Who gets a free second bag on Southwest?

Only A-List Preferred members get a free second checked bag. A-List (base tier) and Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card holders only get the first bag free — the second bag still costs $45.

What is the total cost for 2 bags on Southwest round trip?

For one person with no status: first bag ($35) + second bag ($45) = $80 each way, $160 round trip total. With a Rapid Rewards card: first bag free, second bag $45 = $45 each way, $90 round trip.

Can I avoid the second bag fee on Southwest?

Yes, but only with A-List Preferred status, which waives both the first and second bag fees. A-List (base) status waives only the first bag fee. A Southwest credit card also waives only the first bag — the second bag remains $45.

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Southwest Second Checked Bag Fee (2026)

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

The second checked bag on Southwest costs $45 per direction. On a round trip, you pay $45 outbound and $45 returning, totaling $90 per person for the second bag.

Southwest charges $45 for the second checked bag, per direction — $90 round trip. Unlike the first bag, only A-List Preferred members get this one free. Standard A-List and credit card holders still pay.

Direct answer: Second bag = $45 each way. Round trip = $90 per person. Combined with first bag: $80 each way, $160 round trip.

Second Bag Fee by Status

Status / Benefit	First Bag	Second Bag	2 Bags Round Trip
No status	$35	$45	$160
SW Rapid Rewards card	Free	$45	$90
A-List status	Free	$45	$90
A-List Preferred	Free	Free	$0

Key distinction: A-List members and Rapid Rewards cardholders get the first bag free, but still pay $45 for the second. Only A-List Preferred gets both bags free.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is the second checked bag on Southwest?

$45 per direction. Round trip: $90. Combined with the first bag: $80 each way, $160 round trip.

Does A-List status make the second bag free?

No — only A-List Preferred gets 2 free bags. Standard A-List covers the first bag only. The second bag still costs $45.

Does my Southwest credit card cover the second bag?

No. The Rapid Rewards Plus, Priority, and Performance Business cards include 1 free checked bag — the first bag only. The second still costs $45.

Is it cheaper to ship the second bag or pay Southwest's fee?

For long trips or heavy items, shipping via FedEx or UPS can be cheaper than paying $45 + potential overweight surcharges each way. For light bags on short trips, paying Southwest's $45 fee is usually easier.

How does the second bag fee compare to other airlines?

At $45, Southwest's second bag fee is comparable to Delta and United ($45 each). American charges $45. Southwest's first bag ($35) and carry-on (free) are the bigger differentiators — Southwest still offers more generous carry-on benefits than legacy carriers with basic economy restrictions.

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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.

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