Southwest Overweight Baggage Fees 2026
Overweight baggage fees can significantly increase your travel costs. This comprehensive guide explains Southwest Airlines' two-tier overweight surcharge system and provides strategies to avoid these extra charges.
Overweight Fee Tiers Explained
Tier 1: 51-70 lbs
$100
Surcharge per bag
Bags weighing between 51 and 70 pounds incur a $100 surcharge in addition to the standard checked bag fee.
Example Cost:
1st bag (60 lbs): $35 + $100 = $135
Tier 2: 71-100 lbs
$200
Surcharge per bag
Bags weighing between 71 and 100 pounds incur a $200 surcharge in addition to the standard checked bag fee.
Example Cost:
1st bag (80 lbs): $35 + $200 = $235
Complete Fee Breakdown
Understanding how overweight surcharges combine with base baggage fees is crucial for budgeting. Here's a comprehensive breakdown by passenger status.
| Bag Position | Weight | No Status | A-List (1 free) | A-List Preferred (2 free) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st bag | 50 lbs | $35 | $0 | $0 |
| 1st bag | 65 lbs | $135 | $100 | $100 |
| 1st bag | 85 lbs | $235 | $200 | $200 |
| 2nd bag | 50 lbs | $45 | $45 | $0 |
| 2nd bag | 70 lbs | $145 | $145 | $100 |
| 2nd bag | 90 lbs | $245 | $245 | $200 |
Do Status Members Get Overweight Fee Waivers?
This is a common misconception. Let's clarify how status benefits interact with overweight surcharges.
Status Does NOT Waive Overweight Fees
A-List and A-List Preferred members receive free checked bags, but this only waives the base baggage fee ($35 or $45). Overweight surcharges still apply in full.
A-List Member (1 free bag)
1st bag at 60 lbs: $0 (base waived) + $100 (overweight) = $100 total
A-List Preferred (2 free bags)
2nd bag at 75 lbs: $0 (base waived) + $200 (overweight) = $200 total
Is It Cheaper to Check Multiple Bags?
Often, splitting one heavy bag into two lighter bags costs less than paying overweight fees. Here's the math:
Expensive Option
Scenario: One 80 lb bag (no status)
• Base fee (1st bag): $35
• Overweight surcharge: $200
Total: $235
Better Option
Scenario: Two 40 lb bags (no status)
• 1st bag: $35
• 2nd bag: $45
Total: $80
✓ Savings: $155
7 Ways to Avoid Overweight Fees
- 1
Weigh Before You Leave
Use a luggage scale at home and aim for 48 lbs to leave buffer room
- 2
Pack Heavy Items in Carry-On
Books, electronics, and shoes can go in your free carry-on bag
- 3
Wear Your Heaviest Items
Wear heavy jacket, boots, and jeans on travel day to reduce bag weight
- 4
Split Into Two Bags
Two 45 lb bags cost $80 vs. one 90 lb bag at $235 (no status)
- 5
Ship Non-Urgent Items
USPS Flat Rate boxes can be cheaper for heavy, non-fragile items
- 6
Use Lightweight Luggage
A 5 lb bag vs. 12 lb hard-shell saves 7 lbs for your belongings
- 7
Bring Empty Duffel Bag
Pack a foldable duffel to redistribute weight at the airport if needed
Common Overweight Scenarios
Winter Sports Trips
Ski boots, heavy jackets, and gear can push bags to 60+ lbs. Consider wearing ski pants/jacket and boots on the plane, or rent equipment at your destination.
Typical savings: $100-200 per trip
Extended Vacations
Two-week trips often require 55+ lb bags. Instead of paying $100 overweight fee, check a second bag for $45 and stay under 50 lbs each.
Typical savings: $55 per trip
Golf Trips
Golf travel bags with clubs often weigh 40-50 lbs, but hard-shell cases can exceed 60 lbs. Use soft-sided golf bags to stay under the limit.
Typical savings: $100 per round trip
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay overweight fees online in advance?
No, Southwest does not allow pre-payment of overweight baggage fees online. These fees must be paid at the airport when you check in, as the bag weight must be verified by airline staff on calibrated scales.
What if my bag is exactly 70 lbs?
A bag weighing exactly 70 lbs falls into the first overweight tier (51-70 lbs) and costs $100 surcharge. At 71 lbs, it jumps to the $200 tier, so staying at or below 70 lbs can save you $100 if your bag must be overweight.
Are overweight fees charged per flight or round trip?
Overweight fees are charged per flight, each direction. If you check a 65 lb bag on a round trip, you'll pay the $100 surcharge on your outbound flight AND another $100 on your return flight, for $200 total.
Can I remove items at the counter to avoid the fee?
Yes! Most Southwest agents will give you a moment to remove items from your checked bag and put them in your carry-on or personal item to get under the 50 lb limit. Arrive early to allow time for repacking if needed.
Do Choice Extra passengers get free overweight allowance?
No. Choice Extra fare includes 2 free checked bags up to 50 lbs each, but overweight surcharges still apply if bags exceed 50 lbs. Only active-duty military members are exempt from overweight fees.
What's the heaviest bag I can check on Southwest?
100 pounds is the absolute maximum. Bags over 100 lbs will be refused for air transport regardless of how much you're willing to pay. You must ship them via cargo service or reduce the weight.
Calculate Your Exact Fees
Don't get surprised at the airport. Use our free calculator to estimate your total baggage costs including overweight surcharges, based on your actual bag weights and status.
Calculate My Fees →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.