Welcome, fellow traveler! Are you planning a trip with Southwest Airlines and wondering about their baggage policy? You're in the right place! Navigating airline baggage rules can sometimes feel like solving a cryptic puzzle, especially with recent changes. But don't worry, we're here to break down exactly how many bags you can check in with Southwest Airlines, step-by-step, to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey.
Let's dive in and demystify those baggage allowances together!
Understanding Southwest Airlines' Checked Baggage Policy: A Detailed Guide
Southwest Airlines, historically known for its "Bags Fly Free" policy, has recently made some significant changes to its checked baggage allowance for most passengers. It's crucial to be aware of these updates to avoid any surprises at the airport.
Step 1: Discover Your Baggage Eligibility (The First Crucial Question!)
The very first thing you need to determine is your specific eligibility for free checked bags. This is no longer a one-size-fits-all answer with Southwest.
For most customers booking or voluntarily changing flights on or after May 28, 2025, Southwest now charges for checked bags. This is a major shift, aligning Southwest with many other major U.S. carriers.
First checked bag: $35
Second checked bag: $45
However, there are still ways to get free checked bags! Don't despair! Southwest still offers perks for certain passenger categories.
Business Select passengers: You're in luck! You still get two free checked bags.
Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred members: Enjoy the benefit of two free checked bags.
Rapid Rewards A-List members: You are entitled to one free checked bag.
Southwest co-branded credit card holders: Depending on your specific card, you may also be eligible for one free checked bag. Check your card's benefits carefully!
Active-duty Military Passengers with a current, valid military ID: Excellent news! You are exempt from the two-piece baggage limit and will not be subject to excess, oversize, or overweight baggage charges, provided each piece does not exceed 100 pounds and 80 inches (L+W+H).
Pro Tip: Always verify your specific fare class or loyalty status benefits before you travel. The easiest way to do this is to check your booking details on the Southwest Airlines website or app.
Step 2: Grasp the Standard Size and Weight Limits
Even if your bags are free, they still need to meet Southwest's standard dimensions and weight requirements. Ignoring these can lead to hefty additional fees!
Standard Weight Limit: Each checked bag must not exceed 50 pounds (23 kg).
Standard Size Limit: The maximum linear dimensions (length + width + height) for each checked bag must not exceed 62 inches (157 cm).
Important Note: This measurement includes wheels and handles! Don't forget to account for these when measuring your luggage.
Step 3: Understanding Fees for Additional, Overweight, and Oversized Bags
What happens if your bags don't fit the standard criteria, or you need to check more than your allowance? Here's the breakdown of potential fees:
Additional Bags (Beyond your eligible free allowance, up to a maximum of 10 bags):
Third bag and any additional bags: Approximately $150 per bag. (Previously, this was $75, but the fee has increased with the recent policy changes).
Overweight Baggage:
Bags weighing between 51 and 70 pounds: Approximately $150 per bag.
Bags weighing between 71 and 100 pounds: Approximately $200 per bag.
Bags exceeding 100 pounds will generally NOT be accepted as checked baggage. They may need to be shipped as air cargo.
Oversized Baggage:
Bags measuring between 63 and 80 linear inches: Approximately $200 per bag.
Bags exceeding 80 linear inches will generally NOT be accepted as checked baggage. Similar to overweight bags, they may require air cargo shipping.
Key Point: If a bag is both overweight and oversized, generally only one fee (the higher one) applies. However, always confirm with the airline.
Step 4: Special Circumstances and Items
Southwest has specific policies for various special items. It's vital to check these if you're traveling with anything out of the ordinary.
Sports Equipment: Many common sports equipment items (e.g., golf clubs, skis, surfboards, bicycles) are accepted as checked baggage.
They generally count as one piece of checked luggage towards your allowance.
However, oversize or overweight fees may apply if they exceed the standard 50-pound or 62-inch limits.
Example: A surfboard might incur a $75 fee if it's oversized. Always check the specific item on Southwest's website.
Musical Instruments:
Smaller instruments that fit within carry-on dimensions (24" L x 16" W x 10" H) can be carried on if space is available.
Larger instruments can be checked. They will count as one piece of checked baggage.
Oversize or overweight charges will apply if the instrument is between 62 and 150 inches (L+W+H) or weighs between 51 and 165 pounds. Instruments exceeding these limits will generally not be accepted.
You can also purchase an extra seat for certain large instruments that cannot fit in the overhead bin or under a seat.
Pets (in Cabin Only): Southwest does NOT accept pets as checked baggage or cargo (with the exception of service animals). Small domesticated dogs and cats can travel in the cabin if they fit in an approved carrier that stows under the seat. A fee applies for in-cabin pets.
Assistive Devices: Wheelchairs, mobility aids, and other assistive devices are not counted towards your baggage allowance and are generally checked free of charge. There is no limit to the number of assistive/mobility devices a Customer can bring onboard.
Step 5: When and Where to Check Your Bags
Knowing the timing and location for baggage check-in is crucial to avoid last-minute rushes.
At the Airport Ticket Counter or Curbside Check-in (where available): This is where you'll present your bags for check-in.
Domestic Flights: Aim to check your bags at least 45 minutes before your scheduled departure.
International Flights: You'll need to check your bags at the ticket counter (curbside check-in is not permitted for international travel) at least 60 minutes prior to departure. For flights departing Aruba, this is 75 minutes.
Self-Tagging Kiosks: At select airports, Southwest offers self-tagging kiosks, allowing you to print your own bag tags and pay applicable fees before dropping your bags off with an employee. This can be a real time-saver!
Late Check-in: Baggage checked 45 minutes or less before departure is considered "Late Check." While Southwest will try to get your bag on your flight, they will not assume delivery charges if it doesn't arrive with you.
Step 6: What to Do If Your Itinerary Includes an International Flight
If any part of your journey involves an international flight, there are specific procedures to follow.
You must check your luggage at the Southwest Airlines Ticket Counter upon arrival at the airport.
You cannot check in or check luggage at the curbside for international itineraries.
Connecting Passengers (especially those arriving in the U.S. from an international flight): You must claim all luggage, regardless of your final destination, upon arrival in the U.S. After clearing Customs, you will then be required to re-check all luggage with a Southwest Airlines Customer Service Agent before proceeding to your connecting flight(s). This is a common requirement for international arrivals in the U.S. and is for customs and security purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common "How to" questions related to Southwest Airlines' baggage policy:
How to get free checked bags on Southwest Airlines? You can get free checked bags if you are a Business Select passenger, Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred or A-List member, a Southwest co-branded credit card holder, or active-duty military with a valid ID.
How to avoid overweight baggage fees on Southwest? Ensure each checked bag weighs 50 pounds (23 kg) or less. Use a luggage scale at home before you leave for the airport to confirm weight. Consider redistributing items or packing less.
How to measure my luggage to ensure it meets Southwest's size limits? Use a tape measure to calculate the length, width, and height of your bag, including wheels and handles. The sum of these three dimensions must not exceed 62 linear inches (157 cm).
How to pay for extra checked bags on Southwest? Baggage fees for additional, overweight, or oversized bags are paid at the airport during check-in, either at the ticket counter or via self-tagging kiosks where available. Southwest does not allow pre-payment for luggage.
How to check a musical instrument with Southwest Airlines? Smaller instruments fitting carry-on dimensions can be brought onboard. Larger instruments can be checked as part of your baggage allowance, but may incur oversized/overweight fees if they exceed standard limits. You can also purchase an extra seat for some larger instruments.
How to check a bicycle with Southwest Airlines? Bicycles are accepted as checked baggage. They must be properly packed in a bike box or bag, and typically count towards your baggage allowance. Overweight or oversized fees may apply if they exceed standard limits.
How to travel with a pet on Southwest Airlines? Southwest only allows small domestic dogs and cats to travel in the cabin with you, not as checked baggage or cargo. They must be in an approved carrier that fits under the seat, and a one-way pet fee applies.
How to check bags if I'm flying internationally with Southwest? For international itineraries, you must check your luggage at the Southwest Airlines Ticket Counter, not curbside, at least 60 minutes prior to departure (75 minutes for Aruba flights).
How to re-check bags when connecting through the U.S. on an international Southwest flight? You must claim all your checked luggage after your international arrival in the U.S., clear customs, and then re-check your bags with a Southwest Airlines Customer Service Agent before proceeding to your connecting flight.
How to track my checked bag on Southwest Airlines? Southwest Airlines offers a digital bag tracking feature. You can typically track your bags through their website or mobile app once they have been checked in.