Planning a trip with Southwest Airlines and wondering about those pesky baggage fees, especially if your suitcase feels like it's holding an entire brick collection? You've come to the right place! Southwest used to be famous for its "Bags Fly Free" policy, which was a huge draw for many travelers. However, as of May 28, 2025, things have changed. Most passengers now face fees for checked bags. But fear not! This comprehensive guide will break down everything you need to know about Southwest's overweight baggage fees, how to avoid them, and what to do if your bag is a little too enthusiastic.
Let's dive in and make sure your travel plans stay on budget and stress-free!
Step 1: Engage with Your Luggage: The Pre-Flight Weigh-In
Before you even think about heading to the airport, let's play a little game: Guess the Weight! No, seriously, grab your bathroom scale. This is your first and most crucial step to avoiding unexpected fees.
Do you have a reliable luggage scale? If not, invest in one! They are relatively inexpensive and can save you a significant amount of money and hassle.
Don't have a luggage scale? A standard bathroom scale works too. Weigh yourself first, then weigh yourself holding your packed bag. The difference is your bag's weight.
Why is this important? Because the weight limit for standard checked bags on Southwest is 50 pounds (23 kg). Anything over this can incur a fee, and trust us, airport fees are never fun.
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| How Much Is The Overweight Baggage Fee Southwest Airlines |
Step 2: Understanding Southwest's Standard Baggage Policy (The New Reality)
Southwest Airlines, while still offering competitive rates, has adjusted its baggage policy. It's no longer a universal "Bags Fly Free" for everyone. Here's a breakdown of the new standard:
Carry-on Baggage: You are generally allowed one carry-on bag and one personal item for free.
Carry-on bag dimensions: Typically no larger than 24" (L) x 16" (W) x 10" (H), including handles and wheels. This bag goes in the overhead bin.
Personal item dimensions: Should fit under the seat in front of you. Examples include a purse, briefcase, laptop bag, or small backpack.
Good news: Southwest does not impose a weight limit on carry-on bags, as long as you can lift them into the overhead bin yourself. This is a key point for strategic packing!
Checked Baggage: This is where the changes primarily apply.
Maximum Weight: Each checked bag has a maximum weight limit of 50 pounds (23 kg).
Maximum Size: The total linear dimensions (length + width + height) of each checked bag must not exceed 62 inches (158 cm). Remember to include handles and wheels in your measurements!
Tip: Make mental notes as you go.
Step 3: Decoding the Overweight Baggage Fees
So, you've weighed your bag and it's tipping the scales. What's the damage? Southwest has a clear tiered system for overweight bags:
Bags weighing 51 to 70 pounds (24-32 kg):
The fee for these bags is $75 USD per bag, each way. This is in addition to any standard checked bag fees that may apply to your fare class.
Bags weighing 71 to 100 pounds (33-45 kg):
The fee for these bags jumps to $200 USD per bag, each way. Again, this is on top of any other applicable checked bag fees.
Bags weighing over 100 pounds (45 kg):
Important Note: Bags exceeding 100 pounds will not be accepted as checked baggage. You would need to explore shipping options via Southwest Cargo (if you qualify as a "Known Shipper") or an external shipping service.
Sub-heading: The "Double Whammy" - Overweight AND Oversized
What if your bag is both too heavy and too big? Fortunately, Southwest generally charges only one of these fees if a bag falls into both categories, provided it doesn't exceed 100 lbs. They will apply the higher of the two applicable fees. For example, if your bag is 55 lbs (overweight) and 65 inches (oversized), you'll likely pay the $200 oversized fee (since oversized is generally $200 for 63-80 inches, and overweight is $75 for 51-70 lbs). Always double-check with a Southwest agent if you're unsure.
Step 4: Who Still Gets Free Bags (and How to Qualify)
While the "Bags Fly Free" policy is largely gone for most, certain passengers still enjoy waived checked bag fees. This is where strategic planning or loyalty can really pay off:
Business Select Fares: If you purchase a Business Select fare, you typically receive two free checked bags.
Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred Members: These elite status holders also receive two free checked bags.
Rapid Rewards A-List Members: You'll get one free checked bag.
Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers: Holding a Southwest co-branded credit card often grants you one free checked bag. Make sure your Rapid Rewards number is linked to your reservation!
Active-Duty Military Personnel: This is a fantastic perk! Active-duty military members (with a valid ID) traveling on active duty or permanent change of station orders are exempt from standard checked, overweight, or oversized bag fees. They can check up to 20 bags for free, provided no single bag exceeds 100 pounds or 80 inches.
QuickTip: Break reading into digestible chunks.
Sub-heading: Leveraging Travel Credit Cards for Reimbursement
Even if you don't fall into the categories above, some general travel credit cards offer annual airline fee credits that can be used to reimburse baggage fees. Examples include:
Chase Sapphire Reserve®: Offers an annual travel credit that can cover airline incidentals.
The Platinum Card® from American Express: Provides an annual airline fee credit (you typically need to select Southwest as your preferred airline for this benefit to apply).
Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card: Offers an airline incidental statement credit.
Always check the terms and conditions of your specific credit card to understand how these benefits apply and how to activate them.
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Step 5: Strategies to Avoid Overweight Baggage Fees
Now for the practical tips! No one wants to pay extra, so here's how to pack smarter and potentially save yourself a lot of money:
Pack Light and Smart:
Prioritize essentials: Do you really need five pairs of shoes for a weekend trip? Be ruthless with your packing list.
Wear your heaviest items: If you have bulky boots or a heavy jacket, wear them on the plane instead of packing them.
Roll your clothes: This can save space and sometimes even weight compared to folding.
Utilize space wisely: Stuff small items into shoes, use compression packing cubes, and make the most of every inch.
Distribute Weight Across Multiple Bags:
If you're traveling with a companion or have multiple checked bags, distribute heavier items among them. Remember, each bag has its own 50-pound limit. For instance, if one bag is 60 lbs and another is 40 lbs, you'll pay a fee for the 60 lb bag. If you redistribute to make two 50 lb bags, you'll avoid the overweight fee on both (though you'll still pay standard checked bag fees if applicable).
Maximize Your Carry-On and Personal Item:
Since Southwest doesn't weigh carry-ons, this is your secret weapon! Pack heavier items like books, electronics, or dense clothing in your carry-on or personal item. Just ensure they still meet the size restrictions. Remember, you need to be able to lift your carry-on into the overhead bin yourself.
Ship Your Luggage Ahead:
For very heavy or numerous items, consider using a luggage shipping service. Companies like Luggage Forward or SendMyBag can ship your bags directly to your destination, often at a comparable or even lower cost than airline fees, especially for multiple overweight bags. This also saves you the hassle of lugging heavy bags through the airport.
Consolidate Toiletries:
Instead of full-sized bottles, use travel-sized toiletries or purchase them at your destination. Liquids can add surprising weight.
Consider What You Can Buy There:
Sometimes, it's cheaper to buy certain items like sunscreen, shampoo, or even a basic t-shirt at your destination rather than paying overweight baggage fees to transport them.
Step 6: At the Airport: What to Expect
Even with all your careful planning, sometimes things happen. Here's what to expect at the airport:
Tip: Each paragraph has one main idea — find it.
Self-Tagging Kiosks: Many Southwest airports offer self-tagging kiosks. You can weigh your bags here and pay any applicable fees. This can save time.
Ticket Counter: If your bag is overweight, or you prefer assistance, head to the ticket counter. A Southwest Agent will weigh your bag, inform you of the fee, and process the payment.
Payment Methods: Southwest accepts major credit cards for baggage fees.
Be Prepared to Repack (if necessary): If your bag is significantly overweight and you want to avoid the fee, be prepared to open your suitcase and transfer items to your carry-on, personal item, or even discard items if absolutely necessary. This is why the pre-flight weigh-in is so important – it helps you avoid this stressful scenario at the airport.
Step 7: The Aftermath: Learning from Your Luggage Experience
Once your trip is done, take a moment to reflect on your baggage experience.
Did you pay an overweight fee? If so, what could you have done differently?
Did you pack efficiently? What items did you really use, and what could have been left behind?
Was your chosen bag size appropriate? Maybe a slightly larger carry-on or a smaller checked bag would work better for future trips.
Every trip is a learning experience, and optimizing your packing strategy will become second nature over time!
FAQs: How to...
Here are 10 common "How to" questions related to Southwest Airlines overweight baggage fees:
How to weigh my luggage accurately at home? The easiest way is with a dedicated digital luggage scale. Alternatively, weigh yourself on a bathroom scale, then weigh yourself holding your bag. The difference is your bag's weight.
How to find Southwest's exact baggage dimensions and weight limits? You can always find the most up-to-date and official information on the "Optional Travel Charges" or "Baggage Policy" sections of the Southwest Airlines website or their mobile app.
Tip: Look for small cues in wording.
How to avoid paying checked bag fees on Southwest if I'm not elite status or a credit card holder? Your best bet is to pack everything into your free carry-on bag and personal item, as Southwest does not charge for these and typically does not weigh them (within size limits).
How to transfer items from an overweight checked bag to my carry-on at the airport? If your checked bag is overweight, be prepared to open it at the check-in counter and move items to your carry-on or personal item until it meets the 50-pound limit.
How to determine if my sports equipment will incur an overweight baggage fee on Southwest? Most sporting equipment on Southwest is subject to the standard 50-pound weight limit. If it exceeds this, the standard overweight baggage fees will apply. Some specific items, like surfboards or ski equipment, may have specific size waivers but still incur overweight fees. Always check Southwest's specific policy for your equipment.
How to pay for overweight baggage fees on Southwest? You can pay for overweight baggage fees at the airport ticket counter or, in some locations, at self-tagging kiosks, using a major credit card.
How to get reimbursed for overweight baggage fees with a credit card? Some travel rewards credit cards offer annual airline fee credits. You typically need to enroll and select Southwest as your preferred airline for these credits to apply to baggage fees. Review your credit card's benefits guide for details.
How to find out if my military status exempts me from overweight baggage fees on Southwest? Active-duty military personnel traveling on orders with a valid military ID are generally exempt from overweight and oversized baggage fees for up to 20 bags, provided they do not exceed 100 pounds or 80 inches.
How to ship luggage ahead of time to avoid overweight fees? You can use third-party luggage shipping services like Luggage Forward or SendMyBag. These services allow you to send your bags directly to your destination, bypassing airline baggage fees and airport hassle.
How to ensure my bag isn't considered "oversized" in addition to being overweight? Measure your bag's length, width, and height, and add those three numbers together. If the sum exceeds 62 inches (158 cm), it will be considered oversized and potentially incur an additional fee, even if it's within the weight limit. Make sure to include wheels and handles in your measurements.
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