How much will Southwest charge for checked bags?

Does Southwest Airlines charge for checked luggage?

Southwest Airlines will no longer offer a free checked baggage allowance for reservations booked, ticketed, and/or voluntarily changed on or after May 28, 2025. The Southwest checked bags charges vary from customer to customer based on multiple factors, such as the booked fare type, cabin class, membership status, and the destination being flown to. Here's the standard baggage fee the airline charges for checked bags:

• First checked baggage - $35
• Second checked baggage - $45
• Third+ checked baggage - $150

Who can carry free checked baggage on Southwest flights?

Southwest Airlines still allows selected customers to carry free checked baggage. The following are some examples of such passengers:

• Business Select Fare (1st and 2nd bags free)
• Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred Members (1st and 2nd bag free)
• Rapid Rewards A-List Members (1st bag free)
• Rapid Rewards Credit Card members (1st bag free)
• Active-duty military Customers (1st and 2nd bag free)

What is Southwest Airlines' checked baggage policy?

Reading the airline's guidelines is crucial to ensuring that you do not encounter any issues with baggage check-in or conveyance. Please refer to the pointers below for a summarized view of Southwest's checked bags policy and to learn about its crucial components, such as weight limitations and size restrictions.

• According to the standard baggage allowance, Southwest Airlines allows passengers to carry up to two checked bags and three for interisland Hawaii travel.
• Each checked piece of luggage should weigh no more than 50 lbs (23 kg) and have a total dimension of up to 62 inches, including the wheels and handles.
• Customers are required to pay an additional fee for carrying each piece of additional baggage or a bag that weighs or measures more than the mentioned limit.
• The airlines offer free checked baggage or charge a lower baggage fee to selected fare types and membership tier passengers, such as Business Select Fare.
• Special items like sports equipment (windsurfing/surfboards, vaulting poles, non-motorized bicycles, etc.) are subject to the standard checked baggage rules.

Can I bring a carry-on bag on Southwest flights?

In addition to the checked baggage, the airline allows passengers to bring carry-on bags to ensure they can get the essential items in adequate quantities for their journey. Moreover, the carry-on bags are permitted to be kept inside the cabin throughout the flight journey, allowing you to keep the items that you need most handy with you. Below are Southwest Airlines' guidelines that you need to abide by when flying with a carry-on bag:

• Southwest Airlines permits passengers to bring one carry-on bag and a personal item without any charges.
• The carry-on bag should not measure over 24 X 16 X 10 inches, including the wheels, handles, and attachments to your bag.
• The carry-on bag should be stowed in the overhead compartment, and the personal item must be stowed under your seat.
• A roller bag or a small suitcase is considered a carry-on bag, whereas a purse, a briefcase, or a backpack is regarded as a personal item.
• If you are traveling with a pet, the pet carrier or kennel will be counted as your personal item or carry-on bag.