Southwest Baggage Fees for Families: What to Budget Per Person
Baggage fees on Southwest add up fast for families. Here's exactly what to budget, bag cost tables for common family sizes, and how to reduce what you pay.
Bag Fee Rates Per Person
| Bag | Fee Per Person (One Way) | Fee Per Person (Round Trip) |
|---|---|---|
| First checked bag | $35 | $70 |
| Second checked bag | $45 | $90 |
| Third+ bag | $150 | $300 |
| Carry-on bag | Free | Free |
| Personal item | Free | Free |
Total Family Baggage Cost Tables
These tables assume all passengers are adults without status or credit card benefits.
Family of 2
| Scenario | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|
| Carry-on only (no bags) | $0 | $0 |
| 1 bag each | $70 | $140 |
| 2 bags each | $160 | $320 |
| 1 shared + 1 personal | $80 | $160 |
Family of 3
| Scenario | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|
| Carry-on only | $0 | $0 |
| 1 bag each | $105 | $210 |
| 2 bags each | $240 | $480 |
Family of 4
| Scenario | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|
| Carry-on only | $0 | $0 |
| 1 bag each | $140 | $280 |
| 2 bags each | $320 | $640 |
| Adults: 2 bags; Kids: 1 bag | $230 | $460 |
Free Items for Families with Children
Always Free for Children
- • Stroller (1 per child — gate or checked)
- • Car seat (1 per child)
- • Diaper bag (1 per child)
- • Breast pump (counts as personal item)
What Costs the Same as Adults
- • Children with tickets pay standard bag fees
- • Lap infants have no checked bag allowance
- • Toys and clothes in checked bags = standard rate
How to Reduce Family Baggage Costs
1. Get one Southwest credit card per adult
If both adults in a family hold a Southwest credit card, each adult gets free bag benefits. That can save $140–$280+ per round trip for a family of 4.
2. Use children's carry-on allowance strategically
Each ticketed child (any age) gets 1 free carry-on + 1 free personal item. Pack children's items in their carry-on bags to reduce what you need to check.
3. Check one shared family bag instead of multiple bags
A large family suitcase checked under one person's name costs $35 vs. four separate bags at $35 each. Consolidate where you can.
4. Ship ahead for long trips
For week-long+ vacations, shipping a box to your destination via UPS or FedEx can cost less than checking multiple bags for a large family.
Get Your Exact Family Baggage Total
Our calculator accounts for each traveler's status, fare type, and bag count — get the precise total for your family trip.
Calculate Family Baggage Fees →Frequently Asked Questions
Do children under 2 pay baggage fees on Southwest?
Lap infants (under 2 without a ticket) do not pay baggage fees, but they also don't have a checked bag allowance. If the infant is flying as a lap child, their belongings must fit in the parent's baggage or carry-on. Children with their own ticket pay standard bag fees.
Can I pool baggage allowances in a family?
No. Southwest baggage fees and allowances are per person, per ticket — you cannot transfer one person's status benefit to cover another person's bag fee. Each ticket is assessed independently.
Is a diaper bag free on Southwest?
Yes. A diaper bag for a child on your reservation is accepted as an additional free personal item. It does not count against your carry-on or personal item allowance.
Can my family check a car seat for free?
Yes. One car seat per child on the reservation can be checked for free. You can check it at the gate (to keep it during connections) or at the ticket counter. A car seat travel bag is recommended to prevent damage.
How much are Southwest baggage fees for a family of 4?
For a family of 4, each checking one bag: $35 × 4 = $140 each way, $280 round trip. If each person checks 2 bags: ($35 + $45) × 4 = $320 each way, $640 round trip.
Do children pay baggage fees on Southwest?
Yes. Children with their own ticket (any age) pay the same checked bag fees as adults ($35 first bag, $45 second). Lap infants (under 2, no ticket) do not pay baggage fees, but their belongings cannot be checked without a ticket.
Are strollers and car seats free on Southwest?
Yes. Southwest allows one stroller or car seat (or both together in a car seat travel bag) to be checked for free per child. This does not count toward the paid checked bag allowance.
How can a family reduce Southwest baggage fees?
Several strategies help families save: (1) One parent with A-List Preferred status gets 2 free bags — those free bags cover their own bags only. (2) A Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card waives the first bag fee for the cardholder and up to 8 companions on the same reservation. (3) Pack one large shared bag instead of multiple smaller ones. (4) Use carry-on bags (free for all passengers) for items that fit.
Does a Southwest credit card cover bag fees for the whole family?
Yes, if you book the family on the same reservation. The Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority, Premier, or Plus credit card waives the first checked bag fee ($35 each way) for the cardholder and up to 8 companions on the same booking. A family of 4 saves $35 × 4 × 2 directions = $280 round trip on first bags alone.
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.