Southwest Airlines Baggage Weight Allowance: What You Need to Know
Southwest allows up to 50 lbs per checked bag. Go over and you'll pay an extra $100–$200 on top of the standard bag fee. Here's how the weight allowance works and how to avoid surprises.
Weight Allowance by Bag Type
| Bag | Standard Limit | Overweight Fee | Max Accepted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carry-on bag | No weight limit | None | Must fit overhead |
| Personal item | No weight limit | None | Must fit under seat |
| Checked bag (standard) | 50 lbs | +$100 (51–70 lbs) +$200 (71–100 lbs) | 100 lbs |
| Checked bag (active-duty military) | 100 lbs | None | 100 lbs |
How the Overweight Fee Works
The overweight fee is in addition to the standard checked bag fee — it doesn't replace it. So if your first bag weighs 60 lbs, you pay:
Cost Examples
Tips to Stay Under the Weight Allowance
Use a luggage scale before you leave
Available for under $20 on Amazon — weigh your bag at home before heading to the airport
Move heavy items to carry-on
Carry-on bags have no weight limit on Southwest — shift books, shoes, and dense items overhead
Wear your heaviest clothes
Boots, jackets, and jeans can add 5–8 lbs — wearing them saves that weight from your checked bag
Split one heavy bag into two lighter bags
Two 45-lb bags ($35 + $45 = $80) costs less than one 80-lb bag ($35 + $200 = $235)
Ship ahead for extended trips
For long trips with heavy gear, shipping can cost less than overweight fees
Check the size limit too
Bags over 62 linear inches also incur a $200 oversize fee — check both dimensions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I split weight between two bags to avoid the overweight fee?
Yes. If your bag weighs 70 lbs, you could split contents into two 35-lb bags. Two bags cost $35 + $45 = $80. One 70-lb bag costs $35 + $100 = $135. Splitting saves $55 in this scenario.
Does Southwest weigh carry-on bags?
Southwest does not weigh carry-on bags. There is no stated weight limit for carry-ons — the only requirement is that they fit in the overhead bin (max 10" × 16" × 24").
What if my bag is right at 50 lbs?
Airport scales can vary slightly from home scales. If your bag reads exactly 50 lbs at home, aim for 48–49 lbs to give yourself a buffer. Bags that read 50.5 lbs at the airport counter will be charged the overweight fee.
Does the weight allowance change for international Southwest flights?
The standard 50-lb weight limit applies to Southwest's international routes as well. The same overweight fee structure applies unless otherwise specified by international regulations.
Do overweight bag fees apply each way on a round trip?
Yes. Overweight fees are charged per direction. If your bag weighs 60 lbs, you pay the $100 surcharge both outbound and on the return, totaling $200 in overweight fees for that bag round trip — on top of the standard bag fee each way.
Does A-List status or a Southwest credit card waive the overweight fee?
No. A-List status and Southwest credit cards waive only the base checked bag fee. The overweight surcharge ($100 for 51–70 lbs, $200 for 71–100 lbs) applies to everyone regardless of status or card benefits.
What is the baggage weight allowance on Southwest Airlines?
Southwest Airlines allows up to 50 lbs per checked bag at no extra charge. Bags weighing 51–70 lbs incur a $100 overweight fee. Bags weighing 71–100 lbs incur a $200 overweight fee. Bags over 100 lbs are not accepted.
How much does Southwest charge for overweight bags?
Southwest charges $100 for bags weighing 51–70 lbs and $200 for bags weighing 71–100 lbs, in addition to the standard checked bag fee.
Is there a higher weight allowance for military on Southwest?
Yes. Active-duty military members can check bags up to 100 lbs each at no charge with valid military ID.
Calculate Your Total Bag Cost
Including overweight fees — our calculator accounts for bag weight and size surcharges.
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.