Are you about to embark on a Southwest Airlines adventure and wondering about the dreaded overweight bag fees? You've landed in the right place! While Southwest was once famous for its "Bags Fly Free" policy, recent changes mean that many travelers will now encounter baggage fees, especially if their bags exceed the standard weight limits. Don't worry, we're here to walk you through everything you need to know, step by step, so you can avoid any unwelcome surprises at the airport.
Step 1: Engage with Your Luggage - The Initial Assessment!
Before you even think about heading to the airport, let's get hands-on with your luggage. Grab that suitcase you plan to check. Feel its weight. Does it feel suspiciously heavy? Is it bulging at the seams? If your gut instinct tells you it might be over the limit, it most likely is!
What's the Standard? Southwest Airlines, like most major carriers, has a standard weight limit for checked bags: 50 pounds (23 kg) per bag.
Why does this matter? Bags weighing over this limit are considered overweight and will incur additional fees. There are also size limits (62 linear inches, L+W+H), but for this guide, we're focusing specifically on weight.
Take a moment to truly assess. Don't underestimate how quickly souvenirs, extra shoes, or that "just in case" outfit can add up!
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| How Much Does Southwest Airlines Charge For Bags Over 50 Pounds |
Step 2: Understanding Southwest's Overweight Baggage Fees
Now that you've got a sense of your bag's heft, let's dive into the specifics of what Southwest charges for bags over 50 pounds. This is where the numbers come in, and they can vary depending on how much over 50 pounds your bag is.
For bags weighing between 51 and 100 pounds (24 to 46 kg): Southwest Airlines will charge an additional fee of $75 per bag. This is a per-bag, per-way fee. So, if your bag is 60 pounds, it's an extra $75 each way of your journey.
For bags weighing over 100 pounds (46 kg): Crucially, bags exceeding 100 pounds will not be accepted as checked baggage. They will need to be shipped as air cargo, which is a completely different process and much more expensive. This is a critical limit to be aware of!
Important Note on Recent Policy Changes: As of May 28, 2025, Southwest Airlines has implemented changes to its "Bags Fly Free" policy. While overweight baggage fees remain consistent for those specific weight brackets, the standard checked bag fees have changed for many customers.
For most customers (Basic, Wanna Get Away Plus®, and Anytime fares), the first checked bag is now $35, and the second checked bag is $45.
These fees are in addition to any overweight charges. So, if you're paying for your first checked bag and it's also overweight, you'll pay both the standard checked bag fee AND the overweight fee.
Sub-heading: Who is Exempt from Standard Checked Bag Fees (and Potentially Overweight Fees)?
While the "Bags Fly Free" policy has largely ended, some passengers still enjoy baggage benefits:
Business Select® Fares: Travelers who book Southwest's highest fare tier, Business Select, continue to receive two free checked bags (up to 50 lbs and 62 inches each).
Rapid Rewards® A-List Preferred Members: These elite status holders also receive two free checked bags.
Rapid Rewards® A-List Members: A-List members typically get their first checked bag free.
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Credit Cardmembers: Primary credit cardholders often receive their first standard checked bag free.
Active-Duty Military Passengers: With a valid military ID, active-duty military passengers are generally exempt from the two-piece baggage limit and will not be subject to excess, oversize, or overweight baggage charges, provided that none of the pieces of baggage exceeds 100 pounds in weight and 80 inches in siz
e. This is a significant benefit!
If you fall into one of these categories, you might still avoid some, or all, of the checked baggage fees, but always double-check the specific weight and size limits for your exemption.
QuickTip: Read step by step, not all at once.
Step 3: The Practicalities of Weighing Your Bag
You've assessed your bag, and now it's time for some concrete data. This is where you can proactively prevent those airport surprises.
Sub-heading: At Home Weighing Options
Luggage Scale (Recommended!): This is your best friend. Digital luggage scales are relatively inexpensive and incredibly accurate. Simply hook it to your bag's handle and lift. This small investment can save you significant money and stress.
Bathroom Scale Method:
Weigh yourself first. Note the number.
Step on the scale holding your suitcase. Note the new number.
Subtract your weight from the combined weight. The result is your bag's weight. This method is less precise but can give you a good estimate.
Practice Packing: If you're really pushing the limits, pack a dummy bag with items of known weight to get a feel for how much 50 pounds truly is.
Sub-heading: What if it's Over? Re-distribution is Key!
If your bag is indeed over 50 pounds, don't panic! You have options:
Shift Items to Your Carry-On: Remember, Southwest generally allows one carry-on bag and one personal item for free. Often, heavy items like books, electronics, or shoes can be moved to your carry-on or personal item without a weight limit (though size limits still apply).
Pack a Second Bag: If you're only slightly over, and especially if you're not already checking two bags (and don't have an exemption), it might be cheaper to pay for a second standard checked bag than to pay the overweight fee on one bag.
Example: If your one bag is 60 lbs, it's $75 for overweight. If you split it into two bags, both under 50 lbs, and you don't have a free bag allowance, you'd pay $35 for the first and $45 for the second, totaling $80. In this specific scenario, it's slightly more, but depending on your fare class and number of bags, it could be less. Always do the math!
Ship it: For significantly overweight items, or if you simply don't want to deal with airport hassle, consider shipping your items via a dedicated luggage shipping service. This can sometimes be more cost-effective for very heavy or numerous items.
Wear it: Seriously! If you're just a few pounds over, wear your heaviest shoes or jacket. It's a classic traveler's trick.
Step 4: Paying for Overweight Baggage at the Airport
Unlike some airlines, Southwest Airlines does not allow you to prepay for checked baggage, including overweight fees, online. All baggage fees, including those for overweight bags, must be paid at the airport.
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Self-Tagging Kiosks: At many airports, Southwest offers self-tagging kiosks where you can weigh your bag, print your tag, and pay any applicable fees with a credit card.
Ticket Counter: If you prefer, or if self-tagging isn't available, you can always go to a Southwest Agent at the ticket counter. They will weigh your bag and process any fees.
Always factor in extra time at the airport if you anticipate needing to pay for baggage, especially if you're re-arranging items.
QuickTip: Reading twice makes retention stronger.
Step 5: Special Considerations and Exceptions
While the general rules apply, there are always a few nuances to be aware of:
Sports Equipment: Southwest generally accepts many types of sports equipment as checked baggage, but they are still subject to the standard weight and size limits. If your sports equipment (like skis, golf clubs, etc.) exceeds 50 pounds, the overweight fee will apply. Some items may have specific allowances or require special handling, so always check Southwest's specific policy for your type of equipment.
Musical Instruments: Similar to sports equipment, musical instruments are subject to standard baggage policies. Larger instruments that must be checked are subject to weight and size limits, and thus, overweight fees if applicable.
Baggage Embargoes: For some international destinations, Southwest may have baggage embargoes in place. These are temporary restrictions on oversized, overweight, or extra checked bags due to limited space or operational concerns. Always check if your destination has any active embargoes.
Final Thoughts: Plan Ahead and Travel Smart!
The key to avoiding hefty overweight baggage fees on Southwest Airlines is preparation. Know the rules, weigh your bags before you leave home, and be ready to re-distribute or pay if necessary. While the "Bags Fly Free" era for all travelers may be largely over, understanding the current policy ensures a smoother, less stressful journey.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 frequently asked questions about Southwest Airlines baggage, starting with "How to," along with their quick answers:
How to avoid Southwest Airlines baggage fees?
You can avoid standard checked baggage fees by being a Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred Member, a Business Select fare traveler, a Rapid Rewards A-List Member (for one bag), or a Southwest credit card holder (for one bag). Active-duty military also get exemptions. For overweight fees, the best way is to keep your bags under 50 pounds.
Tip: Read the whole thing before forming an opinion.
How to check if my bag is overweight for Southwest Airlines?
Use a digital luggage scale at home for the most accurate reading. Alternatively, you can use a bathroom scale by weighing yourself first, then weighing yourself while holding the bag, and subtracting your weight from the total.
How to pay for overweight bags on Southwest Airlines?
Overweight baggage fees on Southwest Airlines are paid at the airport, either at a self-tagging kiosk or with a Southwest Agent at the ticket counter. Prepayment online is not available.
How to pack efficiently to stay under 50 pounds?
Roll your clothes instead of folding them, use packing cubes to compress items, wear your heaviest items (like shoes and jackets) on the plane, and consider whether you truly need every item you're packing. Prioritize essentials.
How to know the maximum weight allowed for a checked bag on Southwest?
The maximum weight for a standard checked bag on Southwest Airlines is 50 pounds (23 kg). Bags between 51-100 pounds incur an overweight fee. Bags over 100 pounds are not accepted as checked baggage.
Tip: Read at your own pace, not too fast.
How to handle bags over 100 pounds on Southwest Airlines?
Bags weighing over 100 pounds will not be accepted as checked baggage by Southwest Airlines. You will need to make arrangements to ship them via air cargo or a specialized shipping service.
How to understand Southwest's new baggage policy for standard bags?
As of May 28, 2025, most Southwest Airlines passengers will pay $35 for their first checked bag and $45 for their second checked bag. Exceptions for free bags apply to Business Select fares, A-List Preferred, A-List members, and Southwest credit card holders.
How to find out if my specific fare includes free checked bags on Southwest?
When you book your flight or view your reservation details on Southwest's website, it will typically indicate the baggage allowance associated with your fare type. Also, check your Rapid Rewards status or credit card benefits.
How to proceed if I arrive at the airport with an overweight bag?
If your bag is overweight at the airport, you will be required to pay the applicable overweight fee ($75 for 51-100 lbs). You might have the option to redistribute items to a carry-on or a second checked bag if that proves more economical.
How to verify Southwest's current baggage policies before my flight?
Always check the official Southwest Airlines website's "Checked Bag Policy" and "Optional Travel Charges" pages, as policies can be updated. This ensures you have the most up-to-date and accurate information for your specific travel dates.
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