The news that Southwest Airlines Checked Baggage Fees will be charged now has flooded the market. Currently, Southwest allows two free checked bags for all flight passengers. But now, it is certain that bags flying free will not remain in effect. Although you may bring one personal and a carryon with you, you will need to pay a fee to carry a bag on hold.
Let’s glance at what’s changing and what will be continued in legacy. Check out all the important info related to Southwest’s checked bags, size and weight limits, and their fees for flying in the air.
You may also read the Southwest Airlines name correction policy here
Although it is overwhelming that Southwest’s most standout perk will be history, if you need more information regarding Southwest Checked Baggage Fees for your upcoming flight, call now at +1-855-300-3027. Flightaura travel advisors are here to assist you with every issue you might need to deal with.
What’s the Latest Update on Southwest’s Bags Fly Free Policy?
The hot topic in the country is that Southwest Airlines is ending its free bag policy for the first time in its 54-year history. For flights booked after May 28, 2025, most of the complimentary two-checked bags will be eliminated.
If you are worried that your flight is nearing departure before May 27 or 28, relax. The policy doesn’t apply immediately. Southwest will not charge any fees for your first or second bag for any booking made or changed on or before May 27, 2025. However, a weight and size limit will apply.
For reservations made or changed on or after May 28, 2025, Southwest Airlines checked baggage fees will be applicable.
Exceptions are those with Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred members and Business Select Customers. In addition, A-List Members and other select Customers will be allowed to carry one free checked bag. For Rapid Rewards Credit Card members, the Airline will credit the 1st checked bag.
Southwest Airlines Checked Baggage Policy
Current Policy: Checked Baggage Allowance
• Maximum Size Limit: Southwest Airlines allows checked bags of 62 linear inches (L+W+H). Your bag’s wheels and handles will be included in these measurements.
• Oversize Allowance: Over 62 inches, you can bring a bag not more than 80 inches as a checked bag for a fee.
• Maximum Weight: You can bring checked bags up to 50 pounds.
• Overweight Allowance: If you weigh more than 50 pounds, you can bring a bag up to 70 or 100 pounds for a fee.
Latest Policy: In effect from May 28, 2025
The refurbished rules will apply a Checked Bag Fee on Southwest Airlines flights. The size and weight limitations will remain the same, but first and second-checked baggage will be added for a fee. Look at the new fares of Southwest:
• You can bring 3+ checked bags of standard size and weight for a fee of $150 each.
• Oversized bags of up to 63-80 inches will cost you around $200 per piece.
• Overweight bag fees for
◦ 51-70 pounds: $150 per bag,
◦ 71-100 pounds: $200 per bag
• If your bag is oversized and overweight but does not exceed 100 pounds, a fee of $200 per bag will be charged.
Southwest Airlines Baggage Policy- Salient Features
Regardless of travel class, Southwest allows passengers to bring one carryon bag and a personal item in the cabin. Earlier, it used to be like everyone could carry 2 standard checked bags on all flights. However, from May 28 onwards, you will have to pay a fee to check your bags. Its baggage policy states that:
• There will be no fee for carry-on luggage and personal items as long as you comply with the size and weight limits.
• For flights on or before May 27, you can bring 1st and 2nd checked bags for free, remaining under the standard limit.
• You can check a third bag for $150 per piece, free for military personnel on active duty.
• If your bags exceed the limit allowed on Southwest flights, you will incur an oversized/overweight fee. Again, this is free for military members who travel on duty.
• The Airline also permits travellers to bring their sports equipment on flights as first or second-checked bags, which is free.
• However, baggage fees are subject to application when flying on an itinerary, including a partner airline.
For carryon bag: Take In Cabin
• You can bring one carryon on your Southwest flight
• No fees are applicable
• It can be a roller bag, garment bag, tote bag, suitcase or else
• External Dimensions Limit: 24×16×10 inches (L+W+H). Handles, wheels and attachments will be measured towards these dimensions.
• You can keep it in the overhead bin
• Remember, if the size exceeds the limit, it will be considered a checked bag
For personal items to carry: Take In Cabin
• You can carry one personal item to your seat on the flight
• You are supposed to put it under your seat, so it should be small enough to fit in
• Zero fees apply
• It can be a purse, briefcase, laptop bag, backpack, blanket, small camera, or pillow
• However, neck pillows don’t count towards the limit of carryon
Note: If a pet accompanies you, their pet carrier is counted as your item or carryon. Also, the dimensions must be within the range of the given standard limit.
For Sports Equipments
• Southwest allows passengers to travel with their sports equipment onboard
• You can take your equipment on a one-piece-for-one-bag basis and carry sports items in place of your checked bag.
• The items should be within 50 pounds and 62 inches in measurement, exceeding which excess weight and size charges will apply.
• Passengers can carry their archery equipment, golf and skis, bicycles, bowling equipment, parachutes, and tennis equipment on a Southwest flight.
For Musical Instruments
• Musical instruments can be bought for the flight as a carryon item of 24×16×10 inches.
• As long as it remains within the standards of carryon, you will not incur any fees.
• If it exceeds carry-on, it must exceeds a carryon’s limit be checked as luggage, for which you will have to pay the Southwest Airlines Checked baggage fees.
• A musical instrument can be checked in place of one piece of the checked baggage allowance for your ticket.
• You can get assistance to check your items on the flight.
• You may also purchase a new seat for your equipment if it doesn’t fit beneath your seat or the overhead bin.
However, overweight or oversize charges may incur if:
• The measurements were between 62 and 150 inches, adding linear length, width, and height.
• The weight of your instrument falls between 51 and 165 pounds, including the weight of its case or cover.
• The instrument will not be accepted if any of the dimensions or weight exceeds the above limit.
Check-in Your Bags Smartly
• You can get your bags checked at the airport as early as 4 hours before your flight.
• For domestic itineraries, you must check in your bag at least 45 minutes before your flight’s departure. Otherwise, your bags may or may not arrive on time at your destination with you.
• On international flights, baggage will not be accepted if you arrive less than 60 minutes prior to departure.
• To save time at the airport, you can self-tag your bags at the check-in kiosk.
Read Also: Book cheap flights to Mexico
Recapping The New Trend of Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines Check Baggage fees, in replacement of the “Bags Fly Free policy” are now official. Until now, everyone has enjoyed the Airline’s amazing customer perks, making it a budget-friendly travel partner. But with the recent changes, most passengers will have to pay for their checked bags. If you want to be the ones exempted from this rule, earn the A-list member status or their Business Select members.
For further assistance, you can call Flightaura at +1-855-300-3027, which is absolutely free of charge. Seek the best advice to save on your checked bag fee on a Southwest flight.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How much is a checked bag on Southwest?
At present, Southwest Airlines offers 2 free checked bags per traveller, which should weigh no more than 50 lbs and have 62 linear dimensions. However, starting May 28, 2025, Southwest will abolish this rule and charge a fee for checked bags. Business Select customers and Rapid Rewards A-List preferred members will still get their allowance of free checked bags on all flights.
2. Is Southwest getting rid of free checked bags?
Yes, on May 28, 2025, Southwest will charge a fee to transport checked bags. This is happening for the first time in 54 years of airline experience. After the announcement of this new regulation, Southwest’s shares have increased this week. On the other hand, its competitors’ stock prices have dropped.
3. How much is a checked baggage fee?
Since Southwest will stop transporting luggage for free, passengers will have to pay a fee of $150 per checked bag of 50 pounds each. Meanwhile, bags that exceed the standard size or weight allowed on the flight will incur a baggage fee. Oversized bags of a maximum of 80 inches will cost up to $200 per item.
4. What if my checked bag is over 50 lbs?
If your checked bag exceed 50 pounds, the standard weight limit, airlines charge an overweight fee based on the excess weight of your luggage. If you carry overweight baggage on a Southwest Airlines flight, you must pay a fee of $150-$200, depending on its exceeding weight.
5. Is carryon free on Southwest?
The Airline permits a carry-on bag and a personal item (like a backpack) per traveller without incurring a fee. However, to ensure you do not have to pay for your carry-on or personal bag, you should not exceed their size limit. Your personal item must be small and handy to be easily placed beneath your seat. Your carry-on bag must be within 50 linear inches or (24 L x 16 W x 10 H) inches, including the handles and wheels.
6. Can I take a backpack and a carryon Southwest?
Yes, freely. On your Southwest Airlines flight, you can take a carry-on bag of not more than 50 linear dimensions and a backpack as your personal item. If they both meet the size limit, there will be no issues in travel.
Matthew Baron is a seasoned travel consultant and writer, currently working with Flightaura to help travelers navigate the complexities of baggage policies, flight changes, and cancellation policies. With a deep understanding of the travel industry and a wealth of experience in travel planning, Matthew has become a trusted advisor to many travelers seeking to make the most of their trips.