Planning a trip with Southwest Airlines and wondering just how much luggage you can actually bring? You're in the right place! While Southwest was famous for its "Bags Fly Free" policy, there have been some recent changes. Don't worry, we'll break down everything you need to know about Southwest's baggage allowance, from carry-ons to checked bags, and even those tricky oversized items.
Let's dive in and make sure your packing goes smoothly!
Understanding Southwest Airlines' Baggage Policy: A Step-by-Step Guide
Navigating airline baggage policies can feel like deciphering a secret code, but with Southwest, it's generally pretty straightforward. The key is understanding the difference between carry-on and checked bags, their size and weight limits, and when fees might apply.
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| How Much Weight Can You Carry On Southwest Airlines |
Step 1: Let's Start with Your Carry-On - What Can You Keep With You?
First things first, what are you bringing into the cabin with you? This is often the most important part for many travelers, as it saves time at baggage claim and keeps your essentials close.
Your Carry-On Bag:
Southwest Airlines allows one carry-on bag per passenger. While there's no specified weight limit for carry-on bags, there are strict size restrictions. The main rule of thumb is that you must be able to lift it into the overhead bin without assistance.
Size Limit: Your carry-on bag, including wheels and handles, must not exceed 24 inches (L) x 16 inches (W) x 10 inches (H).
Where it Goes: This bag is designed to fit in the overhead bin above your seat.
Your Personal Item:
In addition to your carry-on bag, you are also allowed one personal item. This is your smaller bag that fits under the seat in front of you.
Examples: Common personal items include purses, briefcases, laptop cases, small backpacks, or even a neck pillow.
Size Limit: While Southwest doesn't provide a precise "maximum" size, your personal item must be able to comfortably fit under the seat in front of you. A general guideline is around 16.25 inches (L) x 13.5 inches (W) x 8 inches (H).
No Weight Limit: Similar to carry-on bags, there's no specific weight limit for personal items, as long as you can manage it.
Items That Don't Count Towards Your Carry-On Limit:
Southwest is quite generous with certain items that can be brought on board in addition to your carry-on and personal item. These include:
Outer garments (like coats or jackets)
Umbrellas
Walking canes
Assistive/mobility devices (such as wheelchairs, crutches, or oxygen concentrators)
Child restraint devices (for a ticketed child or if space is available)
Food for consumption during flight (in disposable packaging)
QuickTip: Don’t rush through examples.
Step 2: Checking Your Bags - What's Going Underneath the Plane?
This is where the recent policy changes come into play. While Southwest was once lauded for its "Bags Fly Free" policy, this has changed for most travelers as of May 28, 2025.
Standard Checked Baggage Allowance:
For most passengers, the standard allowance and fees are now:
First Checked Bag: $35 USD
Second Checked Bag: $45 USD
Third or More Checked Bags: $150 USD per bag
Standard Size and Weight Limits for Checked Bags:
Regardless of whether you pay for them or get them for free, all standard checked bags must adhere to the following limits:
Maximum Weight: Each checked bag must weigh no more than 50 pounds (23 kg).
Maximum Size: The total linear dimensions (length + width + height) of each checked bag must not exceed 62 inches (157 cm). This includes wheels and handles.
Who Still Gets Free Checked Bags?
Good news! Not everyone will pay for checked bags. Southwest still offers free checked bags for certain travelers:
Business Select Travelers: If you book the most premium fare, you'll still receive two free checked bags.
Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred Members: These elite loyalty members also get two free checked bags.
Rapid Rewards A-List Members: You'll receive one free checked bag.
Southwest Co-branded Credit Card Holders: Many Southwest credit cards offer a perk of one free checked bag. Make sure your Rapid Rewards account number is linked to your reservation.
Active-Duty Military Personnel: With a current, valid military ID, active-duty military passengers are exempt from the two-piece baggage limit and will not be subject to excess, oversize, or overweight baggage charges, provided none of their pieces exceed 100 pounds in weight and 80 inches in size.
Step 3: Navigating Overweight and Oversized Baggage Fees
Sometimes, despite our best efforts, our bags end up a little heavier or larger than anticipated. Southwest has specific fees for these situations. These fees are in addition to any standard checked bag fees.
Overweight Baggage:
If your checked bag exceeds the standard 50-pound limit:
Tip: Focus on clarity, not speed.
51 to 100 pounds (24 to 46 kg): There will be a fee of $75 USD per bag.
Bags Exceeding 100 pounds (46 kg): Will not be accepted as checked baggage and must be shipped via Southwest Cargo (which requires you to be a "Known Shipper").
Oversized Baggage:
If your checked bag exceeds the standard 62-inch linear dimension limit:
63 to 80 linear inches (160 to 203 cm): There will be a fee of $75 USD per bag.
Bags Exceeding 80 linear inches (203 cm): Will not be accepted as checked baggage and must be shipped via Southwest Cargo.
Important Note: If your bag is both overweight and oversized, you will likely be charged both fees. For instance, a bag weighing 55 pounds and measuring 65 linear inches would incur both the overweight and oversized fees.
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Step 4: Special Items and Sporting Equipment
Southwest generally treats many special items and sporting equipment as standard checked bags, but there are some nuances and exceptions.
Common Sporting Equipment:
Items like golf clubs, skis, snowboards, fishing equipment, and bicycles are often accepted as checked baggage.
Counts as One Piece: Typically, one set of equipment (e.g., a golf bag with clubs) will count as one piece of checked baggage, even if it's in multiple pieces (like a ski bag and a boot bag).
Weight/Size Rules Apply: The standard 50-pound and 62-inch limits generally apply. However, Southwest often waives oversized baggage fees for certain sporting equipment (like skis or surfboards) even if they exceed 62 linear inches, as long as they are within specific dimensions. Overweight fees, however, may still apply.
Bicycles: Must be in a hard-sided case that meets the 62-inch and 50-pound limits to avoid additional charges.
Musical Instruments:
Musical instruments can be carried on or checked, depending on their size and fragility.
Carry-on: Smaller instruments (like violins or guitars) can be carried on if they fit in the overhead bin or under the seat, and if space is available. They count as your carry-on bag.
Checked Baggage: Larger instruments may need to be checked. They are subject to the standard weight and size limits and associated fees. It's highly recommended to use a hard-sided case for checked musical instruments.
Purchasing a Seat: For very valuable or fragile instruments that are too large for a carry-on, you may consider purchasing an additional seat for them.
Other Special Items:
Always check Southwest's official website or contact their customer service for specific guidelines on unique items like firearms, media equipment, or human remains (cremated remains have specific carry-on requirements).
QuickTip: Return to sections that felt unclear.
Step 5: Tips for a Smooth Baggage Experience
Now that you know the rules, here are some actionable tips to ensure your bags travel seamlessly:
Weigh and Measure Your Bags Before You Go: This is crucial. Invest in a luggage scale. It's a small investment that can save you significant money in overweight baggage fees. Measure your bags (length + width + height) to ensure they are within limits.
Pack Smart and Light: Prioritize what you truly need. Consider rolling your clothes to save space.
Understand Your Fare/Status: Know if you qualify for free checked bags based on your Rapid Rewards status, credit card, or fare type.
Consolidate When Possible: If you're traveling with family or friends, consider consolidating items into fewer, heavier bags (but still within the 50-pound limit per bag) rather than multiple bags that might individually incur fees.
Check for Embargoes: For international travel, Southwest (or its partners) may have baggage embargoes in place, restricting oversized, overweight, or extra checked bags to certain destinations during peak times. Always check this if traveling internationally.
Label Your Luggage: Use sturdy luggage tags with your name, phone number, and email address both on the outside and inside of your bags. This greatly aids in recovery if your bag is misplaced.
Consider Shipping Your Luggage: For exceptionally heavy or numerous items, especially if you're traveling for an extended period or moving, using a luggage shipping service might be more cost-effective than airline baggage fees.
Arrive Early: Especially if you anticipate any baggage issues (oversized, special items, etc.), arrive at the airport with plenty of time to spare to handle any unexpected situations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Southwest Airlines Baggage
Here are 10 common questions related to Southwest's baggage policy, with quick answers:
How to calculate the linear dimensions of my bag for Southwest Airlines?
To calculate linear dimensions, simply add the length, width, and height of your bag (L + W + H) including wheels and handles. For example, a bag that is 20 inches long, 15 inches wide, and 10 inches high has linear dimensions of 45 inches.
How to avoid overweight baggage fees on Southwest Airlines?
The best way to avoid overweight baggage fees is to weigh your bags at home before heading to the airport. Invest in a luggage scale, and if your bag is over 50 pounds, remove items until it's within the limit or redistribute weight into another bag (if allowed and within limits).
How to know if my carry-on bag is too big for Southwest Airlines?
Measure your carry-on bag, including wheels and handles. It should not exceed 24 inches (L) x 16 inches (W) x 10 inches (H). If it's larger, it will likely need to be checked at the gate.
How to get free checked bags on Southwest Airlines?
You can get free checked bags if you are a Business Select traveler, a Rapid Rewards A-List or A-List Preferred member, a Southwest co-branded credit card holder, or active-duty military personnel with valid ID.
QuickTip: Every section builds on the last.
How to handle sporting equipment on Southwest Airlines?
Most sporting equipment, like golf clubs or skis, can be checked as standard baggage. While oversized fees are often waived for specific equipment that exceeds 62 inches, overweight fees (for items over 50 pounds) will generally still apply. Always check Southwest's specific policy for your equipment.
How to check a bag weighing more than 100 pounds on Southwest Airlines?
Bags weighing more than 100 pounds (or exceeding 80 linear inches) cannot be checked as regular baggage on Southwest. They must be shipped as air cargo, and you will need to be classified as a "Known Shipper" to use this service.
How to travel with a musical instrument on Southwest Airlines?
Small musical instruments can be carried on if they fit in the overhead bin or under the seat. Larger instruments must be checked and are subject to standard baggage rules and fees. Consider purchasing an additional seat for very fragile or valuable large instruments.
How to ensure my bag doesn't get lost on Southwest Airlines?
Always put a sturdy luggage tag with your contact information (name, phone, email) on the outside of your bag. It's also a good idea to put a copy of your itinerary and contact information inside your bag as well.
How to pre-pay for baggage on Southwest Airlines?
Southwest Airlines does not typically allow passengers to pre-pay for checked luggage online. Baggage fees are usually paid at the airport when you check your bags.
How to find the most up-to-date baggage policy for Southwest Airlines?
The most reliable source for the latest baggage policy is always the official Southwest Airlines website. Policies can change, so it's wise to check closer to your travel date.
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