Southwest® Baggage Fees
For decades, Southwest Airlines stood out among U.S. carriers by letting travelers check up to two bags free of charge.
However, as of May 28, 2025, Southwest introduced checked baggage fees for most passengers on many fare types.
Unless you qualify through specific fare bundles, elite status, or credit card benefits, you’ll now pay for checked luggage, just like with other major airlines.
Southwest may have been the last airline holding out on baggage fees, but that era has officially taken off.
When Southwest Airlines charges checked bag fees
Southwest’s checked bag fees generally apply to flights booked on or after May 28, 2025, for most standard fare types. If you don’t have an eligible fare bundle or baggage waiver through Rapid Rewards status or a Southwest credit card, checked luggage will typically cost extra.
Keep in mind that these fees are usually charged per direction, meaning you’ll pay once for your departing flight and again on the way home. In other words, your suitcase may be going on a roundtrip vacation of its own.
Below, we’ll break down Southwest Airlines’ updated baggage fees, policies, and restrictions, and show how you can skip the check-in counter drama (and surprise charges) by shipping your luggage with LugLess instead (available for shipments within the U.S. and intra-Canada).
Quick Southwest baggage fee summary
Southwest’s baggage fees vary based on fare type and traveler status. Below are typical one-way fees for most domestic routes:
| Baggage category | Fee | Max Weight | Max Size (L+W+H) | LugLess carry-on | $14-$39 | 25lbs | Calculate |
|---|---|---|---|
| First checked bag | $35 | 50lbs | 62" |
| Second checked bag | $45 | 50lbs | 62" |
| Third(+) checked bag | $75 | 50lbs | 62" |
| LugLess checked bag | $25-$45 | 50lbs | Calculate |
| Overweight surcharge | +$75 | 51-99lb | 62" |
| Oversized surcharge | +$75 | 50lbs | 63"-80" |
| LugLess oversized bag | $28-$55 | 75lbs | Calculate |
LugLess vs. Southwest Airlines Checked Bag Fees
| Option | Cost | Hassle | Delivery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southwest Checked Bag | $35–$45+ (per bag) | Airport lines + baggage claim | Airport |
| LugLess | From $25 | No counter lines or carousel wait | Door-to-door (U.S. & intra-Canada) |
Shipping with LugLess can be cheaper and more convenient than airline bag fees especially with multiple bags, overweight luggage, or bulky items.
How to avoid Southwest baggage fees
Here are some tips to reduce or eliminate baggage fees:
- Pack only your carry-on + personal item to avoid checked bag charges entirely.
- Book an eligible fare (like Business Select or Choice Extra) that includes free checked bags.
- Earn Rapid Rewards elite status to unlock free checked bags.
- Use a Southwest co-branded credit card that offers at least one free checked bag benefit.
- Consider shipping your luggage ahead with LugLess for door-to-door delivery.
Southwest Airlines checked baggage policy
Checked bags on Southwest are now usually paid add-ons unless you qualify for a waiver.
That means many travelers who used to check bags without thinking twice may now see extra charges added at checkout—or worse, at the airport counter.
Southwest Airlines checked baggage fees
Southwest baggage fees do not apply to the first two bags weighing up to 50lbs and measuring 62″ (L+W+H) or less.
Checked bags on Southwest are now usually paid add-ons unless you qualify for a waiver.
Southwest checked bag size & weight limits
- Maximum size: 62 linear inches (length + width + height)
- Maximum weight: Up to 50 lbs per checked bag
If your bag exceeds these limits, additional overweight and oversized fees will apply.
Southwest Airlines excess baggage fees
Checking excess baggage on Southwest Airlines costs $75 per bag for your third or more checked bag.
Southwest Airlines overweight baggage fees
- Bags weighing 51–70 lbs may incur an extra charge in addition to the checked bag fee.
Bags over 70 lbs may not be accepted.
Southwest Airlines carry-on baggage rules
Southwest still offers most passengers:
- 1 carry-on bag (free)
- 1 personal item (free)
This is good news for light packers, and bad news for anyone who treats vacation packing like a competitive sport.
Southwest Airlines carry-on size limits
Carry-on bags must fit in the overhead bin, while personal items must fit under the seat.
- Carry-on max size: 24″ × 16″ × 10″
- Personal item size: Must fit under the seat (common examples include purses, laptop bags, and backpacks)
Southwest does not impose a formal weight limit on carry-ons, but you should be able to lift them unassisted into the overhead compartment.
Southwest Airlines baggage fees for international flights
Southwest Airlines also operates international routes, and baggage policies are generally similar to domestic flights. However, international travelers should be aware that baggage handling rules may vary depending on airport procedures and destination requirements.
Since checked bag fees are often charged per direction, international travelers with multiple bags may see costs add up quickly, especially for roundtrip trips.
For travelers heading abroad with bulky luggage, shipping your bags ahead can often be a more convenient alternative.
Southwest Airlines special items
(Sports Gear, Strollers, and More)
Many Southwest passengers travel with items that don’t fit neatly into a carry-on, such as sports equipment, baby gear, or musical instruments. Southwest may allow these items to be checked, but they can still be subject to oversize or overweight fees depending on their dimensions and weight.
Common special items travelers may bring include:
- Golf clubs
- Skis and snowboards
- Surfboards
- Car seats and strollers
- Musical instruments
If you're traveling with bulky gear, shipping it ahead can help you avoid oversized baggage fees and the headache of dragging awkward items through the airport.
Since checked bag fees are often charged per direction, international travelers with multiple bags may see costs add up quickly, especially for roundtrip trips.
For travelers heading abroad with bulky luggage, shipping your bags ahead can often be a more convenient alternative.
Southwest Airlines baggage fee exceptions & waivers
Southwest still offers free checked bags for qualifying customers, including:
- Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred Members: Two free checked bags (member and up to eight passengers on the same reservation)
- Business Select / Choice Extra Fare Passengers: Two free checked bags
- Rapid Rewards A-List Members: One free checked bag
- Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers: One free checked bag (with account number attached at booking)
- Active-duty military: May qualify for waived checked bag fees and limits
If you don’t meet these criteria, as is now the case for many travelers you’ll generally pay Southwest’s standard checked bag fees.
Southwest Airlines Baggage FAQs
Does Southwest Airlines still charge for carry-on bags?
No. Southwest continues to allow one carry-on bag and one personal item free of charge.
How much does Southwest Airlines charge for checked bags?
For most passengers, Southwest charges about $35 for the first checked bag and $45 for the second, unless free bags are included through elite status, fare type, or credit card benefits.
What is Southwest Airlines’ checked bag size limit?
Checked bags must not exceed 62 linear inches (length + width + height).
What is Southwest Airlines’ checked bag weight limit?
Checked bags should weigh no more than 50 lbs unless otherwise allowed.
Do Southwest baggage fees apply per flight or per trip?
Southwest baggage fees are typically charged per direction, meaning you’ll pay once for your outbound flight and again for your return flight.
Who gets free checked bags on Southwest Airlines?
Free checked bag benefits may apply to Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred members, Business Select or Choice Extra fare passengers, Rapid Rewards A-List members, and certain Rapid Rewards credit cardholders.
Is shipping luggage cheaper than checking it on Southwest Airlines?
Often, yes—especially when you have multiple checked bags or oversized luggage. LugLess offers door-to-door delivery within the U.S. and Canada.
More information on Southwest baggage fees
The actual fees charged for checked luggage will vary depending on your specific fare class, loyalty status, and other factors. For additional information on Southwest Airlines checked baggage fees, please visit Southwest’s website. Southwest® is a registered trademark of Southwest Airlines Co. This page was last updated on February 10, 2026. Neither LugLess, nor its parent, subsidiaries, and/or affiliates, makes any warranty, express or implied, or assumes any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information contained herein.