The era of "Bags Fly Free" on Southwest Airlines has, for many, come to an end. While Southwest famously stood apart from other major U.S. carriers by offering two complimentary checked bags to all passengers, recent policy changes have introduced fees for most travelers. This guide will walk you through the current Southwest Airlines checked bag charges, helping you understand what to expect and how to potentially minimize those costs.
Are you ready to unpack the new reality of Southwest's baggage fees? Let's dive in!
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| How Much Does Southwest Airlines Charge To Check A Bag |
Step 1: Understand the Recent Policy Shift
First and foremost, it's crucial to grasp why Southwest's baggage policy has changed. For decades, their "Bags Fly Free" slogan was a cornerstone of their customer appeal. However, as of May 28, 2025, Southwest Airlines began implementing new baggage fees for the majority of its passengers. This significant shift was a strategic move by the airline to align with industry norms and generate additional revenue.
This means that if you booked your flight on or after May 28, 2025, it's highly likely you'll encounter checked bag fees unless you fall into a specific exempt category.
Step 2: Identify the Standard Checked Bag Fees
For most travelers on Basic, Wanna Get Away Plus®, and Anytime fares booked on or after May 28, 2025, the standard checked bag fees are as follows:
First Checked Bag: $35 USD
Second Checked Bag: $45 USD
Third Checked Bag and Beyond: $150 USD per bag
These fees are per bag, each way. So, a round trip with one checked bag would be $70 ($35 out + $35 back), and with two checked bags, it would be $160 ($35 + $45 out + $35 + $45 back).
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Step 3: Check Your Baggage Size and Weight Limits
Even with the new fees, standard size and weight limits still apply to all checked bags on Southwest. Adhering to these limits is vital to avoid additional charges for overweight or oversized luggage.
Sub-heading: Standard Bag Dimensions and Weight
Maximum Weight: 50 pounds (23 kilograms)
Maximum Dimensions (Length + Width + Height): 62 linear inches (157 centimeters)
Remember to include handles and wheels when measuring your bag's dimensions! Anything exceeding these limits will incur extra fees.
Step 4: Explore Exemptions and Ways to Avoid Fees
While the "Bags Fly Free" policy is largely gone, there are still several scenarios where you might be exempt from paying for your checked bags. Knowing these can save you a significant amount of money!
Sub-heading: Who Still Gets Free Checked Bags?
Business Select® Fares: If you booked a Business Select® fare, you are entitled to two free checked bags. This is Southwest's highest fare class and comes with other perks like priority boarding.
Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred Members: Passengers who have achieved Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred status receive two free checked bags.
Rapid Rewards A-List Members: Rapid Rewards A-List members are eligible for one free checked bag.
Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers: Primary Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers typically receive one free checked bag. This benefit often extends to up to eight additional passengers on the same reservation, provided the primary cardmember is on the reservation and their Rapid Rewards account number is included.
Military Personnel (Active Duty): Active-duty military personnel with a current, valid military ID are exempt from the two-piece baggage limit and will not be subject to excess, oversize, or overweight baggage charges, provided bags do not exceed 100 pounds in weight and 80 inches in size (L+W+H).
Flights Booked Before May 28, 2025: If your reservation was booked and ticketed, or voluntarily changed, on or before May 27, 2025, your first and second checked bags will still fly free, regardless of your travel date (weight and size limits still apply).
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Sub-heading: Strategic Packing for Savings
Utilize Your Carry-On and Personal Item: Southwest still allows one carry-on bag and one personal item (e.g., purse, laptop bag, small backpack) for free. Maximize this allowance by packing heavier or bulkier items in your carry-on if they meet the size requirements (carry-on: 24" L x 16" W x 10" H).
Pack Light and Efficiently: Can you fit everything into a single checked bag or even just your carry-on and personal item? The less you check, the less you pay. Consider packing cubes to optimize space.
Ship Your Luggage: For very heavy or numerous items, especially if you're staying for an extended period, consider using a luggage shipping service. This can sometimes be more cost-effective than airline baggage fees, particularly for oversized or overweight items.
Step 5: Understand Overweight and Oversized Baggage Fees
If your bag exceeds the standard weight or size limits, you'll incur additional charges on top of the standard checked bag fee (if applicable).
Sub-heading: Overweight Baggage Charges
51 to 70 pounds (24 to 32 kg): $150 USD per bag
71 to 100 pounds (32 to 46 kg): $200 USD per bag
Bags exceeding 100 pounds will not be accepted as checked baggage and must be shipped as cargo.
Sub-heading: Oversized Baggage Charges
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63 to 80 linear inches (160 to 203 cm): $200 USD per bag
Bags exceeding 80 linear inches will not be accepted as checked baggage and must be shipped as cargo.
Important Note: If a bag is both overweight and oversized, you will typically only be charged one fee, whichever is higher. However, always confirm with Southwest directly, as policies can have nuances.
Step 6: Paying for Your Bags
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Southwest Airlines does not allow you to prepay for checked luggage online. You will pay for your checked bags at the airport.
Sub-heading: Where to Pay
Self-Tagging Kiosks: Many airports offer self-tagging kiosks where you can weigh your bags, print your tags, and pay any applicable fees with a credit card.
Southwest Airlines Ticket Counter: You can also pay for your bags and check them in with a Southwest Agent at the ticket counter. Allow extra time for this, especially during peak travel periods.
Step 7: Special Items and Sports Equipment
Southwest has specific policies for special items and sports equipment. In many cases, these items will count as one of your checked bags, and standard baggage fees (including overweight/oversized fees) may apply.
Sub-heading: Common Special Items
Sports Equipment: Items like skis, golf bags, fishing equipment, and hockey equipment are generally accepted up to Southwest's size and weight limits and count as one checked bag. While oversized fees may be waived for some sports equipment, overweight charges can still apply. Always check Southwest's website for specific details on your particular item.
Musical Instruments: Small musical instruments can often be carried on. Larger instruments may need to be checked and will be subject to standard baggage fees and potentially overweight/oversized fees.
Pet Carriers: Small vaccinated domestic cats and dogs can travel in the cabin with you in an approved carrier that fits under the seat. There is a pet fare of $125 USD each way (or $35 USD each way for inter-island Hawaiian flights). This carrier counts as your carry-on bag or personal item. Southwest does not accept pets in cargo.
Step 8: Double-Check Before You Fly
Airline policies can change, and it's always best to verify the most current information directly with Southwest Airlines before your trip.
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Visit the official Southwest Airlines website: Look for sections on "Baggage," "Optional Travel Charges," or "Policy Changes."
Utilize the Southwest Airlines app: The app often provides real-time information and can be a handy tool for managing your trip.
Contact Southwest Customer Service: If you have unique circumstances or specific questions, don't hesitate to call their customer service line.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to determine if I'll pay for checked bags on Southwest?
If your flight was booked on or after May 28, 2025, and you are on a Basic, Wanna Get Away Plus®, or Anytime fare, you will likely pay for checked bags. Check your fare type and booking date.
How to know the exact cost for my first checked bag on Southwest?
For most passengers on applicable fares, the first checked bag costs $35 USD.
How to avoid Southwest checked bag fees?
You can avoid fees if you have a Business Select® fare, Rapid Rewards A-List/A-List Preferred status, a Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card, are active-duty military, or if your flight was booked before May 28, 2025. Alternatively, pack light and only bring a carry-on and personal item.
How to measure my bag to avoid oversized fees on Southwest?
Measure the length, width, and height of your bag (including handles and wheels), then add those three measurements together. The sum should not exceed 62 linear inches.
How to know if my bag is overweight for Southwest?
Weigh your bag on a scale. It should not exceed 50 pounds (23 kg) to avoid overweight fees.
How to pay for checked bags at the airport for Southwest?
You can pay at self-tagging kiosks or with a Southwest Agent at the ticket counter using a credit card.
How to travel with sports equipment on Southwest?
Most sports equipment counts as one checked bag and is subject to standard baggage fees and overweight charges. Oversized fees may be waived for certain types, but always verify on Southwest's website.
How to bring a pet on a Southwest flight?
Small cats and dogs can travel in the cabin in an approved carrier for a fee of $125 each way (inter-island Hawaii is $35). The carrier counts as your carry-on or personal item.
How to verify the latest baggage policies before my flight?
Always check the official Southwest Airlines website or contact their customer service for the most up-to-date information, as policies can change.
How to make the most of my free carry-on allowance on Southwest?
Pack strategically, utilizing packing cubes and rolling clothes to fit as much as possible within the 24" x 16" x 10" carry-on dimensions and ensuring your personal item fits under the seat in front of you.
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