Navigating airline baggage policies can feel like deciphering an ancient riddle, especially when you're trying to pack for a fantastic trip! If you're flying Southwest Airlines, you're in luck, as their policy has historically been quite generous. However, recent changes have altered their famous "Bags Fly Free" mantra for many. This comprehensive guide will break down exactly how heavy your luggage can be on Southwest Airlines, offering a clear, step-by-step approach to packing smart and avoiding unexpected fees.
Your Ultimate Guide to Southwest Airlines Baggage Weight Limits
Ready to pack for your next adventure with Southwest? Let's make sure your bags are good to go!
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| How Heavy Can Your Luggage Be On Southwest Airlines |
Step 1: Understanding Southwest's Baggage Philosophy – What's Changed?
First things first, let's address the elephant in the room: Southwest's baggage policy has seen some significant updates, particularly for bookings made or changed on or after May 28, 2025. While they were once renowned for their "Bags Fly Free" policy for all, this is no longer universally true. It's crucial to understand your specific fare type or Rapid Rewards status, as this will directly impact how many bags you can check for free.
Engage with yourself: Before you even open your suitcase, ask yourself: Am I aware of my fare type and any Rapid Rewards status I might have? Have I checked the booking details for my specific flight for any baggage updates? This initial check is vital and will save you a lot of potential headaches (and fees!) down the line.
Step 2: Delving into Checked Baggage – The Nitty-Gritty Details
For most travelers, checked baggage is where the weight game truly begins. Southwest has specific limits for both weight and size that you must adhere to to avoid additional charges.
Sub-heading: Standard Checked Bag Allowance
Weight Limit: Each checked bag has a maximum weight limit of 50 pounds (23 kg).
Size Limit: The maximum linear dimensions (length + width + height) for each checked bag must not exceed 62 inches (157 cm). This means you'll need to measure your bag when it's packed and fully expanded. Don't forget to include handles and wheels in your measurements!
Sub-heading: How Many Bags Can I Check for Free?
This is where the recent changes come into play.
For travel booked or voluntarily changed on or after May 28, 2025:
Most Passengers: The "Bags Fly Free" policy is no longer standard. You can expect to pay $35 for the first checked bag and $45 for the second checked bag.
Business Select Travelers and Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred Members: You're still in luck! You continue to receive two free checked bags.
Rapid Rewards A-List Members and Southwest Co-branded Credit Card Holders: You are allowed one free checked bag.
For travel booked before May 28, 2025 (and not voluntarily changed after):
The traditional "Bags Fly Free" policy still applies, meaning your first two checked bags are free, as long as they adhere to the 50 lbs and 62 linear inches limits.
Tip: Take your time with each sentence.
Sub-heading: Understanding Overweight Baggage Fees
Exceeding the 50-pound limit will incur additional fees. These fees are charged per bag and are in addition to any standard checked bag fees that may apply.
51 to 70 pounds (24 to 32 kg): You will be charged a fee of $100 per bag.
71 to 100 pounds (33 to 45 kg): The fee increases to $200 per bag.
Bags over 100 pounds (45 kg): These will generally not be accepted as checked baggage and may need to be shipped as air cargo (which has its own set of rules and limitations).
Sub-heading: Understanding Oversized Baggage Fees
If your bag's linear dimensions exceed 62 inches but are not more than 80 inches (203 cm), it's considered oversized.
63 to 80 inches (160 to 203 cm): A fee of $200 per bag will be applied.
Bags over 80 inches (203 cm): These will generally not be accepted as checked baggage.
Important Note: If a bag is both overweight and oversized, only one fee (the higher of the two, typically) will apply, as long as the bag does not exceed 100 pounds. For example, if your bag is 55 pounds and 65 inches, you'd likely just pay the oversized fee of $200. Always confirm with Southwest directly if you have a bag that falls into both categories.
Step 3: Mastering Carry-On and Personal Items – Your In-Cabin Essentials
Even with checked bag considerations, your carry-on and personal item are key for quick access to necessities. Southwest has clear guidelines for these too.
Sub-heading: Carry-On Bag Rules
You are allowed one carry-on bag per passenger.
Dimensions: Your carry-on bag must not exceed 24 inches (L) x 16 inches (W) x 10 inches (H), including handles and wheels.
Weight Limit: Southwest does not specify a weight limit for carry-on bags. However, you must be able to lift it into the overhead bin yourself without assistance. If you can't, it may need to be checked at the gate (and potentially incur fees if you've already used your checked bag allowance).
Sub-heading: Personal Item Rules
In addition to your carry-on, you can bring one personal item.
Dimensions: Your personal item should fit under the seat in front of you. Common dimensions cited are around 18.5 inches (L) x 13.5 inches (W) x 8.5 inches (H), though Southwest primarily emphasizes it must fit under the seat.
Examples: This typically includes items like a purse, briefcase, laptop bag, small backpack, or a camera bag.
Weight Limit: Similar to carry-on bags, there is no stated weight limit for personal items, as long as they fit under the seat.
QuickTip: Look for repeated words — they signal importance.
Step 4: Special Items and Sporting Equipment – Packing for Your Passions
Traveling with a surfboard, golf clubs, or a musical instrument? Southwest has specific policies for these items, and they often count towards your checked baggage allowance.
Sub-heading: Sporting Equipment
Many standard sporting equipment items can be checked as part of your baggage allowance.
General Rule: If the item (like a golf bag, skis, or a fishing rod) fits within the standard 50 lbs and 62 linear inches limits, it will count as one of your checked bags (and fees may apply based on your fare/status).
Oversized/Overweight Sporting Equipment: If your sporting equipment exceeds these limits, it will be subject to the standard overweight and/or oversized baggage fees. For instance, a surfboard may incur a specific fee if it's over 50 pounds.
Always check Southwest's website for specific rules regarding your particular sporting equipment, as some items have unique guidelines (e.g., bicycles need to be packed in a hard-sided box).
Sub-heading: Musical Instruments
Musical instruments can often be carried on or checked, depending on their size.
Carry-On: If your instrument (including its case) fits within the carry-on dimensions (24"x16"x10"), you can bring it as your carry-on item, provided there is space in the overhead bin.
Checked Baggage: Larger instruments can be checked. Standard baggage fees and overweight/oversize fees will apply if they exceed the limits. Southwest may also require a limited release of liability for delicate instruments not in hard-sided cases.
Purchasing a Seat: For very large instruments that cannot be checked or fit in the overhead bin, you may be able to purchase a separate seat for them, adhering to specific requirements.
Step 5: Strategic Packing and Measurement Tips – Avoiding Surprises
Now that you know the rules, here are some actionable tips to ensure your bags are perfectly within limits.
Invest in a Luggage Scale: This is your secret weapon! A small, portable luggage scale is inexpensive and will allow you to weigh your bags at home before you even leave. This eliminates guesswork and last-minute repacking at the airport.
Pack Smart, Not Just More: Think about multi-purpose clothing, travel-sized toiletries, and packing cubes to maximize space efficiently without adding unnecessary bulk.
Wear Your Heaviest Items: If you have heavy shoes or a bulky jacket, consider wearing them on the plane rather than packing them.
Distribute Weight Evenly: If you're traveling with someone else, try to distribute heavier items between your bags to avoid one bag being significantly overweight.
Measure, Measure, Measure: Before you head to the airport, use a tape measure to check the length, width, and height of your packed bags (including wheels and handles!).
Know Your Entitlements: Reconfirm your specific baggage allowance based on your fare type or Rapid Rewards status right before your trip. Southwest's website or app will have the most up-to-date information.
Step 6: What to Do if Your Bag is Overweight or Oversized at the Airport
Despite your best efforts, sometimes bags are heavier or larger than anticipated. Here's what to expect and your options:
Fees will be Applied: Be prepared to pay the additional fees for overweight or oversized baggage. These fees are typically paid at the check-in counter.
Repacking Options: If your bag is only slightly over, a Southwest agent might allow you to repack some items into another bag (if you have one within limits) or your personal item. However, this is not guaranteed and depends on the agent and time available.
Consider Shipping: For extremely heavy or large items that exceed airline limits, consider alternative shipping services (like Southwest Cargo for qualifying items, or other courier services) as a last resort. This is usually more expensive but might be your only option.
Tip: Don’t overthink — just keep reading.
7. Final Check – Before You Leave for the Airport
Review Your Itinerary: Double-check your flight details and any baggage information specifically linked to your booking.
Passport/ID Ready: Ensure all travel documents are easily accessible.
Relax! You've done your homework. Now, enjoy your Southwest flight!
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to avoid overweight baggage fees on Southwest Airlines?
To avoid overweight fees, weigh your bags at home using a luggage scale to ensure they are 50 pounds or less. Pack efficiently, distribute heavy items across multiple bags, and consider wearing your heaviest clothing items.
How to measure my luggage for Southwest Airlines?
To measure your luggage, use a tape measure to get the length, width, and height. Add these three measurements together to get the linear inches. Remember to include all handles and wheels in your measurements.
How to pack efficiently to stay within Southwest's weight limits?
Utilize packing cubes to compress clothing, roll rather than fold items, wear bulky shoes and jackets, and only bring travel-sized toiletries. Consider what items you truly need versus what you might need.
How to know if my fare type on Southwest Airlines includes free checked bags?
Check your booking confirmation email or log into your Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards account. The baggage allowance will be clearly stated, or you can refer to Southwest's "Optional Travel Charges" page for detailed information based on fare types and Rapid Rewards status.
Tip: Reread sections you didn’t fully grasp.
How to check the most up-to-date baggage policy for Southwest Airlines?
Always refer to the official Southwest Airlines website, specifically their "Baggage" or "Optional Travel Charges" sections. Airline policies can change, so checking directly with the source is the best way to get the latest information.
How to handle a bag that is both overweight and oversized on Southwest Airlines?
Southwest typically charges only one fee (the higher of the two) if a bag is both overweight and oversized, as long as it doesn't exceed 100 pounds. However, it's always best to confirm this directly with Southwest or be prepared for both fees.
How to bring sporting equipment on Southwest Airlines without extra fees?
If your sporting equipment (like a golf bag or skis) fits within the standard 50 lbs and 62 linear inches limits, it will count as one of your standard checked bags, and fees will apply based on your fare/status. If it exceeds these limits, additional fees will apply.
How to transport a musical instrument on Southwest Airlines?
Small musical instruments that fit within carry-on dimensions can be brought onboard. Larger instruments can be checked as baggage (subject to standard fees, overweight/oversized fees, and potential limited liability waivers), or you may purchase an extra seat for them if they meet specific criteria.
How to pay for overweight or oversized baggage fees on Southwest Airlines?
Baggage fees, including overweight and oversized charges, are paid at the airport check-in counter when you drop off your luggage. Southwest does not typically allow prepaying for checked baggage.
How to get an exemption for baggage fees on Southwest Airlines?
Active-duty military personnel with a valid military ID are exempt from excess, oversized, and overweight baggage charges for up to two bags, provided each bag doesn't exceed 100 pounds and 80 inches. Business Select travelers and Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred members also receive two free checked bags. Rapid Rewards A-List members and Southwest co-branded credit card holders may also receive exemptions for one checked bag.
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