Packing for a flight can be a tricky business, especially when you're trying to avoid those pesky extra fees! Southwest Airlines, while known for its "Bags Fly Free" policy (though this has seen recent changes for new bookings as of May 28, 2025 – more on that later!), still has important weight and size restrictions you need to be aware of. So, how heavy can a bag be on Southwest Airlines? Let's dive in and demystify the baggage rules, ensuring your travel is as smooth as possible!
Navigating Southwest's Baggage Policies: A Step-by-Step Guide
Ever found yourself at the airport frantically reorganizing your luggage, praying it doesn't tip the scales? We've all been there! To save you that last-minute stress (and potential fees!), here's your comprehensive guide to understanding Southwest's baggage weight limits.
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Step 1: Understand the Basics – Checked Baggage
This is where the majority of your packing considerations will lie. Southwest has a generous standard, but exceeding it will cost you.
Weight Limit: For each checked bag, the maximum weight allowed is 50 pounds (23 kg). This is a crucial number to remember.
Size Limit: Beyond weight, there's a size restriction. Each checked bag must not exceed 62 linear inches (length + width + height). This means you measure the length, width, and height of your bag, add them together, and that sum shouldn't be more than 62 inches. Don't forget to include handles and wheels in your measurements!
Number of Bags: For bookings made before May 28, 2025, Southwest famously offered two free checked bags per ticketed passenger. However, for reservations booked or voluntarily changed on or after May 28, 2025, this has changed. Most passengers will now pay $35 for the first checked bag and $45 for the second. A third or more checked bags will incur a fee of $150 per bag. Certain exceptions apply for Business Select flyers, Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred members, A-List status holders, and Southwest credit card users. Always double-check your specific fare details!
Step 2: Beware of the Overweight and Oversize Charges
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This is where things can get expensive quickly! If your bag exceeds the standard limits, you'll be hit with additional fees.
Overweight Baggage:
If your checked bag weighs between 51 and 100 pounds (24 to 46 kg), you'll be charged an additional $75 per bag.
Any item weighing more than 100 pounds (46 kg) will not be accepted as checked baggage. These items typically need to be shipped as Air Cargo, which has its own set of rules and requirements (often requiring you to be a "Known Shipper").
Oversize Baggage:
If your checked bag measures over 62 linear inches but not more than 80 linear inches (203 cm), you'll incur an additional $75 per bag.
Bags exceeding 80 linear inches cannot be checked as baggage. Similar to extremely overweight items, these may need to be shipped as cargo.
Combined Charges: Here's an important detail: if your bag is both overweight and oversized, you will typically only be charged one fee for the highest applicable charge, provided the bag doesn't exceed the absolute maximums (100 lbs or 80 linear inches). For example, if your bag is 55 lbs and 65 linear inches, you'd likely pay the $75 overweight/oversize fee once.
Step 3: Understanding Carry-On and Personal Item Policies
While these typically don't have strict weight limits, understanding their size is key to avoiding an unexpected gate check.
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Carry-On Bag: You are allowed one carry-on bag.
Size Limit: Your carry-on bag should not exceed 24 x 16 x 10 inches (61 x 41 x 28 cm), including handles and wheels.
Weight Limit: Southwest does not specify a weight limit for carry-on bags. The general rule of thumb is that you must be able to lift it into the overhead bin unassisted. If you can't, it should be checked.
Personal Item: In addition to your carry-on, you can bring one personal item.
Size Limit: While Southwest doesn't provide precise dimensions on their general policy page, other sources indicate it should not exceed approximately 18.5 x 8.5 x 13.5 inches. The primary rule is that it must fit under the seat in front of you.
Examples include purses, briefcases, laptop bags, small backpacks, or food containers.
Important Note for Carry-Ons: If your carry-on bag exceeds the dimensions at the gate, you will be asked to check it. While Southwest allows two free checked bags (for older bookings), this could still be an inconvenience or, for newer bookings, incur a fee.
Step 4: Special Considerations and Exceptions
Southwest has a few policies that offer flexibility or special rules for certain items and passengers.
Military Personnel: This is a significant exception! Active-duty military passengers with a valid military ID are exempt from the standard two-piece baggage limit and will not be subject to excess, oversize, or overweight baggage charges. This applies as long as no single piece of baggage exceeds 100 pounds (46 kg) in weight and 80 linear inches (203 cm) in size. This is a fantastic benefit for service members.
Sports Equipment & Musical Instruments: Many types of sports equipment and musical instruments can be checked as part of your free baggage allowance (if applicable to your booking). However, they must adhere to the 50 lbs/62 linear inches rule, or they will be subject to overweight/oversize fees. Extremely large or heavy items may still need to be shipped as cargo. Always check Southwest's specific policies for your item.
Child Restraint Devices & Assistive Devices: Child restraint devices (car seats), strollers, and assistive/mobility devices (like wheelchairs, walkers, canes, crutches) are generally allowed free of charge and do not count towards your baggage allowance.
International Flights: While the general weight and size limits remain the same, there are specific procedures for checking baggage on international itineraries, especially when connecting through U.S. Customs. You may be required to claim and re-check your bags after clearing customs. Baggage acceptance times for international flights are also stricter (e.g., typically no less than 60 minutes prior to departure). Southwest also has baggage embargoes for some international destinations, which means restrictions on oversized, overweight, and extra checked bags. Always verify for your specific international destination.
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Step 5: Packing Smart and Planning Ahead
Knowing the rules is one thing, applying them effectively is another!
Weigh Your Bags at Home: Invest in a luggage scale. These are inexpensive and can save you a lot of money and stress at the airport. Always weigh your bags before you leave for the airport.
Measure Your Bags: Use a tape measure to confirm your bag's linear dimensions. It's easy to underestimate the size, especially with soft-sided luggage that can bulge.
Distribute Weight: If you have multiple bags, try to distribute the weight evenly to avoid one bag being significantly overweight.
Consider Shipping: For extremely heavy or oversized items, especially if you're not military, consider using a luggage shipping service. It can sometimes be more cost-effective than airline fees.
Check Your Booking Details: Always review your specific booking details and Southwest's official baggage policy on their website or app, as policies can be updated.
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| How Heavy Can A Bag Be On Southwest Airlines |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Southwest Baggage
Here are 10 common "How to" questions related to Southwest Airlines baggage policies, with quick answers:
How to avoid overweight baggage fees on Southwest?
To avoid overweight fees, ensure each checked bag weighs 50 pounds (23 kg) or less. Weigh your bags at home before heading to the airport.
How to measure the size of my bag for Southwest?
To measure your bag's size, add its length, width, and height (including handles and wheels). This sum should not exceed 62 linear inches for checked bags or 24 x 16 x 10 inches for carry-ons.
How to check a third bag on Southwest Airlines?
For bookings made on or after May 28, 2025, a third checked bag (and beyond) will cost $150. You can check it at the airport ticket counter.
How to get free checked bags on Southwest Airlines?
For bookings made before May 28, 2025, two checked bags fly free. For newer bookings, Business Select flyers, Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred members, A-List status holders, and Southwest credit card users may still get free checked bags. Active-duty military personnel also get generous exemptions.
How to bring sports equipment on Southwest Airlines?
Most sports equipment can be checked as a standard bag, but it must adhere to the 50 lbs/62 linear inches limit or it will incur overweight/oversize fees. Check Southwest's specific guidelines for your item.
How to travel with a car seat and stroller on Southwest?
Car seats and strollers can generally be checked for free and do not count towards your baggage allowance. You can check them at the ticket counter or gate.
How to handle bags over 100 pounds on Southwest?
Bags over 100 pounds (46 kg) are not accepted as checked baggage. You would need to arrange to ship them via Southwest Cargo or another freight service.
How to know if my carry-on is too heavy for Southwest?
While Southwest doesn't have a specific weight limit for carry-ons, the rule is you must be able to lift it into the overhead bin unassisted. If you struggle, it's likely too heavy and should be checked.
How to find Southwest's updated baggage policy details?
Always refer to the official Southwest Airlines website (Southwest.com) and their "Checked Baggage Policy" and "Optional Travel Charges" pages for the most current and detailed information.
How to avoid paying for checked bags if I booked after May 28, 2025?
Consider holding a Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card, achieving A-List or A-List Preferred status, or purchasing a Business Select fare, as these offer checked bag waivers. Otherwise, pack light and stick to a carry-on and personal item if possible.
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