Southwest Baggage Fee Topics (2026)
Use this hub to navigate Southwest bag pricing subtopics. If you want the main answer first, start with the full Southwest baggage fee guide.
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| 1st checked bag | $35 |
| 2nd checked bag | $45 |
| 3rd+ checked bag | $150 each |
| Overweight (51–70 lbs) | +$100 |
| Overweight (71–100 lbs) | +$200 |
| Oversize (63–80 in) | +$200 |
| Carry-on bag | Free |
| Personal item | Free |
Detailed Guides by Fee Type
Southwest Baggage Fees
Primary guide for checked bag fees, carry-on rules, free-bag exceptions, and oversized or overweight charges.
Checked Bag Prices
Checked bag pricing only: $35 first bag, $45 second, $150 third+. Real-world cost examples.
First Checked Bag Fee ($35)
$35 per direction, $70 round trip. Who gets it free and what triggers overweight charges.
Second Checked Bag Fee ($45)
$45 per direction, $90 round trip. Only A-List Preferred gets this one free.
Overweight Baggage Fees
$100 surcharge for bags 51–70 lbs. $200 surcharge for 71–100 lbs. How to avoid.
Oversize Baggage Fees
$200 surcharge for bags 63–80 linear inches. How to measure and avoid the charge.
Third Bag Fee ($150)
Every bag after the second costs $150. When it applies and cheaper alternatives.
Round Trip Baggage Fees
Fees apply each direction. Calculate your total cost for a round trip.
Fees by Fare Type
How fees differ across Basic, Choice, Choice Preferred, and Choice Extra fares. Choice Extra includes 2 free bags.
Weight Allowance
50 lbs standard limit. What happens at 51, 70, and 100 lbs.
Checked Bag Size Limits
62 linear inches standard. How to measure length + width + height.
Baggage Fees for Families
Per-person fee totals for families of 2, 3, and 4. Free items for children.
Baggage Fees for 2 Passengers
Total fees for couples and pairs. Sharing one bag saves $35 each way.
2 Bags Round Trip Cost
$160 per person round trip with 2 bags. Full breakdown and savings options.
Business Traveler Baggage Fees
How A-List status and credit cards eliminate fees for frequent business flyers.
Airline Baggage Fee Comparison
Southwest vs Delta vs United vs American Airlines. Who wins on fees in 2026?
Ski & Snowboard Bag Fees
$35 bag fee + likely $200 oversize surcharge. Size guide for ski bags vs Southwest limits.
Baggage Fees Per Person
Total costs for 1–4 passengers with 1 or 2 bags each, one-way and round trip.
Carry-On Weight Limit
Southwest has no carry-on weight limit — only size (10×16×24 in) is enforced.
Checked Bag Weight Limit
50 lbs standard. $100 surcharge at 51–70 lbs, $200 at 71–100 lbs. Max 100 lbs.
International Baggage Weight
Same 50 lb limit and $100/$200 overweight fees apply on all international Southwest routes.
Sports Equipment Fees
Golf clubs, skis, bikes, surfboards, and more. How each sport item is priced and sized.
Golf Clubs Baggage Fees
$35 standard bag fee + likely $200 oversize surcharge. How to pack and measure golf bags.
Pet Fees
$125 in-cabin fee per pet carrier (one-way). In-cabin only — no pets in cargo on Southwest.
Lost & Delayed Baggage
What to do if Southwest loses or delays your bag. Claim process, reimbursement, and timelines.
Baggage Policy Changes (2025)
Southwest ended free checked bags May 28, 2025. What changed, who is exempt, and the new fees.
Baggage Fees for Students
No student discount — same $35/$45 fees apply. College travel tips to travel light.
Stroller & Car Seat Policy
Strollers and car seats gate-check FREE. Do not count toward checked bag allowance.
Calculate Your Exact Fees
Enter your fare type, status, and bag dimensions for a precise total.
Open Baggage Fee Calculator →Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Southwest charge for checked bags in 2026?
Southwest charges $35 for the first checked bag and $45 for the second checked bag per direction. The third bag and beyond each cost $150. Overweight bags (51–70 lbs) incur a $100 surcharge; bags 71–100 lbs incur a $200 surcharge. Oversize bags (63–80 linear inches) incur a $200 surcharge.
Are carry-on bags free on Southwest?
Yes. Southwest allows one free carry-on bag and one free personal item for all passengers on all fare types. There is no weight limit for carry-ons, and there are no basic economy carry-on restrictions.
When did Southwest start charging for checked bags?
Southwest began charging for checked bags on May 28, 2025. Before that date, all Southwest passengers received 2 free checked bags on every flight. Passengers who booked before May 28, 2025 for travel on or after that date also pay the new fees unless they are grandfathered by holding an existing A-List status or qualifying credit card.
How can I avoid Southwest baggage fees?
Four main options: (1) Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card — waives first bag for cardholder and up to 8 companions; (2) A-List status — 1 free bag; (3) A-List Preferred status — 2 free bags; (4) Active-duty military with valid ID — unlimited free bags. Alternatively, pack only a carry-on and personal item, which remain free for all passengers.
Are Southwest bag fees charged per direction or total for the round trip?
Per direction. Fees are charged each time a bag is checked, so a round trip doubles the cost. One bag on a round trip costs $35 × 2 = $70. Two bags on a round trip costs ($35 + $45) × 2 = $160 per person.
Related: Southwest baggage fees · Free bags guide · Carry-on rules · Full policy overview
All information provided is for general informational purposes only and is based on publicly available data. Fee information was last verified against official Southwest baggage policy in March 2026. While we strive to keep the information accurate and up-to-date, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability of the information contained on this website.
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