Southwest Airlines Checked Baggage Fees

Budget Seniors,
✈️🧳
Southwest.com • NerdWallet • The Points Guy • Verified

After 54 years of “Bags Fly Free,” Southwest changed everything in May 2025. Here is exactly what you will pay, who still gets free bags, and how to avoid every fee — with honest answers and no fine print surprises.

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💡 10 Key Things to Know About Southwest Baggage Fees

Southwest Airlines quietly ended its landmark “two bags fly free” policy for most travelers on May 28, 2025 — the most significant baggage policy change in the airline’s 54-year history. For the first time, the majority of Southwest passengers now pay to check luggage, just like American, Delta, and United. However, meaningful free-bag opportunities still exist for certain fare types, loyalty members, credit cardholders, and military travelers. Here is everything you need to know before your next flight.

  • 1
    How much does Southwest charge for a checked bag right now? $35 for the first bag and $45 for the second on most standard fares — verified at Southwest.com March 2026.
    For passengers traveling on Basic, Choice, or Choice Preferred fares booked on or after May 28, 2025, the first checked bag costs $35 and the second costs $45. A third bag — or any additional bag — is $150 each. These fees apply per direction, meaning a round trip with one bag costs $70 total. Each bag must weigh no more than 50 pounds and measure no more than 62 linear inches (length + width + height combined).
  • 2
    When did the “bags fly free” policy end? May 28, 2025 — any reservation booked or changed on or after that date is subject to the new fees. Earlier bookings kept the free-bag benefit.
    Southwest announced the change in March 2025, and the new fees took effect for reservations booked or modified on or after May 28, 2025. Passengers who booked before that date under the old policy retained their two free checked bags regardless of when they fly. The policy marked the end of a 54-year tradition that had set Southwest apart from every other major U.S. carrier.
  • 3
    Who still gets two free checked bags on Southwest? A-List Preferred elite members, Choice Extra fare purchasers, Business Select fare purchasers, and active-duty military with valid ID all get two free checked bags.
    Southwest has preserved its two-free-bag benefit for its most valuable customers. Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred members, passengers who purchase a Choice Extra fare, and those on the premium Business Select tier each receive two free checked bags. Active-duty U.S. military personnel presenting a valid military ID at check-in are exempt from all baggage fees, overweight fees, and oversized fees — and face no limit on the number of bags, provided each bag stays within 100 pounds and 80 linear inches.
  • 4
    Who gets one free checked bag on Southwest? Rapid Rewards A-List members and Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cardholders each receive their first checked bag free — and the credit card benefit extends to up to 8 companions on the same booking.
    A-List elite status members receive their first bag free and get a $10 discount on the second bag (bringing it to $35 instead of $45). Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers — including holders of the Plus, Premier, and Priority personal cards, as well as business versions — receive their first checked bag free. Critically, this credit card benefit covers the primary cardmember plus up to eight companions on the same reservation, potentially saving a family of five up to $175 on a one-way flight.
  • 5
    What happens if my bag is overweight or oversized? Overweight bags (51–70 lbs) add $100 on top of the regular bag fee. Bags 71–100 lbs add $200. Oversized bags (over 62 inches, up to 80 inches) add $200.
    Overweight and oversized fees are charged in addition to the standard $35 or $45 checked bag fee — they do not replace it. If your bag is both overweight and oversized, only one $200 extra charge applies (not both stacked together), according to Southwest’s official fee schedule. Southwest will not accept any bag over 100 pounds or over 80 linear inches as checked baggage — those items must be shipped as cargo. A standard bathroom scale and a tape measure at home before you pack can save you $100–$200 at the airport.
  • 6
    Can I still bring a carry-on bag for free on Southwest? Yes — one full-size carry-on (up to 24×16×10 inches) and one personal item are still free for all passengers on all Southwest fares, with no weight limit on the carry-on.
    Southwest’s carry-on policy is unchanged and remains more generous than many competitors. All passengers may bring one carry-on bag up to 24 inches long, 16 inches wide, and 10 inches tall — including wheels and handles — at no charge. A separate personal item such as a purse, laptop bag, or small backpack (up to approximately 18.5×8.5×13.5 inches) is also permitted free of charge, as long as it fits under the seat. There is no weight limit for carry-on bags, though passengers are required to be able to lift the bag into the overhead bin unassisted.
  • 7
    Is it worth getting a Southwest credit card just to avoid baggage fees? For most travelers who check bags even occasionally, yes. The entry-level Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus card costs $69 per year — and one round trip with one checked bag saves $70, covering the entire annual fee.
    The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus card charges a $69 annual fee. Because the free bag benefit applies to up to eight companions on the same reservation, a family or group of two checking one bag each on a round trip saves $140 — more than double the annual fee on that one trip alone. Frequent travelers or families save significantly more. Both personal and Southwest business credit cards include the free first-bag benefit. The card must be linked to your Rapid Rewards account and the number must appear on the reservation to activate the benefit.
  • 8
    Does Southwest charge different baggage fees for flights within Hawaii? Yes — Hawaii residents flying between Hawaiian islands receive two free checked bags. Non-residents pay reduced inter-island fees. Overweight fees also differ for Hawaiian routes.
    Southwest’s inter-island Hawaii policy is different from mainland rules. Hawaii residents (based on mailing address) traveling between Hawaiian islands continue to receive two free checked bags — a longstanding carve-out in Southwest’s policy. Non-residents flying inter-island routes pay reduced bag fees compared to mainland rates. For inter-island flights, overweight bags in the 51–70 pound range cost $35 (versus $100 on the mainland), and 71–100 pound bags cost $70 (versus $200 on the mainland). The standard oversize fee of $35 also applies for inter-island travel.
  • 9
    How do Southwest’s baggage fees compare to other major U.S. airlines? Southwest’s $35 first-bag fee matches or undercuts most competitors — American charges $40, Delta charges $35, and United charges $40 for a first checked bag on domestic routes.
    Southwest’s fees are now broadly in line with the industry, though no longer the clear bargain they once were. American Airlines charges $40 for the first checked bag on most domestic fares, United also charges $40, and Delta charges $35. JetBlue charges $35 off-peak and $40 during peak travel periods. The meaningful remaining advantage Southwest holds is the credit card companion benefit — covering up to eight fellow travelers on one reservation with one free bag each — which is more generous than most competing airline card programs. None of Southwest’s major competitors offer this level of group bag coverage through a single credit card.
  • 10
    What is the single easiest way to avoid paying Southwest baggage fees? Pack everything into the free carry-on (24×16×10 inches) and personal item — or get a Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card if you fly Southwest more than once a year with a checked bag.
    Southwest’s carry-on dimensions are among the largest in the U.S. airline industry, and there is no weight limit. Travel experts consistently note that seven to ten days of clothing fits inside a standard carry-on when using compression packing cubes and the “ranger rolling” folding technique. For trips requiring checked luggage, the Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card pays for itself on the first round trip with one bag for most travelers. If you are not interested in a credit card, booking a Choice Extra fare sometimes costs less than the total bag fees for a round trip — compare the fare upgrade price to the bag cost before clicking “book.”

Sources: Southwest Airlines Optional Travel Charges page (southwest.com/html/customer-service/travel-fees.html) verified March 2026 — $35 first bag, $45 second bag, $150 third bag, $100/$200 overweight fees, $200 oversize fee; Southwest Military Travel page (southwest.com/military-travel) — unlimited free bags with valid military ID; NerdWallet Southwest Baggage Fees guide (nerdwallet.com, updated 2026) — A-List Preferred two bags free; A-List one free bag + $10 discount on second; The Points Guy (Feb 13 2026) — credit card benefit extends to 8 companions; Radical Storage travel guide (Jan 10 2026) — policy effective May 28 2025; choice extra fares and business select two free bags; Yahoo Finance / Southwest press release (Aug 2025) — $35/$45 fee structure confirmed; inter-island Hawaii fees confirmed at southwest.com travel charges page

💰 Baggage Fee Quick-Reference — All Standard Fees at a Glance
⚠️ These Fees Apply to Reservations Booked or Changed on or After May 28, 2025

If you booked your trip before May 28, 2025 and have not changed your reservation, the original two-free-bags policy still applies to your booking. Always verify your bag allowance in your confirmation email or at southwest.com before arriving at the airport.

✈️ 1st Checked Bag
$35
Basic, Choice & Choice Preferred fares. Must be under 50 lbs and 62 linear inches. Applies each direction — $70 round trip.
✈️ 2nd Checked Bag
$45
Same fare types as above. A-List members pay $35 for the second bag ($10 discount). Round trip cost: $90 on top of first bag fee.
🧳 3rd Bag or More
$150 each
Per additional bag beyond the second. Active-duty military are exempt from excess baggage charges with valid military ID. Max 20 bags per passenger.
⚖️ Overweight (51–70 lbs)
+$100
Charged in addition to the standard bag fee. If your bag weighs 55 lbs and you are on a standard fare, the total for that bag is $135 ($35 + $100).
⚖️ Overweight (71–100 lbs)
+$200
Added on top of the standard bag fee. Maximum weight accepted as checked baggage is 100 lbs. Bags over 100 lbs must be shipped as cargo.
📐 Oversized (63–80 inches)
+$200
62 inches or under is standard. If a bag is both oversized AND overweight, only one $200 extra charge applies — not both fees stacked. Max 80 linear inches.
🆓 Who Still Gets Free Checked Bags
✌️
TWO FREE BAGS
A-List Preferred members — top loyalty tier
Choice Extra fare — often worth upgrading to
Business Select fare — premium tier
Active-duty military — valid military ID required
☝️
ONE FREE BAG
A-List members — also get $10 off the 2nd
Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers — covers up to 8 companions on same booking
Hawaii residents — 2 free bags on inter-island flights

Sources: Southwest Airlines Optional Travel Charges (southwest.com/html/customer-service/travel-fees.html) March 2026 — all fee amounts confirmed; Southwest Military Travel page (southwest.com/military-travel) — military exemption details; NerdWallet (2026) — A-List/A-List Preferred/Choice Extra/Business Select free bag eligibility; The Points Guy Feb 13 2026 — credit card companion group benefit (up to 8 passengers); Southwest inter-island Hawaii reduced fees confirmed at official travel fees page.

📋 Complete Southwest Baggage Fee Table — All Fares & Situations

Fees shown are per bag, per direction of travel. A round trip doubles any one-way fee. All weights are measured in pounds. Linear inches = length + width + height combined.

Situation / Fare Type 1st Bag 2nd Bag 3rd+ Bag
Standard Fares (Basic, Choice, Choice Preferred)
Standard fare — within weight/size limit$35$45$150 ea.
Overweight bag (51–70 lbs) — add to above+$100 per bag
Overweight bag (71–100 lbs) — add to above+$200 per bag
Oversized bag (63–80 linear inches)+$200 per bag
Oversized AND overweightOnly ONE $200 extra fee (not both)
Free-Bag Qualifying Fares & Status
Choice Extra fareFREEFREE$150 ea.
Business Select fareFREEFREE$150 ea.
A-List Preferred memberFREEFREE$150 ea.
A-List memberFREE$35 (discounted)$150 ea.
Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmember (+ up to 8 companions)FREE$45$150 ea.
Active-duty military (valid ID at check-in)FREEFREEFREE (up to 20 bags; max 100 lbs/80 in.)
Carry-On & Personal Item (All Fares)
1 carry-on bag (max 24×16×10 in., no weight limit)Always FREE — all fares
1 personal item (purse, small backpack, laptop bag)Always FREE — all fares
Hawaii Inter-Island (Special Rules)
Hawaii residents — inter-island flightsFREEFREE$50 ea.
Non-residents — inter-island flightsReduced feeReduced fee$150 ea.
Overweight 51–70 lbs (inter-island only)+$35 per bag (lower than mainland)
Overweight 71–100 lbs (inter-island only)+$70 per bag (lower than mainland)

Sources: Southwest Airlines Optional Travel Charges page (southwest.com/html/customer-service/travel-fees.html) verified March 2026 — all standard fees, overweight/oversize fees, military exemption, inter-island fees; Southwest Military Travel page — unlimited bags for active-duty; credit card benefit details per Southwest.com footnote 11 (8-companion rule); NerdWallet Southwest Baggage Fees 2026; A-List $10 discount on second bag confirmed at NerdWallet and southwest.com.

❓ Southwest Baggage Questions Answered Plainly

Yes — Southwest’s baggage fees apply per direction of travel, not per round trip. A passenger on a standard fare checking one bag pays $35 on the outbound flight and another $35 on the return flight, for a total of $70. The same applies to the second bag: $45 each way, or $90 for a round trip. This is consistent with how all major U.S. airlines price checked baggage. If you qualify for free bags through a credit card, elite status, or fare type, that benefit applies in each direction as well — you do not lose it on the way home.

Yes — and this is one of the most valuable features remaining in Southwest’s program. The Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card’s free first-bag benefit covers the primary cardmember plus up to eight additional passengers traveling on the same reservation. To activate this benefit, you must include your Rapid Rewards number when booking and the card account must be in good standing. The benefit applies to the primary cardmember only — not authorized users or employee cards on business accounts. A family of four traveling together, all on the same booking, can check one bag each for free with a single cardholder in the group — saving $140 one-way or $280 round trip.

Often, yes — and it is worth checking every time you book. Choice Extra fares include two free checked bags. If you plan to check two bags on a round trip, that’s $160 in bag fees ($35 + $45, each way). If upgrading from a Choice fare to Choice Extra costs less than $160 for your specific route and date, the upgrade saves you money and also comes with additional benefits such as the ability to change your ticket and use same-day standby. The price difference between fare tiers varies by route and date — always compare before you book by clicking through the fare options on southwest.com.

Southwest charges the same baggage fee whether you add bags at the time of booking, during online check-in, or at the airport check-in counter — there is no surcharge for paying at the airport, unlike some other carriers that charge a premium for counter check-in. That said, adding bags ahead of time online or through the app is still recommended to save time at the airport and reduce the chance of any confusion at the counter. You can manage baggage fees in your reservation at southwest.com after booking.

Southwest, like all U.S. carriers, is governed by DOT (Department of Transportation) rules on lost and damaged baggage. Under federal law, airlines must compensate passengers for lost, damaged, or delayed checked baggage. For domestic flights, the maximum liability is $3,800 per passenger. To protect your claim: report the issue to a Southwest agent at the airport before leaving the baggage claim area, file a written claim promptly, keep all receipts for any immediate necessities purchased due to a delay, and retain your baggage claim ticket. Southwest’s customer relations can be reached at 1-800-435-9792. If you have travel insurance with baggage protection, that may also apply — check your policy terms.

Most accepted sporting equipment is treated as a standard checked bag — subject to the same $35 fee and the same size/weight limits, but oversize fees are waived for listed sporting equipment. Golf bags, ski equipment, snowboards, surfboards, and other items listed in Southwest’s Help Center are accepted as a substitute for one piece of checked luggage. If you qualify for free checked bags (through a credit card, status, or fare type), those items are included in your free allowance. Wheelchairs and mobility devices are always transported free of charge on all Southwest flights, as required by the Air Carrier Access Act. Southwest will also check a car seat or stroller free of charge when traveling with a child.

There are three practical approaches, in order of ease:

  • Pack only a carry-on. Southwest’s carry-on allowance (24×16×10 inches, no weight limit) is one of the most generous in the U.S. Using packing cubes — widely available at drug and discount stores — allows most travelers to fit a week of clothes into a standard carry-on bag. The personal item slot also accommodates a small backpack or large purse.
  • Get a Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus credit card. At $69 per year, the annual fee is recovered after just one round trip with one checked bag. If someone else in your family has the card and books your ticket on their reservation, you both get free bags. The card has no foreign transaction fees and earns points on all purchases, including groceries and gas.
  • Book a Choice Extra fare when it is affordable. On some short routes, the upgrade from Choice to Choice Extra is modest. Two free bags included in the fare can make it the lower total cost compared to adding bags separately.
📊 Southwest Baggage — Key Numbers at a Glance
💼 1st Bag Fee
$35
Per direction, on Basic, Choice, and Choice Preferred fares. $70 total for a round trip with one checked bag if you do not qualify for a waiver.
💼 2nd Bag Fee
$45
Per direction. Two bags checked on a round trip on a standard fare costs a total of $160 ($35×2 + $45×2). Compare this to a Choice Extra upgrade before booking.
⚖️ Overweight Surcharge
+$100–$200
$100 added for bags 51–70 lbs; $200 for 71–100 lbs. Weigh your bag at home before you leave — a $15 luggage scale can save $100–$200 at check-in.
👨‍👩‍👧 Credit Card Companion Rule
Up to 9
A Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmember plus up to 8 companions on the same reservation all receive their first checked bag free — the most generous group bag benefit among major U.S. airline cards.
✅ Three Smart Ways to Beat the Southwest Bag Fee
  • Travel with only a carry-on. The free carry-on allowance (24×16×10 inches, no weight limit) is generously sized. Most travelers can fit 5–7 days of clothing with compression packing cubes. The free personal item slot adds even more room. No fee, no waiting at baggage claim, no risk of a lost bag.
  • Use a Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card. The first free bag covers the cardholder and up to eight companions on the same booking. The entry-level card costs $69 a year — less than two one-way bag fees. If you fly Southwest twice a year with a checked bag, the card pays for itself multiple times over.
  • Compare Choice Extra to the cost of two bags before booking. On many routes, upgrading to a Choice Extra fare — which includes two free checked bags — costs less than paying $35 + $45 per direction for bags. Do the math at the fare-selection screen before completing your purchase.

Sources: Southwest Airlines Optional Travel Charges page verified March 2026 ($35 first bag, $45 second bag per direction; $100/$200 overweight fees); The Points Guy Feb 13 2026 (credit card 8-companion rule); Southwest.com credit card footnote 11 (primary cardmember + up to 8 passengers on same reservation); NerdWallet Southwest Baggage Fees 2026 (Choice Extra vs. standard fare comparison strategy); Radical Storage Jan 10 2026 (Choice Extra includes two free bags)

✅ Five Steps Before You Check a Bag on Southwest
  • Step 1: Weigh your bag at home. A luggage scale costs $10–$15 at most drug stores or on Amazon. If your bag is over 50 lbs, rearrange contents before arriving at the airport — avoiding a $100 overweight fee takes about five minutes at home.
  • Step 2: Measure your bag before packing it. Add the length + width + height of your suitcase. The limit is 62 linear inches. Most standard checked suitcases (up to about 28 inches long) fall within this limit, but duffle bags and specialty cases sometimes do not.
  • Step 3: Check your fare type before you pay for bags. Choice Extra and Business Select fares include two free bags. If you are booking and plan to check two bags, calculate whether upgrading the fare is cheaper than adding bags separately.
  • Step 4: Verify your Rapid Rewards number is in your reservation. If you have a Southwest credit card or elite status, your Rapid Rewards number must be in the reservation for the free-bag benefit to apply. Double-check this in your confirmation email. Adding it takes less than a minute at southwest.com.
  • Step 5: Consider shipping luggage ahead for long trips. Services like Luggage Forward, Ship Sticks (for golf bags), and UPS allow you to ship suitcases directly to your hotel, often for less than the round-trip bag fee — and you avoid handling it entirely. This is especially practical for seniors traveling with heavy medical equipment or mobility aids.
🚨 Three Baggage Mistakes That Cost Travelers Money at Southwest
  • Assuming the old “bags fly free” policy still applies. Any reservation booked or changed on or after May 28, 2025 is subject to the new fees. Many travelers — especially occasional fliers who haven’t taken a Southwest trip in a while — are surprised at the airport. Check your confirmation email for your bag allowance before you leave home.
  • Paying overweight fees at the airport that could have been avoided at home. The $100 overweight surcharge for bags between 51 and 70 pounds is one of the most avoidable fees in air travel. A $15 handheld luggage scale — or even a home bathroom scale — catches this before check-in. Moving a few items to your carry-on or personal item takes minutes.
  • Booking multiple people on separate reservations and losing the group credit card benefit. The Southwest credit card free-bag benefit applies to the cardholder and up to eight companions, but only if they are all on the same reservation. Families or groups who book separately each pay the full bag fee. Book together to maximize this benefit.

© BudgetSeniors.com — This guide is independently researched and written. We are not affiliated with, compensated by, or endorsed by Southwest Airlines, any credit card issuer, or any airline. All baggage fees and policy details are verified from official Southwest Airlines sources as of March 2026. Airline policies can change without notice — always confirm your specific bag allowance in your booking confirmation or at southwest.com before traveling. For personalized travel advice, consult a licensed travel professional. Southwest Airlines: 1-800-435-9792 (1-800-I-FLY-SWA) • Southwest.com • Rapid Rewards: 1-800-445-5764

Primary sources: Southwest Airlines Optional Travel Charges (southwest.com/html/customer-service/travel-fees.html) March 2026 — all fees confirmed ($35 first bag; $45 second bag; $150 third-plus bags; $100/$200 overweight; $200 oversize; one $200 max if oversized+overweight; 20-bag maximum; carry-on 24×16×10 in. free; personal item free); Southwest Airlines Military Travel page (southwest.com/military-travel) — active-duty unlimited free bags, no overweight/oversize charges, valid military ID required; Southwest.com credit card footnote 11 (primary Rapid Rewards Cardmember + up to 8 companions on same reservation, first bag free); A-List/A-List Preferred benefit details (southwest.com/html/customer-service/travel-fees.html footnotes); Choice Extra/Business Select two free bags confirmed southwest.com; Hawaii inter-island reduced overweight fees ($35 51–70 lbs; $70 71–100 lbs; $35 oversize) confirmed southwest.com; Hawaii residents two free inter-island bags confirmed; NerdWallet Southwest Baggage Fees guide (nerdwallet.com, updated 2026) — third bag $150 fee; A-List $10 discount on second bag; DOT rules on lost/damaged baggage confirmed; The Points Guy Feb 13 2026 — credit card group bag benefit analysis; Radical Storage Travel Guide Jan 10 2026 — May 28 2025 effective date confirmed; Yahoo Finance Aug 2025 — $350M expected bag fee revenue 2025; policy change announcement March 2025

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