Navigating airline luggage policies can sometimes feel like solving a complex puzzle, but with Southwest Airlines, it's generally a straightforward process – though there have been some recent changes to be aware of! This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how luggage works on Southwest, from packing your bags to reclaiming them at your destination.
Your Ultimate Guide to Southwest Airlines Luggage
Hey there, fellow traveler! Ever stood at the airport wondering if your perfectly packed suitcase will make the cut, or worse, if it's going to cost you an arm and a leg? You're not alone! Let's demystify Southwest Airlines' luggage policies together so you can embark on your next adventure with peace of mind.
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| How Does Luggage Work On Southwest Airlines |
Step 1: Understanding the Basics - What's New with Southwest's Baggage Policy?
First things first, let's address the elephant in the room. Southwest Airlines, famous for its "Bags Fly Free" policy, has recently made changes. As of May 28, 2025, for flights booked on or after this date, the first checked bag will cost $35, and the second checked bag will cost $45 for most passengers.
However, there are still ways to get free checked bags!
Business Select® and A-List Preferred Members: You still get two free checked bags.
A-List Members and Rapid Rewards® Credit Card Holders: You are entitled to one free checked bag.
So, before you even start packing, check your fare type and Rapid Rewards status! This will significantly impact your baggage strategy and potential costs.
Sub-heading: Why the Change?
You might be wondering why Southwest, known for this unique perk, decided to shift gears. This change comes amid financial pressures and aims to align Southwest more with its competitors while generating additional revenue. So, while it's a shift, it's a strategic one for the airline.
Step 2: Mastering Carry-On and Personal Item Rules
Even with checked bag fees, maximizing your carry-on and personal item allowance is key to a smooth travel experience. Southwest's policy is quite generous here!
Sub-heading: Your Carry-On Bag (Overhead Bin)
You are permitted one carry-on bag.
Dimensions: It must not exceed 24 x 16 x 10 inches (including wheels and handles).
Weight: There's no weight restriction for carry-on bags, but you must be able to lift it into the overhead bin unassisted.
Sub-heading: Your Personal Item (Under the Seat)
Tip: Don’t skip — flow matters.
In addition to your carry-on, you can bring one small personal item.
Examples: This includes items like a purse, briefcase, laptop case, or a small backpack.
Dimensions: It must fit under the seat in front of you, generally not exceeding 18.5 x 8.5 x 13.5 inches.
Weight: Again, there's no specific weight limit for personal items, as long as it fits.
Sub-heading: Additional Permitted Items
Southwest also allows certain additional items that don't count towards your carry-on or personal item limit:
Coats, jackets, or wraps
Umbrellas
Diaper bags (for those traveling with infants)
Approved safety seats for infants or children
Assistive devices (e.g., wheelchairs, canes, crutches)
Outerwear or similar garments
Food or drink purchased at the airport
Remember to consolidate liquids in your carry-on according to TSA's 3-1-1 rule (3.4 ounces or less per container, in a 1-quart-sized bag, one bag per passenger).
Step 3: Understanding Checked Baggage: Size, Weight, and Fees
This is where the new fee structure comes into play for many travelers.
Sub-heading: Standard Checked Baggage Allowance
For most passengers (unless you have a qualifying fare or status for free bags), you will pay for your first and second checked bags.
Maximum Size: Each checked bag must not exceed 62 inches in total linear dimensions (length + width + height, including wheels and handles).
Maximum Weight: Each checked bag has a weight limit of 50 pounds (22.7 kg).
Sub-heading: Navigating Fees
First Checked Bag: $35 (for flights booked on or after May 28, 2025, for most fares)
Second Checked Bag: $45 (for flights booked on or after May 28, 2025, for most fares)
Third+ Checked Bag: $150 per bag.
Sub-heading: Overweight and Oversized Baggage Fees
If your bags exceed the standard limits, additional fees apply:
Overweight Bags (51-70 lbs): $100 per bag in addition to the standard checked bag fee.
Overweight Bags (71-100 lbs): $200 per bag in addition to the standard checked bag fee.
Oversized Bags (63-80 inches): $200 per bag in addition to the standard checked bag fee.
Important Note: If a bag is both oversized and overweight (but does not exceed 100 lbs), you only pay one $200 fee in addition to the standard checked bag fee.
Items over 100 lbs or 80 inches: These generally must be shipped as Air Cargo.
Always measure and weigh your bags before heading to the airport to avoid surprises! A small luggage scale can be a great investment.
Step 4: Checking Your Bags at the Airport
Tip: Read in a quiet space for focus.
Once you've got your bags sorted, it's time to check them in.
Sub-heading: Timing is Everything
Southwest recommends checking your bags at least 45 minutes before your scheduled departure.
For international flights, allow more time, typically 60-90 minutes before departure.
Checking bags too close to departure (e.g., less than 45 minutes) might result in your bag not making it onto your flight, and you may be responsible for delivery costs.
Sub-heading: Options for Checking In
Self-Tagging Kiosks: At many airports, you can use self-tagging kiosks to print your baggage tags, saving you time. Just attach the tag and drop it off at the designated baggage drop.
Ticket Counter: A friendly Southwest agent will be happy to assist you with checking your bags and answering any questions.
Pro-Tip: Always keep your baggage claim tags! These are essential if your bag is delayed, lost, or damaged.
Step 5: Special Items: Sports Equipment, Musical Instruments, and Pets
Traveling with something a little out of the ordinary? Southwest has policies for those too.
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Sub-heading: Sports Equipment
Many types of sports equipment are accepted as checked baggage, counting towards your standard checked bag allowance.
Common Items: Golf bags, skis/snowboards, bicycles, and surfboards are often accepted.
Weight and Size: They must generally adhere to the 50 lbs and 62 inches standard limits.
Fees: If oversized (62-115 inches) or overweight (51-70 lbs), an additional fee of $75 per item applies. If both oversized and overweight, only one $75 fee applies (as long as it doesn't exceed 100 lbs).
Note: Surfboards travel free as one of your two checked bags only on Hawaiian Inter-island flights, not to and from Hawaii.
Sub-heading: Musical Instruments
Carry-On: Smaller instruments that fit within carry-on dimensions can be brought onboard as your carry-on item.
Checked Baggage: Larger instruments can be checked as baggage, subject to standard weight and size limits and associated fees. Southwest's contract of carriage outlines that instruments exceeding 150 linear inches or 165 pounds may not be accepted. It's always best to pack musical instruments in a hard-sided case for protection.
Purchasing a Seat: For larger, fragile instruments, you may purchase an additional seat for the instrument in the cabin, provided it meets certain size and weight restrictions for occupying a seat.
Sub-heading: Traveling with Pets
Southwest welcomes small, vaccinated domestic cats and dogs in an appropriate pet carrier in the cabin on domestic flights.
Carrier as Carry-on: The pet carrier counts as either your carry-on item or your personal item.
Fee: There's a pet fare (currently $125 one-way for U.S. Mainland flights, subject to change), paid at the airport ticket counter.
Restrictions: Space is limited, so reservations are highly recommended. Pets are not accepted on flights to or from Hawaii or on international itineraries.
Step 6: Baggage Claim, Delayed, Damaged, or Lost Bags
Reminder: Take a short break if the post feels long.
Hopefully, your bags arrive safely and on time! But it's good to know what to do if they don't.
Sub-heading: At Baggage Claim
Once you arrive at your destination, follow the signs to the baggage claim area. Your bags will appear on a carousel designated for your flight.
Sub-heading: Delayed Baggage
If your bag doesn't arrive with you:
Report Immediately: File a delayed baggage report in person at the Southwest Airlines Baggage Service Office (located in the baggage claim area or at the ticket counter) before leaving the airport. You can also scan a QR code at the office to make a report.
Online Reporting: If you've already left the airport, you can create a report online.
Timeline: For domestic flights, you must report within four hours of arrival. For international flights, within twenty-one calendar days of delay.
Reimbursement: Southwest makes reasonable efforts to return delayed luggage within 12 hours for domestic flights and 15-30 hours for international flights. You may be eligible for reimbursement of reasonable expenses incurred due to the delay. If you paid a baggage fee and your bag was delayed 12+ hours (domestic) or 15+ hours (international) and not recovered, you may get a refund of the fee.
Sub-heading: Damaged Baggage
If your bag is damaged:
Report Immediately: Report the damage in person to the Baggage Service Office before leaving the airport. If you've left, you should return to the airport with your baggage to report it.
Timeline: For domestic flights, you must report within 24 hours of receipt of the baggage. For international flights, within seven calendar days.
Liability: Southwest is generally responsible for repairing or reimbursing you for damage that occurred while the bag was under their control, subject to limits. They are not liable for pre-existing damage or damage due to overpacking or normal wear and tear.
Sub-heading: Lost Baggage
If your bag is truly lost:
Follow Delayed Bag Procedure: Start by filing a delayed baggage report.
Claim Process: If your bag isn't located after five days, you can submit a claim on their Baggage Claim Web Portal.
Compensation: If your bag is declared lost, Southwest is responsible for compensating you for its contents, subject to depreciation and maximum liability limits (currently up to $3,800 per passenger for domestic flights). They will also refund any baggage fees paid for the lost bag.
Sub-heading: Tracking Your Bags
Southwest offers a convenient online tool to track your checked baggage. You'll typically need your flight information or baggage claim number.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Tip: Focus more on ideas, less on words.
How to: Pack Smart for Southwest Airlines?
Measure and weigh your bags before you leave home to avoid unexpected fees. Utilize soft-sided luggage for carry-ons that can compress slightly to fit in overhead bins. Distribute weight evenly in checked bags.
How to: Avoid Checked Bag Fees on Southwest?
Obtain Southwest Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred or A-List status, or hold a Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card for free checked bags. Otherwise, focus on maximizing your carry-on and personal item allowance.
How to: Check in Bags with Southwest if I'm Running Late?
While Southwest recommends 45 minutes prior to departure for domestic flights, if you're cutting it close, head directly to the ticket counter. Be aware that bags checked too close to departure might not make your flight.
How to: Bring a Stroller on Southwest Airlines?
Compact strollers that fit in the overhead bin are allowed as carry-on items. Larger strollers can be checked for free in addition to your standard baggage allowance.
How to: Travel with a Car Seat on Southwest Airlines?
FAA-approved car seats can be brought on board for use by a child or checked for free in addition to your standard baggage allowance.
How to: Get Reimbursed for Delayed Baggage on Southwest?
File a report immediately at the airport's Baggage Service Office. Keep all receipts for reasonable, verifiable expenses incurred due to the delay. Southwest will consider reimbursement for these expenses.
How to: Track My Checked Bag on Southwest Airlines?
Visit the Southwest Airlines website's "Track Checked Baggage" section and enter your flight details or baggage claim number.
How to: Get a Refund for a Lost Bag Fee on Southwest?
If your checked bag is officially declared lost by Southwest, they are required to refund any baggage fees you paid for that specific bag.
How to: Fly with Sports Equipment on Southwest Airlines?
Declare your sports equipment when checking in. Ensure it's properly packed and be aware of potential oversized or overweight fees if it exceeds standard dimensions or weight limits.
How to: Bring Medications on a Southwest Flight?
Prescription and over-the-counter medications are generally allowed. Liquid medications exceeding the 3-1-1 rule (3.4 oz) are permissible in your carry-on, but it's advisable to have a doctor's note for larger quantities. Always keep essential medications in your carry-on.
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