When you are planning a flight with Southwest Airlines the first thing that will come to mind is the baggage allowance. Knowing what you can carry on and what you cannot can save you time and money at the airport and also knowing how to pack efficiently. No matter what reason you are going, be it business, vacation, or even a quick get-away, rules on what to pack in your baggage and what to carry with you is always necessary to guarantee a hassle-free trip. Here we will deconstruct the baggage policy of Southwest, such as the size, weight restrictions, and any other significant charges that should be in your awareness.
Southwest Airlines has a reputation of having a generous baggage policy, particularly when it compared to most of the other major airlines in the U.S. Below is the list of the most important aspects of the current baggage policy of Southwest that will assist you in packing:
Southwest baggage policy is meant to be simple and traveler friendly as there are clear policies on what you can carry without having to strain your wallet. It is always advisable to have a preview of the details before you take off on your trip to make sure that you do not receive any surprises in the airport.
In a new policy set by the Southwest airlines that relates to passengers whose ticket was booked on or after May 28, 2025, the majority will be charged as bringing their first bag to the airport, and the number of bag they will be allowed to carry will depend on the fare and their level of loyalty. The number of bags you can check with Southwest Airlines is as follows:
The policy is based on a transition of the long-established policy of Southwest; the Bags Fly Free policy, though it still provides advantages to the loyal and premium customers.
No, as of May 28, 2025, Southwest Airlines will no longer provide free checked bags to the travelers. The airline abolished its long-running policy, Bags Fly Free, that was offering two free bags to be carried per passenger during the last 50 years. Most passengers are now forced to pay $35 and 45 respectively to have their first and second bag checked. Nonetheless, free checked bags remain in options of some groups:
This relocation of Southwest includes its baggage policies in the parallels of other major U.S airlines, but continues to give baggage fee waivers to baggage to its customers as an added value.
In the case of carry-on luggage, the Southwest Airlines is quite friendly to the travelers and does not cause any problem to the passengers carrying the required items on board. This is a simple explanation of Southwest carry-on policies to ensure that you pack smart and sail through the boarding:
Southwest does not state the weight of the carry on bags, but they should not be too heavy that the passenger cannot carry them into the overhead compartment.
Other things that the passengers can carry are umbrellas, walking canes, assisting devices, food with a disposable wrapping package and child restraint on ticketed children, which do not count in the restrictions of the carry-on.
These carry-on regulations allow the passengers to bring their necessities on board at no additional costs and balance the overhead bin space and security requirements.
Each passenger is allowed to bring with them one carry on bag along with the personal item without paying any extra fees. The carry on bag needs to be fit under the overhead bin and it should not be more than 24 inches in length, 16 inches in width and 10 inches in height including the wheels and handles.
Knowing what you are permitted to carry with you as a carry-on can help ease your passage through the security check line and eliminate possibility of surprises that may force you to check certain things that you could never imagine. Detailed information about what you can bring on your carry on baggage can be found down below when you fly with Southwest Airlines:
You can carry with you the daily necessities such as:
You can bring most of the electronics in your bag with Southwest:
In case you are travelling with a child, you may carry:
The list can be attributed to the desire of Southwest to provide a generous allowance on carry-on and safety and efficiency up in the air.
Yes, there are some restrictions of the weight and size of both checked and carry-on baggage imposed by Southwest airline as a way of providing safety and efficiency in boarding and loading. Going over them can accrue additional fees and hence it is better to be familiar with the regulations before packing.
To deal with baggage fees and baggage allowances, the Southwest Airlines has left its old system of free checked baggage behind and adopted a more revenue seeking approach starting May 28, 2025. The most important points of the southwest airlines baggage policy fees are listed below:
|
Baggage Type |
Fee/Allowance |
Conditions/Notes |
|
First Checked Bag |
$35 |
This applies to Basic, Choice, and the Choice Preferred fares. |
|
Second Checked Bag |
$45 |
Applies to Basic, Choice, and the Choice Preferred fares. |
|
Third and Additional Bags |
$150 |
Additional checked bags beyond second bag. |
|
Oversized Bags (63-80 inches) |
$125 + standard bag fee |
Charge for bags exceeding 62 inches up to 80 inches. |
|
Overweight Bags (51-70 lbs) |
$100 + standard bag fee |
Additional fee for bags over the 50 lbs. |
|
Overweight Bags (71-100 lbs) |
$200 + standard bag fee |
Applies if overweight exceeds the 70 lbs. |
|
Carry-On Bag |
Free |
One carry-on bag allowed, with the max size 24 x 16 x 10 inches. |
|
Personal Item |
Free |
One personal item allowed, with the max size 16.25 x 13.5 x 8.5 inches. |
|
Free Checked Bags |
2 free bags |
For Choice Extra fare, Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred, Business Select, military personnel, and the credit card holders. |
|
Weight limit per checked bag |
50 lbs (23 kg) |
Bags exceeding must pay overweight fees. |
|
Size limit per checked bag |
62 linear inches (length + width + height) |
Bags exceeding size limit incur oversize fees. |
The baggage policy of Southwest Airlines is important to know to have a pleasant journey. Despite the implications that the new changes suggest, there are certain benefits, which the loyal customers can have. Through informing you on the size and weight restrictions of the checked and carry on baggage, you will be able to plan ahead successfully and save money and travel inconvenience free.
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