Southwest Baggage Fees
Southwest baggage fees in 2026 are $35 for the first checked bag and $45 for the second on Basic, Choice, and Choice Preferred fares. Choice Extra and A-List Preferred get 2 free checked bags, while A-List members and qualifying Southwest credit cardmembers get the first checked bag free. Every passenger still gets 1 free carry-on bag and 1 free personal item. Standard checked bags must stay at or under 50 pounds and 62 linear inches; overweight bags add $100 or $200, and oversized bags 63 to 80 inches add $200.
Fee Summary Table
| Bag type | Cost | Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Personal item | Free | Fits under the seat | 1 per passenger |
| Carry-on bag | Free | 10" × 16" × 24" | 1 per passenger |
| 1st checked bag | $35 | 50 lbs, 62 linear in. | Free on Choice Extra, A-List Preferred, A-List, eligible cardmember bookings, and some exceptions |
| 2nd checked bag | $45 | 50 lbs, 62 linear in. | Free on Choice Extra and A-List Preferred |
| 3rd checked bag and beyond | $150 each | 50 lbs, 62 linear in. | Up to 20 checked pieces total per flight |
| Overweight: 51 to 70 lbs | +$100 | Max 100 lbs | Added to the standard bag fee unless exempt |
| Overweight: 71 to 100 lbs | +$200 | Max 100 lbs | Bags above 100 lbs are not accepted |
| Oversized: 63 to 80 in. | +$200 | Max 80 linear in. | Only one $200 surcharge applies if a bag is both oversized and overweight |
Southwest Checked Baggage Fees
For most travelers, Southwest checked bag pricing now works like a standard fee schedule instead of the old “Bags Fly Free” model.
What most passengers pay
- • Basic, Choice, and Choice Preferred: first bag $35, second bag $45
- • Third bag and every bag after that: $150 each
- • Fees are charged one way, not round trip
- • Standard bag limit: 50 lbs and 62 linear inches
Who still gets free checked bags
- • Choice Extra: 2 free checked bags
- • Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred: 2 free checked bags for you and up to 8 people on the same reservation
- • Rapid Rewards A-List: first checked bag free for you and up to 8 people on the same reservation
- • Eligible Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cardmembers: first checked bag free for the cardmember and up to 8 people on the same reservation
First checked bag
$35 each way with the current standard fee.
Second checked bag
$45 each way unless your fare or status makes it free.
Bags by fare type
See exactly what Basic, Choice, Choice Preferred, and Choice Extra include.
Southwest Carry-On Rules
Southwest still has one of the simplest carry-on policies among major U.S. airlines: one free carry-on plus one free personal item for every ticketed passenger.
Carry-on allowance
- • 1 free carry-on bag
- • External size limit: 10" × 16" × 24"
- • Must fit in the overhead bin
- • No published carry-on weight limit
Personal item rules
- • 1 free personal item
- • Must fit under the seat in front of you
- • Common examples: purse, laptop bag, small backpack, camera bag
- • Personal item does not replace your carry-on
Deeper guides: carry-on rules page · carry-on allowance details · personal item definition
Overweight and Oversized Baggage Fees
These are the charges that usually surprise travelers. Southwest applies them on top of the base checked bag fee unless the passenger qualifies for an exemption.
| Condition | Fee | Example total on a first bag |
|---|---|---|
| 51 to 70 lbs | $100 + standard fee | $35 + $100 = $135 |
| 71 to 100 lbs | $200 + standard fee | $35 + $200 = $235 |
| 63 to 80 linear inches | $200 + standard fee | $35 + $200 = $235 |
| Over 100 lbs or over 80 linear inches | Not accepted | Repack, split the bag, or ship separately |
Example: 65 lb first checked bag
Base fee $35 + overweight surcharge $100 = $135 total.
Example: 75" first checked bag
Base fee $35 + oversize surcharge $200 = $235 total.
Detailed breakdowns: overweight baggage fees · oversized baggage fees · checked bag size limits · checked bag weight limit
Special Items and Exceptions
Sports equipment
Southwest treats accepted sports equipment as a standard checked bag. For the listed equipment on Southwest's help pages, the oversize fee is waived, but standard bag fees, overweight fees, and excess bag fees can still apply.
Musical instruments
Small instruments can travel in the cabin if they fit under the seat or in the overhead bin. Larger instruments may be checked. Southwest's contract of carriage allows checked musical instruments beyond the normal 80-inch baggage cap, but they still must meet Southwest's acceptance rules and handling limits.
Strollers and car seats
Strollers and child restraint systems can be checked or gate-checked without using your standard checked bag allowance. They are one of the clearest baggage-fee exceptions for family travel.
Medical and assistive devices
Wheelchairs, mobility aids, and other assistive devices used by a qualified passenger with a disability are carried free of charge in addition to the normal baggage allowance. No oversize or excess weight fee is assessed for those devices.
Active-duty military exception
Active-duty military customers with valid Uniformed Services ID are exempt from the two-piece baggage limit and from excess, oversize, and overweight baggage charges, provided each piece is no more than 100 lbs and 80 inches. Southwest caps total checked pieces at 20 per flight.
How to Avoid Southwest Baggage Fees
The main ways to pay $0
- • Pack carry-on only for short trips
- • Book Choice Extra if you know you need two checked bags
- • Hold eligible Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards for the first checked bag benefit
- • Earn A-List or A-List Preferred if you fly Southwest often
Avoid avoidable surcharges
- • Weigh bags at home and aim for 48 lbs or less
- • Keep checked bags at 62 linear inches or less
- • Move dense items into your free carry-on
- • Split one heavy bag into two standard bags when that is cheaper
More detail: how to avoid Southwest baggage fees · credit card bag benefits · all free-bag options
Southwest vs Other Airlines
| Airline | Carry-on on cheapest fare | First checked bag | Second checked bag |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southwest | Free | $35 | $45 |
| Delta | Free | $35 | $45 |
| American | Free | $35 to $40 depending on purchase channel | $45 to $50 depending on purchase channel |
Southwest's biggest remaining baggage advantage is not free checked bags for everyone anymore. It is the combination of a free carry-on, simple standard bag limits, and relatively broad pathways to free first or second checked bags through fare type, status, and card benefits.
FAQ
How much will Southwest charge for bags?
For most passengers, Southwest charges $35 for the first checked bag and $45 for the second. Third bags cost $150 each, and overweight or oversized bags add $100 or $200 depending on the condition.
How many bags can you take on Southwest?
You can bring 1 free carry-on, 1 free personal item, and up to 20 checked bags if you pay the required fees or qualify for an exemption.
Does Southwest charge for carry-on bags?
No. Carry-on bags and personal items are still free on all Southwest fares.
What is the Southwest baggage policy for overweight bags?
Bags from 51 to 70 lbs add $100. Bags from 71 to 100 lbs add $200. Bags over 100 lbs are not accepted.
How do I get free checked bags on Southwest?
The main paths are Choice Extra, A-List Preferred, A-List, eligible Southwest credit cards, and active-duty military status. Packing carry-on only also eliminates bag fees.
Are bag fees charged each way?
Yes. Southwest bag fees are priced one way, so round-trip travel doubles the bag fee unless you qualify for a free bag benefit.
Calculate your exact total
Use the calculator to estimate first-bag, second-bag, oversized, and overweight totals based on your fare, status, and bag dimensions.
Open baggage fee calculator →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.