Important Update: Southwest Airlines' "Bags Fly Free" Policy Has Changed!
If you're a frequent flyer with Southwest Airlines, you're likely familiar with their long-standing and much-loved "Bags Fly Free" policy. However, as of May 28, 2025, this policy has undergone a significant change for most travelers. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the new costs associated with checking bags on Southwest Airlines, helping you prepare for your next trip.
Understanding the New Southwest Airlines Checked Bag Costs: A Step-by-Step Guide
Are you wondering how much it will cost to check a bag with Southwest Airlines for your upcoming trip? Let's break it down!
Step 1: Determine Your Travel Date and Booking Date
The very first and most crucial step is to identify when your flight was booked or voluntarily changed, and when your flight is scheduled to depart.
Why is this important? Southwest's new baggage policy applies to flights booked or voluntarily changed on or after May 28, 2025. If you booked your flight before this date, you might still be eligible for the previous "Bags Fly Free" policy. However, if you voluntarily changed your flight on or after May 28, 2025, the new fees will apply.
Step 2: Identify Your Fare Type or Rapid Rewards Status
Southwest Airlines now has different baggage allowances based on the fare type you purchased or your Rapid Rewards loyalty program status. This is where the cost can vary significantly.
Tip: Review key points when done.
Sub-heading 2.1: For Most Travelers (Basic, Wanna Get Away Plus®, and Anytime Fares)
First Checked Bag: For flights booked or voluntarily changed on or after May 28, 2025, for Basic, Wanna Get Away Plus®, and Anytime fares, the cost for your first checked bag is $35.
Second Checked Bag: The cost for your second checked bag is $45.
Sub-heading 2.2: For Business Select® Customers
Two Free Checked Bags: If you've booked a Business Select® fare, you are entitled to two free checked bags. This is a significant perk for those who opt for this higher fare tier.
Sub-heading 2.3: For Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred Members
Two Free Checked Bags: As a Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred Member, you also enjoy the benefit of two free checked bags. Your loyalty pays off here!
Sub-heading 2.4: For Rapid Rewards A-List Members and Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers
One Free Checked Bag: If you are a Rapid Rewards A-List Member or a Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmember, you receive one free checked bag. This provides a valuable saving for frequent flyers and cardholders.
Step 3: Understand Standard Bag Size and Weight Limits
QuickTip: Use CTRL + F to search for keywords quickly.
Regardless of whether your bags are free or you're paying a fee, standard size and weight limits apply to all checked baggage. Exceeding these limits will incur additional charges.
Standard Weight Limit: Each checked bag must weigh up to 50 pounds (23 kilograms).
Standard Size Limit: Each checked bag must have linear dimensions (length + width + height) up to 62 inches (158 centimeters). Remember to include wheels and handles when measuring!
Step 4: Account for Overweight and Oversized Bags
If your bag exceeds the standard weight or size limits, be prepared for additional fees. These fees are per bag and are in addition to any standard checked bag fees that may apply.
Overweight Bag Fees:
51 to 70 pounds: A fee of $150 per bag applies.
71 to 100 pounds: A fee of $200 per bag applies.
Note: Southwest generally does not accept bags over 100 pounds.
Oversized Bag Fees:
For bags larger than 62 inches (linear dimensions) and up to 80 inches, a fee of $200 per bag applies.
Bags exceeding 80 inches in linear dimensions are generally not accepted as checked baggage.
Step 5: Consider Additional or Excess Bags
What if you need to check more than two bags (or more than your free allowance)?
Third Bag and Beyond: For a third checked bag or more (after your first two or your allotted free bags), the fee is typically $150 per bag.
Step 6: Special Items and Sports Equipment
Many special items and sports equipment can be checked as part of your standard baggage allowance, provided they meet the weight and size requirements. However, some may have specific rules or incur additional fees.
Tip: Highlight what feels important.
Common Special Items: Items like golf bags, ski equipment (skis/snowboard, poles, and boots), and musical instruments often have specific allowances. For example, a golf bag or ski equipment might count as one checked item even if packed separately (up to 2 bags for ski equipment).
Larger Special Items: For larger items such as bicycles (over 62 inches) or surfboards, specific fees, typically around $200 one-way, may apply, and they must adhere to maximum dimensions. Always check Southwest's specific policy for your particular item.
Step 7: Pet Travel
If you're traveling with a furry friend, there's a separate fee for in-cabin pet carriers.
Pet Fare: The Pet Fare is typically $95 each way per pet carrier.
Note: The pet carrier counts as either your personal item or carry-on bag, and your pet must be a small dog or cat in an approved carrier that fits under the seat.
Step 8: Military Personnel Exemptions
Southwest Airlines offers a notable exemption for active-duty military personnel.
Military Exception: Active-duty military customers with a valid military ID are generally exempt from the two-piece baggage limit and will not be subject to excess, oversize, or overweight baggage charges, provided their bags do not exceed 100 pounds in weight and 80 inches in size (L+W+H). This is a fantastic benefit for those serving our country.
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| How Much Does It Cost To Check A Bag With Southwest Airlines |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common questions about Southwest Airlines baggage costs, with quick answers:
How to determine if the new baggage fees apply to my flight? The new fees apply to flights booked or voluntarily changed on or after May 28, 2025.
QuickTip: Take a pause every few paragraphs.
How to know if my checked bag is oversized? Your checked bag is oversized if its linear dimensions (length + width + height) exceed 62 inches.
How to avoid checked bag fees on Southwest? You can avoid fees by being a Business Select customer, a Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred Member (two free bags), or a Rapid Rewards A-List Member or Credit Cardmember (one free bag). Traveling light with just a carry-on and personal item is another way.
How to check multiple bags with Southwest? You can check a third bag or more for a fee of $150 per bag, in addition to the first and second bag fees if applicable.
How to find the exact baggage policy for special items? Visit the "Special Baggage" section on the official Southwest Airlines website or contact their customer service for specific details on items like sports equipment or musical instruments.
How to measure my bag correctly for linear dimensions? Add the length, width, and height of your bag, including wheels and handles.
How to qualify for military baggage exemptions? Be an active-duty military customer with a current, valid military ID.
How to book a flight with a pet on Southwest? You need to call Southwest Airlines to make a reservation for your pet, as there's a limit to the number of pets per flight.
How to find out the most up-to-date baggage fee information? Always refer to the official Southwest Airlines website or contact their customer service directly, as policies can sometimes change.
How to pay for checked bags with Southwest? Checked bag fees are typically paid at the airport during check-in, either at a self-tagging kiosk (where available) or with a Southwest agent. Southwest does not allow you to prepay for luggage online.
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