Navigating the Skies: A Comprehensive Guide to Southwest Airlines Checked Bag Costs
Are you planning a trip with Southwest Airlines and wondering about those pesky checked bag fees? You've come to the right place! For years, Southwest was famous for its "Bags Fly Free" policy, a true differentiator in the airline industry. However, as of May 28, 2025, that era has largely come to an end for most travelers. But don't despair! While new fees are in place, there are still ways to navigate the system and potentially save some money.
Let's dive deep into the world of Southwest Airlines checked bag costs, with a clear, step-by-step guide to ensure you're fully prepared before you even pack your suitcase.
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| How Much Do Checked Bags Cost On Southwest Airlines |
Step 1: Understanding the Recent Policy Shift – Are Your Bags Still Free?
First things first, let's address the elephant in the room: the "Bags Fly Free" policy is no longer universal. If you booked your flight on or after May 28, 2025, for most fare types, you will likely incur checked bag fees.
So, the initial question to ask yourself is: When did you book your flight?
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If you booked your flight on or before May 27, 2025: Congratulations! Your original booking terms, including the "Bags Fly Free" policy for your first two checked bags (within weight and size limits), will still be honored, regardless of your travel date. This is a crucial point to remember!
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If you booked your flight on or after May 28, 2025: Unfortunately, for Basic, Wanna Get Away Plus®, and Anytime fares, checked bag fees now apply. Don't worry, we'll break down those costs in the next step.
Why the change? Southwest Airlines, facing increasing pressure to boost revenue, has aligned its baggage policy more closely with other major U.S. carriers. While it's a significant shift from their long-standing differentiator, understanding the new rules is key to avoiding surprises at the airport.
Step 2: Decoding the Standard Checked Bag Fees
Now that you know if fees apply to your booking, let's get into the specifics. For flights booked on or after May 28, 2025, here are the standard checked bag costs for most passengers:
Sub-heading: Cost per Bag
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First Checked Bag: Expect to pay $35.
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Second Checked Bag: This will set you back $45.
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Third Checked Bag and Beyond: For any additional checked bags (third or more), the fee jumps significantly to $150 per bag.
Sub-heading: Size and Weight Limitations
It's critical to adhere to Southwest's size and weight limits to avoid additional hefty fees.
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Standard Weight Limit: Each checked bag must weigh 50 pounds (23 kg) or less.
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Standard Size Limit: The linear dimensions (length + width + height) of each checked bag must not exceed 62 inches (158 cm). Remember to include wheels and handles when measuring!
Step 3: Unlocking Ways to Still Fly Your Bags for Free (or Cheaper!)
While the universal "Bags Fly Free" is largely gone, Southwest still offers exemptions for certain travelers. This is where you can potentially save a significant amount of money!
QuickTip: Skim the first line of each paragraph.
Sub-heading: Elite Status with Rapid Rewards®
If you're a loyal Southwest flyer, your Rapid Rewards® status can be your best friend when it comes to baggage fees.
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Rapid Rewards® A-List Preferred Members: Excellent news! You still receive two free checked bags (within weight and size limits). This benefit also extends to up to eight additional passengers traveling on the same reservation as the A-List Preferred member.
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Rapid Rewards® A-List Members: You are eligible for one free checked bag (within weight and size limits). This also applies to up to eight additional passengers on the same reservation.
Sub-heading: Specific Fare Types
Your fare class can also make a difference.
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Business Select® Fares: If you book a Business Select® fare, you will continue to receive two free checked bags (within weight and size limits). These are Southwest's highest-tier fares and come with other premium benefits.
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Choice Extra Fares: While "Choice Extra" is expected to launch in Q3 2025 as a new fare bundle, it is also expected to include two free checked bags.
Sub-heading: Southwest Rapid Rewards® Credit Cardholders
Owning a Southwest co-branded credit card can also save you money on baggage.
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Primary Rapid Rewards® Credit Cardmembers: You are eligible for your first standard checked bag free (within weight and size limits). This benefit extends to up to eight additional passengers traveling on the same reservation, provided the primary cardmember is on the reservation and has included their Rapid Rewards account number.
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Important Note: This benefit is for the first checked bag. Subsequent bags will be subject to the standard fees mentioned in Step 2, unless you also have A-List Preferred status.
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Sub-heading: Active Duty Military Personnel
Southwest continues to support active duty military personnel.
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Active Duty Military & Permanent Change of Station (PCS) Orders: If you are traveling on active duty or permanent change of station orders, you are exempt from checked, overweight, or oversized bag fees, provided your bags do not exceed 100 pounds and 80 inches. This is a fantastic benefit for service members.
Sub-heading: Hawaii Residents (Inter-island Travel)
For those residing in the Aloha State:
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Hawaii Residents traveling between islands: If your primary mailing address is in Hawaii and you are traveling on inter-island flights within Hawaii, you will continue to receive two free checked bags.
Step 4: Understanding Additional and Excess Baggage Fees
Sometimes, one or two bags aren't enough, or your bags exceed the standard limits. This is where additional fees come into play, and they can add up quickly!
QuickTip: Look for repeated words — they signal importance.
Sub-heading: Overweight Bags
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51 to 70 pounds: If your bag weighs between 51 and 70 pounds, there's an additional fee of $150 per bag. This is in addition to the standard checked bag fee if one applies.
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71 to 100 pounds: For bags weighing between 71 and 100 pounds, the fee is $200 per bag. Again, this is in addition to any standard checked bag fee.
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Over 100 pounds: Bags exceeding 100 pounds will not be accepted as checked baggage.
Sub-heading: Oversized Bags
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Greater than 62 inches (up to 80 inches): If your bag's linear dimensions exceed 62 inches but are no more than 80 inches, an additional fee of $200 per bag applies. This is also in addition to the standard checked bag fee.
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Over 80 inches: Bags exceeding 80 inches in linear dimensions will not be accepted as checked baggage.
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Sub-heading: When Both Apply (Oversized & Overweight)
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If your bag is both oversized and overweight, Southwest typically applies only one charge, whichever is higher, for that specific bag, as long as it doesn't exceed 100 lbs or 80 inches. For example, if a bag is 70 lbs (overweight) and 65 inches (oversized), you'd pay the $200 oversized fee, not both. Always double-check with Southwest directly for precise calculations in complex scenarios.
Sub-heading: Special Items and Sports Equipment
Many special items, including sports equipment, are generally subject to standard checked bag fees, but with some specific considerations:
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Sports Equipment: Often, one set of equipment (e.g., skis, golf clubs) may count as one item, even if packed separately. While excess size charges might be waived for certain sports equipment, excess weight charges may still apply. Always check Southwest's specific policy for your particular item.
Step 5: Practical Tips for Managing Your Baggage Costs
Now that you're armed with all the fee information, let's talk strategy!
Sub-heading: Pack Smart and Light
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Be ruthless with your packing! Do you really need that fifth pair of shoes? Lay out everything you plan to bring and then try to eliminate at least 20%. This is often the easiest way to avoid overweight bag fees.
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Consider rolling your clothes to save space.
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Utilize packing cubes to compress items and keep things organized.
Sub-heading: Weigh Your Bags at Home
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Invest in a luggage scale. These are inexpensive and can save you a significant amount of money and stress at the airport. Weigh your bags before you leave for the airport to ensure they are within the 50-pound limit.
Sub-heading: Understand Carry-On Rules
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Southwest still allows one carry-on bag and one personal item for free. Maximize this! Your carry-on should fit in the overhead bin (typically 10 x 16 x 24 inches), and your personal item (purse, laptop bag, small backpack) should fit under the seat in front of you. Strategic packing of your carry-on can reduce your need for a second checked bag.
Sub-heading: Consider Shipping Your Luggage
Tip: Take notes for easier recall later.
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For very heavy or numerous bags, especially on longer trips, it might be more cost-effective to ship your luggage via a service like FedEx, UPS, or a dedicated luggage shipping company. Compare the costs – sometimes, it's surprisingly cheaper than airline fees, and much more convenient!
Sub-heading: Check Your Rapid Rewards® Status and Credit Card Benefits
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Before you book, and certainly before you pack, confirm your Rapid Rewards® status and any benefits associated with your Southwest credit card. Don't assume! Log into your Rapid Rewards account or check your credit card details to understand your specific baggage allowances.
Sub-heading: Pay at the Airport (Southwest does not offer pre-payment for checked bags)
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Unlike some airlines, Southwest does not allow you to prepay for checked baggage online. You will pay for your bags at the airport during check-in, either at a self-service kiosk or with a Southwest agent. Factor in this extra step when planning your arrival time at the airport.
By following these steps and staying informed, you can minimize your checked bag costs and ensure a smoother, more budget-friendly travel experience with Southwest Airlines!
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to avoid checked bag fees on Southwest Airlines?
You can avoid checked bag fees by having Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred status (two free bags), Business Select fares (two free bags), A-List status (one free bag), being a Southwest credit card holder (one free bag), or being active duty military.
How to measure and weigh my bags for Southwest?
Measure your bag's length, width, and height (including wheels and handles) to ensure it's within 62 linear inches. Use a luggage scale to confirm your bag is 50 pounds or less.
How to check if my Southwest flight was booked before May 28, 2025?
Check your booking confirmation email or log into your Southwest Airlines account to view the original booking date of your flight.
How to become a Rapid Rewards A-List or A-List Preferred member?
You earn A-List or A-List Preferred status by flying a certain number of qualifying flights or earning a specific amount of Tier Qualifying Points within a calendar year.
Tip: Reread key phrases to strengthen memory.
How to use my Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card for free bags?
Ensure your Rapid Rewards account number is linked to your reservation and that you are the primary cardmember. The first checked bag fee will typically be waived at check-in.
How to pay for checked bags on Southwest Airlines?
You pay for checked bags at the airport when you check-in, either at a self-service kiosk or with a Southwest Airlines agent. Southwest does not allow online pre-payment for bags.
How to pack efficiently to avoid overweight or oversized bag fees?
Pack only essentials, roll your clothes, use packing cubes, and wear heavier items instead of packing them. Always weigh your bags at home before heading to the airport.
How to ship my luggage instead of checking it on Southwest?
You can use third-party luggage shipping services like FedEx, UPS, or specialized travel luggage shippers. Compare their costs and delivery times to Southwest's baggage fees.
How to handle sports equipment and special items on Southwest?
Check Southwest's specific policy for your type of sports equipment or special item on their website. While excess size fees may be waived for some, overweight fees can still apply.
How to contact Southwest Airlines for baggage policy questions?
You can find detailed information on their official website under the "Checked Bag Policy" or "Travel Fees" sections, or contact their customer service directly.
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