Southwest Airlines Baggage Policy 2025 | Fees, Rules, and Size Limits

When it comes to flying, baggage rules can be confusing, especially when airlines change their policies. For years, Southwest Airlines was known for being the only major U.S. airline that allowed two checked bags for free. But in 2025, that popular that policy is changing. Travelers will want to know exactly what’s allowed, what costs extra, and how to avoid surprises at the airport.

As of May 28, 2025, Southwest ended its universal “two bags fly free” guarantee.
Now, most flyers will pay $35 for the first checked bag and $45 for the second.
However, in cases of exception, such as Business Select fares and A-List Preferred elite status, you still enjoy baggage benefits.
Carry-on rules stay the same: You can still bring one carry-on bag and one personal item for free, as long as they meet size limits.

Checked Baggage: What’s Changed & What’s Still Allowed

Baggage Size and Weight Limits

Each checked bag must weigh no more than 50 lb (about 22.7 kg).
The total linear size (length + width + height) must not exceed 62 inches (157 cm).
Bags exceeding those limits are considered overweight or oversize and incur additional charges (more on that below).
Southwest allows a maximum of 20 checked bags for any passenger. You can’t check unlimited bags even if you pay. However, fees apply from the 3rd bag onward, and 20 is the operational limit, not a benefit.

Standard Checked Baggage Allowance & Fees

Because of the 2025 policy change, not all tickets include free checked bags:

First checked bag now costs $35 for most passengers, for flights booked May 28, 2025, or later.
The second checked bag costs $45 under similar circumstances.
Third and additional checked bags cost $150 each for most passengers beyond the first two.

Exceptions or Waivers:

If you booked your ticket or made changes on or before May 27, 2025, the old “two free checked bags” policy still applies.
Flyers with Business Select fare and Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred members still receive two free checked bags (provided they meet weight/size rules).
Rapid Rewards A-List members (lower status) and some Southwest credit card holders receive one waived bag (i.e., first bag free).
Active duty military travelers may get special exemptions (check documentation).

It’s crucial to verify on your booking confirmation or on Southwest’s site to determine whether your fare includes any free checked bags under your status or ticket type.

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Overweight or Oversized Charges

If your checked bag exceeds 50 lb or 62 inches, extra fees apply:

Condition	Extra Fee*
Bag weight between 51–70 lb	$100 (plus the standard checked bag fee)
Bag weight 71–100 lb	$200 (plus standard fee)
Bag linear size between 63–80 inches	$200 (plus standard fee)
Bag both overweight and oversized (but <=100 lb / <=80 in)	Only $200 (one surcharge)

If your bag is both overweight and oversized, only one of these extra surcharges applies (not both) as long as within the weight/size caps.
Special rules may apply for interisland (Hawaii) travel and certain sports equipment.

Special Items and Sports Equipment

If you are traveling with items like golf clubs, bicycles, surfboards, skis, or other large gear? Southwest Airlines does allow many special items, but there are a few things to keep in mind:

Most sports equipment can count as one checked bag if it stays within the standard size and weight limits.
If they exceed airline limits, they may be treated as oversized/overweight and subject to surcharges.
For Hawaii interisland flights or travel, Southwest may offer special handling or lower fees for certain items.

If you're packing something unusual, it’s always smart to check Southwest’s special items policy before you head to the airport.

Southwest Carry-On and Personal Item Rules

Before checking any bag, here’s what you can bring on board at no extra charge:

Carry-On Bag:

You may bring one carry-on bag that fits in the overhead bin. The maximum external dimensions are 24 × 16 × 10 inches (including wheels and handles).

Personal Item:

In addition, you can carry one smaller item like a purse, laptop bag, or small backpack. That must be able to sit under the seat in front of you.

No Weight Limit:

Southwest does not have a weight limit for carry-on bags. However, you must be able to lift and store it yourself in the overhead bin.

Oversized Carry-On:

If your carry-on exceeds the allowed dimensions, it might be gate-checked (i.e., moved to the hold) without charge.

Tips to Maximize Value and Avoid Extra Charges

Prepay your checked bags online during booking rather than at the airport. It’s usually cheaper.
Confirm whether your fare or status gives you free checked bag(s) before packing.
Distribute weight smartly: if one bag is near the 50 lb limit and another is light, shift items to avoid overweight charges.
Use carry-on and personal item allowances fully.
If traveling with sports gear, check with Southwest’s special-item policies in advance.
For flights booked before May 28, 2025 (or with change dates before then), your two free checked bags may still apply.

FAQs about Southwest Airlines’ baggage policy

Q.1: How much are the new Southwest Airlines baggage fees?

For most travelers: $35 for the first checked bag, and $45 for the second.

Q.2: Do any bags fly free on Southwest in 2025?

Only if you booked before May 28, 2025, or have a qualifying status or fare. Otherwise, checked bags are now paid.

Q3. What is the maximum Southwest Airlines baggage weight allowed?

A checked bag must weigh no more than 50 lb (22.7 kg) to avoid overweight charges.

Q.4: What is the permitted Southwest Airlines baggage size?

The sum of length + width + height must not exceed 62 inches. Bags beyond that (up to 80 inches) may be accepted with a surcharge.

Q.5: How many checked bags can I bring?

A passenger may check up to 20 pieces (subject to embargoes). However, standard payouts for third or more bags are costly ($150 each for many).

Q.6: Do carry-on bags have weight limits?

No published weight limit for carry-on or personal items, just size limits. You must be able to lift the carry-on into the overhead bin yourself.

Q.7: What happens if my checked bag is lost or damaged?

Southwest’s policy allows you to submit a claim via their Baggage Claim Web Portal if your bag isn’t located after five days.

Conclusion

Southwest Airlines has updated its baggage policy, and knowing the Southwest Airlines baggage rules can help you avoid extra fees. Most travelers now have to pay Southwest Airlines baggage fees, and every bag must follow the Southwest Airlines baggage weight limit of 50 lb and the Southwest Airlines baggage size limit of 62 inches. There are also Southwest Airlines baggage limits on how many bags you can check, and extra charges apply if your bags are too heavy or too big.

But with a little planning, you can still save money, use your carry-on allowance, pack smart, and check if your ticket or status includes any free bags.

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