Have you ever packed your suitcase for a fantastic trip, only to arrive at the airport and face the dreaded moment of truth at the check-in counter? The weight of your luggage can quickly turn excitement into anxiety, especially when flying with an airline like Southwest, known for its unique baggage policies. While Southwest used to be famous for "Bags Fly Free," things have changed recently! This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Southwest Airlines' suitcase weight limits, fees, and tips to ensure a smooth travel experience.
Step 1: Understanding the "New" Southwest Baggage Policy – Are You Still Flying Free?
Let's start with the big question that many seasoned Southwest travelers are asking: Are bags still free?
Unfortunately, as of May 28, 2025, Southwest Airlines no longer offers two free checked bags for all fares. This is a significant change! While Southwest was a pioneer in offering this perk, competitive pressures and financial considerations have led to an adjustment in their policy.
So, what does this mean for you? It means it's more crucial than ever to understand the specific baggage allowance for your ticket type and to be mindful of those weight limits to avoid unexpected fees.
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| How Much Can Your Suitcase Weigh On Southwest Airlines |
Step 2: Deciphering the Standard Checked Bag Allowance
Even with the new fees, Southwest still offers a relatively generous allowance compared to many other airlines. However, there are now distinctions based on your fare type and Rapid Rewards status.
Sub-heading: Standard Weight and Size Limits for Checked Bags
For any checked bag, regardless of whether it's free or paid, Southwest adheres to strict weight and size guidelines:
Weight Limit: Each checked bag must not exceed 50 pounds (23 kg).
Size Limit: The maximum linear dimensions (length + width + height) for each checked bag must not exceed 62 inches (158 cm). This includes handles and wheels! Always measure your suitcase from the very furthest points.
Important Note: If you're an Active-duty Military Passenger with a current, valid military ID, you are generally exempt from the standard two-piece baggage limit and will not be subject to excess, oversize, or overweight baggage charges, provided your bags do not exceed 100 pounds in weight and 80 inches in size. This is a fantastic benefit for military personnel!
Sub-heading: Checked Bag Fees by Fare Type (Post-May 28, 2025)
Here's a breakdown of what you can expect to pay for checked bags, effective for flights booked on or after May 28, 2025:
Basic Fare:
1st Checked Bag: $35
2nd Checked Bag: $45
3rd+ Checked Bag: $150 per bag
Wanna Get Away Plus® Fare:
1st Checked Bag: $35
2nd Checked Bag: $45
3rd+ Checked Bag: $150 per bag
Anytime Fare:
1st Checked Bag: $35
2nd Checked Bag: $45
3rd+ Checked Bag: $150 per bag
Business Select® Fare:
1st Checked Bag: FREE
2nd Checked Bag: FREE
3rd+ Checked Bag: $150 per bag
Sub-heading: Rapid Rewards Status Benefits
If you're a loyal Southwest flyer, your Rapid Rewards status can still save you money on baggage:
QuickTip: Slowing down makes content clearer.
Rapid Rewards® A-List Preferred Members: Receive two free checked bags, and this benefit extends to up to eight (8) additional passengers on the same reservation!
Rapid Rewards® A-List Members: Receive their first checked bag free, and this benefit also extends to up to eight (8) additional passengers on the same reservation. The second checked bag for A-List members will be $35.
Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers: Generally receive their first checked bag for free. Always check your specific card benefits as they can vary.
Step 3: Navigating Overweight and Oversized Baggage Fees
This is where things can get expensive if you're not careful. Exceeding the standard weight and size limits will result in additional charges.
Sub-heading: Overweight Baggage Charges
If your checked bag tips the scales beyond 50 pounds, be prepared for extra fees:
51 - 70 pounds: An additional $150 per bag
71 - 100 pounds: An additional $200 per bag
Important: Any item weighing more than 100 pounds generally cannot be checked as baggage and may need to be shipped as air cargo. This often requires you to be a "Known Shipper" as defined by the TSA.
Sub-heading: Oversized Baggage Charges
If your checked bag exceeds the 62 linear inch limit:
63 - 80 inches: An additional $200 per bag
What if my bag is BOTH overweight and oversized? Southwest Airlines states that only one $200 charge applies if the piece is both oversized and overweight, as long as it does not exceed 100 lbs. This is a small silver lining, but it still means a significant fee.
Step 4: Understanding Carry-On and Personal Item Rules (No Weight Limit Here!)
Good news on the carry-on front! While there are size restrictions, Southwest Airlines does not specify a weight limit for carry-on bags or personal items. However, you must be able to lift your carry-on bag into the overhead bin unassisted. If you can't, it will likely need to be checked.
Sub-heading: Carry-On Bag Dimensions
Each passenger is allowed one carry-on bag to be stowed in the overhead bin.
Maximum Dimensions: 10 inches x 16 inches x 24 inches (25 cm x 40 cm x 60 cm). This includes wheels and handles!
QuickTip: Read again with fresh eyes.
Sub-heading: Personal Item Dimensions
In addition to your carry-on, you can bring one personal item that must fit under the seat in front of you.
Maximum Dimensions: Typically around 18.5 inches x 8.5 inches x 13.5 inches (46.9 cm x 21.6 cm x 34.3 cm). While Southwest doesn't always specify exact dimensions on their general policy page, it's generally understood to be an item like a purse, briefcase, laptop bag, or small backpack that can comfortably fit under the seat.
Sub-heading: Items That Don't Count Towards Your Limit
Southwest allows certain items in addition to your carry-on and personal item, such as:
Outerwear (coats, wraps)
Umbrellas
Food in disposable packaging
Assistive devices (walkers, canes, crutches, wheelchairs)
Child restraint systems (car seats)
Breast pumps and breast milk bags
Step 5: Special Baggage Considerations (Sporting Equipment, Musical Instruments, etc.)
If you're traveling with specialized items, be aware that they often have their own rules.
Sub-heading: Sporting Equipment
Many types of sporting equipment (e.g., golf clubs, skis, snowboards, fishing equipment) are accepted as checked baggage.
They generally count towards your standard baggage allowance.
If they exceed the standard 50-pound weight or 62-linear-inch size limits, they will incur the overweight or oversized baggage fees as described in Step 3.
Important exception: Surfboards travel free when substituted as one of your two free bags, but only on Hawaiian Inter-island flights and not to and from Hawaii.
Sub-heading: Musical Instruments
Musical instruments can often be carried on or checked, depending on their size.
Carry-on: If your instrument (including its case) fits within the standard carry-on dimensions (10"x16"x24"), it can be carried on. If it's slightly larger but still fits in the overhead bin or under a seat and there's space available when you board, it may be allowed.
Purchasing a Seat: For larger instruments that don't fit in the overhead bin or under a seat (e.g., cellos), you can purchase an additional seat for the instrument. It must be secured with a seatbelt and cannot block signage.
Checked Baggage: Instruments can be checked as part of your standard baggage allowance. If they exceed 62 linear inches or 50 pounds, oversize or overweight charges will apply as with regular checked bags. Southwest will not accept musical instruments (including case) if the sum of their linear dimensions exceeds 150 inches or their weight exceeds 165 pounds.
Step 6: Practical Tips for Avoiding Baggage Fees
Now that you know the rules, here's how to be a smart packer and avoid those extra charges!
Weigh Your Bags at Home: Invest in a portable luggage scale. They are inexpensive and incredibly helpful. This is your best defense against overweight fees.
Measure Your Bags: Use a tape measure to check the length, width, and height of your suitcase, including wheels and handles. Remember the 62-linear-inch rule!
Consolidate and Prioritize:
Consider if you truly need everything you're packing. Can some items be left behind or purchased at your destination?
Wear your heaviest items on the plane (e.g., bulky jackets, heavy boots).
Distribute weight evenly between multiple bags if you're traveling with family or friends and have multiple allowances.
Utilize Your Carry-On and Personal Item Wisely: Pack essentials, valuables, and heavy small items (like books or electronics) in your carry-on or personal item. Remember, no weight limit here, as long as you can lift it!
Ship It: For extremely heavy or numerous items, consider shipping them via a courier service. Sometimes this can be more cost-effective than airline baggage fees, especially for very large or heavy items.
Consider a Higher Fare Class: If you know you'll be checking multiple bags, compare the cost of a "Basic" or "Wanna Get Away Plus" fare plus baggage fees against a "Business Select" fare. The latter might offer better value if you're checking two bags.
Leverage Rapid Rewards Credit Cards: If you fly Southwest frequently, a co-branded credit card could save you money on baggage fees over time.
QuickTip: Take a pause every few paragraphs.
Step 7: What to Do if Your Bag is Overweight/Oversized at the Airport
Despite your best efforts, sometimes you find yourself at the airport with an overweight or oversized bag. Don't panic!
Be Prepared to Repack: If possible, have a smaller bag or a collapsible duffel packed inside your main suitcase. You can quickly transfer items to reduce weight or separate oversized items.
Wear More Clothes: This is a classic travel hack! If you're slightly over, put on that extra sweater or jacket.
Remove Heavy Items: Take out heavy items like books, shoes, or toiletries and place them in your personal item or carry-on. Just ensure your carry-on/personal item still meets size requirements.
Pay the Fee: If all else fails, you'll have to pay the applicable overweight or oversized baggage fee. It's best to be aware of these costs beforehand to avoid sticker shock. Fees are paid at the airport.
By following these steps, you'll be well-equipped to manage your luggage on Southwest Airlines, ensuring a smoother and more predictable travel experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to check my bag's weight for Southwest Airlines?
You can use a portable luggage scale at home for accurate readings, or utilize the scales available at the airline check-in counter at the airport.
How to avoid overweight baggage fees on Southwest Airlines?
The best way is to weigh your bag at home before you leave. If it's over 50 lbs, redistribute items to your carry-on or personal item, or consider removing non-essential items.
How to measure my suitcase for Southwest Airlines' size limits?
Measure the length, width, and height of your suitcase, including any wheels and handles. Add these three dimensions together to get the "linear inches." It must be 62 linear inches or less for checked bags.
How to pay for checked bags on Southwest Airlines?
Baggage fees are paid at the airport ticket counter or self-service kiosks during check-in. Southwest does not allow pre-payment for checked luggage.
QuickTip: Focus on what feels most relevant.
How to know if my Rapid Rewards status gives me free bags?
A-List Preferred members get two free checked bags. A-List members and Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers generally get their first checked bag free. Always verify your specific status benefits on the Southwest website or through your credit card provider.
How to carry on a musical instrument on Southwest Airlines?
If your instrument (with its case) fits within the 10"x16"x24" carry-on dimensions, it can be carried on. Larger instruments may be allowed if they fit in the overhead bin and space is available, or you can purchase an additional seat for them.
How to travel with sporting equipment on Southwest Airlines?
Sporting equipment usually counts towards your standard checked baggage allowance. If it exceeds the 50 lbs or 62 linear inches, overweight or oversized fees will apply, unless specific exceptions are noted (like inter-island Hawaiian surfboard travel).
How to handle liquids in my carry-on on Southwest Airlines?
Follow TSA guidelines: liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes must be in containers of 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item, and all items must fit in a single quart-sized, clear, sealable bag.
How to report lost or damaged baggage with Southwest Airlines?
Report lost or damaged checked baggage in person at the Baggage Service Office at the airport before you leave, or online via their website. Time limits apply for reporting (e.g., 4 hours for domestic delayed/lost, 24 hours for domestic damaged).
How to pack effectively to maximize my Southwest baggage allowance?
Use packing cubes to compress clothes, wear your bulkiest items on the plane, and strategically distribute heavier items between your checked bags (if applicable) and your carry-on/personal item.
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