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: 18.5 x 13.5 x 8.5 inches (47 x 34.3 x 22 cm)
- Standard: 24 x 16 x 10 inches (60 x 40.6 x 25.4 cm)
Lap Infant Carry-On Policy
- Lap infants are not permitted a carry-on so any items would need to be included in the accompanying adult’s allowance.
Stroller Check Policy
- Southwest allows strollers and car seats to be checked at the curb, ticket counter, or gate free of charge.
Southwest Checked Baggage Allowance
All checked bags must adhere to a max weight of 50 pounds (23 kg) and must adhere to max linear dimensions of 62 inches 9158 cm).
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
Can I Pre-pay for Baggage?
Southwest Airlines does not allow passengers the ability to pre-pay for luggage.
Unfortunately, this means passengers must pay at the ticketing counter at the airport.
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.
Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card - This no annual fee card comes with a 20,000 bonus mile offer after spending $500 in the first 3 months. When you use your card for travel purchases (e.g. baggage fees), use your miles to pay off all, or part of, your statement balance! We've highlighted 30+ benefits of the card. |
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card - The "big brother" card to the VentureOne with 60,000 miles if you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months. This card is full of benefits and perks and you can redeem your miles on travel or transfer your miles to over 15+ travel loyalty programs. |
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card - The newest card in the Capital One lineup with a welcome offer of 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening. Not only does the card come with up to $300 in statement credits when booking through Capital One Travel, you'll also get get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary. Earn unlimited 10x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5x miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel, plus unlimited 2x miles on all other purchases. |
Exclusions & Waivers
Military traveling on active duty or permanent change of station orders: 3+ bags FREE and no charge for overweight/ oversized bags.
Plus, some special sporting items fly free as well in substitution of one of the free bags (subject to certain restrictions). These items must not exceed 50 pounds or 62 inches otherwise excess weight and size charges may apply.
- Archery Equipment
- Baseball/Softball Equipment
- Boogie/Knee Board
- Bowing Bag
- Bicycles
- hard-sided bicycle box falling w/in 62″/50lb limits
- Fishing Rod & Tackle Box
- limited to 91″ in length, 3″ diameter
- counts as ONE item even if packed separately
- Golf Bag
- hard-sided golf bag
- excess size charges waived; excess weight charges may apply
- Hockey/Lacrosse Sticks
- Up to two bags allowed to count as ONE item, even if packed separately
- Kiteboard
- Knives, Dress Sabers, Swords
- Parachutes
- carry-on or checked bag
- may not be worn in flight
- Scuba Equipment
- Skateboard
- Snow Ski Equipment
- Up to 2 bags (one set of equipment) allowed to count as ONE item, even if packed separately
- excess size charges waived; excess weight charges may apply
- Water Ski Equipment
- excess size charges waived; excess weight charges may apply
For other baggage fees related to special luggage (sporting equipment, musical instruments, etc.) please refer to Southwest Airlines’ policy here.
To see more airline baggage fees and policies, click here.
Featured Image Credit:
Shutterstock and Southwest Airlines