Southwest Airlines Baggage Policy: Complete Rules & Allowances for 2026
Everything you need to know about Southwest Airlines baggage rules — carry-on allowances, checked bag fees, size limits, and who still qualifies for free bags.
Baggage Allowance at a Glance
| Bag Type | Fee | Size Limit | Weight Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Personal item | Free | Must fit under seat in front | No stated limit |
| Carry-on bag | Free | 10" × 16" × 24" | No stated limit |
| 1st checked bag | $35 | Max 62 linear inches | Max 50 lbs |
| 2nd checked bag | $45 | Max 62 linear inches | Max 50 lbs |
| 3rd+ checked bag | $150 each | Max 62 linear inches | Max 50 lbs |
| Overweight bag (51–100 lbs) | +$100–$200 | — | Max 100 lbs |
| Oversize bag (63–80 linear in.) | +$200 | Max 80 linear inches | — |
Carry-On Baggage Rules
Every Southwest passenger — regardless of fare type — receives one free carry-on bag and one free personal item at no charge.
Carry-On Bag
- • Max size: 10" × 16" × 24"
- • Must fit in overhead bin
- • Always free, all fare types
- • 1 per ticketed passenger
Personal Item
- • Must fit under the seat in front
- • Purse, laptop bag, small backpack
- • Always free, all fare types
- • 1 per ticketed passenger
Checked Bag Rules
As of May 28, 2025, Southwest charges for all checked bags. The fee applies per bag, per direction — not per round trip.
Standard Checked Bag
- Max 50 lbs
- Max 62 linear inches (L+W+H)
- First bag: $35 each way
- Second bag: $45 each way
Extra Fees Apply If...
- Weight 51–100 lbs: +$100–$200
- Size 63–80 linear in.: +$200
- Over 100 lbs: not accepted
- Over 80 linear in.: not accepted
Who Gets Free Checked Bags?
Special Items & Exceptions
| Item | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Stroller (1 per child) | Free | Gate or ticket counter |
| Car seat (1 per child) | Free | Gate or ticket counter |
| Pet carrier (in-cabin) | $125/segment | Must reserve by phone |
| Golf clubs | Standard bag fee | Counts as checked bag |
| Sports equipment | Standard bag fee | Size/weight rules apply |
What Is Not Allowed in Checked Baggage?
Banned From Checked Bags
- • Lithium batteries & power banks (carry-on only)
- • E-cigarettes & vaping devices (carry-on only)
- • Flammable liquids (lighter fluid, paint thinner)
- • Explosives and fireworks
- • Compressed gases (aerosols over limits)
- • Self-defense sprays over 4 oz
- • Strong acids and oxidizers
Checked Only (Not Carry-On)
- • Firearms (unloaded, hard-sided locked case, declared)
- • Ammunition (properly packed with firearm)
- • Knives and blades over 4"
- • Baseball bats, golf clubs, hockey sticks
- • Self-defense sprays under 4 oz (1 per person)
- • Tools over 7"
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Southwest charge for bags at the gate?
No. Carry-on bags are always free even if gate-checked. Southwest does not charge gate bag fees for carry-ons that don't fit overhead.
Can I pay for bags online in advance?
Yes. You can pay checked bag fees during online check-in or when booking. Paying at the airport costs the same — there is no advance discount.
Are Southwest bag fees charged per direction or round trip?
Southwest baggage fees are charged per segment (one-way). A round trip = 2 segments, so you pay the fee twice. A connecting itinerary counts as one segment if operated by Southwest.
What changed in 2025 with Southwest baggage policy?
On May 28, 2025, Southwest ended its famous "bags fly free" policy. Previously, all passengers could check 2 bags for free. Now checked bags cost $35 and $45 unless the passenger qualifies for free bags through status, a credit card, or military service.
What is Southwest Airlines baggage allowance?
Each passenger gets 1 free carry-on bag and 1 free personal item. Checked bags cost $35 for the first and $45 for the second. A-List Preferred members and qualifying credit card holders still receive free checked bags.
What are the Southwest Airlines baggage rules for checked bags?
Checked bags must weigh 50 lbs or less and measure 62 linear inches (L+W+H) or less. Bags 51–100 lbs incur an overweight fee. Bags over 62 inches up to 80 inches incur an oversize fee. The fee is $35 for the first bag and $45 for the second.
Does Southwest still have free checked bags in 2026?
Not for most passengers. Southwest ended its universal free checked bag policy on May 28, 2025. Free bags are available to: Choice Extra fare passengers (2 free), A-List Preferred members (2 free), A-List members (1 free), qualifying Southwest credit card holders (1 free), and active-duty military (unlimited).
What is the 10 minute rule for Southwest Airlines?
Southwest's 10-minute rule means passengers must be present at the gate at least 10 minutes before scheduled departure or they may lose their boarding position and seat. For checked bags, the cutoff is stricter: bags must be checked at the ticket counter at least 30 minutes before domestic flight departure. Arriving late to the counter may result in your bag not making the flight.
What is not allowed in checked baggage on Southwest?
Items banned from all Southwest checked bags include: lithium batteries and power banks (must go in carry-on), e-cigarettes and vaping devices, flammable liquids, explosives and fireworks, and self-defense sprays over 4 oz. Firearms are allowed in checked bags only with proper TSA declaration (unloaded, in a hard-sided locked case). See the full list at southwest.com/baggage-restrictions.
Calculate Your Total Bag Cost
Use our free calculator — enter your status, fare type, companions, and bag count to get your exact total.
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.