Southwest Baggage Fees for Military Members
Active-duty military personnel receive special baggage benefits on Southwest Airlines, including unlimited free checked bags - even after the 2025 policy changes.
Military Baggage Benefits Overview
What Military Members Get
Unlimited Free Checked Bags
Check as many bags as you need at no charge
100 lbs Weight Limit per Bag
Each bag can weigh up to 100 pounds
80 inches Size Limit
Combined length + width + height up to 80 inches
All Flight Types Covered
Domestic and international Southwest flights
Who Qualifies for Military Benefits?
To receive unlimited free checked bags on Southwest Airlines, you must be an active-duty member of the U.S. Armed Forces and present valid military identification at check-in.
Eligible Military Personnel
- • Active-duty U.S. Army
- • Active-duty U.S. Navy
- • Active-duty U.S. Air Force
- • Active-duty U.S. Marine Corps
- • Active-duty U.S. Coast Guard
- • Active-duty U.S. Space Force
Not Eligible
- • Military retirees
- • Reserve members (not on active orders)
- • National Guard (not on active orders)
- • Military dependents
- • Veterans
- • Military spouses
Required Military ID Documentation
You must present one of the following forms of valid military identification at the Southwest ticket counter to receive free baggage benefits:
Acceptable Military IDs
- Common Access Card (CAC): Current active-duty CAC with photo
- Active-Duty Military ID: DD Form 2 (Active) with current dates
- Orders: Active-duty orders for Reserve/Guard members on active status
Do Military Family Members Get Free Bags?
Unfortunately, military dependents, spouses, and family members traveling with or without the active-duty member do not automatically qualify for free checked bags under the military benefit.
Family Member Options
Military family members traveling with you are subject to standard baggage fees unless they qualify for free bags through:
- • A-List Preferred status: 2 free bags
- • Choice Extra fare: 2 free bags
- • A-List status: 1 free bag
- • Southwest Rapid Rewards® Credit Card: 1 free bag
Does Southwest Offer a Military Discount?
Yes — Southwest's military discount on baggage is one of the most generous in the airline industry. While standard passengers pay $35 for the first checked bag and $45 for the second, active-duty military members check unlimited bags for free with a valid military ID. No discount code or promo is needed.
The discount applies to bag fees only — military members pay the same base airfare as other passengers. For airfare discounts, check the Southwest military travel page for special fares available to active-duty personnel.
PCS Moves and Deployment Baggage
Military members on Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders or deploying can take advantage of the unlimited bag benefit, which is especially valuable during moves.
PCS Moves
When relocating for a PCS, you can check unlimited bags up to 100 lbs and 80 inches each at no charge with active-duty ID.
Tip: This can save hundreds of dollars compared to shipping services for personal items during your move.
Deployments
Deploying service members can check gear, duffel bags, and equipment without fees when traveling to/from deployment locations.
Note: Ensure all bags meet the 100 lb and 80-inch limits to avoid additional charges.
Military Baggage vs. Standard Southwest Policy
| Feature | Active-Duty Military | Standard Passenger |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Free Bags | Unlimited | 0-2 (based on status/fare) |
| Weight Limit per Bag | 100 lbs | 50 lbs (surcharge 51-100) |
| Size Limit | 80 inches | 62 inches (surcharge 63-80) |
| First Bag Fee | $0 | $35 (if not free) |
| Second Bag Fee | $0 | $45 (if not free) |
How to Check In with Military Benefits
Step-by-Step Process
- 1
Arrive at the Airport Early
Give yourself extra time for ticket counter check-in
- 2
Go to Southwest Ticket Counter
Locate the Southwest Airlines check-in counter (not kiosk)
- 3
Present Active-Duty Military ID
Show your CAC or active-duty ID card to the agent
- 4
Check Your Bags
Agent will tag your bags with military status - no fees charged
- 5
Receive Boarding Pass
Proceed to security with your free baggage receipt
Common Questions About Military Baggage
Does Southwest offer a military discount on baggage?
Yes. Active-duty military members get unlimited free checked bags — compared to $35 for the first bag for regular passengers. Present your CAC or active-duty ID at the ticket counter; no discount code is required.
Can I check bags online as military?
No, you must check in at the airport ticket counter to present your military ID and receive the baggage benefit. Online check-in won't apply the military discount.
Do military retirees get free bags?
No, the free baggage benefit is only for active-duty military members. Retired military personnel are subject to standard baggage fees unless they qualify through status or credit card benefits.
Can my spouse use my military benefit?
No, the unlimited free bag benefit applies only to the active-duty member. Spouses and dependents pay standard baggage fees unless they have A-List status or a Southwest credit card.
Are there any restrictions on what I can pack?
Standard TSA and airline restrictions apply to all passengers, including military. Prohibited items, hazardous materials, and weapons must follow TSA guidelines regardless of military status.
Does this work for military on personal travel?
Yes! The military baggage benefit applies whether you're traveling on official orders or for personal leisure. As long as you present valid active-duty ID, you receive unlimited free bags.
Thank You for Your Service
Southwest Airlines is proud to support U.S. military members with unlimited free checked baggage as a token of appreciation for your service and sacrifice.
Calculate Fees for Family Members →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.
Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk. In no event will the owner of this website be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, arising out of or in connection with the use of this website.