.
Many common sports equipment items can be checked as part of your baggage allowance, provided they meet the size and weight limits.
Substitution: You can often substitute certain sports equipment for one of your checked bags.
Examples: Golf bags (including clubs, shoes, and balls), skis/snowboards (packed in a suitable bag), and bicycles (properly packed in a bike box) are generally accepted.
Fees: If the sports equipment exceeds the standard 50 lbs or 62 linear inches, overweight or oversized fees will apply. For example, surfboards are often subject to a $75 fee even if they are within weight limits, if they exceed standard dimensions.
Musical Instruments
Traveling with your beloved instrument? Southwest has guidelines for that too!
Carry-on: Smaller instruments that fit within the carry-on dimensions (24 x 16 x 10 inches) can be brought into the cabin.
Cabin Seat: If your instrument is too large for the overhead bin or under the seat but you want it in the cabin, you may be able to purchase an additional seat for it, provided it can be safely secured.
Checked Baggage: Larger instruments can be checked as baggage. Be aware that oversize or overweight charges will apply if the instrument exceeds 62 linear inches or 50 lbs. Southwest may also apply a limited release if the instrument is not in a hard-sided case, meaning they assume no liability for damage.
Step 5: Paying for Your Bags and Other Considerations
Now that you know the rules, let's talk about the practicalities.
When and Where to Pay
At the Airport: Checked bag fees are typically paid at the airport during check-in, either at the self-tagging kiosks (where available) or with a Southwest agent.
No Pre-Payment Online: Southwest generally does not offer the option to pre-pay for checked baggage online.
Tracking Your Bags
Southwest offers digital bag tracking, allowing you to monitor the journey of your checked luggage. This can provide peace of mind, especially with the new fees.
Baggage Embargoes
Be aware that Southwest may implement baggage embargoes for certain international destinations during peak travel times. These embargoes can restrict the number of oversized, overweight, or extra checked bags you can bring. Always check for any active embargoes for your specific destination before you travel.
Tip: Skim once, study twice.
Lithium-Ion Batteries (Power Banks)
A critical recent update from Southwest (effective May 28, 2025):
In Carry-On, Not Checked: Portable chargers and power banks must be in your carry-on bags, not checked baggage.
Visible and Off-Bag: When in use, these devices must be visible and out of your bags (e.g., in a seat pocket or on a tray table).
No In-Bag Charging: Charging your devices with power banks stored inside carry-on bags or overhead compartments is strictly prohibited. This is a safety measure to mitigate fire risks associated with lithium-ion batteries.
Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 frequently asked questions, starting with "How to," to help you further understand Southwest's baggage policy:
How to avoid checked baggage fees on Southwest Airlines?
You can avoid checked baggage fees by packing light enough to only use your carry-on and personal item allowance, or by holding certain elite status (like A-List Preferred) or a Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card that offers free checked bags. Active military personnel also generally receive exemptions.
How to measure my bag for Southwest Airlines?
To measure your bag, use a tape measure to determine its length, width, and height. For linear dimensions, add these three measurements together. Remember to include any wheels and handles in your measurements.
How to pack smart for Southwest Airlines carry-on?
Pack smart by rolling clothes tightly, using packing cubes, and wearing your heaviest items to save space and weight in your carry-on. Prioritize essentials, medications, and valuables for your carry-on.
How to check in oversized baggage on Southwest Airlines?
Tip: Reflect on what you just read.
If your bag is oversized (between 62 and 80 linear inches), you will pay an oversized bag fee of $125 at the airport when you check in. Ensure it meets the maximum dimensions allowed for checked baggage.
How to check in overweight baggage on Southwest Airlines?
For bags weighing between 51-100 lbs, you will pay an overweight baggage fee ($100 for 51-70 lbs, $125 for 71-100 lbs) at the airport during check-in. Bags over 100 lbs are generally not accepted.
How to travel with a pet on Southwest Airlines?
Small, vaccinated domestic cats and dogs are allowed in the cabin in an approved carrier that fits under the seat. The pet carrier counts as your carry-on or personal item. You must make a reservation for your pet in advance by calling Southwest, and a pet fare applies ($95 each way as of current policies).
How to travel with sports equipment on Southwest Airlines?
Most sports equipment can be checked as part of your baggage allowance. If it exceeds the standard 50 lbs or 62 linear inches, standard overweight or oversized fees will apply. Some specific items, like surfboards, have their own dedicated fees.
How to handle musical instruments on Southwest Airlines?
Small musical instruments that fit carry-on dimensions can be brought onboard. Larger instruments can be checked, subject to standard baggage fees for overweight/oversized items, or you may purchase an additional seat for them in the cabin if they can be safely secured.
How to track my baggage with Southwest Airlines?
You can track your checked baggage digitally through the Southwest Airlines website or mobile app. They typically provide updates on your bag's journey from check-in to arrival.
How to understand the new Southwest Airlines baggage fees?
For flights booked on or after May 28, 2025, Southwest now charges $35 for the first checked bag and $45 for the second. This is a change from their previous "Bags Fly Free" policy. Certain loyalty program members and fare types may still receive free checked bags.
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