Can I get the first bag free on Southwest?

Yes. The first bag is free if you have: (1) A-List or A-List Preferred status, (2) a Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus, Priority, or Performance Business credit card, (3) active-duty military ID, or (4) a Choice Extra fare (which includes 2 free bags per direction).

Is the first bag fee charged per person or per bag?

Per bag. If two passengers each check one bag, each pays $35 — a total of $70. If two passengers share one bag, only $35 is charged for that single bag.

Is the first bag fee charged on round trips?

Yes. The $35 first bag fee is charged per flight segment. On a round trip, you pay $35 on the way out and $35 on the way back — $70 total for one bag round trip.

← Back to Calculator

Southwest First Checked Bag Fee (2026)

Q: How much is the first checked bag on Southwest?

The first checked bag on Southwest costs $35 per direction. On a round trip, you pay $35 outbound and $35 returning, totaling $70 per person for one checked bag round trip.

Southwest charges $35 for the first checked bag, per direction. That's $70 round trip per person. The fee applies on all fares — unless you have status, a qualifying credit card, or are active-duty military.

Direct answer: First bag = $35 each way. Round trip = $70 per person. Weight limit: 50 lbs. Size limit: 62 linear inches.

First Bag Fee at a Glance

Scenario	One Way	Round Trip
Standard (no status)	$35	$70
A-List status	Free	Free
A-List Preferred	Free	Free
SW Rapid Rewards Plus/Priority card	Free	Free
Active-duty military (with ID)	Free	Free
Bag is overweight (51–70 lbs)	$35 + $100	$270

Weight matters: Keep your first bag under 50 lbs or the $35 bag fee becomes $135 (bag fee + $100 overweight surcharge). Weigh your bag at home before heading to the airport.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is the first checked bag on Southwest?

$35 per direction. On a round trip, you pay $35 outbound and $35 returning = $70 total per person.

Is the first bag free on Southwest?

Only if you have A-List status, A-List Preferred status, a qualifying Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card, or are active-duty military. All other passengers pay $35.

Does Southwest charge per bag or per person?

Per bag. Two people sharing one checked bag pay $35 once. Two people each with their own bag each pay $35 separately.

What is the first bag fee on a Southwest round trip?

$70 per person ($35 each way). The fee is charged on each flight leg independently.

Does the Southwest credit card waive the first bag fee?

Yes. Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus, Priority, and Performance Business credit cards each include 2 free checked bags per flight for the cardmember (and up to 8 other passengers on the same reservation). This can save $70+ per person on a round trip.

Legal Disclaimer: This website and its calculator are not affiliated with, authorized by, sponsored by, or in any way officially connected with Southwest Airlines Co. or any of its subsidiaries. The official Southwest Airlines website can be found at www.southwest.com.

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.