Oh, the ever-evolving world of airline baggage fees! For years, Southwest Airlines stood out with its "bags fly free" policy, a true gem in the budget airline landscape. However, as of May 28, 2025, things have changed significantly. If you're wondering "how much is Southwest Airlines going to charge for checked bags," you're in the right place. Let's break it down step-by-step to ensure you're fully prepared for your next journey.
Understanding Southwest Airlines' New Checked Bag Policy (Effective May 28, 2025)
Get ready, because the days of automatic free checked bags for everyone on Southwest are over for most new bookings. This change is a big one, so it's crucial to understand the specifics.
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| How Much Is Southwest Airlines Going To Charge For Checked Bags |
Step 1: Are You Affected? Check Your Booking Date!
This is the most important initial step. Before we dive into the fees, ask yourself:
When did you book your Southwest flight?
If you booked your Southwest flight on or before May 27, 2025: Good news! Your reservation falls under the old policy, which means your first two checked bags (up to 50 lbs and 62 inches linear dimensions each) are still FREE, regardless of your travel date. You can breathe a sigh of relief on this one!
If you booked your Southwest flight on or after May 28, 2025: This post is for you! The new checked baggage fees will apply to your reservation. Keep reading to understand exactly what you'll be charged.
Step 2: Decoding the New Standard Checked Bag Fees
For flights booked on or after May 28, 2025, Southwest has introduced a tiered pricing structure for checked bags, depending on your fare type and Rapid Rewards status.
QuickTip: Stop and think when you learn something new.
Sub-heading: The Basic Breakdown for Most Travelers
If you're flying on a Basic, Wanna Get Away Plus®, or Anytime fare (booked on or after May 28, 2025), here's what you can expect to pay for your standard checked bags (up to 50 lbs and 62 inches L+W+H):
First Checked Bag: $35 per bag
Second Checked Bag: $45 per bag
This means for a typical round trip with two checked bags, you're looking at an additional $160 ($35 + $45 = $80 one way; $80 x 2 = $160 round trip). Factor this into your travel budget!
Sub-heading: Exceptions and Ways to Still Get Free Bags
While the "bags fly free" policy is largely gone, Southwest does offer exceptions for certain passengers. Don't despair just yet!
Business Select® Fares: If you booked a Business Select® fare, you will still receive two free checked bags. This is their most premium fare option.
Rapid Rewards® A-List Preferred Members: These elite frequent flyers are also entitled to two free checked bags.
Rapid Rewards® A-List Members: As an A-List member, you will receive one free checked bag.
Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers: If you hold a Southwest Airlines co-branded credit card, you are eligible for your first checked bag free. This applies to the primary cardmember and up to eight additional passengers on the same reservation, provided the cardmember's Rapid Rewards account number is included in the booking.
Hawaii Residents (Inter-island travel): If you're a Hawaii resident traveling between the islands, you continue to receive two free checked bags.
Active-duty Military Personnel: With a current, valid military ID, active-duty military passengers are exempt from the two-piece baggage limit and will not be subject to excess, oversize, or overweight baggage charges, provided no single piece exceeds 100 pounds and 80 inches in size.
Step 3: Understanding Overweight and Oversized Bag Fees
Even if your first two bags are free due to an exemption, or if you're paying for them, you need to be mindful of weight and size limits. Exceeding these limits will incur additional charges.
QuickTip: Don’t skim too fast — depth matters.
Sub-heading: Standard Limits to Remember
For standard checked bags, the limits are:
Maximum Weight: 50 pounds (23 kg) per bag
Maximum Size: 62 inches (157 cm) in total linear dimensions (length + width + height)
Sub-heading: The Cost of Overweight Bags
If your bag exceeds the 50 lb limit but is still within the acceptable weight range, you'll be charged an overweight fee in addition to any standard checked bag fee that applies.
51 lbs to 70 lbs: $150 per bag
71 lbs to 100 lbs: $200 per bag
Important Note: Bags weighing over 100 pounds will generally not be accepted as checked baggage and may need to be shipped as air cargo (which has different rules and requires you to be a Known Shipper).
Sub-heading: The Cost of Oversized Bags
If your bag exceeds the 62-inch linear dimension limit but is still within the acceptable size range, you'll be charged an oversized fee in addition to any standard checked bag fee that applies.
63 inches to 80 inches (linear dimensions): $200 per bag
Important Note: Bags larger than 80 inches in total linear dimensions will generally not be accepted as checked baggage.
Tip: Don’t just glance — focus.
Sub-heading: When a Bag is Both Overweight and Oversized
If your checked bag is both overweight and oversized, Southwest will generally apply only one additional fee, which will be the higher of the two applicable charges (e.g., if it's 55 lbs and 70 inches, you'd likely pay the $200 oversized fee, assuming the weight charge would be $150). However, the bag must still be within the absolute maximum limits (100 lbs and 80 inches).
Step 4: Additional Checked Bags (3rd Bag and Beyond)
What if you need to check more than two bags? Southwest has a fee for that too!
Third Checked Bag (and any subsequent bags): $150 per bag
This fee applies in addition to any overweight or oversized charges that may be incurred for those specific bags.
Step 5: Special Items and Sports Equipment
Southwest has specific policies for various special items and sports equipment. Many of these items can be checked as part of your standard baggage allowance, provided they meet the standard weight and size limits. However, some may incur additional fees.
QuickTip: Read line by line if it’s complex.
Common examples that often substitute for a checked bag (if within limits): Golf bags, ski/snowboard equipment, fishing equipment, and some musical instruments.
Items that may incur additional fees (even if substituting for a checked bag) if oversized or overweight: Larger musical instruments, bicycles, surfboards, and other bulkier sports equipment. Always check Southwest's specific "Special Baggage & Sports Equipment" policy on their website or contact them directly if you're unsure about a particular item. These fees can be significant, so pre-planning is key.
Step 6: How to Pay for Baggage Fees
Southwest Airlines does not allow you to prepay for checked baggage fees online or during booking for most scenarios. You will typically pay for any applicable checked bag fees at the airport.
Self-Tagging Kiosks: At many airports, you can use self-tagging kiosks to print your bag tags and pay fees.
Southwest Agent at the Ticket Counter: You can also pay the fees directly with a Southwest agent at the check-in counter.
Step 7: Tracking Your Bags
Once your bags are checked, Southwest offers digital bag tracking. Make sure you receive a claim check for each piece of luggage you check and verify that the city shown on the claim check matches your final destination.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - How to...
Here are 10 common "How to" questions related to Southwest Airlines baggage, with quick answers:
How to avoid Southwest checked bag fees?
Book your flight on or before May 27, 2025 (for the "bags fly free" policy), or qualify as a Business Select® passenger, Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred, A-List, or a Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmember.
How to check my bag's weight and size before going to the airport?
Use a luggage scale at home. For size, measure the length, width, and height of your bag and add them together to get the linear dimensions.
How to pack efficiently to avoid overweight bags?
Distribute heavy items across multiple bags if allowed, wear your heaviest shoes and clothing items, and consider shipping non-essential items if you have many.
How to know if my Rapid Rewards status grants me free bags?
Check your Rapid Rewards account details online or on the Southwest app to see your current A-List or A-List Preferred status.
How to utilize my Southwest credit card for free baggage?
Ensure your Rapid Rewards account number, linked to your credit card, is included in your flight reservation. The first checked bag fee will be waived at check-in.
How to check a car seat or stroller for free on Southwest?
Yes, car seats and strollers can typically be checked for free, in addition to your regular baggage allowance, at the ticket counter or gate.
How to handle oversized musical instruments on Southwest?
Musical instruments may be carried on if they fit in the overhead bin or under the seat. If larger, they may be checked as baggage, possibly incurring oversized fees if they exceed standard dimensions. It's best to contact Southwest directly for specific guidelines.
How to get compensation for lost or damaged luggage on Southwest?
Report lost or damaged baggage in person at the airport within four hours of your arrival. Southwest's liability for lost, damaged, or delayed baggage is limited, so consider travel insurance for valuable items.
How to find the most up-to-date baggage information from Southwest?
Always refer to the official Southwest Airlines website's "Baggage" or "Optional Travel Charges" sections, as policies can be updated.
How to decide if paying for checked bags is worth it?
Compare the cost of checked bags against the convenience. For shorter trips or light packers, sticking to carry-on and personal items might save you money. For longer trips or when traveling with specialized gear, the fees might be unavoidable.
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