When flying with Southwest Airlines, knowing the baggage policy can help you pack smarter and avoid unexpected fees. Unlike many other airlines, Southwest offers a generous baggage allowance, allowing passengers to check two bags for free—a significant perk for travelers.
Whether you bring a carry-on, check luggage, or carry unique items, understanding Southwest Airlines' baggage rules ensures a hassle-free journey. In this guide, we'll break down everything you need to know about size limits, overweight fees, and what you can and can't bring onboard.
What is the Southwest Baggage Policy?
Southwest Airlines offers one of the most generous baggage policies, allowing passengers to check two bags for free. Understanding their baggage allowance ensures a smooth travel experience, whether you're carrying on or checking luggage.
Key Highlights of Southwest Airlines Baggage Policy:
Two Free Checked Bags
– No fees for the first two checked bags (up to 50 lbs & 62 inches each).
One Carry-On & One Personal Item
– Free carry-on (22” x 14” x 9”) plus a personal item (purse, laptop bag, etc.).
Overweight/Oversized Fees
– Bags over 50 lbs or 62 inches incur additional charges.
Sports Equipment & Special Items
—Some items (like golf bags and skis) may fly free within size limits.
No Baggage Transfer Fees
—If you have a connecting flight with Southwest, your bags will be transferred for free.
Lost or Delayed Bags
– Southwest compensates and tracks lost or delayed luggage.
How much is the Southwest baggage fee?
Southwest Airlines continues to offer one of the most flexible baggage policies, allowing passengers to check two bags for free. However, additional bags, overweight luggage, and oversized items may incur extra charges. Below is the latest baggage fee structure:
Carry-On Baggage
- 1st Carry-On Bag: $0 per bag
- 2nd Carry-On Bag (Personal Item): $0 per bag
Checked Baggage
- 1st Checked Bag: $0 per bag
- 2nd Checked Bag: $0 per bag
- 3rd+ Checked Bags: $150 per bag
Military Personnel (Active Duty or PCS Orders)
- Checked Bags: $0 per bag
- Oversized Bags: $0 per bag
- Overweight Bags: $0 per bag
Overweight Checked Bags
- 51-70 lbs: $150 per bag
- 71-100 lbs: $200 per bag
Oversized Checked Bags (Larger than 62 inches, up to 80 inches)
- Fee: $200 per bag
Large Media Camera Equipment
- Checked Bags: $75 per item
- Oversized/Overweight Bags: $0 per item
What is the Southwest Checked Baggage Policy?
Southwest Airlines offers one of the most generous checked baggage policies, allowing passengers to check two bags for free. However, additional, overweight, or oversized bags may incur extra fees.
Southwest Checked Baggage Allowance & Fees:
- 1st Checked Bag is free (Max 50 lbs & 62 inches).
- 2nd Checked Bag is free (Same size & weight limits apply).
- 3rd+ Checked Bags is $150 per bag.
- Overweight Bags (51-70 lbs) are $150 per bag.
- Overweight Bags (71-100 lbs) cost up to $200 per bag.
- Oversized Bags (Over 62 inches, up to 80 inches) are $200 per bag.
- Military (Active Duty or PCS Orders), Free checked bags, including oversized & overweight.
What is the Southwest Carry-On Policy?
Southwest Airlines allows passengers to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item for free, making it easy to travel light without extra fees. However, both items must fit within the airline’s size restrictions.
Southwest Carry-On Baggage Allowance:
- 1st Carry-On Bag is free (Max size: 22” x 14” x 9”)
- Personal Item is free (Must fit under the seat, e.g., purse, laptop bag, or small backpack)
- No specific weight limit, but the bag must fit within size restrictions.
- Sharp objects, weapons, or hazardous materials are prohibited.
- Strollers, car seats, and assistive devices (e.g., wheelchairs) can be brought in addition to standard carry-ons.
What is Southwest's carry-on weight limit?
Southwest Airlines does not impose a specific weight limit on carry-on bags. However, all carry-on items must adhere to the airline’s size restrictions to ensure they fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.
What are the Southwest Carry-on Size restrictions?
Southwest Airlines has specific size restrictions for carry-on baggage to ensure a smooth boarding process. The carry-on bag, including its wheels and handles, must not exceed 22 inches in length, 14 inches in width, and 9 inches in height. This bag must fit in the overhead bin without obstructing other passengers’ luggage.
What is the Southwest personal item size limit?
Southwest Airlines allows passengers to bring one personal item free of charge in addition to their carry-on bag. The maximum dimensions for an individual item are 16.25” x 13.5” x 8”, ensuring it fits under the seat in front of you. Personal items include purses, laptop bags, small backpacks, or briefcases.
The Summary Lines
Southwest Airlines continues to stand out with its two free checked bags policy, making it a cost-effective choice for travelers. With precise size and weight restrictions for carry-on and checked baggage, passengers can easily plan their packing to avoid extra fees. However, extra charges may apply for additional or oversized luggage. Understanding these guidelines ensures a smooth and hassle-free travel experience.
See more related airlines' baggage policies:
American Airlines baggage policy
United Airlines baggage policy
