Jazmin Li
Southwest Airlines has a generous baggage policy, allowing passengers to check two bags of up to 50 pounds without any fees. However, extra, overweight, or oversized bags will incur charges. These fees can be paid at the airport, as Southwest does not allow prepayment for luggage. The fees for additional, overweight, or oversized bags vary depending on the weight and size of the bag, with charges starting at $75 per additional item, each way. Southwest also offers waivers for select passengers, such as military personnel and Rapid Rewards A-List members. It's important to note that Southwest's baggage policy has undergone changes over time, with the airline eliminating free checked bags for all starting May 28, 2025.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of free carry-on bags | 2 (1 bag and 1 small personal item) |
| Size of the personal item | 18.5 x 8.5 x 13.5 inches |
| Size of the carry-on bag | 10 x 16 x 24 inches |
| Number of free checked bags | 2 |
| Weight limit for free checked bags | 50 pounds |
| Size limit for free checked bags | 62 inches on any side |
| Fee for the first checked bag | $35 |
| Fee for the second checked bag | $45 |
| Fee for the third checked bag | $150 |
| Fee for additional bags | $75 per item |
| Fee for overweight items (51-70 pounds) | $100-$150 |
| Fee for overweight items (71-100 pounds) | $200 |
| Fee for oversized items (63-80 inches) | $200 |
| Fee for sports equipment | $75 |
| Fee for surfboard bag (over 50 pounds) | $75 |
| Waivers for checked bag fees | A-List members, co-branded cardholders, Business Select travelers |
| Waivers for overweight/oversized bag fees | Military personnel, media camera equipment |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Southwest Airlines baggage fees
Southwest Airlines has recently changed its baggage policy, and from May 28, 2025, most passengers will have to pay for checked bags. The airline does not allow prepayment for luggage, so passengers must pay at the airport.
Southwest Airlines offers two free carry-on items: one bag and one small personal item. The personal item must be small enough to fit under the seat, and the carry-on bag must be stored in the overhead bin.
For checked baggage, Southwest Airlines allows two free checked bags up to 50 pounds each and with a maximum linear size of 62 inches. This is a significant benefit compared to other airlines, which often charge for checked bags.
If you have more than two bags to check, you will need to pay an additional fee. The fee for a third bag is $75, $45, or $150, depending on various sources. Overweight and oversized bags will also incur additional charges. For bags between 51 and 70 pounds, the fee is $100 or $150, and for bags between 71 and 100 pounds, the fee is $200. Bags larger than 62 inches but not more than 80 inches will be charged $200 per item, in addition to the standard baggage fee.
Certain passengers are exempt from checked bag fees. These include A-List members, A-List Preferred members, co-branded credit cardholders, and Business Select travelers. Military personnel traveling on active duty are also exempt from checked, overweight, and oversized bag fees, as long as the bags do not exceed 100 pounds and 80 inches.
Sporting equipment and special luggage may be subject to additional fees. For example, surfboards and other sporting items may be considered oversized or overweight and incur the associated fees.
It is important to note that these fees are subject to change, and passengers should refer to the latest information on the Southwest Airlines website for the most accurate and up-to-date details.
Airport Lights: Can They Be Hacked?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Waivers and exemptions
Southwest Airlines offers waivers and exemptions to certain passengers. Military personnel travelling on active duty or permanent change of station orders are exempt from checked, overweight, or oversized bag fees, as long as the bags do not exceed 100 pounds and 80 inches. Rapid Rewards A-List members receive one free checked bag, while A-List Preferred members receive two free checked bags. Co-branded credit cardholders receive one free checked bag, and Business Select travellers receive two free checked bags.
In addition, Southwest Airlines allows strollers and car seats to be checked for free at the curb, ticket counter, or gate. A bag containing a breast pump or breast milk can be brought on board in addition to the standard carry-on allowance. For interisland Hawaii travel, overweight items from 51-70 pounds cost $35, and items from 71-100 pounds cost $70. Oversized items in excess of 62 inches but not more than 80 inches incur a charge of $35 per item, plus the standard baggage fee. For flights between the islands of Hawaii, surfboards can be substituted for one checked bag, with a limited release of liability.
Southwest Airlines also offers Capital One cards that can help eliminate overweight or oversized bag fees. Cardholders can use their miles to pay for travel statement charges, such as baggage fees, within 90 days of purchase at a rate of 1 cent per mile.
Exploring Canada During a Layover: What You Need to Know
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Carry-on baggage
Southwest Airlines allows passengers to carry one bag and one small personal item for free. The personal item must be small enough to fit under the seat in front of you (no larger than 18.5 x 8.5 x 13.5 inches), and can include items such as purses, briefcases, cameras, food containers or laptops. The carry-on bag must be stored in the overhead bin and can be no larger than 10 x 16 x 24 inches. Southwest does not charge any fees for carry-on baggage.
If you are travelling with a pet, you must carry it in an appropriate carrier. Each pet carrier counts as a carry-on or personal item. Pet fare is subject to change at any time.
If you are travelling with a stroller and car seat, you can check them in at the curb, ticket counter, or gate free of charge.
Southwest Airlines does not allow passengers to prepay for luggage. This means that passengers must pay for any additional baggage at the ticketing counter at the airport.
Currency Exchange at Heathrow Airport: Where and How?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Checked baggage
Southwest Airlines allows you to check two bags up to 50 pounds without paying any fees. This is a great perk, especially since most other domestic airlines charge for checking a bag. However, if you have more than two bags to check, you will need to pay $75 for each additional item, each way.
If your bag is deemed overweight (over 50 to 100 pounds) or oversized (larger than 62 inches up to 80 inches), you will be charged additional fees. Overweight items from 51-70 pounds will cost $100, and items from 71-100 pounds will cost $200. Oversized items will be accepted for a charge of $200 per item, plus the standard baggage fee. If your item is both oversized and overweight, you will only be charged the $200 fee, as long as the item does not exceed 100 lbs.
There are some waivers and exemptions for certain passengers. Military personnel traveling on active duty are not charged checked, overweight, or oversized bag fees, as long as the bags do not exceed 100 pounds and 80 inches. A-List members and co-branded credit cardholders receive one free checked bag, while A-List Preferred members and Business Select travelers receive two free checked bags.
It is important to note that Southwest does not allow passengers to prepay for luggage. Passengers must pay for any additional baggage at the airport.
Checking in at O'Hare: A Guide for Frontier Fliers
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Overweight and oversized baggage
Southwest Airlines does not allow passengers to prepay for luggage. This means that passengers must pay for any extra, overweight, or oversized baggage at the airport. The airline accepts cash, credit cards, and debit cards as payment methods.
Overweight baggage
Overweight baggage fees apply to items weighing between 51 and 100 pounds. The fees are as follows:
- $100 for items weighing 51-70 pounds
- $200 for items weighing 71-100 pounds
Oversized baggage
Oversized baggage fees apply to items with a maximum linear dimension (length + width + depth) of over 62 inches. The fee for oversized items is $200 per item.
If an item is both overweight and oversized, a single $200 charge applies as long as the item does not exceed 100 pounds.
It is important to note that these fees are subject to change, and passengers should refer to the Southwest Airlines website for the most up-to-date information.
Airport Security and Back Braces: What You Need to Know
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, Southwest allows you to pay for extra baggage at the airport. However, you cannot prepay for luggage and must pay at the airport ticketing counter.
Additional bags, overweight, and oversized items incur fees. The first checked bag costs $35, the second $45, and the third $150. Overweight items from 51-70 pounds will cost $100-$150, and items 71-100 pounds will cost $200. Oversized items over 62 inches but not more than 80 inches will be charged $200 per item.
Yes, there are a few exemptions. Active military personnel traveling with permanent change of station orders are exempt from checked, overweight, and oversized bag fees. A-List members and co-branded credit cardholders receive one free checked bag, while A-List Preferred members and Business Select travelers receive two free checked bags.
Yes, each airline has weight and size restrictions for baggage. Southwest allows two free checked bags up to 50 pounds each and 62 inches on any side. Overweight and oversized items will incur additional fees.
Yes, there are a few strategies to avoid extra baggage fees. Stick to one carry-on and two checked bags within the weight and size limits. Additionally, certain memberships and credit cards offer benefits like free checked bags, so utilizing those can help avoid extra fees.
