How Many Bags Can I Check In at Southwest Airlines? Your Comprehensive Guide to Baggage Policies
Hey there, fellow traveler! Are you getting ready for an exciting adventure and wondering, "How many bags can I check in at Southwest Airlines?" You've come to the right place! Navigating airline baggage policies can sometimes feel like solving a complex puzzle, but with Southwest, it's actually pretty straightforward, though it has seen some significant changes recently. Let's dive in and break down everything you need to know about checking your luggage with Southwest.
Step 1: Understanding Southwest's Evolving Baggage Philosophy
First things first, let's address a big change. For a long time, Southwest was renowned for its "Bags Fly Free" policy, offering two free checked bags to all passengers. However, as of May 28, 2025, this widely praised policy has undergone a significant revision.
Don't despair! While the "Bags Fly Free" era for everyone has passed, Southwest still offers ways to check bags for free, and understanding these exceptions is key. This guide will walk you through the specifics.
 |
| How Many Bags Can I Check In At Southwest Airlines |
Step 2: Deciphering the Standard Checked Baggage Allowance
For the majority of Southwest passengers who booked or voluntarily changed their flights on or after May 28, 2025, here's what you can expect for standard checked bags:
2.1: The Fees for Your Luggage
Reminder: Reading twice often makes things clearer.
First Checked Bag: You will now pay a fee of $35.
Second Checked Bag: This will cost you $45.
Third or More Bags: For any bags beyond the second, the fee jumps to $150 per bag.
It's important to note that these fees are per one-way trip. So, if you have a round trip, you'll pay these fees each way.
2.2: Standard Size and Weight Limits
Even with the new fees, there are crucial dimensions and weight limits your bags must adhere to:
Maximum Weight per Bag: Each checked bag must not exceed 50 pounds (23 kg).
Maximum Linear Dimensions per Bag: The sum of the length, width, and height of your bag must not exceed 62 inches (158 cm).
This includes handles and wheels! Always measure your suitcase properly to avoid surprises.
Step 3: Unlocking Free Checked Bags: The Exceptions!
While the general rule now involves fees, Southwest still values certain loyal customers and specific fare types. Here's how you might still get free checked bags:
3.1: For the Elite Flyers and Cardholders
Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred Members: Good news! If you've achieved this top-tier status in Southwest's Rapid Rewards program, you are entitled to two free checked bags. This is a fantastic perk for frequent flyers.
Rapid Rewards A-List Members: As an A-List member, you will receive one free checked bag.
Southwest Co-Branded Credit Card Holders: Many Southwest credit cards offer a valuable benefit: one free checked bag.
Be sure to check the specific terms and conditions of your card to confirm this perk. This can be a great way to offset the new baggage fees if you travel often with Southwest.
3.2: For Business Travelers
Tip: Reread slowly for better memory.
Business Select Fares: If you book a Business Select fare, Southwest's highest fare class, you will continue to enjoy two free checked bags. This fare often comes with other benefits like priority boarding and a complimentary premium drink.
3.3: For Our Valued Military Personnel
Active-Duty Military Passengers with Valid ID: Southwest offers a generous exemption for active-duty military. With a current, valid military ID, you are exempt from the standard two-piece baggage limit and will not be subject to excess, oversize, or overweight baggage charges.
However, there's a higher limit: none of your bags should exceed 100 pounds (46 kg) in weight and 80 inches (203 cm) in size (L+W+H). This is a significant advantage for those serving our country.
3.4: For Hawaiian Residents (Inter-Island Travel)
Hawaii Residents traveling between the islands (based on primary mailing address): These customers are allowed to take two free checked bags.
Step 4: Navigating Overweight and Oversized Baggage
Sometimes, despite our best efforts, bags can go over the limits. Southwest has specific fees for these situations, which are in addition to the standard checked bag fees (if applicable).
 |
4.1: Overweight Baggage Charges
51 to 100 pounds (24 to 46 kg): If your bag is between these weights, there's an additional fee of $75 per bag.
Bags exceeding 100 pounds (46 kg): Southwest will not accept bags weighing more than 100 pounds as checked baggage. These items must be shipped as air cargo if you are a "Known Shipper" as defined by the TSA.
4.2: Oversized Baggage Charges
Tip: Compare what you read here with other sources.
63 to 80 linear inches (160 to 203 cm): If your bag exceeds the 62-linear-inch limit but is not more than 80 linear inches, there's an additional fee of $75 per bag.
Bags exceeding 80 linear inches (203 cm): Southwest will not accept bags larger than 80 linear inches as checked baggage. Similar to overweight bags, these would need to be shipped as cargo under specific conditions.
Step 5: Special Items and Sports Equipment
Planning to travel with a surfboard, skis, or golf clubs? Southwest generally considers these items as part of your checked baggage allowance, but there might be specific rules or additional fees.
Sports Equipment: Most standard sports equipment (like skis/snowboards, golf bags, fishing equipment) will count as one checked bag. Oversize charges may be waived for some sports equipment, but overweight charges may still apply. Always check Southwest's specific policy for your particular item on their website or by calling customer service. For instance, a set of snow ski equipment (skis/snowboard, poles, and boots) can be split into two bags but still counts as one checked item.
Step 6: Important Considerations and Pro-Tips
Payment at the Airport: Unlike some airlines, Southwest generally does not allow you to prepay for checked luggage online.
You will typically pay for your bags at the airport ticket counter or at a self-tagging kiosk (where available). Check-in Times: Allow sufficient time for checking your baggage. For domestic flights, baggage checked 45 minutes or less before departure is considered "Late Check." For international flights, baggage must be checked at least 60 minutes prior to scheduled departure (or 75 minutes for flights departing Aruba).
Late-checked baggage may not make your flight, and Southwest won't cover delivery charges if it doesn't. International Travel: If any part of your itinerary is international, you must check your luggage at the ticket counter. You cannot use curbside check-in. If you have connecting international flights into the U.S., you'll need to claim all your luggage after clearing Customs and then re-check it with a Southwest agent before proceeding to your connecting flight.
Baggage Embargoes: Be aware that some international destinations, particularly during peak travel seasons, may have baggage embargoes. These are temporary restrictions on oversized, overweight, or extra checked bags to ensure there's enough space for standard luggage. Always check for specific embargoes for your destination on Southwest's website. For example, some Caribbean destinations have embargoes between November 15 and January 15.
Carry-on and Personal Items: Remember, in addition to checked bags, Southwest generally allows one carry-on bag (24" x 16" x 10" including handles/wheels, no weight limit but you must be able to lift it into the overhead bin) and one personal item (purse, laptop bag, small backpack fitting under the seat, 18.5" x 13.5" x 8.5", no weight limit) per passenger, free of charge. Make the most of these!
Step 7: How to Maximize Your Baggage Strategy
Now that you know the rules, here are some tips to make your travel smoother and potentially more economical:
Pack Smart, Pack Light: This is the golden rule. Can you consolidate items or wear bulkier clothes on the plane? Every ounce counts, especially with the new weight limits.
Utilize Your Free Carry-on and Personal Item: Pack essentials, valuables, and anything you might need during the flight in your carry-on and personal item. These are still free and can save you from checking an extra bag.
Consider a Southwest Credit Card: If you fly Southwest frequently, the annual fee for a co-branded credit card might be offset by the savings from a free checked bag on multiple trips.
Assess Your Rapid Rewards Status: If you're close to A-List or A-List Preferred status, a few extra flights could unlock significant baggage savings for future trips.
Weigh Your Bags at Home: Invest in a luggage scale. It's a small upfront cost that can save you significant overweight baggage fees at the airport.
Know Your Trip's Needs: Are you going for a short weekend or a long international adventure? Tailor your packing to minimize the number and weight of checked bags.
By following these steps and understanding Southwest's updated baggage policies, you'll be well-prepared for your next flight, avoiding any last-minute surprises or unexpected fees. Safe travels!
10 Related FAQ Questions
QuickTip: Stop scrolling, read carefully here.
Here are 10 common "How to" questions related to Southwest Airlines baggage, with quick answers:
How to avoid checked bag fees on Southwest Airlines? You can avoid checked bag fees if you are a Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred member (2 free bags), A-List member (1 free bag), a Southwest co-branded credit card holder (1 free bag), flying on a Business Select fare (2 free bags), or active-duty military (up to 5 free bags with higher limits).
How to measure my bag for Southwest Airlines? Measure the length, width, and height of your bag (including handles and wheels), then add those three numbers together. The sum should not exceed 62 linear inches (158 cm) for standard checked bags.
How to check an overweight bag on Southwest Airlines? If your bag is between 51-100 pounds (24-46 kg), you can check it for an additional fee of $75 per bag, on top of any standard checked bag fees. Bags over 100 pounds are not accepted as checked baggage.
How to check an oversized bag on Southwest Airlines? If your bag is between 63-80 linear inches (160-203 cm), you can check it for an additional fee of $75 per bag, on top of any standard checked bag fees. Bags over 80 linear inches are not accepted as checked baggage.
How to check sports equipment on Southwest Airlines? Most standard sports equipment (e.g., skis, golf clubs) counts as one checked bag. Oversize charges may be waived for some sports equipment, but overweight fees might still apply. Always verify specific item policies on their website.
How to check in baggage for an international Southwest flight?
For international itineraries, you must check your luggage at the Southwest Airlines ticket counter at least 60 minutes (75 minutes for Aruba) before scheduled departure.
How to handle connecting flights with checked baggage on Southwest for international travel? If you have a connecting flight in the U.S. after an international arrival, you must claim all checked luggage after clearing U.S. Customs, and then re-check it with a Southwest Airlines Customer Service Agent before proceeding to your connecting flight.
How to get a free checked bag if I'm active military on Southwest?
Present your current, valid military ID at the Southwest Airlines counter. Active-duty military personnel are exempt from standard bag limits and excess, oversize, or overweight fees, provided bags don't exceed 100 pounds and 80 inches.
How to know if my flight is affected by a baggage embargo on Southwest? Check the "Baggage Embargo for Checked Bags" section on the Southwest Airlines website, or contact their customer service. Embargoes typically apply to specific international destinations during peak travel periods.
How to pack a carry-on bag for Southwest Airlines?
Ensure your carry-on bag does not exceed 24" x 16" x 10" (including wheels and handles) and you can comfortably lift it into the overhead bin. You can also bring one smaller personal item (18.5" x 13.5" x 8.5") that fits under the seat in front of you.
 |
