Have you ever found yourself at the airport, eyes widening as you realize the "free bags" policy you thought you knew has changed? It's a common scenario, and with recent shifts in airline policies, especially at Southwest, it's more important than ever to understand baggage fees before you head to the airport. Gone are the days when Southwest was the sole major U.S. airline where all bags flew free. This comprehensive guide will break down exactly how much Southwest Airlines is going to charge per bag, covering everything from standard checked bags to oversized items and special exceptions.
Navigating Southwest Airlines Baggage Fees: Your Step-by-Step Guide
The key to avoiding surprises at the baggage counter is to be informed. Southwest Airlines has made significant changes to its baggage policy, particularly for flights booked or voluntarily changed on or after May 28, 2025. Let's dive into the specifics.
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| How Much Is Southwest Airlines Going To Charge Per Bag |
Step 1: Understand the Core Policy Shift – It's Not All "Bags Fly Free" Anymore!
For years, Southwest's "Bags Fly Free" slogan was a cornerstone of its brand, setting it apart from competitors. However, as of May 28, 2025, this policy has been revised for most travelers. This is a crucial date to remember!
What's Changed?
Previously, Southwest allowed all ticketed customers to check two bags for free, provided they met size and weight limits.
Now, for reservations booked and ticketed and/or voluntarily changed on or after May 28, 2025, checked baggage fees apply to Basic, Wanna Get Away Plus®, and Anytime fares.
This shift brings Southwest in line with other major U.S. airlines that typically charge for checked bags.
Step 2: Determine Your Fare Type and Its Impact on Baggage Fees
Your fare type is now the primary factor in determining your checked baggage costs. Southwest has introduced new fare categories, and understanding them is essential.
Sub-heading: Fare Types and Their Baggage Allowances
Basic Fare: This is Southwest's new lowest price point. If you choose a Basic fare for travel booked on or after May 28, 2025, you will be charged for your first and second checked bags.
First checked bag: $35
Second checked bag: $45
Wanna Get Away Plus® Fare: Similar to the Basic fare, checked baggage fees apply.
First checked bag: $35
Second checked bag: $45
Anytime Fare: Again, checked baggage fees will apply for these fares booked on or after May 28, 2025.
First checked bag: $35
Second checked bag: $45
Business Select® Fare: This is Southwest's premium fare. Good news! If you book a Business Select fare, you continue to receive two free checked bags. This applies to reservations booked on or after May 28, 2025, as well.
Step 3: Check Your Loyalty Status and Credit Card Benefits
Even with the policy changes, certain travelers can still enjoy waived or reduced baggage fees thanks to their loyalty status or credit card affiliations.
Tip: Note one practical point from this post.
Sub-heading: How Rapid Rewards Status and Credit Cards Can Save You Money
Rapid Rewards® A-List Preferred Members: These elite flyers continue to receive their first and second checked bags for free. This benefit also extends to up to eight additional Passengers traveling on the same reservation.
Rapid Rewards® A-List Members: If you have A-List status, you'll receive your first checked bag for free. For the second checked bag, standard fees (currently $45) will apply. This benefit also extends to up to eight additional Passengers on the same reservation.
Rapid Rewards® Credit Cardmembers: Primary credit cardmembers and up to eight additional Passengers on the same reservation are eligible to receive their first standard checked bag free. Remember to include your Rapid Rewards account number in the reservation when booking. This benefit does not provide an additional free bag if you already qualify for one (e.g., through A-List status).
Active-duty Military Customers: Excellent news for our service members! Active-duty military passengers 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 that none of the pieces of baggage exceeds 100 pounds in weight and 80 inches in siz
e (L+W+H).
Step 4: Understand Standard Bag Dimensions and Weight Limits
Regardless of whether your bags are free or subject to a fee, they must adhere to Southwest's standard size and weight limitations. Failing to meet these can result in additional charges.
Sub-heading: Standard Bag Requirements
Weight Limit: Each checked bag must not exceed 50 lbs (22.7 kg).
Size Limit: Each checked bag must not exceed 62 inches (length + width + height) when combining the linear dimensions. Remember to include wheels and handles when measuring!
These limits apply to both free and paid checked bags.
Step 5: Factor in Fees for Overweight, Oversized, and Additional Bags
If your bags exceed the standard limits, or if you need to check more than two bags, prepare for extra charges. These fees are in addition to any standard checked bag fees that may apply based on your fare type.
Sub-heading: Additional Baggage Charges
3rd+ Checked Bag: For any checked bag beyond the first two (i.e., your third, fourth, etc.), the charge is typically $150 per bag.
Overweight Baggage (51-70 lbs): If your bag weighs between 51 and 70 pounds, an overweight fee of $100 per bag applies in addition to any standard checked bag fee.
Overweight Baggage (71-100 lbs): If your bag weighs between 71 and 100 pounds, an overweight fee of $200 per bag applies in addition to any standard checked bag fee.
Note: Items weighing more than 100 pounds must generally be shipped as air cargo.
Oversized Baggage (63"-80"): If your bag's linear dimensions are larger than 62 inches but not more than 80 inches, an oversized fee of $200 per bag applies in addition to any standard checked bag fee.
Note: Bags in excess of 80 inches generally cannot be checked as baggage.
Oversized & Overweight: If your bag is both oversized and overweight, both applicable fees will apply in addition to the standard checked bag fee. For example, a bag between 63"-80" and 51-70 lbs would incur a $200 oversized fee + $100 overweight fee, plus any standard bag fee.
Step 6: Consider Carry-on and Personal Items
While the focus of the recent changes is on checked bags, it's still important to understand Southwest's policy for items you bring into the cabin.
Tip: Absorb, don’t just glance.
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Sub-heading: Carry-on and Personal Item Policy
Southwest Airlines allows one carry-on bag and one personal item free of charge for all ticketed passengers.
Carry-on Bag: This item should be stowed in the overhead bin.
Size limit: Not exceeding 24 x 16 x 10 inches (length x width x height). Wheels, handles, and any attachments count towards these dimensions. Examples include roller bags and small suitcases.
Personal Item: This item should fit under the seat in front of you.
Examples: Purse, briefcase, laptop computer case, small backpack, pillow, blanket, small camera.
Important Note: If you are traveling with a pet, your pet carrier will count as either your personal item or your carry-on bag. A fee of $125 (one way) is typically levied for each pet carrier.
Step 7: Special Baggage and Sports Equipment
Planning to travel with a surfboard, golf clubs, or another unique item? Southwest has specific policies and potential fees for these.
Sub-heading: Sports Equipment and Special Items
Many common sports equipment items (e.g., golf clubs, skis, snowboards) are accepted as part of your checked baggage allowance, provided they do not exceed the standard 50 lbs weight and 62 inches linear dimensions.
If sports equipment exceeds the 50 lbs weight limit, the standard overweight baggage fees apply ($100 for 51-70 lbs, $200 for 71-100 lbs).
If sports equipment exceeds the 62 inches size limit (up to 80 inches), the standard oversized baggage fee applies ($200 per bag).
Specific items like bicycles and surfboards may have distinct rules and charges, so it's always best to check Southwest's official "Optional Travel Charges" page for the most up-to-date details on your specific item.
Step 8: Payment Methods and When to Pay
Knowing how and when to pay for your bags can also save you time and hassle.
Sub-heading: Paying for Your Baggage
At the Airport: You can check your bags and pay applicable fees at the airport using Southwest's self-tagging kiosks (where available) or with a Southwest Agent at the ticket counter.
Online/During Booking: While Southwest's website primarily focuses on booking the flight and then outlining fees, paying for checked bags when you book is generally not an option like it is with some other airlines. However, being aware of the fees before you arrive helps you budget and avoid last-minute surprises.
Tip: Southwest sometimes notes that paying for bags at the airport is the standard process, so plan accordingly.
QuickTip: Stop scrolling if you find value.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are some quick answers to common questions about Southwest Airlines baggage:
How to avoid Southwest Airlines baggage fees?
You can avoid Southwest Airlines baggage fees by purchasing a Business Select® fare, having Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred status (which includes two free bags), having Rapid Rewards A-List status (one free bag), or being a Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmember (one free bag). Active-duty military also receive two free bags.
How to check if my reservation is affected by the new baggage policy?
If your reservation was booked and ticketed and/or voluntarily changed on or after May 28, 2025, the new baggage fees will likely apply to your Basic, Wanna Get Away Plus®, or Anytime fare. Reservations made before this date for these fare types will still fall under the old "Bags Fly Free" policy.
How to measure my bag for Southwest Airlines?
To measure your bag for Southwest, use a tape measure to determine its length, width, and height, including wheels and handles. For checked bags, ensure the sum of these three dimensions (L+W+H) does not exceed 62 inches. For carry-on bags, ensure it's within 24 x 16 x 10 inches, and for personal items, that it fits under the seat.
How to pay for overweight or oversized bags on Southwest?
Overweight and oversized bag fees on Southwest are typically paid at the airport ticket counter or at a self-tagging kiosk. These fees are assessed when you check your bag.
Tip: Every word counts — don’t skip too much.
How to check more than two bags on Southwest Airlines?
You can check a third (or more) bag on Southwest Airlines, but a fee of $150 per additional bag will apply. These bags must still adhere to the standard 50 lbs weight and 62 inches linear dimensions, or additional overweight/oversized fees will also be charged.
How to travel with a pet on Southwest Airlines?
Southwest allows small domesticated cats or dogs in the cabin on domestic flights, provided they are in an approved carrier that fits under the seat. The pet carrier counts as either your carry-on or personal item, and a fee of $125 one-way applies per pet carrier.
How to travel with sports equipment on Southwest Airlines?
Most sports equipment can be checked as part of your standard baggage allowance if it meets weight and size limits. If it exceeds 50 lbs or 62 inches (up to 80 inches), standard overweight or oversized fees will apply. Check Southwest's website for specific details on particular items.
How to use my Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card for free bags?
Ensure your Rapid Rewards account number is included in your reservation when booking. As a primary Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmember, you and up to eight additional passengers on the same reservation can receive the first standard checked bag free.
How to know if my bag will be considered "late check-in" at Southwest?
Baggage checked 45 minutes or less before the scheduled or posted departure time (whichever is later) is considered "Late Check-in." While Southwest will try to get your bag on your flight, they will not assume delivery charges if it doesn't arrive with you.
How to find the most current baggage policy for Southwest Airlines?
The most current and official baggage policy for Southwest Airlines can always be found on their official website, specifically on their "Optional Travel Charges" and "Checked Bag Policy" pages. Airline policies can change, so always verify directly with the airline before you fly.
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