Planning a trip with Southwest Airlines and wondering about baggage fees? You've come to the right place! While Southwest was long famous for its "Bags Fly Free" policy, that has recently changed for most travelers. Understanding the new fee structure is crucial to avoid surprises at the airport. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Southwest Airlines' extra baggage charges, step by step.
Navigating Southwest Airlines' New Baggage Policy: A Step-by-Step Guide
Let's dive in and demystify Southwest's baggage fees. It's not as complicated as it might seem, but paying attention to the details will save you time and money.
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| How Much Does Southwest Airlines Charge For Extra Baggage |
Step 1: Understand the Big Change – The End of "Bags Fly Free" for Most!
First things first: Are you aware that Southwest's "Bags Fly Free" policy, for which they were famous, has largely ended? Effective May 28, 2025, for flights booked or voluntarily changed on or after that date, most passengers will now pay for their checked bags. This is a significant shift, bringing Southwest's baggage policy more in line with other major US airlines.
What this means for you: If you booked your flight before May 28, 2025, your original "Bags Fly Free" policy (two free checked bags) should still apply, regardless of your travel date. However, if you booked on or after May 28, 2025, or if you voluntarily changed your reservation after that date, the new fee structure will likely apply to you.
Step 2: Determine Your Standard Checked Bag Allowance and Fees
Now that you know the major policy shift, let's look at the standard charges for checked bags.
Sub-heading: Standard Checked Bag Fees (for most fares booked on or after May 28, 2025)
For most fare types (Basic, Wanna Get Away Plus®, and Anytime fares) booked on or after May 28, 2025, the fees are as follows:
First Checked Bag: $35
Second Checked Bag: $45
These fees are per bag, per direction. So, for a round trip, you'd pay these fees twice (once for departure, once for return).
Tip: Summarize the post in one sentence.
Sub-heading: Standard Checked Bag Dimensions and Weight Limits
Regardless of whether you pay for your bags or get them for free, standard checked bags must adhere to specific size and weight restrictions:
Weight Limit: Each checked bag must not exceed 50 pounds (22.7 kg).
Size Limit: The linear dimensions (length + width + height) of each checked bag must not exceed 62 inches (157.5 cm).
It's crucial to measure and weigh your bags before you arrive at the airport to avoid additional charges.
Step 3: Identify Exceptions to the Standard Bag Fees
While "Bags Fly Free" is largely a thing of the past, there are still some important exceptions and ways to get free or reduced bag fees with Southwest.
Sub-heading: Who Still Gets Free Checked Bags?
Certain traveler categories are still eligible for free checked bags:
Business Select® Fare Holders: If you booked a Business Select® fare, you will continue to receive two free checked bags. This is Southwest's highest-tier fare and comes with various perks.
Rapid Rewards® A-List Preferred Members: These elite members of Southwest's loyalty program also receive two free checked bags. This benefit extends to up to eight additional passengers on the same reservation.
Rapid Rewards® A-List Members: A-List members are entitled to their first checked bag for free. Similar to A-List Preferred, this also applies to up to eight additional passengers on the same reservation.
Rapid Rewards® Credit Cardmembers: If you are the primary cardholder of a Southwest co-branded credit card, you are eligible for your first checked bag free. This benefit also extends to up to eight additional passengers on the same reservation when your Rapid Rewards account number is included in the reservation.
Hawaii Residents (Inter-Island Travel): Residents of Hawaii traveling between the islands will continue to receive two free checked bags.
Active-Duty Military Personnel: Active-duty military passengers with a valid military ID are exempt from the two-piece baggage limit and will not be subject to excess, oversized, or overweight baggage charges, provided no piece exceeds 100 pounds in weight and 80 inches in size.
Always double-check your specific fare type and Rapid Rewards status to confirm your eligibility for free bags.
Step 4: Understand Overweight and Oversized Baggage Charges
This is where extra costs can really add up! If your bags exceed the standard weight or size limits, you'll incur additional fees on top of the standard checked bag fee (if applicable).
QuickTip: Focus more on the ‘how’ than the ‘what’.
Sub-heading: Overweight Bag Fees
Bags weighing 51-70 pounds (23.1-31.8 kg): An additional charge of $100 per bag.
Bags weighing 71-100 pounds (32.2-45.4 kg): An additional charge of $200 per bag.
Bags over 100 pounds (45.4 kg): These items cannot be checked as baggage and must be shipped as Air Cargo (which has its own requirements).
Sub-heading: Oversized Bag Fees
Bags larger than 62 inches (157.5 cm) but not exceeding 80 inches (203 cm) linear dimensions: An additional charge of $200 per bag.
Sub-heading: Combined Overweight and Oversized Charges
If a bag is both oversized and overweight (but still within the 80-inch and 100-pound limits), only one $200 charge applies (the higher of the two applicable fees). You will not be charged for both.
Remember: these fees are in addition to any standard checked bag fees you might already be paying. So, a Basic fare passenger with an oversized and overweight bag (71-100 lbs) could pay $35 (first bag) + $200 (oversized/overweight) = $235 for that single bag!
Step 5: Consider Additional Checked Bags (Third Bag and Beyond)
What if you need to check more than two bags? Southwest has a fee for that too!
Third (and subsequent) Checked Bag: Each additional bag (beyond your first two) will incur a fee of $150 per bag.
Again, these bags must also adhere to the standard 50-pound and 62-inch limits, or additional overweight/oversized fees will apply.
Step 6: Special Items and Sports Equipment
Southwest has specific policies and fees for various special items and sports equipment. Many can be checked as part of your standard baggage allowance if they meet size and weight limits. However, some larger or specific items may incur additional charges.
General Rule: Many items like skis, golf clubs, and fishing equipment can be substituted for one checked bag and will be subject to standard bag fees (or free if you have an allowance) as long as they don't exceed the 50 lbs weight and 62 inches size limit.
Exceptions and Specific Fees: For items that exceed standard limits, there are usually specific fees. For example, bicycles (if larger than 62 inches), surfboards, and certain musical instruments may have higher charges. It's highly recommended to check Southwest's official website for a detailed list and specific fees for your particular sports equipment or special item.
Tip: Make mental notes as you go.
Step 7: Carry-On and Personal Item Policy
While this post focuses on checked baggage, it's worth a quick mention of carry-on policy as it affects what you might not need to check.
One Carry-On Bag: Southwest allows one carry-on bag per passenger. This bag must fit in the overhead bin and not exceed dimensions of 24" (L) x 16" (W) x 10" (H).
One Personal Item: In addition to your carry-on, you can bring one smaller personal item, such as a purse, briefcase, laptop bag, or small backpack. This item must fit under the seat in front of you and not exceed 18.5" (L) x 8.5" (W) x 13.5" (H).
No Weight Limit for Carry-On: Southwest does not specify a weight restriction for carry-on items, as long as you can safely lift it into the overhead bin yourself.
Utilizing your carry-on allowance effectively can sometimes help you avoid checked bag fees if you're a light packer!
Step 8: Tips for Saving on Southwest Baggage Fees
Book Your Flights Wisely: If free checked bags are important to you, consider booking a Business Select® fare or aiming for Rapid Rewards A-List/A-List Preferred status.
Utilize Southwest Credit Cards: A Southwest co-branded credit card can be a fantastic way to get your first checked bag free on every trip, for yourself and companions on the same reservation.
Pack Light and Efficiently: The most straightforward way to avoid fees is to simply bring less! Roll your clothes, use packing cubes, and wear your bulkiest items on the plane.
Measure and Weigh at Home: Don't wait until the airport. Invest in a luggage scale and measure your bags to ensure they meet the limits. This allows you to redistribute items or ship them separately if needed.
Consider Shipping Luggage: For very heavy or numerous bags, sometimes a third-party luggage shipping service can be more cost-effective than airline fees.
Consolidate Bags: If traveling with family or friends, try to consolidate items into fewer bags that meet the standard limits to avoid per-bag fees.
10 Related FAQ Questions (How to...)
Here are 10 common "How to" questions regarding Southwest Airlines baggage, with quick answers:
How to check my bag's weight and size before going to the airport?
Use a home luggage scale and a tape measure to ensure your bag is within Southwest's limits of 50 lbs and 62 linear inches.
How to know if my specific fare includes free checked bags?
Check your flight confirmation email or log into your Southwest account to view the details of your booked fare (Basic, Wanna Get Away Plus®, Anytime, or Business Select®). If booked on or after May 28, 2025, only Business Select® includes two free bags.
How to avoid overweight baggage fees on Southwest?
QuickTip: Ask yourself what the author is trying to say.
Redistribute items to other bags, remove heavier non-essentials, or wear heavier clothing items to keep individual bag weights under 50 lbs.
How to check special sports equipment on Southwest?
Refer to Southwest's official website under "Special Baggage & Sports Equipment" for specific guidelines and potential fees for items like surfboards, golf clubs, or skis.
How to get a free checked bag if I'm not A-List or Business Select?
Consider applying for a Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card, as the primary cardmember typically gets their first checked bag free.
How to pay for extra baggage on Southwest Airlines?
You can pay for extra baggage fees at the airport ticket counter or curbside check-in. It's usually not possible to prepay for excess baggage online.
How to handle connecting flights with checked baggage on Southwest?
For domestic connections on a single Southwest itinerary, your bags will typically be checked through to your final destination. For international connections, you often need to claim and re-check your bags after clearing customs in the U.S.
How to contact Southwest Airlines about baggage policies?
You can find detailed information on Southwest's official website under their "Baggage" or "Optional Travel Charges" sections, or contact their customer service directly.
How to make sure my carry-on bag fits the overhead bin or under the seat?
Adhere to Southwest's carry-on dimensions: 24" x 16" x 10" for overhead bins and 18.5" x 8.5" x 13.5" for personal items under the seat. Many bags are designed to these specifications.
How to deal with lost or damaged baggage on Southwest?
Report lost, delayed, or damaged baggage in person to a Southwest Airlines Customer Service Agent at the airport within four hours of your arrival.
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