Southwest Airlines Baggage Fees (And How to Avoid Paying Them)
Southwest Airlines has the single most clear-cut (and cheapest!) baggage policy of any airline. Thank You, Southwest!
Your first two checked bags are FREE with any fare, and the extra/excess fees are a simple $75 each.
Southwest is one budget airline where you definitely won’t get stuck with hidden baggage fees.
Southwest Carry-On Allowance:
1 personal item: FREE
1 standard carry-on bag: FREE
Size Restrictions
- Personal: undisclosed
- Standard: 24″ x 16″ x 10″
Lap Infant Carry-On Policy
- undisclosed
Southwest Checked Baggage Allowance:
All checked bags must adhere to a max weight of 50lbs and must adhere to max linear dimensions of 62 inches.
Southwest is the only Airline that provides TWO FREE CHECKED BAGS for all fares.
1st Bag: FREE
2nd Bag: FREE
3rd+ Bags: $75
Additional / Excess Baggage Fees:
Overweight Fee: $75
Oversized Fee: $75
Credit Cards That Reimburse You For Checked Bag Fees
Unlike Spirit Airlines, Southwest has a generous checked bag policy that allows two bags per person. If you are taking a big trip and need additional checked bags, you can use one of the cards below to offset the cost.
| Credit Card | Fee Reimbursement Details |
|---|---|
| Barclaycard Arrival Plus™ World Elite MasterCard® Annual Fee: $0 for first year, then $89 | $100+ in baggage fees? Pay for them with Arrival+ miles. |
| Premier Rewards Gold Card from American Express Annual Fee: $0 for first year, then $195 | $100 Airline Fee Credit. Up to $100 a calendar year for baggage fees at one airline. |
| The Platinum Card® from American Express Annual Fee: $550 | $200 airline fee credit per calendar year on your previously designated airline |
| The Business Platinum Card® from American Express OPEN Annual Fee: $450 | $200 airline fee credit per calendar year on your previously designated airline |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve℠ Card Annual Fee: $450 | $300 travel credit per calendar year |
| Citi Prestige Card Annual Fee: $450 | $250 air travel credit per calendar year |
Military traveling on active duty or permanent change of station orders – 3rd+ bags FREE; no charge for overweight/ oversized bags
Exclusions & Waivers:
No charge for overweight/ oversized large media camera equipment
