The End of an Era: Navigating Southwest Airlines' New Baggage Fees (Effective May 28, 2025)
For decades, Southwest Airlines stood out as a beacon of simplicity and value in the often-confusing world of air travel, largely thanks to its iconic "Bags Fly Free" policy. Well, that era has now officially ended for most travelers, as of May 28, 2025. If you're planning to fly Southwest, it's crucial to understand these significant changes to avoid unexpected costs and travel hiccups.
Are you one of the millions who relied on Southwest's free checked bags? Then this comprehensive guide is for you! Let's dive deep into what these new fees mean for your upcoming trips.
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| How Much Are Southwest Airlines New Baggage Fees |
Step 1: Understanding the Core Change – Who Pays What?
The biggest shift is that the "Bags Fly Free" policy is no longer universal. Most passengers will now incur fees for their first and second checked bags. However, Southwest has introduced a tiered system based on your fare type, loyalty status, and credit card affiliation.
Sub-heading: The New Standard for Most Travelers
If you're flying on a Basic Fare, Wanna Get Away Plus®, or Anytime Fare, the following fees apply for flights booked or voluntarily changed on or after May 28, 2025:
First Checked Bag: $35 per bag
Second Checked Bag: $45 per bag
These fees are per one-way trip, meaning a round trip would incur these fees twice.
Sub-heading: Who Still Enjoys Free Checked Bags?
Good news for some! Southwest is still offering free checked bags to certain categories of travelers. This includes:
Business Select® Fare Holders: You continue to receive two free checked bags. This is a significant perk for those who opt for the highest fare class.
Rapid Rewards® A-List Preferred Members: Enjoy two free checked bags, along with the ability to extend this benefit to up to eight additional passengers on the same reservation.
Rapid Rewards® A-List Members: You get your first checked bag free. For A-List members, the second checked bag will cost $35 (for up to eight additional passengers on the same reservation).
Rapid Rewards® Credit Cardmembers: Primary Cardmembers (and up to eight additional passengers on the same reservation) will receive their first checked bag free. The second checked bag will cost $45. (Remember to include your Rapid Rewards® account number at the time of booking!).
Active-duty Military Customers: Your first and second checked bags remain free. This applies to active-duty military personnel and their dependents traveling on the same reservation.
Step 2: Decoding Bag Dimensions and Weight Limits
Even with the new fees, standard baggage size and weight limits still apply. Exceeding these limits will result in additional, hefty charges.
QuickTip: Revisit this post tomorrow — it’ll feel new.
Sub-heading: Standard Checked Bag Dimensions
Maximum Linear Dimensions: 62 inches (length + width + height). This includes wheels and handles.
Maximum Weight: 50 pounds (23 kg) per bag.
Sub-heading: Understanding Carry-on and Personal Items
The good news here is that Southwest's carry-on and personal item policy remains unchanged and free for all passengers.
One Carry-on Bag: This bag typically goes in the overhead bin. Its maximum external dimensions should not exceed 10 x 16 x 24 inches (25.4 x 40.64 x 60.96 cm), including handles and wheels. There is no specified weight restriction for carry-on items, but you must be able to lift it into the overhead bin yourself.
One Personal Item: This smaller item must fit under the seat in front of you. Examples include a purse, briefcase, laptop bag, or small backpack. Its typical maximum dimensions are 16.25 x 8.5 x 13.5 inches (41 x 21 x 34 cm).
Pro-tip: If your carry-on is too large, it may be gate-checked, potentially for a fee if it also exceeds checked bag dimensions and weight.
Step 3: Navigating Oversized, Overweight, and Additional Bags
This is where costs can quickly escalate. Be extremely mindful of these charges!
Sub-heading: Fees for Overweight Bags
If your checked bag exceeds the standard 50-pound weight limit, you'll incur additional fees in addition to the standard checked bag fee (if applicable):
For bags weighing 51-70 pounds: $100 per bag (plus the standard checked bag fee if you're not exempt).
For bags weighing 71-100 pounds: $200 per bag (plus the standard checked bag fee if you're not exempt).
Bags weighing over 100 pounds will generally not be accepted as checked baggage.
Sub-heading: Fees for Oversized Bags
If your checked bag exceeds the 62-inch linear dimension limit, you'll face an oversized baggage fee:
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For bags measuring 63-80 inches: $200 per bag (plus the standard checked bag fee if you're not exempt).
Bags larger than 80 inches in linear dimensions will generally not be accepted as checked baggage.
Important Note: If a bag is both oversized AND overweight, generally only one $200 charge applies, provided it doesn't exceed 100 lbs. Always verify the specific rules on Southwest's official website as policies can evolve.
Sub-heading: Fees for Third (and Subsequent) Checked Bags
If you need to check more than two bags, additional fees apply:
Third (and subsequent) Checked Bag: $150 per bag. This is in addition to any overweight or oversized fees that may apply to that specific bag.
Southwest generally has a maximum of 20 bags per passenger.
Step 4: Smart Strategies to Mitigate Baggage Fees
Now that you know the new landscape, how can you minimize these costs?
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Sub-heading: Pack Smart and Light
Prioritize Carry-on: Utilize your free carry-on and personal item allowance to its fullest. Can you fit everything you need for a short trip into these? This is your best defense against checked bag fees.
Vacuum-Seal Bags: These can create more space in your luggage, potentially allowing you to fit more into fewer bags or stay within weight limits.
Wear Bulky Items: If you have a heavy coat or boots, wear them on the plane rather than packing them.
Sub-heading: Consider Fare Classes and Loyalty
Business Select: If you frequently check two bags, the higher cost of a Business Select fare might actually save you money compared to paying for checked bags on a lower fare. Do the math!
Rapid Rewards A-List/A-List Preferred: If you fly Southwest often, achieving A-List or A-List Preferred status can provide significant savings on baggage fees, among other perks. Focus on earning those qualifying flights or points.
Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card: If you're a regular Southwest flyer, a co-branded credit card can offer that crucial first free checked bag, which can quickly offset the annual fee. Look into card benefits carefully!
Sub-heading: Weigh Your Bags Before You Go
Invest in a Luggage Scale: These are inexpensive and can save you from a surprise (and costly) overweight baggage fee at the airport.
Distribute Weight: If one bag is overweight, redistribute items to another bag or your carry-on to stay within limits.
QuickTip: Highlight useful points as you read.
Step 5: At the Airport – Checking Your Bags
Self-Tagging Kiosks: At many airports, Southwest offers self-tagging kiosks, allowing you to print your bag tags and pay applicable fees quickly. You then drop your bags off with an attendant.
Ticket Counter: You can always check your bags with a Southwest Agent at the ticket counter.
Payment: Baggage fees must be paid at the airport. Southwest does not allow you to prepay for luggage online.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to avoid paying Southwest Airlines baggage fees?
You can avoid paying by:
Utilizing your free carry-on and personal item allowance.
Booking a Business Select® fare.
Being a Rapid Rewards® A-List or A-List Preferred member.
Being a Southwest Rapid Rewards® Credit Cardmember.
Being active-duty military.
How to check if my bag is oversized for Southwest Airlines?
Measure the length, width, and height of your bag and add them together. If the sum exceeds 62 inches, your bag is considered oversized.
How to check if my bag is overweight for Southwest Airlines?
Weigh your bag using a home luggage scale or a bathroom scale. If it weighs more than 50 pounds (23 kg), it will be considered overweight.
How to use my Rapid Rewards A-List status for free bags?
Ensure your Rapid Rewards number is linked to your reservation. Your A-List status (or A-List Preferred) will automatically grant you the corresponding free checked bag allowance. This also extends to up to eight additional passengers on the same reservation.
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How to get a Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card to save on baggage fees?
You can apply for a Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card through various banks that partner with Southwest. Once approved, ensure your Rapid Rewards account number, associated with the credit card, is entered during your flight booking.
How to tell if my booking was made before the new baggage fee policy?
The new baggage fees apply to flights booked or voluntarily changed on or after May 28, 2025. If your original booking date was prior to this, your previous "Bags Fly Free" policy should still apply, unless you made a voluntary change to your reservation on or after May 28, 2025.
How to pack efficiently to minimize baggage?
Roll your clothes tightly, use packing cubes, wear your heaviest shoes and outerwear on the plane, and consider if you truly need every item. Travel-sized toiletries also save space and weight.
How to pay for baggage fees at the Southwest airport counter?
You can pay with a credit card at the self-tagging kiosks or directly with a Southwest agent at the check-in counter. Cash payment options may vary by airport.
How to check special items like sports equipment on Southwest Airlines?
Many sports equipment items are accepted as checked baggage and are subject to standard baggage fees (and overweight/oversized fees if applicable). Specific rules and fees vary for different types of equipment (e.g., golf clubs, skis, surfboards), so always check Southwest's website for details on your specific item.
How to find the most up-to-date baggage fee information from Southwest Airlines?
Always refer to the official Southwest Airlines website's "Optional Travel Charges" or "Baggage Policy" sections. Airlines can update their policies, and their website will have the most current and accurate information.
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