Decoding Your Luggage Allowance on Southwest Airlines: A Comprehensive Guide!
Are you planning a trip with Southwest Airlines and feeling a little overwhelmed by baggage rules? Don't worry, you're not alone! Many travelers find airline baggage policies confusing, especially with recent changes. But fear not, because by the end of this lengthy guide, you'll be a Southwest baggage expert, ready to pack smart and avoid any last-minute surprises. Let's dive in and demystify how much luggage you can take on Southwest Airlines!
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| How Much Luggage Can You Take On Southwest Airlines |
Step 1: Understanding the Recent Changes – The "Bags Fly Free" Era is Evolving!
Alright, let's address the elephant in the room right away. For years, Southwest Airlines was legendary for its "Bags Fly Free" policy, offering two free checked bags to every passenger. This was a huge differentiator and a major reason many travelers chose Southwest.
However, as of May 28, 2025, for flights booked or voluntarily changed on or after that date, this policy has changed for most travelers. This is a significant shift, and it's crucial to understand who is affected and who still enjoys some baggage perks.
Why the change? Like many airlines, Southwest is adapting to evolving industry trends and financial pressures. While it might be a bummer for some, knowing the new rules upfront will save you stress (and money!) at the airport.
Step 2: Demystifying Your Carry-On and Personal Item
Even with changes to checked bags, Southwest's carry-on policy remains quite generous. This is often where you can maximize your free allowance!
Sub-heading 2.1: Your Carry-On Bag – Overhead Bin Essentials
QuickTip: If you skimmed, go back for detail.
You are generally allowed one carry-on bag per passenger. This bag is designed to fit in the overhead bins above your seat.
Maximum Dimensions: The carry-on bag should not exceed 24 inches (L) x 16 inches (W) x 10 inches (H), including handles and wheels. Always measure your bag with these elements, as they can add surprising inches!
Weight Limit: Good news! Southwest does not impose a weight limit on carry-on bags. However, you must be able to lift it into the overhead bin unassisted. If you can't, it might need to be checked.
What to Pack: This is your prime real estate for essentials like medications, valuables, electronics, a change of clothes, and anything you can't afford to lose or need access to during the flight.
Sub-heading 2.2: Your Personal Item – Under-Seat Companions
In addition to your carry-on, you can bring one small personal item. This item is intended to fit under the seat in front of you.
Maximum Dimensions: Personal items typically should not exceed 18.5 inches (L) x 8.5 inches (W) x 13.5 inches (H).
Common Examples: This can be a purse, a small backpack, a briefcase, a laptop bag, or a camera bag.
Smart Packing: Use your personal item for things you'll need during the flight, such as your book, headphones, snacks, travel documents, and anything else you want within easy reach without having to access the overhead bin.
Sub-heading 2.3: Additional "Free" Items
Beyond your carry-on and personal item, Southwest allows certain items to be brought on board without counting towards your allowance:
Outerwear: Coats, jackets, and wraps.
Small Camera: A small camera or binoculars.
Reading Material: Books or magazines.
Food for Consumption on Board: A small bag of snacks for your flight.
Assistive Devices: Wheelchairs, crutches, canes, prosthetics, and other necessary medical devices.
Child Restraint Devices: FAA-approved child safety seats.
Diaper Bags: For those traveling with infants.
Breast Pumps and Milk/Formula: Essential for parents.
Step 3: Navigating Checked Baggage Allowances and Fees
This is where the new policies come into play, so pay close attention!
Tip: Revisit challenging parts.
Sub-heading 3.1: Standard Checked Baggage Allowance
As of May 28, 2025 (for new bookings/changes):
Fare Types:
Business Select®: Still includes two free checked bags.
Rapid Rewards® A-List Preferred Members: Also receive two free checked bags.
A-List Members and Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers: Are eligible for one free checked bag.
All Other Fare Types (Basic, Wanna Get Away Plus®, Anytime): Checked baggage fees apply.
Dimensions for All Checked Bags: Each checked bag must not exceed 62 inches in total linear dimensions (length + width + height). This includes handles and wheels.
Weight Limit for All Checked Bags: Each checked bag must not exceed 50 pounds (23 kg).
Sub-heading 3.2: Checked Baggage Fees
For those whose fare type or status no longer includes free checked bags, here's what to expect:
First Checked Bag: Approximately $35.
Second Checked Bag: Approximately $45.
Third Bag and Beyond: Approximately $150 per bag.
It's important to note that these fees are per bag, per direction (one-way). So, a round trip with two checked bags for a passenger paying fees would incur charges for four bags in total.
Sub-heading 3.3: Overweight and Oversized Baggage Fees
If your checked bags exceed the standard size or weight limits, additional fees will apply:
Overweight Bags (51-70 lbs): Approximately $100 per bag.
Overweight Bags (71-100 lbs): Approximately $125 per bag.
Oversized Bags (62-80 inches): Approximately $125 per bag.
Bags over 100 lbs or 80 inches: Will generally not be accepted as checked baggage and may need to be shipped via cargo.
Important Note: If a bag is both overweight and oversized, only one excess fee applies (the higher of the two, usually).
Tip: Keep scrolling — each part adds context.
Step 4: Special Baggage & Sports Equipment – Your Gear on the Go
Traveling with golf clubs, skis, or a musical instrument? Southwest has specific guidelines for these items.
Sub-heading 4.1: Sports Equipment
Many types of sports equipment can be checked as part of your standard baggage allowance, provided they meet the weight and size limits. If they exceed these limits, they will be subject to overweight/oversize fees.
Examples of accepted sports equipment (subject to standard limits): Golf bags (containing clubs, balls, and shoes), skis/snowboards (in a suitable bag), fishing equipment, bowling balls, archery equipment.
Specific Items with Different Rules/Fees:
Surfboards: May be accepted for a fee (typically $75), and some restrictions apply. They often count towards your checked bag allowance but can incur oversize/overweight fees. Note: They travel free when substituted as one of your two free bags only on Hawaiian inter-island flights.
Bicycles: Must be properly packed in a bike box or bag, and typically incur a fee ($75).
Scuba Equipment: May have specific packing requirements.
Always check Southwest's official website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date and specific rules for your particular piece of sports equipment.
Sub-heading 4.2: Musical Instruments
Bringing your instrument along requires careful consideration:
Carry-On: Smaller instruments that fit within the standard carry-on dimensions (10 x 16 x 24 inches) can be brought on board if they fit in the overhead bin or under the seat.
Purchased Seat: For larger instruments that don't fit in the overhead bin but are too fragile to check (like a cello), you may purchase an additional seat for the instrument. Specific rules apply, such as the instrument needing to be placed in the first row, closer to the window, and secured with a seatbelt.
Checked Baggage: Instruments can be checked as baggage, subject to the standard weight and size limits. Oversize or overweight fees will apply if exceeded. Southwest generally advises using a hard-sided case for checked instruments to protect them. Instruments over 150 linear inches or 165 pounds will likely not be accepted as checked baggage.
Step 5: Pet Travel – Bringing Your Furry Friends
Tip: Reread key phrases to strengthen memory.
Southwest allows small, vaccinated domestic cats and dogs to travel in the cabin on domestic flights only.
In-Cabin Only: Pets are not allowed to travel in the cargo hold due to temperature concerns.
Carrier Requirements: The pet must be in an appropriate carrier that fits under the seat in front of you. The carrier dimensions are usually 18.5 inches (L) x 8.5 inches (H) x 13.5 inches (W).
Pet Carrier Counts as Carry-On: Your pet carrier will count as either your carry-on item or your personal item.
Fees: There is a pet fare (approximately $95 one-way per carrier), which must be paid at the airport ticket counter.
Limited Space: Space for pets is limited (typically six pet carriers per flight), so it's highly recommended to make a reservation for your pet in advance by calling Southwest.
Restrictions: Pets are generally not allowed on international flights or flights to/from Hawaii. There are also rules about specific behavior and ensuring the pet remains in its carrier at all times.
Step 6: International Travel Baggage Considerations
While Southwest primarily operates within the United States, they do serve some international destinations. The general baggage policies apply, but there are a few extra things to be aware of:
Customs and Re-checking: If your international itinerary involves a connection within the U.S., you will likely need to claim your checked luggage, clear U.S. Customs, and then re-check your bags before proceeding to your connecting domestic flight. Look for signage at the airport.
Baggage Acceptance Times: For international flights, bags are generally not accepted less than 60 minutes prior to scheduled departure. For Aruba (AUA), it's 75 minutes.
Embargoes: Be aware that Southwest may have baggage embargoes in place for certain international destinations during peak travel times, limiting the number of extra or oversized bags you can check.
Step 7: Smart Packing Strategies to Avoid Fees
Now that you know the rules, here are some tips to help you pack efficiently and potentially save money:
Weigh Your Bags at Home: This is perhaps the most crucial tip. Invest in a small luggage scale and weigh your bags before you leave for the airport. This gives you time to redistribute weight or decide to pay fees in advance.
Measure Your Bags: Don't just eyeball it! Use a tape measure to ensure your carry-on and checked bags meet the specified dimensions. Remember to include wheels and handles.
Utilize Your Personal Item: Maximize the space in your personal item for heavier or essential items.
Wear Your Heaviest Items: If you have a bulky coat or heavy boots, consider wearing them on the plane rather than packing them.
Roll Your Clothes: Rolling clothes often saves space compared to folding.
Consider Shipping: For very heavy or numerous bags, especially for long trips, consider a luggage shipping service like My Baggage. This can sometimes be more cost-effective than airline excess baggage fees.
Join Rapid Rewards or Get a Southwest Credit Card: If you fly Southwest frequently, achieving A-List status or getting a co-branded credit card can significantly reduce or eliminate checked baggage fees.
Choose the Right Fare: If you know you'll be checking bags, sometimes purchasing a Business Select fare upfront might be cheaper than paying individual baggage fees. Do the math!
Step 8: What to Do if Your Bag is Lost, Delayed, or Damaged
While hopefully, you'll never need this step, it's good to be prepared.
Report Immediately: If your bag is missing, delayed, or damaged, report it in person to a Southwest Baggage Service Office (located in the baggage claim area or at the ticket counter) before leaving the airport.
Online Reporting: If you've already left the airport, you can create a report online.
Time Limits: Be aware of the reporting deadlines:
Domestic: Within 4 hours of flight arrival for lost/delayed baggage; within 24 hours of flight arrival for damaged baggage.
International: Within 7 calendar days for damaged baggage; within 21 calendar days for delayed baggage.
Track Your Bag: Southwest offers digital bag tracking. If your bag is delayed, they will typically keep you updated via text and arrange for delivery once found.
You're now equipped with the knowledge to conquer Southwest's baggage policies! Remember, preparation is key to a smooth and stress-free travel experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - How to...
Here are 10 common questions related to Southwest Airlines baggage, with quick answers:
How to avoid checked bag fees on Southwest Airlines?
You can avoid checked bag fees by being a Business Select fare holder, a Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred member (2 free bags), an A-List member or Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmember (1 free bag), or by only traveling with a carry-on and personal item that fit the size requirements.
How to measure my luggage for Southwest Airlines?
Use a tape measure to determine the length, width, and height of your bag, including any wheels and handles. For checked bags, sum these three dimensions to ensure it's within the 62 linear inch limit.
How to pack a carry-on bag for Southwest Airlines?
Pack essentials, valuables, electronics, medications, and a change of clothes. Ensure it fits within 24" x 16" x 10" and you can lift it into the overhead bin unassisted.
How to bring a pet on Southwest Airlines?
Call Southwest to reserve a spot for your small, vaccinated domestic cat or dog. Ensure they are in an approved carrier (18.5"L x 8.5"H x 13.5"W) that fits under the seat. Pay the $95 pet fare at the airport.
How to check a third bag on Southwest Airlines?
A third bag (and subsequent bags) on Southwest Airlines will incur a fee of approximately $150 per bag, in addition to any overweight or oversized fees if applicable.
How to travel with sports equipment on Southwest Airlines?
Most sports equipment can be checked as part of your allowance, subject to the 50 lb and 62 linear inch limits. If larger or heavier, excess fees apply (e.g., surfboards and bicycles often have specific fees).
How to know if my Rapid Rewards status gives me free bags?
Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred members get two free checked bags, and A-List members get one free checked bag. Check your status in your Rapid Rewards account.
How to pay for baggage fees on Southwest Airlines?
Baggage fees for checked bags are typically paid at the airport ticket counter or at self-tagging kiosks (where available) when you check in your luggage. Southwest generally does not allow pre-payment of baggage fees online.
How to track a lost bag on Southwest Airlines?
Report your lost or delayed bag in person at the Baggage Service Office at the airport immediately. You can then track its status online or via text updates from Southwest.
How to bring a musical instrument on Southwest Airlines?
Small instruments can be carry-ons if they fit dimensions. Larger, fragile instruments may require purchasing a separate seat. Others can be checked as baggage, provided they meet size and weight limits and are in a hard-sided case.
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