Hey there, savvy traveler! Planning a trip with Southwest Airlines and wondering about those all-important baggage limits? You've landed in the right place! We all know that feeling of dread when you're packing, trying to decide what to leave behind, or worse, worrying about an unexpected fee at the airport. Let's make sure that doesn't happen on your next Southwest adventure!
Southwest Airlines is famous for its "Bags Fly Free" policy (for the first two checked bags, that is!), but even with that fantastic perk, there are still weight and size restrictions you need to be aware of. Overlooking these details can quickly turn your free bags into expensive ones. So, let's dive into everything you need to know to pack smart and travel stress-free.
Your Comprehensive Guide to Southwest Airlines Luggage Weight Limits
Navigating airline baggage policies can feel like deciphering a secret code. But with Southwest, it's actually quite straightforward, especially for their standard checked bags. Let's break it down step-by-step.
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| How Many Pounds Can Luggage Be On Southwest Airlines |
Step 1: Understand the Basics of "Bags Fly Free"
First things first, let's celebrate Southwest's signature perk! Unlike many other airlines that charge for every checked bag, Southwest allows passengers to check two bags for free. This is a huge money-saver and a major reason why many travelers choose Southwest. However, this generosity comes with important stipulations regarding weight and size.
Step 2: Master the Standard Checked Baggage Weight Limit
This is the most crucial detail for your packing strategy.
Sub-heading: The Golden Number: 50 Pounds (22.7 kg)
For each of your two free checked bags (and any additional bags you pay for), the maximum weight allowed is 50 pounds (22.7 kg). This is a strict limit, and exceeding it will incur a fee.
Tip for the Savvy Packer: Invest in a portable luggage scale! These small, inexpensive devices can save you a significant amount of money and stress at the airport. Weigh your bags at home to ensure they are within the limit.
Sub-heading: Beyond 50 Pounds: Overweight Baggage Fees
What happens if your bag tips the scales over 50 pounds? Southwest charges a fee for overweight bags.
For bags weighing between 51 and 100 pounds (23.1 kg - 45.3 kg): You will be charged an overweight baggage fee of $100 per bag. This fee is in addition to any charges for exceeding the two-bag limit.
For bags weighing over 100 pounds (45.3 kg): Southwest Airlines will not accept any item weighing more than 100 pounds as checked baggage. Such items must be shipped as Air Cargo, which has different rules and is generally not available to regular passengers unless classified as a "Known Shipper."
Consider This: If you have an item that's likely to be overweight, it might be more cost-effective to ship it via a dedicated shipping service rather than paying the airline's overweight fees.
QuickTip: Short pauses improve understanding.
Step 3: Factor in the Size (Linear Dimensions) of Your Luggage
Weight isn't the only factor; the physical size of your bag also matters.
Sub-heading: Standard Checked Baggage Size Limit
Each checked piece of luggage must not exceed 62 inches (157.5 cm) in total linear dimensions (length + width + height).
How to Calculate Linear Dimensions: Simply measure the length, width, and height of your bag, and add those three numbers together. For example, a bag that is 28 inches (L) + 18 inches (W) + 16 inches (H) = 62 inches.
Sub-heading: Oversize Baggage Fees
If your bag exceeds the 62-inch linear limit, you'll face an oversized baggage fee.
For bags measuring between 63 inches (160 cm) and 80 inches (203 cm): You will be charged an oversize baggage fee of $100 per bag. This is also in addition to any other applicable fees (like overweight fees or fees for additional bags).
For bags measuring over 80 inches (203 cm): Similar to overweight bags over 100 pounds, items exceeding 80 inches in total linear dimensions cannot be checked as baggage and must be shipped as Air Cargo.
Double Whammy: If your bag is both overweight AND oversize, you will generally pay both fees. For instance, if your bag is 55 pounds and 65 inches, you'd pay $100 for overweight and $100 for oversized, totaling $200 for that single bag.
Step 4: Don't Forget Your Carry-On and Personal Item!
While the focus is often on checked bags, your carry-on and personal item also have specific size limitations, though no weight limit is typically stated for them by Southwest.
Sub-heading: Carry-On Bag Dimensions
Southwest allows one carry-on bag per passenger. This bag must fit in the overhead bin.
Maximum dimensions for a carry-on bag: Approximately 24 inches (L) x 16 inches (W) x 10 inches (H). This generally means the sum of the linear dimensions should not exceed 50 inches. Always check the exact dimensions on Southwest's website, as policies can be updated.
Sub-heading: Personal Item Dimensions
In addition to a carry-on, you can bring one personal item. This item must fit under the seat in front of you.
QuickTip: Let each idea sink in before moving on.
Maximum dimensions for a personal item: Approximately 18.5 inches (L) x 8.5 inches (W) x 13.5 inches (H). Examples include a purse, laptop bag, backpack, or briefcase.
Pro Tip: Make sure essential items like medications, valuables, and important documents are in your carry-on or personal item, not checked baggage.
Step 5: Special Circumstances and Exceptions
There are a few scenarios where Southwest's standard baggage policy might have exceptions or additional considerations.
Sub-heading: Active-Duty Military Personnel
Southwest offers a generous exception for active-duty military members with a current, valid military ID.
Exemption: They are exempt from the two-piece baggage limit and will not be subject to excess, oversize, or overweight baggage charges.
Increased Limits: The individual pieces of baggage for military personnel can be up to 100 pounds (45.3 kg) in weight and 80 inches (203 cm) in size (L+W+H). This is a fantastic benefit for those serving our country.
Sub-heading: Sports Equipment and Musical Instruments
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Southwest generally treats sports equipment and musical instruments as regular checked baggage, meaning they count towards your two free bags, provided they meet the standard weight and size limits.
Standard Rules Apply: If the item exceeds 50 pounds or 62 inches (L+W+H), overweight or oversized fees will apply.
Specific Items: Some items, like surfboards, might have specific fees or packaging requirements. Always check Southwest's dedicated policy page for details on your particular equipment. Large instruments that don't fit in the overhead bin may require purchasing a separate seat.
Sub-heading: Infants and Children's Items
When traveling with a child, Southwest allows you to check one stroller and one car seat/child restraint system free of charge, in addition to your standard baggage allowance. These items are transported with a limited release of liability.
Sub-heading: International Flights
While Southwest primarily operates within the United States, they do offer flights to some international destinations. The general baggage policies, including weight and size limits, typically apply to international flights as well. However, be aware of potential customs requirements upon arrival, especially if you have connecting flights. You may need to claim and re-check your bags after clearing customs in your first U.S. port of entry.
Important Note: For international itineraries, you must check luggage at the ticket counter. Baggage for international flights won't be accepted less than 60 minutes prior to scheduled departure (75 minutes for flights departing Aruba).
Step 6: Avoiding Unexpected Baggage Fees
QuickTip: Read again with fresh eyes.
No one likes unexpected charges. Here's how to minimize your chances of paying extra:
Pack Light: The simplest solution! Can you live without that third pair of shoes?
Distribute Weight Evenly: If you have multiple bags, try to balance the weight between them.
Know Your Limits: Memorize the 50-pound and 62-inch rules for checked bags.
Weigh Your Bags at Home: As mentioned, a luggage scale is your best friend.
Consider Shipping: For extremely heavy or oversized items, a dedicated shipping service might be more economical.
Consolidate: Can you fit smaller, lighter items into one bag to avoid checking a third?
Wear Heavier Items: If you have a bulky jacket or heavy boots, wear them on the plane instead of packing them.
Review Southwest's Official Policy: Always check the latest baggage policy on the official Southwest Airlines website before your trip, as policies can change.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common questions about Southwest Airlines baggage, with quick answers to help you out!
How to calculate the linear dimensions of my luggage?
To calculate linear dimensions, measure the length (L), width (W), and height (H) of your bag, and then add those three measurements together: L + W + H.
How to avoid overweight baggage fees on Southwest?
To avoid overweight fees, weigh your bags at home using a luggage scale to ensure they are 50 pounds (22.7 kg) or less. Distribute items evenly among your bags, or consider shipping very heavy items separately.
How to check if my carry-on bag is the correct size for Southwest?
Measure your carry-on bag's dimensions (length, width, height) to ensure it does not exceed approximately 24 x 16 x 10 inches. Most bags marketed as "carry-on compliant" should fit, but always double-check.
How to handle oversized sports equipment on Southwest?
Sports equipment counts as regular checked baggage. If it exceeds 50 pounds or 62 linear inches, overweight or oversized fees ($100 each) will apply. Check Southwest's website for specific rules on certain sports items.
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How to travel with musical instruments on Southwest?
Musical instruments can be carried on if they fit in the overhead bin or under the seat. If larger, they can be checked as regular baggage, but overweight/oversize fees ($100 each) apply if they exceed 50 lbs or 62 linear inches, up to 150 inches and 165 lbs. You may also purchase a separate seat for larger instruments.
How to check more than two bags on Southwest?
After your two free checked bags (up to 50 lbs and 62 linear inches each), additional bags can be checked for a fee of $75 per bag. Overweight or oversized fees would apply in addition to this if necessary.
How to get baggage fee exemptions as military personnel on Southwest?
Active-duty military personnel with a valid military ID are exempt from the two-piece baggage limit and excess, oversize, or overweight baggage fees, provided their bags don't exceed 100 pounds and 80 linear inches.
How to check a stroller or car seat for free on Southwest?
Each ticketed customer traveling with a child can check one stroller and one car seat/child restraint system free of charge, in addition to their standard baggage allowance.
How to find the most current Southwest baggage policy?
Always refer to the official Southwest Airlines website (Southwest.com) for the most up-to-date and detailed baggage policies, as rules can occasionally change.
How to deal with baggage for international Southwest flights?
For international flights, the standard baggage policies generally apply. You must check bags at the ticket counter, and for flights into the U.S. with connections, you will likely need to claim and re-check your bags after clearing customs at your first U.S. arrival city.
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