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Southwest Airlines has the single most clear-cut (and cheapest!) baggage policy of any airline. Thank You, Southwest!
Your first 2 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.
1 personal item: FREE
1 standard carry-on bag: FREE
Size Restrictions
Lap Infant Carry-on Policy
Stroller Check Policy
All checked bags must adhere to a max weight of 50 pounds (23 kg) and must adhere to max linear dimensions of 62 inches (158 cm).
Southwest is the only airline that provides 2 FREE CHECKED BAGS for all fares.
First Bag: FREE
Second Bag: FREE
3+ Bags: $75
Overweight Fee: $75
Oversized Fee: $75
Military traveling on active duty or permanent change of station orders are exempt from the 2-bag allowance and will not be charged overweight/oversized fees, providing the bags do not exceed 100 pounds in weight and 80 inches in size.
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.
For other baggage fees related to special luggage (sporting equipment, musical instruments, etc.) please refer to Southwest Airlines’ policy.
Southwest Airlines does not allow passengers the ability to prepay for luggage.
Unfortunately, this means passengers must pay at the ticketing counter at the airport.
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Flying Southwest, you can bring 1 personal item and 1 standard piece of carry-on. The personal item must not exceed 16.25 x 13.5 x 8.5 inches and the carry-on item 24 x 16 x 10 inches. Southwest does not publish any weight restrictions for carry-on items but you should be able to lift this into the overhead compartment unassisted.
You can take a backpack and a carry-on item on Southwest, provided that one of the items does not exceed 16.25 x 13.5 x 8.5 inches and the other item 24 x 16 x 10 inches.
Checked baggage is free on Southwest and they are the only airline to allow 2 bags for all fare types. Checked bags must adhere to a max weight of 50 pounds and max linear dimensions of 62 inches. Passengers can book 3+ bags for $75 apiece.
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99 comments
Thomas Vetter
March 08, 2019
Great service with free baggage, but what about seating – does one have to pay for any seating – special or normal? Thanks, Tom
Erin Miller
March 09, 2019
Hi Thomas, in short, a normal seat is no charge. Have you flown with Southwest before? They don’t do “special” seating like other airlines, the only way to get a seat you may prefer over another is to board earlier.
The only way to board earlier is to purchase a Business Select fare, be an A-List/Preferred flyer or purchase Early Bird Check-in.
Please see our other Southwest pieces here for more details:
– What Is Southwest Early Bird Check-In® & Do I Really Need It?
– Southwest Airlines Review – Amenities, Baggage Fees, Seats, Customer Service, & More
Nader. Shirakh
September 24, 2021
I have a Mobility scooter that is about 210 lb. I am going from Phoenix to Sacramento. We can break it down into three pieces. The heaviest part is the 65 lb battery. Can I take it with me to Sacramento?
Jarrod West
October 03, 2021
Hi Nader,
Southwest doesn’t publish any information regarding that. I recommend you contact the Southwest customer service team directly for an answer to that at 1-(800)-435-9792.
Ashlea Higgins
May 12, 2019
Is it two free checked bags per person?
Christine Krzyszton
May 12, 2019
Hi Ashlea. Yes, it is two free bags per ticket purchased. Thanks for your question.
Emily Mueller
May 25, 2019
How strict is Southwest on the measurements of checked bags? I have a suitcase that is 31.5″ x 19.5″ x 13.2″ so 64.2″ total. Would they charge for this bag?
Erin Miller
May 26, 2019
Hey Emily, this is a tough question to answer as it really depends on the ticketing agent you get. Some are a bit more lenient and some can be pretty strict. Even though this is only 2.2″ over the limit, they could techhhhnically charge you but I can’t promise they would/wouldn’t.
Sorry to not be of more help here!
Luisa
June 03, 2019
Hi. Is the free 2 checked in baggage per passenger or per booking? What if we are 4 passengers in 1 booking. So we can have 2 bags each free? Thanks
Catherine Luther
June 03, 2019
Hi Luisa,
Southwest’s checked baggage allowance is 2 bags per ticketed passenger. Each bag must not exceed 50 lbs and 62 inches (L+W+H).
Al
June 05, 2019
Does the 62″ checked baggage limit include the wheels and handle?
Erin Miller
June 05, 2019
Hi Al – yes, as a general rule, all airlines include wheels and handles in their baggage limit measurements.
Jonathan Bornemann
June 16, 2019
HI there,
I am flying southwest in August and I am planning on bringing along fishing poles and tackle. I have a travel case that extends to 88” as well as has a diameter of 4.5” Is there an extra size baggage fee I will have to pay because it is bigger than 3”? Also is it allowed to put all of my other fishing gear in my checked bag or carry on bag (lures, hooks, reels etc?)
Catherine Luther
June 17, 2019
Hi Jonathan,
We advise you contact Southwest directly with your inquiry. As per their checked baggage terms and conditions your luggage would not be compliant, but it’s always worth giving them a call to check your options.
Stephanie
July 13, 2019
Can I pay cash for an additional luggage at the counter when I arrive at the airport?
Jarrod West
July 13, 2019
Hi Stephanie,
You sure can!
Fedlor sormera
January 23, 2022
Can I pay cash if I don’t have a credit card with me?
Katie Seemann
January 24, 2022
Hi Fedlor,
If you’re flying domestically, you can’t pay with cash at an airport ticket counter, however, cash is accepted at international airport ticket counters.
Susan Grella
August 15, 2019
If I only have 1 checked bag, will I be charged if say, the bag is 55 pounds, which is still a lot less weight than what 2 bags would weigh?
Jarrod West
August 15, 2019
Hi Susan!
Yes, if your bag is 55 pounds you will be charged extra. All checked bags must be under 50 pounds, even if you are only bringing one.
Thanks for reading!
Ray
October 02, 2019
My suit case has a measurement of 30”x 20” x 12” which equals to 62 linear inches. Is this acceptable ?
Jarrod West
October 03, 2019
Hi Ray,
Yes, that will be acceptable!
Thanks for reading!
Rebecca
August 17, 2019
Does two checked bags for FREE mean a carry on and a suitcase? I just needed to know because I leave in a few days and I need to make sure what it specifically means.
Jarrod West
August 17, 2019
Hi Rebecca,
With Southwest Airlines you can bring both a carry-on and two checked bags for free!
Thanks for reading!
Sonia
September 10, 2019
Do all three bags have to be 50 pounds each? If we don’t have a scale at home and we go to the airport how do we know if it even is 50 pounds?
Jarrod West
September 11, 2019
Hi Sonia,
Each bag has to be less than 50 pounds. When you arrive to the airport they will weigh your bags at the baggage check desk.
Thanks for reading!
Donald Strickland
August 21, 2019
If doing a 3rd suitcase, is it $75 for a round trip or $75 each way for a total of $150?
Jarrod West
August 21, 2019
Hi Donald,
The charge is per one-way, so $150 total for a 3rd checked bag. Thanks for reading!
Donna Panchyshyn
October 05, 2019
Hi!
We have a boxed bassinet that is a gift for our daughter. If it meets the size and weight requirements, can it be counted as a checked item?
Thank you
Jarrod West
October 05, 2019
Hi Donna,
Yes, it should be able to be checked if it meets the size and weight requirements.
Thanks for reading!
Charles
September 13, 2019
Bringing back a lightsaber from Disney they say it’s 3 ft long will I get charge extra for this?
Jarrod West
September 13, 2019
Hi Charles,
Will the lightsaber fit in your luggage? How are you planning to bring it on the plane?
Noel Keeton
October 03, 2019
My fishing rod case is 48″x 4.5″x 4.5″ = 57″ It would qualify as a second bag, but exceed the diameter for a fishing rod case. Would I be charged extra for this case?
Jarrod West
October 04, 2019
Hi Noel,
We cannot say definitively as we do not represent Southwest Airlines. I would contact their customer service team directly.
Thanks for reading!
Chantel
October 15, 2019
Does Southwest allow a fourth checked bag?
Jarrod West
October 15, 2019
Hi Chantel,
Southwest should allow you to check a fourth bag, but the cost to do so should be $75.
Thanks for reading!
Craig Ramza Sr
December 12, 2019
What is meant when it says limited release? That is in the Golf Clubs section.
Also, a set of golf clubs starts out at 50 inches high, meaning it will certainly exceed the 62 inch limit. (H plus W plus D).
Would that mean that they can or will allow you to exceed the 62 inch limit as long as you keep it under the 50 pound weight limit?
And does that only apply to hard shell cases, or will a softside case fit these guidelines.
Thanks
Jarrod West
December 12, 2019
Hi Craig,
Southwest asks that it be a hard-sided golf bag. Their terms state that a golf bag can be checked in place of one of your standard bags and that if an item of sporting equipment exceeds 50 pounds in weight or 62 inches in size (outside length plus height plus width), excess weight and size charges may apply.
Thanks for reading!
C R
January 21, 2020
I am trying to purchase a 3 piece luggage set with the spinner wheels, but the large suitcase with wheels is 63 inches when adding W×L×H. I always fly southwest but they can be hard on canvas luggage. Is this the stardard sizes for spinner wheeled suitcases(large 28in, Medium 24in , Small 22in)? If not, do you have any recommendations on affordable options that meet southwest standards? The wheels are important, too, as I am disabled and travel solo.
Jarrod West
January 21, 2020
Hi CR,
We actually have an entire post filled with some of our favorite pieces of luggage – all of which are hard-sided or hard-shelled. I think you’ll find many great options there that would work well for you! All of them should fit within the Southwest guidelines as well!
Kristina Gillon
February 05, 2020
I am wondering if they allow combined baggage. If me and my 3 children use one large bag as one check in? Can the size allowance be added all together for a free check in??
Katie Seemann
February 05, 2020
Hi Kristina,
Your first 2 checked bags are free. So, if you’re flying with 3 children, you would be able to check 2 bags each, for a total of 8 bags. You can’t however check a huge, overweight bag and have them count it as 2.
KERI FREEMAN
February 12, 2020
Is there a different carry on size luggage for international flights?
Jarrod West
February 13, 2020
Hi Keri,
No, the allowable carry-on size is the same for both Domestic and International flights.
Josie Mary
February 16, 2020
I am traveling for a school trip and I have a carry-on duffel that’s 22in x 11in x 10.5in, would I be charged for the extra .5 inches or will they still accept it? Also, online says if it doesn’t fit dimensions, they’ll have to check it at gate, will that cost?
Catherine Luther
February 17, 2020
Hi Josie,
Whether a bag is accepted can depend entirely on the ticketing assistant on the day. If your bag is oversized and checked at the gate, then you will be charged the cost of a checked bag.
Reece Hudgins
March 11, 2020
If I three checked bags and one exceeds the 62″ linear measurement, would it cost me $75 dollars for the 3rd bag fee or $150 for the 3rd bag fee plus the oversize fee?
Jarrod West
March 11, 2020
Hi Reece,
You should be charged $75 for the 3rd bag, plus an additional $75 for it being oversized, for a total of $150.
Margaret Simms
March 19, 2020
I want to a ticket for my son but i realize these flight are cheap but the baggage are expensive he as
* small nap sack
* carry-on the average 21 lbs but almost empty just carry it in case the suit case is over weight
* your suit measurement 62 inches 50 lbs, his own is 50 lbs 33 1/4, 19 3/4 & 111/2=64 1/2 inches his he going to pay $75.00
Elias A Gonzalez
March 21, 2020
Hey, I have a tool box that I would like to fly back with me. It weighs under 50lbs with all of my tools in it but it is made of metal and has a lock. How would I be able to fly it back the best way?
Jarrod West
March 22, 2020
Hi Elias,
You should be fine to transport them in any sort of luggage bag, or even a hard-shelled case to keep them protected.
Diamond
March 25, 2020
Hey guys, I wanted to know if anyone has ever traveled with storage bins before? I’m moving back home and was told it would save me a lot of space when traveling a long distance.
Jarrod West
March 31, 2020
Hi Diamond,
I personally have never traveled with storage bins, but as long as they fit the weight and size parameters with Southwest then you should be fine to fly with them!
Thanks for reading!
Jamie Atkinson
April 24, 2020
I need to travel with crutches as I am traveling for a surgery and need them for my travel home. Would I have to check these or am I even able to travel with them?
Jarrod West
April 27, 2020
Hi Jamie,
You should be able to bring your crutches on the plane with you.
Safe travels!
Lynn Day Allen
May 13, 2020
I require a Walker at all times. I’ve requested wheelchair assistance from Southwest. So the Walker will go with my luggage. Will I be charged for it?
Katie Seemann
May 13, 2020
Hi Lynn,
You may actually be able to bring your walker onboard the aircraft with you. Each plane has a wheelchair storage compartment and if it’s not being used for a wheelchair, the crew can store other assistive devices, like your walker, there. If they can’t they will check it for you free of charge.
Dina
June 10, 2020
Do business tickets have an extra weight limit for the checked-in bags like 70 bounds for each bag?
Jarrod West
June 11, 2020
Hi Dina,
No, the baggage weight rules are the same for business tickets.
Thanks for reading!
Aaliyah Burks
June 28, 2020
Im going on my first flight this weekend and am bringing two carry ons (backpack and purse) and one luggage. Will I have to pay extra for the second carry on? Also will my checked bag be free when I’m returning home?
Jarrod West
June 28, 2020
Hi Aaliyah,
If you bring two carry-ons then yes you will be charged for the second one. Either your backpack or purse can count as your personal item, and your luggage will count as your carry on. Though, to avoid paying for any of those items you could simply check your luggage, as Southwest allows each passenger to check two bags for free.
Thanks for reading!
Tina smith
August 27, 2020
How heavy can your checked bag be on Southwest if flying international?
Katie Seemann
August 27, 2020
Hi Tina,
According to Southwest’s baggage policy, 50 pounds is the maximum weight for a checked piece of luggage. If your bag is 51-100 pounds you’ll be charged an overweight bag fee of $75 per item.
Kerry Despain
August 30, 2020
Water skis and snow skis are allowed without size restrictions. Fishing rod case larger than 3” wide is going to get an oversized fee. This makes absolutely no sense! My fishing rod case is the same width as skis (5”) but my case is 60” long, skis are longer than that! Would they allow my rod case in place of the 2 checked bags, which is worth $150, and allow me to check my fishing case in place of 2 checked bags, same cost!
Amoy Haughton
November 15, 2020
Is a 25″x10″x16″ size suitcase suitable for carry on?
Jarrod West
November 16, 2020
Hi Amoy,
That is a little bit larger than Southwest’s max linear dimensions, but since it is close it is unlikely that they would measure it – so you should be fine.
Jack
March 29, 2021
Their policy may say one thing, but it’s ultimately up to the person working behind the counter, so get ready for an argument because they probably don’t know their job well enough to understand the exceptions (looking at you DCA).
Abigail
May 12, 2021
Hi!
I just have 2 quick questions,
1) Is the weight/size limit for the 2 checked bags a collective total? For ex. if I brought 2 checked bags, would each bag need to weigh 25 lbs in order to be acceptable? Or can each bag weigh 50 lbs?
2) So If I wanted to I can bring up to 2 checked bags as well as 1 carry on and 1 personal bag and it would be free? That’s technically 4 bags total, is that correct? (They would be their respected sizes and weights, of course.)
Jarrod West
May 14, 2021
Hi Abigail,
1.) Southwest allows each of your checked bags to weigh up to 50 pounds!
2.) Correct! You receive 2 free checked bags, 1 carry-on bag, and 1 personal item, all free on Southwest flights.
Anthony
May 26, 2021
My son just got charged $75 by Southwest flying from Detroit to Baltimore on his way to deployment in Bahrain. Had 3 bags for underneath and carried on a backpack and a garment bag with his dress uniforms. Not happy right now!
LJ Henzel
May 28, 2021
Can I bring a third carry-on bag if one is a CPAP in small case.
I will have a brief case with PC and a small backpack plus my breathing machine (CPAP)
Jarrod West
May 28, 2021
Hi LJ,
Yes, you should be able to bring this on board. Safe travels!
Sheila Watkins
May 30, 2021
I have my makeup in a clear bag in my purse with my jewelry in a bag also in my purse. Can I take it as a carry-on?
Jarrod West
May 31, 2021
Hi Sheila,
You can bring a purse as a carry-on if you’d like, you’ll just need to stow it in the overhead bin. However, it is more common for a purse to be a personal item, in which case you’d stow it underneath the seat in front of you, unless your purse is too large to fit. Either way, you should be fine to bring it on the plane.
Rich
June 04, 2021
Kiteboards do not appear to be free on Southwests official site. It’s listed as free here though.
Jarrod West
June 04, 2021
Hi Rich,
According to this page on the Southwest website, it states they can be substituted for one of your standard checked pieces of luggage.
maiya tragesser
June 22, 2021
Can I bring a boogie board in luggage?
Jarrod West
June 22, 2021
Hi Maiya,
If the boogie board fits in your luggage then yes you should be able to bring it.
Hussain Ahmed Raza
July 02, 2021
If I have to pay for my luggage at the airport, can I pay using cash since I don’t have a credit card?
Katie Seemann
July 03, 2021
Hi Hussain,
Unfortunately, cash is not accepted at any domestic airport Southwest ticket counter. It is still accepted at international ticket counters. If you need more assistance I would suggest calling Southwest directly.
Sonya Burke
July 16, 2021
Aside from the 2 free checked bags, how many more bags can I check? I need to know the cost for each extra checked bag.
Jarrod West
July 16, 2021
Hi Sonya,
The cost for each extra checked bag with Southwest is $75. Southwest does not list a limit to the number of checked bags you can have on a single flight on its website, so you would need to contact the customer service team directly for an answer to that. Safe travels!
Ashley
July 30, 2021
If I were to bring 2 luggages and 1 carry on backpack, will that all be free? Or is it just 1 carry on and 1 luggage for it to be free?
Jarrod West
July 30, 2021
Hi Ashley,
With Southwest, you can bring 2 checked bags, 1 carry-on bag, and 1 personal item, all for free. Safe travels!
Liz Stilp
September 07, 2021
I wanted some clarification, please. I have a 12″ child’s bike and helmet that I bought for my grandson who is flying on Southwest and coming to visit from FL. I want to send it home with him (as one of his checked bags). We will remove the pedals, handlebars, and training wheels and tape them all in bubble wrap. From wheel to wheel it’s 33″ and top to bottom, it’s 20″. I bought a soft Southwest travel bag to put it in (not a box). Will they accept it free of charge as one of the “checked bags?” Thanks.
Jarrod West
September 07, 2021
Hi Liz
Yes, Southwest should accept it as a free piece of checked baggage as long as it does not exceed the 50-pound weight limit.
Don
November 23, 2021
I understand the baggage policies, but I’m looking for clarification on how many total bags I’m able to check. I’m bringing two carry-ons. I plan to check two bags but I have four more bags I’d like to check. I know each bag after the two free checked bags are going to cost $75 a piece. Is there a limit to how many bags I can bring after the first two free bags?
Katie Seemann
November 29, 2021
Hi Don,
According to Southwest’s website, there isn’t a limit to the number of bags you can check, but I would suggest contacting them directly to make sure you won’t have a problem checking 6 bags.
Munish
April 18, 2022
Three passengers traveling can carry 6 check-in and 6 carryon bags. Am I correct in my understanding?
Katie Seemann
April 18, 2022
Hi Munish,
You’re almost correct. Three passengers can bring 6 check-in bags, 3 carry-on bags, and 3 personal items (like a purse).
Karen Smith
August 25, 2022
Most Airlines have a carry-on size limit of 22 inches, but I read on Southwest’s website that they’re allowable carry on size is 24 inches. Is this correct? I found a suitcase I really want but it’s 24 inches and I want to make sure I can take it as a carry-on on my Southwest flight. Thank you.
Jarrod West
August 26, 2022
Hi Karen,
Yes, you should be able to bring it on your flight.
Karen Smith
August 26, 2022
Thank you so much for your quick response! Another reason I prefer Southwest Airlines over the others 😁
Mike
March 15, 2023
Does Southwest fly from UAE to Nigeria?
Keri Stooksbury
March 15, 2023
Hi Mike, Southwest does not fly that route, but you can see its route map here. Further, FlightConnections.com might be a good site to explore routes between those particular destinations. Thanks for reading!
Camille
March 23, 2023
Hello!
Can I still check a bag without my drivers license? Will a student ID work?
Jarrod West
March 24, 2023
Hi Camille,
Yes, that should work fine.
Fond Travels
May 16, 2023
“Southwest Airlines doesn’t charge extra for your bags. You can bring two suitcases without paying more money. It’s a good airline for saving cash and having a stress-free trip. We suggest Southwest to people who want an easy and affordable journey. Great job, Southwest!”
Bharat
June 14, 2023
Many middle east airlines ( Emirates, Qatar, Etihad, Turkish, Air India) allow 2 free bags checked in
Any thoughts or questions? Comment below!
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