Planning a trip can be exciting, but the details, especially those involving luggage and fees, can quickly become a headache. Are you staring at a third bag and wondering, "How much is this going to cost me on Southwest Airlines?" You're not alone! Many travelers find themselves in this exact predicament.
Southwest Airlines recently changed its baggage policy, effective May 28, 2025, moving away from its long-standing "Bags Fly Free" perk for most travelers. This means understanding the current fee structure is more important than ever. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about checking a third bag on Southwest Airlines, including costs, size and weight restrictions, and how to potentially avoid extra fees.
The Cost of Convenience: Checking Your Third Bag on Southwest
Let's get straight to the point: how much will that third bag set you back? As of May 28, 2025, for most travelers, Southwest Airlines charges a flat fee for a third (and subsequent) checked bag.
Step 1: Understand the New Baseline Baggage Fees
First, it's crucial to understand the standard baggage fees for the first and second checked bags, as this impacts how you approach the third.
For most travelers (those on Basic, Wanna Get Away Plus®, and Anytime fares, and without specific elite status or credit cards):
First checked bag: $35
Second checked bag: $45
Important Note: These fees apply to flights booked or voluntarily changed on or after May 28, 2025. If you booked your flight before this date and haven't changed it, the previous policy (which often included two free checked bags) might still apply, but it's always best to double-check your specific ticket details.
Step 2: Calculate the Third Bag Fee
Once you've accounted for your first two bags, the third bag enters a different fee category.
Cost for a Third (and subsequent) Checked Bag: $75 per bag.
This means if you're a standard traveler checking three bags, your total baggage fees would be $35 (first) + $45 (second) + $75 (third) = $155.
Step 3: Factor in Size and Weight Restrictions
The $75 fee for a third bag is just the starting point. Southwest, like all airlines, has strict size and weight limitations. Exceeding these can lead to additional, hefty surcharges.
Standard Checked Bag Dimensions: Each checked bag (including your third) must not exceed 62 inches in total linear dimensions (length + width + height).
Standard Checked Bag Weight: Each checked bag (including your third) must not exceed 50 pounds (22.7 kg).
Sub-heading: What Happens if Your Bag is Overweight or Oversized?
This is where the costs can escalate quickly. These fees are in addition to the standard per-bag fee.
Overweight Baggage Fees:
Bags weighing 51 to 70 pounds: $100 per bag.
Bags weighing 71 to 100 pounds: $125 per bag.
Bags over 100 pounds will generally not be accepted.
Oversized Baggage Fees:
Bags measuring 63 to 80 inches in total linear dimensions: $75 per bag.
Bags over 80 inches will generally not be accepted.
Combined Overweight and Oversized Fees: If your third bag is both overweight (e.g., 55 lbs) and oversized (e.g., 65 inches), you'll pay both the overweight and oversized fees, in addition to the $75 third bag fee. For instance, if your third bag is between 51-70 lbs and 63-80 inches, the cost would be $75 (third bag) + $100 (overweight) + $75 (oversized) = $250. This illustrates why packing wisely is so critical!
Step 4: Explore Ways to Mitigate or Avoid Fees
While the new policy means "Bags Fly Free" is largely a thing of the past for many, there are still ways to reduce or even eliminate baggage fees on Southwest.
Sub-heading: Elite Status and Credit Card Benefits
Southwest's Rapid Rewards program and co-branded credit cards offer valuable baggage perks.
Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred Members: These elite travelers continue to receive two free checked bags (up to 50 lbs and 62 inches) for themselves and for up to eight additional passengers on the same reservation. This means their third bag would be the first one they pay for, costing $75.
Rapid Rewards A-List Members: A-List members receive one free checked bag. Their second bag would cost $45, and their third would cost $75.
Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers: Many Southwest co-branded credit cards offer one free checked bag. Similar to A-List members, their second bag would cost $45, and their third would cost $75.
Business Select Fares: Customers who purchase Business Select fares also receive two free checked bags. Their third bag would cost $75.
Sub-heading: Active Duty Military Personnel
Southwest Airlines offers a generous exception for active-duty military personnel traveling with valid military ID.
Active-duty military customers are exempt from the two-piece baggage limit and will not be subject to excess, oversized, or overweight baggage charges, provided each bag does not exceed 100 pounds in weight and 80 inches in total size (L+W+H). This is a significant benefit!
Sub-heading: Strategic Packing and Alternatives
Even if you don't qualify for waivers, smart packing can save you money.
Maximize your carry-on and personal item: Southwest still allows one carry-on bag (up to 24" x 16" x 10" with no weight limit, but you must be able to lift it into the overhead bin) and one personal item (up to 16.25" x 13.5" x 8" that fits under the seat in front of you) for free. Pack heavy items in your carry-on if possible to keep checked bags under weight limits.
Ship your luggage: For truly excessive baggage or very heavy items, consider using a luggage shipping service. Companies like Luggage Forward or My Baggage can often be more cost-effective than airline excess baggage fees, especially for multiple heavy or oversized items. This also offers the convenience of not having to drag all your bags through the airport.
Consolidate: Can you fit some items from that third bag into the first two, provided they remain within the weight and size limits? A bit of creative rearranging can sometimes eliminate the need for an extra bag altogether.
Wear your heaviest items: If you have bulky shoes or a heavy coat, consider wearing them on the plane rather than packing them.
Step 5: Be Prepared at the Airport
Even after all your planning, always be ready for the unexpected.
Arrive early: Allow ample time at the airport, especially if you're checking multiple bags. This gives you leeway to sort out any unforeseen issues without rushing.
Have payment ready: Baggage fees on Southwest must be paid at the airport. Have a credit card or other accepted payment method ready.
Know the rules: Familiarize yourself with Southwest's most current baggage policies (check their official website) before you head to the airport, as policies can sometimes change.
Conclusion: Planning is Key to Saving on Baggage Fees
While Southwest Airlines has shifted its baggage policy, making it less "free" for the majority of travelers, understanding the new rules and leveraging available benefits can still help you manage costs. The third checked bag on Southwest will cost you $75, with significant additional surcharges if it's overweight or oversized. By planning, packing strategically, and knowing your eligibility for fee waivers, you can ensure your travel budget stays on track.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 frequently asked questions about Southwest Airlines baggage, focusing on "How to" scenarios:
How to calculate the total linear dimensions of my bag?
To calculate the total linear dimensions, simply add the length, width, and height of your bag. For example, a bag that is 20 inches long, 15 inches wide, and 10 inches high has a total linear dimension of inches.
How to weigh my bag accurately before heading to the airport?
You can weigh your bag accurately at home using a digital luggage scale. These are inexpensive and widely available online. Alternatively, many bathroom scales can be used by weighing yourself, then weighing yourself holding the bag, and subtracting the first weight from the second.
How to avoid overweight baggage fees on Southwest?
To avoid overweight baggage fees, ensure each checked bag does not exceed 50 pounds. Distribute weight evenly across your bags, or consider shipping heavier items separately. Maximize your carry-on and personal item allowance for denser items.
How to know if my specific fare type includes free checked bags?
Check your booking confirmation email or log into your Southwest Airlines account to view your specific fare type. Business Select fares include two free checked bags. For Basic, Wanna Get Away Plus®, and Anytime fares, checked bags incur fees unless you have A-List Preferred, A-List status, or a Southwest credit card.
How to utilize my Rapid Rewards A-List or A-List Preferred benefits for baggage?
If you are an A-List or A-List Preferred member, your benefits for free checked bags will automatically be applied when you check in for your flight, as long as your Rapid Rewards number is associated with your booking. A-List gets one free bag, A-List Preferred gets two.
How to get a Southwest Airlines co-branded credit card for baggage benefits?
You can apply for a Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards credit card through Chase Bank. Once approved, depending on the specific card, you will receive benefits like one free checked bag on Southwest flights.
How to check special items like sports equipment or musical instruments?
Southwest often allows sports equipment and musical instruments as part of your checked baggage allowance, provided they meet specific size and weight criteria. Some items may incur additional fees if they exceed standard dimensions or weight, even if they replace a standard checked bag. Always check Southwest's official website for detailed information on specific items.
How to re-check baggage for an international connecting flight on Southwest?
For international flights connecting within the U.S., you will typically need to claim your checked baggage after clearing U.S. Customs, even if it's tagged to your final destination. After clearing customs, look for designated re-check areas for Southwest flights before proceeding to your connecting gate.
How to contact Southwest Airlines if I have specific baggage questions?
You can contact Southwest Airlines customer service directly via phone, their official website's help center, or social media channels for specific inquiries about unusual baggage or unique travel situations.
How to pack efficiently to minimize baggage fees?
Efficient packing involves rolling clothes to save space, using packing cubes to organize and compress items, wearing your heaviest or bulkiest clothes on the plane, and utilizing your carry-on and personal item allowances to their fullest. Consider if you truly need everything you plan to bring or if some items can be purchased at your destination.
