Navigating airline baggage policies can sometimes feel like trying to solve a Rubik's Cube blindfolded! But fear not, fellow traveler, because when it comes to Southwest Airlines, their policy is generally considered one of the most straightforward and, for a long time, the most generous. However, as of May 28, 2025, there have been some significant changes you absolutely need to be aware of. Let's break down exactly how much baggage you can bring on Southwest Airlines and what it might cost you.
Understanding Southwest Airlines Baggage: A Comprehensive Guide
Southwest Airlines has been known for its "Bags Fly Free" policy, which was a huge differentiator in the industry. While this perk largely remains for certain fare types and loyalty tiers, it's crucial to understand the recent updates.
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| How Much Is Baggage For Southwest Airlines |
Step 1: "Do I even have to pay for bags on Southwest anymore?!" Let's find out!
This is the most critical first step! The answer used to be a resounding "No, two bags fly free!" However, that has changed for many. Your baggage allowance and potential fees now depend on your fare type and your Rapid Rewards status.
For flights booked, ticketed, or voluntarily changed on or after May 28, 2025:
Basic, Wanna Get Away Plus®, and Anytime Fares: You will now incur fees for your first and second checked bags.
Business Select® Fare: You still get two free checked bags.
Rapid Rewards® A-List Preferred Members: You also receive two free checked bags.
Rapid Rewards® A-List Members: You get your first checked bag free.
Rapid Rewards® Credit Cardmembers: You will receive your first checked bag free.
If you booked your flight before May 28, 2025, and haven't voluntarily changed it, your original "Bags Fly Free" policy for two checked bags should still apply. Always double-check your specific booking details!
Step 2: Carry-On Essentials: What Can I Bring Onboard for Free?
Even with the changes to checked baggage, Southwest remains quite generous with its carry-on policy. This is your first line of defense against checked bag fees!
Sub-heading 2.1: Your Free Carry-On Bag
Allowance: Every passenger is permitted one carry-on bag for free.
Size Limit: This bag must not exceed 24 x 16 x 10 inches (approximately 61 x 40 x 25 cm), including handles and wheels. It needs to fit comfortably in the overhead bin.
Weight Limit: There is no specified weight restriction for carry-on items, but you must be able to lift it into the overhead bin yourself.
Sub-heading 2.2: Your Free Personal Item
Allowance: In addition to your carry-on bag, you can also bring one small personal item for free. This typically includes a purse, briefcase, laptop bag, or a small backpack.
Size Limit: This item must not exceed 18.5 x 8.5 x 13.5 inches (approximately 46 x 21 x 34 cm) and must fit under the seat in front of you.
Weight Limit: Similar to carry-on bags, there's no specific weight limit for personal items, but it should be manageable.
Sub-heading 2.3: Additional Free Items
Southwest also allows you to bring certain items in addition to your carry-on and personal item, without counting against your allowance. These include:
Child restraint devices (for a ticketed child or if space is available)
Assistive/mobility devices for individuals with disabilities (no limit)
Outer garments (coats, jackets, etc.)
Food for consumption during the flight (in disposable packaging)
Walking canes or umbrellas
QuickTip: Skim first, then reread for depth.
Step 3: Checked Baggage: Understanding the New Fees and Limits
This is where the recent policy changes come into play for many travelers.
Sub-heading 3.1: Standard Checked Bag Allowance & Fees (Effective May 28, 2025, for new bookings/changes)
As mentioned in Step 1, the "Bags Fly Free" policy is no longer universal.
First Checked Bag: $35 USD
Second Checked Bag: $45 USD
Third and Additional Bags: $75 USD per bag
Sub-heading 3.2: Standard Size and Weight Limits for Checked Bags
Whether your bags are free or you're paying a fee, the standard size and weight limits apply to all checked bags:
Maximum Weight: Each checked bag must not exceed 50 pounds (23 kg).
Maximum Size: The sum of the length + width + height (linear inches) of each bag must not exceed 62 inches (157 cm). This includes handles and wheels!
Step 4: Navigating Overweight, Oversized, and Excess Baggage Fees
If your bags push the limits, prepare for additional charges. These fees are per bag, each way, and can add up quickly!
Sub-heading 4.1: Overweight Baggage Fees
If your checked bag exceeds the 50-pound weight limit:
51 to 70 pounds (24 to 32 kg): $100 USD per bag (plus the standard bag fee if applicable).
71 to 100 pounds (33 to 45 kg): $125 USD per bag (plus the standard bag fee if applicable).
Bags exceeding 100 pounds (45 kg) will generally not be accepted as checked baggage and may need to be shipped as air cargo.
Sub-heading 4.2: Oversized Baggage Fees
If your checked bag exceeds the 62-linear-inch size limit:
Tip: Reread sections you didn’t fully grasp.
63 to 80 inches (160 to 203 cm): $125 USD per bag (plus the standard bag fee if applicable).
Bags exceeding 80 linear inches (203 cm) will generally not be accepted as checked baggage.
Sub-heading 4.3: Combined Overweight and Oversized Fees
If a bag is both overweight and oversized, only one fee (the higher of the two) is typically applied, in addition to the standard bag fee if applicable. For example, if a bag is 55 lbs and 65 inches, you'd likely pay the $125 oversized fee plus the base bag fee.
Step 5: Special Items and Sports Equipment: Understanding the Nuances
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Southwest has specific guidelines and potential fees for various special items and sports equipment. Many can be substituted for a regular checked bag, but some have unique charges.
Sub-heading 5.1: Common Sports Equipment
Items like golf bags, ski/snowboard equipment (skis/snowboard, poles, and boots typically count as one item even if in two bags), fishing equipment, and hockey/lacrosse equipment can often be checked as part of your standard baggage allowance, provided they meet the size and weight limits. If they exceed these limits, overweight and/or oversized fees will apply.
Sub-heading 5.2: Bicycles
Bicycles are accepted in a bicycle box or case. They are subject to the standard size and weight limits. If oversized (over 62 inches) or overweight (over 50 lbs), a fee (typically $125 or more) will apply.
Sub-heading 5.3: Musical Instruments
Carry-on: Smaller musical instruments (e.g., violins, guitars if in a soft case) may be carried on if they fit in the overhead bin or under the seat.
Extra Seat: If an instrument is too large for the overhead bin but you wish to keep it in the cabin (e.g., a cello), you can purchase an additional seat for it. It must be secured with a seatbelt and not block signage.
Checked Baggage: Larger instruments can be checked as baggage. They will count toward your baggage allowance. Overweight and oversized fees apply if they exceed the standard limits. Southwest will generally not accept instruments exceeding 150 linear inches or 165 pounds.
Sub-heading 5.4: Pets
Southwest allows small domesticated cats and dogs to travel in the cabin on domestic flights, subject to availability (usually six pet carriers per flight).
QuickTip: A short pause boosts comprehension.
Fee: There is a $125 USD one-way pet fare per carrier.
Carrier: The pet carrier counts as one of your permitted carry-on items (either your carry-on bag or your personal item).
Size: The carrier must fit under the seat in front of you and not exceed 8.5 inches high x 18.5 inches long x 13.5 inches wide.
Pets are generally not allowed on international flights or flights to/from Hawaii (inter-island Hawaiian flights are an exception).
Step 6: International Travel Considerations
While Southwest primarily operates within the United States, they do fly to some international destinations.
Baggage Policy: The general baggage policies (carry-on, checked, overweight/oversized fees) remain largely the same for international flights.
Customs: For international arrivals into the U.S. (unless from pre-cleared cities like Aruba or Nassau), you will need to claim all checked luggage, clear U.S. Customs, and then re-check your bags for any connecting domestic flights. Be sure to allow ample time for this process.
Embargoes: Be aware that Southwest may have baggage embargoes in place for certain international destinations during peak travel times. These restrictions can limit the number of extra, oversized, or overweight bags you can check. Always check Southwest's website for specific embargoes before your trip.
Step 7: Tips for Minimizing Baggage Costs
Pack Light! This is always the best strategy. Can you fit everything into a carry-on and personal item?
Utilize Your Carry-On and Personal Item: Maximize the space in your free carry-on and personal item. This is where you can save significant money.
Weigh Your Bags at Home: Invest in a small luggage scale. It's much cheaper to redistribute weight or remove items at home than to pay overweight fees at the airport.
Check Your Fare Type: Always be aware of the baggage allowance included with your specific fare.
Consider Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cards or Elite Status: If you fly Southwest frequently, having A-List status or a Southwest co-branded credit card can save you substantial money on checked bag fees.
Ship Your Luggage: For very heavy or numerous bags, consider a luggage shipping service. Sometimes, this can be more cost-effective than airline baggage fees, especially for special items.
Consolidate: If traveling with others, see if you can consolidate items into fewer, compliant bags.
10 Related FAQ Questions (How to...)
How to avoid Southwest Airlines baggage fees entirely?
The most effective way for most travelers now is to pack everything into a carry-on bag and a personal item that adhere to the size limits. Alternatively, travel with a Business Select® fare, be an A-List Preferred Member, or an A-List Member/Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmember (for at least one free bag).
How to measure my baggage for Southwest Airlines?
For checked bags, measure the length, width, and height of your bag (including wheels and handles) and add those three measurements together. The sum should not exceed 62 linear inches. For carry-on bags, the dimensions are 24 x 16 x 10 inches, and for personal items, 18.5 x 8.5 x 13.5 inches. Use a tape measure!
How to weigh my baggage for Southwest Airlines?
Use a digital luggage scale at home before you leave for the airport. These are inexpensive and can save you from costly overweight fees. If you don't have one, a bathroom scale can work: weigh yourself, then weigh yourself holding your bag, and subtract your weight.
QuickTip: Read actively, not passively.
How to check special sports equipment with Southwest Airlines?
Most standard sports equipment (golf clubs, skis, etc.) can be checked as part of your standard baggage allowance, but it must adhere to the 50 lbs and 62 linear inch limits. If it exceeds these, overweight or oversized fees will apply. Check Southwest's website for specific item policies.
How to bring a musical instrument on Southwest Airlines?
Small instruments can be a carry-on if they fit in the overhead bin or under the seat. Larger instruments may require purchasing an additional seat for them, or they can be checked as baggage, subject to standard or oversized/overweight fees.
How to travel with a pet on Southwest Airlines?
Pets (small domesticated cats and dogs) are allowed in the cabin on domestic flights only. You must pay a $125 one-way pet fare, and the pet carrier counts as one of your carry-on items. Reservations for pets are highly recommended as space is limited (usually six per flight).
How to find out if my international Southwest flight has baggage embargoes?
Check the "Baggage" or "Checked Baggage Policy" section on the official Southwest Airlines website, specifically looking for information related to international travel or specific country restrictions. Baggage embargoes are typically announced on their site.
How to re-check baggage after customs on an international Southwest flight?
Upon arrival in the U.S. from an international destination (unless from a pre-cleared city), you will need to claim all your checked bags at baggage claim. After clearing U.S. Customs, look for "Baggage Re-check" signs or Southwest agents who can guide you to the designated drop-off points for your connecting flight.
How to handle lost or damaged baggage with Southwest Airlines?
If your bag is lost or damaged, immediately notify a Southwest Airlines representative at the airport before leaving the baggage claim area. They will initiate a report and guide you through the claims process. Keep all your travel documents and baggage tags.
How to get a free checked bag with Southwest Airlines in 2025?
For new bookings on or after May 28, 2025, you can get free checked bags by flying with a Business Select® fare, holding Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred status (two free bags), or holding Rapid Rewards A-List status or a Rapid Rewards Credit Card (one free bag).
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