Southwest Airlines Baggage Policy

Southwest Airlines Baggage Policy: When you think of Southwest Airlines, the first thing that probably comes to mind is their famous "Bags Fly Free" slogan. For decades, it was the gold standard of travel perks. However, the Southwest Airlines Baggage Policy has undergone some of the most significant changes in the company's history.

Whether you’re a lifelong fan of the "LUV" airline or a first-time flyer, the old rules don't always apply anymore. Between the shift to assigned seating and the introduction of new fare tiers, knowing what you can carry—and what it will cost—is more important than ever. Here is a deep dive into the baggage rules to help you avoid any "sticker shock" at the airport.

The Big Shift: Does "Bags Fly Free" Still Exist?

Let's address the elephant in the room. For flights booked or changed on or after May 28, 2025, Southwest officially ended its universal two-free-bags policy. While this was a massive culture shock for travelers, the airline didn't completely scrap the perks—they just moved them into different "fare buckets."

If you’re hunting for a deal, you need to be careful with the fare you choose. The "Basic," "Choice," and "Choice Preferred" fares now come with checked bag fees. However, if you opt for the Choice Extra or Business Select fares, you still get those two legendary free checked bags. It's essentially a "pay for what you need" model that aligns Southwest more closely with other major U.S. carriers.

Checked Baggage: Fees, Sizes, and Weight

If you're on a fare that requires payment, or if you're checking more than two bags, here is the breakdown of the Southwest Airlines Baggage Policy for 2026.

The Standard Checked Bag Rules

Regardless of whether you pay a fee or get it for free, every checked bag must meet these criteria:

Weight Limit: 50 pounds ( $inline$ 22.7kg $inline$ ) per bag.
Size Limit: 62 inches ( $inline$ 157cm $inline$ ) total (Length + Width + Height).

The Fee Structure (Per Bag)

If your fare doesn't include bags, or if you’re checking extras, here is what you can expect to pay:

1st Checked Bag: $35
2nd Checked Bag: $45
3rd Bag and Beyond: $150 per bag.

Wait, I'm an A-List Member! If you have A-List or A-List Preferred status, or if you carry a Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card, you still get your first checked bag for free. A-List Preferred members actually still get two bags free, keeping that old-school Southwest spirit alive.

Carry-On Allowance: Your "Two-Item" Freedom

While the checked bag policy has tightened up, Southwest remains one of the most generous airlines when it comes to what you can bring into the cabin. Every passenger is still allowed one carry-on bag and one personal item for free.

The Size Guidelines

Carry-on Bag: Maximum dimensions are 24” x 16” x 10”. This is slightly larger than the "industry standard" of 22” x 14” x 9” used by Delta or United, which is a huge win if you have a slightly bulkier suitcase.
Personal Item: This must fit under the seat in front of you (think purses, laptop bags, or small backpacks). The max size is 16.25” x 13.5” x 8”.

A Natural Note on Bin Space

One thing to keep in mind , as Southwest transitions to assigned seating, the mad dash to board early just to find bin space has calmed down a bit. However, if you’re in the last boarding group, be prepared for the possibility that the overhead bins are full. If that happens, the gate agents will "gate check" your bag to your final destination for free. It’s a bit of a hassle, but at least it doesn't cost you anything extra.

Overweight and Oversized Baggage Fees

If you’re a "heavy packer" or you’re bringing back a lot of souvenirs, you need to watch those scales. Southwest is strict about the 50-pound limit.

Overweight (51–70 lbs): $100 per bag.
Overweight (71–100 lbs): $200 per bag.
Oversized (63–80 inches): $200 per bag.

If a bag is both overweight and oversized, you only pay the $200 fee once, rather than being double-charged. Still, at $200, it might be cheaper to just buy a second suitcase and pay the $45 second-bag fee!

Sports Equipment and Musical Instruments

Southwest has always been a favorite for musicians and athletes because of their specialized handling policies.

Golf Bags and Skis

Good news: Golf bags and ski equipment (including one pair of skis/poles or one snowboard and a boot bag) count as one standard checked bag. If you have a fare that includes free bags, your golf clubs fly for $0. If you’re on a Basic fare, you’ll just pay the standard $35 fee.

Bicycles

The policy for bikes improved recently. You can now check a bicycle for the standard checked bag fee, provided it is under 100 pounds. The oversized fee ($200) is usually waived for bikes, as long as they are packed in a proper hard-shell case.

Musical Instruments

You can bring a small instrument (like a violin or guitar) as your carry-on item if it fits in the overhead bin. For larger instruments like a cello, you can actually purchase a "seat" for the instrument, or check it into the hold. Just make sure your case is "flight-ready"—Southwest isn't liable for damage to instruments in soft-sided cases.

Military Baggage Perks

Southwest continues to show immense support for the armed forces. Active-duty military members with valid ID are exempt from almost all baggage restrictions.

Allowance: Up to 20 checked bags for free.
Weight/Size: They are exempt from overweight and oversized fees, provided no single bag exceeds 100 pounds or 80 inches.

The "Pro" Checklist for Stress-Free Packing

To make sure your trip goes off without a hitch, here is a quick "cheat sheet" to use before you head to the airport:

Check Your Fare Brand: Did you book "Choice Extra"? If not, set aside $35 for that first bag.
Weigh Your Bag: Use a hand scale. Crossing that 50lb mark is an instant $100 hit.
Tag Your Bags: Southwest provides free tags at the kiosks, but having your own bright-colored tag makes it easier to spot on the carousel.
Use the App: You can pay for your bags during the 24-hour check-in window on the app. This saves you from fumbling with your credit card at the ticket counter.

Final Thoughts on the Policy

The Southwest Airlines Baggage Policy isn't as simple as it used to be, but it’s still one of the more reasonable sets of rules in the industry. By choosing the right fare and keeping an eye on your bag's dimensions, you can still enjoy a relatively low-cost journey.