Planning a trip with Southwest Airlines and wondering about checking your bags? You've come to the right place! While Southwest was famous for its "Bags Fly Free" policy for a long time, there have been some recent changes as of May 28, 2025. Don't worry, though, checking your bags is still a straightforward process, and we'll guide you through every step. Let's get you ready for a smooth travel experience!
The Essential Guide to Checking Bags on Southwest Airlines
Checking your bags effectively involves knowing the rules, preparing your luggage, and executing the check-in process at the airport. Here's a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to ensure you have no hiccups along the way.
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| How Do I Check My Bags On Southwest Airlines |
Step 1: Understand Southwest's Current Baggage Policy & Fees - Know Before You Go!
Before you even start packing, it's absolutely crucial to understand Southwest's updated baggage policy. This will help you avoid any surprises or unexpected fees at the airport.
Sub-heading: What's Changed as of May 28, 2025?
As of May 28, 2025, Southwest Airlines has introduced a new fare structure that impacts baggage fees:
Basic, Wanna Get Away Plus®, and Anytime Fares: For these fares, you will now incur fees for your first and second checked bags.
The first checked bag will cost $35.
The second checked bag will cost $45.
Business Select® Fares (now called Choice Extra for new bookings): Customers with these fares continue to receive two free checked bags.
Rapid Rewards® A-List Preferred Members: You're in luck! A-List Preferred Members still get two free checked bags.
A-List Members and Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers: These loyal customers will receive one free checked bag. If you're a primary Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmember, this benefit extends to you and up to eight additional passengers on the same reservation, provided your Rapid Rewards number is included in the booking.
Sub-heading: Standard Checked Baggage Allowance (Size and Weight)
Regardless of your fare type or status, the physical dimensions and weight limits for checked bags remain consistent:
Maximum Weight: Each checked bag must not exceed 50 pounds (22.7 kg).
Maximum Size: The linear dimensions (length + width + height) of each bag must not exceed 62 inches (157 cm). This includes wheels and handles!
Sub-heading: Overweight and Oversized Baggage Fees
Tip: Reread the opening if you feel lost.
If your bag exceeds the standard limits, additional fees will apply:
Overweight Baggage:
Between 51-70 lbs: A fee of $100 per bag.
Between 71-100 lbs: A fee of $125 per bag.
Oversized Baggage:
Bags larger than 62 inches up to 80 inches (L+W+H): A fee of $125 per bag.
Important Note: Bags exceeding 100 lbs or 80 inches in linear dimensions generally cannot be checked as standard luggage and may need to be shipped as cargo or handled as special baggage (e.g., musical instruments, sports equipment) if applicable, with different rules and fees.
Step 2: Prepare Your Luggage - Pack Smart, Travel Light (or Just Right!)
Now that you know the rules, it's time to get your bags ready for their journey.
Sub-heading: Weigh and Measure Your Bags
Invest in a Luggage Scale: These are relatively inexpensive and can save you a lot of hassle (and money!) at the airport. Weigh your bags before you leave home.
Measure Carefully: Use a tape measure to ensure your bag's length, width, and height (including wheels and handles) don't exceed the 62-inch linear limit.
Distribute Weight: If one bag is too heavy, consider shifting some items to another checked bag (if you have one) or your carry-on.
Consider Shipping: For extremely heavy or oversized items, or if you want to avoid baggage fees altogether, services like My Baggage allow you to ship your luggage ahead of time.
Sub-heading: Pack Smart: What to Check vs. Carry-On
Valuables and Essentials: Never check valuable items like jewelry, electronics, important documents (passport, IDs, tickets), medication, or cash. Keep these in your carry-on bag.
Liquids, Gels, and Aerosols: For carry-on, remember the TSA 3-1-1 rule: containers must be 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or smaller, fit in one quart-sized bag, and limited to one bag per passenger. Larger quantities must go in your checked luggage.
Prohibited Items: Be aware of items not allowed in either checked or carry-on baggage (e.g., explosives, certain flammable materials). For a comprehensive list, check the TSA website or Southwest's hazardous materials policy.
Spare Batteries: Spare lithium-ion batteries (common in laptops, power banks) are not permitted in checked baggage and must be carried in your carry-on. E-cigarettes must also be in carry-on.
Sub-heading: Label Your Bags Clearly
Inside and Out: Place identification tags inside your bag with your name, phone number, and email address. Also, use a sturdy luggage tag on the outside with the same information. This helps immensely if your bag is lost or misdirected.
Remove Old Tags: Before checking your bag, always remove any old airline tags from previous flights to prevent confusion.
Step 3: Arrive at the Airport & Check-In - The Final Countdown!
You've packed, you know the rules – now it's time to check in and hand over your bags.
Tip: Scroll slowly when the content gets detailed.
Sub-heading: When to Arrive
Domestic Flights: Southwest generally recommends arriving at least 2 hours before your scheduled departure for domestic flights, especially if you're checking bags.
International Flights: For international flights, arrive at least 3 hours before departure. Note that for international itineraries, you must check luggage at the ticket counter, and bags will not be accepted less than 60 minutes prior to departure (75 minutes for Aruba (AUA)).
Sub-heading: Check-in Options
Southwest offers a few convenient ways to check in:
Online Check-in (Recommended for Carry-on Only):
You can check in online starting 24 hours before your flight. This is great for securing your boarding position, but you'll still need to go to the airport to drop off your checked bags.
Southwest Mobile App:
Similar to online check-in, the app allows you to check in and get your mobile boarding pass. Again, you'll still need to proceed to the airport for bag drop.
Airport Kiosk (Self-Tagging):
Many airports offer Southwest self-tagging kiosks. This is often the fastest way to check your bags at the airport.
Process:
Locate a Southwest self-tagging kiosk.
Follow the on-screen prompts to check in for your flight.
Indicate the number of bags you want to check.
Pay any applicable baggage fees with a credit card.
The kiosk will print your baggage tags.
Carefully attach the tags to your bags as instructed. Peel back the adhesive area and secure the tag around the handle.
Once tagged, proceed to the designated Bag Drop area. An agent will verify your ID and boarding pass, and then take your bags.
Southwest Ticket Counter (Full Service):
If you prefer assistance or if self-tagging isn't available, head directly to the Southwest ticket counter.
Process:
Approach a Southwest agent.
Present your valid government-issued ID and boarding pass.
Inform the agent how many bags you wish to check.
They will weigh and measure your bags, apply the appropriate tags, and collect any applicable fees.
Once your bags are processed, you're free to proceed to security!
Step 4: Proceed to Security & Boarding - Bags Checked, Now Fly!
Once your bags are checked, the hard part is over.
Security Checkpoint: Head to the TSA security checkpoint. Have your ID and boarding pass ready.
Gate Information: Double-check your gate number and boarding time on your boarding pass or an airport display board.
Relax and Wait: Find your gate, grab a coffee, and get ready for your flight!
Step 5: Baggage Claim at Your Destination - Reunited!
Upon arrival at your destination, retrieving your checked bags is usually straightforward.
Follow Signs to Baggage Claim: After deplaning, follow the signs to the baggage claim area.
Locate Your Carousel: Look for the baggage carousel number assigned to your flight. This information is typically displayed on overhead monitors.
Identify Your Bag: As bags come off the carousel, carefully identify yours using your luggage tags.
International Arrivals: If you've arrived on an international flight (and did not pre-clear customs in a foreign city), you will need to claim all checked luggage, go through U.S. Customs, and then re-check your bags (often at a dedicated bag drop area after customs) for any connecting domestic flights. Look for clear signage and Southwest employees for guidance.
Lost, Delayed, or Damaged Bags: In the unfortunate event that your bag is delayed, lost, or damaged, immediately report it to the Southwest Baggage Service Office before leaving the airport. They are usually located in the baggage claim area.
10 Related FAQ Questions (How to...)
Here are quick answers to common questions about checking bags on Southwest:
QuickTip: Read line by line if it’s complex.
How to avoid baggage fees on Southwest Airlines?
You can avoid baggage fees by having a Business Select® fare (or the new Choice Extra), being a Rapid Rewards® A-List Preferred Member (two free bags), an A-List Member (one free bag), or a Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmember (one free bag for you and up to 8 others on the same reservation). Alternatively, pack only a carry-on and personal item, or consider shipping your luggage via a third-party service.
How to check if my bag is overweight for Southwest?
Use a luggage scale at home before heading to the airport. Southwest's standard checked bag weight limit is 50 lbs (22.7 kg).
How to self-tag my bags at the Southwest airport kiosk?
At the kiosk, select the number of bags you're checking, pay any fees, and then carefully attach the printed tags to your bags by peeling the adhesive and wrapping them around the handle. Then, proceed to the bag drop area.
How to check special items like sports equipment on Southwest?
Southwest generally allows sports equipment (like golf bags, ski equipment) to be substituted as part of your checked baggage allowance, provided they meet the 50 lb and 62-inch limits. If they exceed these, oversized/overweight fees will apply. Check Southwest's website for specific item policies.
How to track my checked bag on Southwest if it's delayed?
If your bag is delayed, immediately report it to the Southwest Baggage Service Office at the airport. They will provide an incident number. You can then opt-in for text updates or use the Southwest Baggage Claim Web Portal to track its status.
QuickTip: Stop scrolling, read carefully here.
How to report a damaged bag to Southwest Airlines?
Report any damaged baggage to the Southwest Baggage Service Office before leaving the airport. For domestic flights, you typically have 4 hours after arrival to report damage; for international, it's 7 calendar days.
How to know if my carry-on bag is too big for Southwest?
Southwest allows one carry-on bag (max 24" x 16" x 10" including wheels/handles) and one personal item (max 16.25" x 13.5" x 8"). If your carry-on exceeds these dimensions, it may need to be gate-checked (possibly for a fee if you already have two checked bags).
How to check bags for an international Southwest flight?
You must check bags for international flights at the Southwest ticket counter. Bags won't be accepted less than 60 minutes before departure (75 minutes for Aruba). If you have a connecting flight into the U.S., you'll need to claim your bags at the first U.S. port of entry, clear customs, and then re-check them.
How to get a refund for baggage fees if my bag was delayed on Southwest?
If your checked bag was delayed 12 or more hours (domestic) or 15 or more hours (international) and you paid a fee, Southwest will refund the applicable fee(s) provided you filed a mishandled baggage report.
How to check bags if I'm an active-duty military member on Southwest?
Active-duty military customers with a valid military ID are exempt from the standard two-piece baggage limit and will not be charged excess, oversize, or overweight fees, provided bags don't exceed 100 pounds and 80 inches in size.
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