Do you know that Southwest Airlines changed its baggage allowance rules in 2025? Any trip includes luggage as a part of the itinerary. The new Southwest Airlines baggage policy has discontinued its previous policy of no charges for the first two checked bags. Earlier, you could get two checked-in bags for free on Southwest Airlines (irrespective of your fare type). Now, only select fare classes can enjoy this free checked baggage policy. If you are someone who tends to pack more bags when they hit the sky for vacations or business meetings, you will have to pay extra charges now for your checked bags on Southwest Airlines.

Southwest Airlines Baggage Policy: Key Updates

Your favorite travel partner, Southwest Airlines, rolled out some changes in its previous baggage rules. This latest update to Southwest Airlines baggage policy has made changes in the baggage charges for different travel classes. You will now have to pay additional charges for checked Baggage (depending on your ticket type). We have detailed the latest Southwest Airlines baggage policy on this page to help Southwest flyers clear up any confusion. Before diving into Southwest Airlines’ baggage fees, review its key highlights below.

• You will come under the new Southwest Baggage allowance policy if you have made your reservations on or after May 28, 2025.
• The Airline no longer permits free check-in of two bags for every ticket type.
• Travelers’ luggage size and weight restrictions have been kept similar.
• You are still allowed to take one personal item and a carry-on bag under the permissible limit.
• Southwest Airlines will charge you extra if you want to board oversize and overweight bags.
• Southwest Airlines classifies bags above 50 pounds (23 kilograms) in the overweight Baggage section.
• If the linear height of your luggage exceeds 62 inches (158 centimeters), you will be charged according to the oversize baggage allowance rules.
• You can still check in two baggages at no extra cost if you are traveling in select fare classes.
• Southwest Airlines will offer you free baggage check-in (up to the first two bags) if you opt for its “Bags fly free” service during reservation.

Are carry-on Bags Allowed on Southwest Airlines?

Southwest Airlines travelers can be happy to know that they can take one carry-on bag for free. You should ensure that your carry-on (cabin) bags fit in the overhead compartment of the flight. For cabin bags (that do not fit under the overhead compartment), travelers will need to have them checked according to Southwest Airlines’ checked baggage policy.

Bags’ Size: 24 in by 16 in by 10 in

Weight Limit: There is good news for all heavy packers on Southwest Airlines. You will not have to go through the weight limit criteria for carry-on bags, as there is none. If your bag fits in the overhead bin section of the Southwest flight, it is good to go.

Southwest Airlines travelers will have to include the size of handles, wheels, and other attachments while measuring their bags.

Southwest Baggage Policy for Personal Item

In addition to carry-on luggage, every traveler is allowed to bring one personal item with them. You can take a personal item with you on Southwest flights irrespective of your fare type. Southwest Airlines is one of the few airlines that has not imposed a size limit on the personal item. You will also not have to face the weight limit criteria on your personal item while traveling on Southwest Airlines. Southwest Airlines’ personal item may include:

• laptop
• purse
• briefcase
• backpack
• any such items

Note: Your personal item should fit under the seat of Southwest Airlines’ flight (to avoid extra costs). Passengers accompanying their pet can take a pet carrier with them on Southwest flights. You can bring the pet carrier onboard (either as a carry-on bag or a personal item).

Southwest Airlines Policy for Checked Baggage

You can make your Southwest Airlines flight journey memorable by following its checked baggage policy. You can take luggage under the specific dimensions (size), weight, and quantity (number of bags). If we leave certain fare types (Basic/Choice/Choice Preferred), passengers can get their two bags checked for free.

• Size Limit (for 1st two bags): 62 inches (158cm)
• Weight Limit (for 1st two bags): 50 pounds each (23 kgs)

After the first two checked bags on Southwest Airlines, you will have to pay additional charges. You will also have to pay extra for oversized and overweight bags. If you are traveling with a group on a single ticket, Southwest Airlines offers free baggage benefits for up to 8 travelers.

What are the Southwest Airlines Baggage Fees?

Southwest Airlines baggage allowance fees vary based on fare/travel class and the condition of the luggage (number/size/weight). We have provided Southwest Airlines baggage fees under different cases below.

Ticket fare / Travel class type	Fees for baggage
Basic Fare type	$35 for 1st bag $45 for 2nd bag $150 for 3 or more bags
Choice Fare type	$35 for 1st bag $45 for 2nd bag $150 for 3 or more bags
Choice Preferred fare type	$35 for 1st bag $45 for 2nd bag $150 for 3 or more bags
Choice Extra fare type	Free of cost for the first two bags
A-List Preferred members	Free of cost for the first two bags
A-List members	First checked bag is free
Rapid Rewards Credit Card members	First checked bag is free

Southwest Baggage Fees for Overweight Bags

The heavyweight bags on Southwest Airlines incur the following charges.

• Up to 50 Pounds (23 kgs): No extra charge (standard rates will apply based on ticket class)
• 51 to 70 pounds (23 to 32 kilograms): $100 (standard fees may also apply)
• 71 to 100 pounds: $200 fee is applied (standard fees may also apply)

You cannot take a Southwest Airlines flight if your bag’s weight exceeds 100 pounds.

Charges for Oversized Bags on Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines’ Baggage Policy permits the airline staff to charge the following fees for bags with different measurements.

• Bags with a size up to 62 inches or 158 cm can be checked at no additional charges. You will have to pay standard charges as per fare rules.
• Pay $200 for bags measuring from 63 to 80 inches (158 to 204 cm).
• Bags measuring 81 inches to 115 inches (204 cm to 293 cm): Tourists will need to pay the oversize fee for each bag. (You should confer with Southwest Airlines to know the specific luggage charges.)

You cannot take your luggage on Southwest Airlines if its linear size exceeds 115 inches in linear length.

Southwest Airlines Baggage Policy for Special Items

You can take special items (like sports gear / medical equipment) on a Southwest Airlines flight as per its baggage allowance policy.

• Permitted special items under the Southwest special baggage allowance rule include golf clubs, sports gear, bicycles, and more.
• You will have to take special items as checked bags on Southwest flights.
• You will be charged according to Southwest’s standard baggage fees.
• Travelers will have to pack their special items securely to avoid any damage.
• You can also take some delicate (fragile) items and soft-sided gear (under the limited liability policy of the flight).
• Southwest Airlines will charge you the oversize and overweight fees as per its checked baggage rules.

It is essential to note that certain routes offer a waiver on baggage charges for special items. For example, Southwest Airlines will not charge you a penny if you are taking surfboards to or from the Hawaiian Islands.

Restricted Items as per Southwest Airlines’ Baggage Policy

You cannot take certain types of items with you on Southwest Airlines (the ones mentioned on its official website). Travelers are not allowed to board the flight with these items.

• Batteries (Lithium ones) are not allowed on Southwest Airlines flights if they exceed a specified watt-hour rating.
• Southwest Airlines does not permit the transportation of batteries that contain liquid leakage, acid materials, or other corrosive substances.
• You are not permitted to bring flammable materials. The material list- Explosives / fireworks/ gasoline / CNG / ammunition.
• Passengers are also not allowed to board the flight if they possess poisonous/toxic substances with them. These toxic substances are: pesticides/fungicides/bleach / other unsafe materials.

How to Save Money on Southwest Baggage Fees?

Passengers can always save money on their Southwest Airlines flight by adopting smart packing strategies. Here are some tips that will not only save your money, but also your time during Southwest Airlines baggage check-in.

• Ensure that you do not pack unwanted or extra items in your luggage to avoid incurring additional costs.
• You should also ensure that you measure the dimensions of your luggage to avoid it being classified as oversize.
• Travelers can choose early check-in of their luggage to save some money on checked Baggage. You should contact the airline staff or travel experts at myflightpolicy.com at Call Us : +1-877-271-4004 to learn about the concessions available for early baggage check-in.
• You can book a flight reservation in a higher tier that will allow you to check in your Baggage for free during the boarding process.
• To ensure weight compliance, travelers must weigh their Baggage in advance.

Southwest Airlines Baggage Claim Process

Travelers can claim their Baggage (flown through Southwest Airlines) after arriving at the destination airport. You can travel with full assurance with Southwest Airlines, as its baggage claim process is effortless. Travelers should also ensure safety from their side by labelling their bags with the correct contact information. You can claim your bags at the designated baggage claim area of Southwest Airlines. Additionally, the Airline allows you to track your flight using their app (by entering the reference number). You can also use the self-service kiosk at the destination to claim your Baggage.

Final Words

You can make the Southwest Airlines flying journey hassle-free by traveling light. Travelers who require more baggage check-in should ensure to buy extra allowance to save costs. If you are familiar with every detail of Southwest Airlines’ Baggage policy, you can always check in your luggage effortlessly. The knowledge of the Southwest Baggage allowance rule will also save you from incurring excessive fees. We have covered every crucial detail of Southwest Airlines’ baggage allowance policy, including its fees and baggage claim process, to help travelers arrive safely at their destination with their bags intact. To know real-time charges and enjoy a comfortable Baggage check-in process, you are advised to seek help from expert travel agents at MyFlightPolicy. You will be provided with clear guidance and help from them 24/7 at  Call Us : +1-877-271-4004