Navigating airline baggage policies can feel like trying to solve a complex puzzle, especially when planning your much-anticipated trip. And when it comes to Southwest Airlines, known for its unique policies, it's essential to be fully informed. So, let's dive deep into how many luggage you can take on Southwest Airlines and ensure your journey is as smooth as possible!
Step 1: Are you ready to unpack the mystery of Southwest's baggage allowance?
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let's establish a key point: Southwest Airlines has undergone significant changes to its baggage policy, particularly for flights booked on or after May 28, 2025. This is a crucial date to remember! If you booked your flight before this date, some of the previous "Bags Fly Free" benefits might still apply to your reservation. However, for most new bookings, the landscape has shifted.
Step 2: Understanding the Core Baggage Allowances (The New Normal)
Let's break down the standard baggage allowance for most Southwest passengers for flights booked from May 28, 2025, onwards.
2.1 Carry-On Baggage: Your Cabin Companions
Southwest's policy for carry-on and personal items remains largely consistent with general airline guidelines. You're allowed:
One (1) Carry-On Bag: This is your main bag that goes in the overhead bin.
Maximum Dimensions: 24 inches (L) x 16 inches (W) x 10 inches (H). Remember, these dimensions include handles and wheels!
Weight Limit: There is generally no stated weight limit for carry-on bags, but you must be able to lift it into the overhead bin yourself. If you can't, it will likely need to be checked.
One (1) Personal Item: This is a smaller item that fits under the seat in front of you.
Maximum Dimensions: 18.5 inches (L) x 13.5 inches (W) x 8.5 inches (H).
Examples: A purse, briefcase, laptop bag, camera bag, or a small backpack.
2.2 Checked Baggage: What Goes Below Deck (and What It Costs)
This is where the recent changes primarily come into play for most travelers.
Standard Baggage Allowance (for Basic, Wanna Get Away Plus®, and Anytime fares booked from May 28, 2025):
First Checked Bag: $35
Second Checked Bag: $45
Maximum Dimensions per Bag: 62 linear inches (Length + Width + Height).
Maximum Weight per Bag: 50 pounds (22.7 kg).
It's important to note that Southwest does not allow you to prepay for luggage; fees must be paid at the airport.
Step 3: Are You a Free Baggage VIP? Understanding Exemptions and Benefits
While the "Bags Fly Free" policy is largely a thing of the past for most, certain passengers still enjoy complimentary checked bags. Are you one of them?
3.1 Business Select® and Choice Extra Fares:
Passengers who book a Business Select® fare (which will be known as Choice Extra later in 2025) still receive two free checked bags. This is a great perk if you frequently travel for business or prefer the added flexibility of these fares.
3.2 Rapid Rewards® A-List Preferred Members:
If you've achieved Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred status, you're entitled to two free checked bags. Your dedication to flying Southwest pays off!
3.3 Rapid Rewards® A-List Members and Rapid Rewards® Credit Cardmembers:
Rapid Rewards A-List Members and primary Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers (and up to eight additional Passengers traveling on the same reservation, provided the primary Cardmember is on the reservation and has their Rapid Rewards account number included) receive one free checked bag. This is a valuable benefit if you have A-List status or a Southwest co-branded credit card.
3.4 Hawaii Residents:
Hawaii residents traveling between the islands continue to receive two free checked bags. This is a specific regional benefit.
3.5 Active Military Personnel:
Active duty military personnel and those on permanent change of station orders are exempt from the two-piece baggage limit and will not be subject to excess, oversize, or overweight baggage charges, provided no piece exceeds 100 lbs in weight or 80 inches in total dimensions. This is a very generous policy for our service members.
Step 4: Decoding the Dreaded Excess, Overweight, and Oversized Baggage Fees
Sometimes, your packing aspirations exceed the standard allowances. When that happens, be prepared for additional fees.
4.1 Excess Baggage Fees (for additional bags beyond your allowance):
Third Bag (and more): $150 per bag.
Note: Any item weighing more than 100 pounds (45 kg) or exceeding 80 linear inches must be shipped as Air Cargo and cannot be checked as baggage.
4.2 Overweight Baggage Fees:
If your checked bag weighs between 51 and 70 pounds (23-32 kg): $100 per bag.
If your checked bag weighs between 71 and 100 pounds (32-45 kg): $125 per bag.
Important: Bags weighing more than 100 pounds (45 kg) are not accepted as checked baggage and must be shipped via Southwest Cargo.
4.3 Oversized Baggage Fees:
If your checked bag measures between 63 and 80 linear inches (158-203 cm): $125 per bag.
Note: If a bag is both overweight and oversized, only one $125 charge applies, provided it doesn't exceed 100 lbs. Bags exceeding 80 linear inches are not accepted as checked baggage.
Step 5: Special Items: Navigating Sports Equipment, Musical Instruments, and More
Southwest has specific policies for various special items. It's always best to check their official website for the most up-to-date details, but here's a general overview:
5.1 Sports Equipment:
Many common sports equipment items (e.g., golf clubs, skis, snowboards) can often be substituted for one of your free checked bags (if you have that allowance) or count towards your paid checked bags.
However, if they exceed the standard size (62 linear inches) or weight (50 lbs) limits, excess, overweight, or oversized fees will apply.
For instance, surfboards typically incur a $75 fee, except on Hawaiian inter-island flights where they can be substituted as a free bag. Always check specifics for your particular sport.
5.2 Musical Instruments:
Small musical instruments that fit within carry-on dimensions (10"x16"x24") can be taken as your carry-on item if space is available.
Larger instruments that don't fit in the overhead bin or under the seat can be carried on board by purchasing an additional seat for them. Specific rules apply (e.g., must be in the first row, closer to the window, secured with a seatbelt).
Instruments can also be checked as baggage, counting towards your allowance. Oversize or overweight charges apply if they exceed 62 linear inches or 50 lbs (up to 150 linear inches and 165 lbs). Instruments over 165 lbs or 150 linear inches are not accepted.
5.3 Pet Carriers:
Southwest allows small domesticated cats and dogs in the cabin on domestic flights only, for a one-way fee (currently $95).
The pet carrier counts as either your carry-on item or personal item.
Pet carriers must meet specific size requirements to fit under the seat in front of you.
Note: Pets are generally not accepted on flights to or from Hawaii or on international itineraries, nor are they allowed in checked baggage due to temperature concerns.
5.4 Strollers and Car Seats:
Southwest generally has a relatively generous policy for these items. Historically, strollers and car seats could be checked for free in addition to your regular baggage allowance.
However, recent reports indicate changes to stroller policies, with some larger strollers potentially incurring oversized baggage fees if they exceed 62 linear inches. It is highly recommended to confirm the latest policy directly with Southwest, especially for double or larger strollers.
Car seats, if FAA-approved, can often be used on board if a seat is purchased for the child or if there's an available seat. Otherwise, they can be checked for free.
Step 6: Tips for a Seamless Baggage Experience
Measure and Weigh! Before you even leave home, measure your bags (length + width + height) and weigh them. A simple bathroom scale can save you stress and money at the airport.
Pack Smart: Optimize your packing to avoid unnecessary bulk and weight. Consider rolling clothes, using compression bags, and only taking essentials.
Know Your Fare Type and Status: Double-check your specific fare type (Basic, Wanna Get Away Plus®, Anytime, Business Select®) and your Rapid Rewards status (A-List, A-List Preferred) to understand your exact baggage benefits.
Check for Updates: Airline policies can change. Always refer to the official Southwest Airlines website or contact their customer service for the most current information before your travel date.
Arrive Early: If you anticipate having checked bags, especially if they might be oversized or overweight, arrive at the airport with plenty of time to spare. This allows for any necessary adjustments or payment of fees without rushing.
Consider Shipping: For very large or numerous items, or to avoid airport hassle entirely, consider using a luggage shipping service.
By following this comprehensive guide, you'll be well-equipped to manage your luggage on Southwest Airlines and enjoy a more relaxed journey.
10 Related FAQ Questions (How to...)
How to avoid checked baggage fees on Southwest Airlines?
The most direct ways are to book a Business Select® fare, be a Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred member (two free bags), or be a Rapid Rewards A-List member or primary Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmember (one free bag). For most other travelers, fees now apply.
How to measure your luggage for Southwest Airlines?
For checked bags, measure the length, width, and height of your bag, including wheels and handles, and add these three measurements together. The total should not exceed 62 linear inches. For carry-on and personal items, ensure they fit within the stated dimensions (24"x16"x10" for carry-on, 18.5"x13.5"x8.5" for personal item).
How to weigh your luggage for Southwest Airlines?
Use a bathroom scale at home. First, weigh yourself, then weigh yourself holding the bag, and subtract your weight to find the bag's weight. Invest in a portable luggage scale for accuracy. Checked bags should be 50 lbs (22.7 kg) or less to avoid overweight fees.
How to handle oversized sports equipment on Southwest?
Many standard sports equipment items can be checked. If they exceed 62 linear inches or 50 lbs, excess, overweight, or oversized fees will apply (e.g., $125 for oversized, $100-$125 for overweight). Check Southwest's "Special Baggage" section for specific item rules.
How to travel with a musical instrument on Southwest?
Small instruments can be carried on if they fit in the overhead bin or under the seat (counted as your carry-on). Larger instruments can have a seat purchased for them, or they can be checked as baggage, subject to size/weight limits and associated fees.
How to bring a pet on a Southwest flight?
Small domesticated cats and dogs are allowed in the cabin on domestic flights for a fee ($95 currently). The pet carrier counts as your carry-on or personal item and must fit under the seat. Reservations are required in advance.
How to check a stroller or car seat on Southwest?
Historically, car seats and strollers could be checked for free. However, recent changes suggest larger strollers might incur oversized baggage fees. Always confirm the latest policy with Southwest directly, especially for double or non-standard strollers. Car seats can also be used onboard if a seat is purchased for the child or if space is available.
How to pay for extra baggage on Southwest Airlines?
Baggage fees for checked bags (including excess, overweight, or oversized) are typically paid at the airport ticket counter when you check your bags. Southwest generally does not offer prepayment for these fees.
How to know if your flight was booked under the old "Bags Fly Free" policy?
The critical date is May 28, 2025. If your reservation was booked and ticketed on or before this date, the previous "Bags Fly Free" policy for your first and second checked bags regardless of travel date still applies, subject to weight and size limits. If booked or voluntarily changed on or after this date, the new fare-based policy applies.
How to contact Southwest Airlines for specific baggage questions?
The best way is to visit the official Southwest Airlines website (Southwest.com) and navigate to their "Baggage" or "Optional Travel Charges" sections. You can also call their customer service line for personalized assistance.
