Southwest Airlines Baggage Policy

Below is the baggage policy for Southwest Airlines, a U.S.-based low-cost carrier, for 2025, reflecting the significant change from its long-standing "Bags Fly Free" policy. Effective May 28, 2025, most passengers must pay for checked baggage, aligning Southwest with competitors like American, Delta, and United. The policy covers carry-on and checked baggage allowances, fees, and restrictions for domestic and international flights. Fees vary by fare type (Basic, Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, Business Select), Rapid Rewards status, and purchase timing. For precise fees. Policies may differ for codeshare or interline flights, where the first marketing carrier’s rules apply. Note: Information is accurate as of July 2025 based on available sources. Reservations made on or before May 27, 2025, retain the two free checked bags policy, regardless of travel date.

Carry-On Baggage

All passengers are allowed one carry-on bag and one personal item free of charge, with strict size limits enforced at check-in or the gate. Oversized bags may be gate-checked with fees.

Carry-On Bag:
- Dimensions: Max 24 x 16 x 10 in (61 x 40.6 x 25.4 cm), including handles/wheels (50 linear inches/127 cm).
- No weight limit, but must fit in overhead bins.
- Free of charge for all fare types.
Personal Item:
- Dimensions: Max 18.5 x 13.5 x 8.5 in (46 x 34 x 21.6 cm).
- Examples: Purse, backpack, laptop bag.
- Must fit under the seat in front of you.
- Free of charge.
Additional Free Items:
- Outer garments (e.g., coats, jackets), umbrellas, walking canes, food in disposable packaging for in-flight consumption, reading material, duty-free items.
- Assistive devices (e.g., CPAP, mobility aids), breast pumps, breast milk, child restraint devices for ticketed children.
- Pet carriers (max 18.5 x 13.5 x 8.5 in) count as a personal item, $95 one-way fee.
Notes:
- TSA regulations apply: Liquids/gels max 3.4 oz (100 ml) per container in a 1-quart resealable bag.
- Prohibited items: E-cigarettes, hoverboards, flammable materials, explosives, weapons (except in checked baggage per TSA rules).
- Southwest is installing larger overhead bins to accommodate more carry-ons due to expected increased usage after baggage fee changes.

Checked Baggage

Checked baggage allowances depend on fare type, Rapid Rewards status, and booking date. Bags must not exceed 50 lbs (23 kg) and 62 linear inches (158 cm, length + width + height) unless otherwise specified. Fees apply for most passengers starting May 28, 2025, except for specific exemptions.

Fare Type/Status	Allowance (Bookings on/after May 28, 2025)	Allowance (Bookings before May 28, 2025)	Max Weight/Dimensions	Fees (One-Way)
Basic, Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime	No free allowance	2 bags free	50 lbs (23 kg), 62 in (158 cm)	$35 (1st bag), $45 (2nd bag), $150 (3rd+ bag)
Business Select	2 bags free	2 bags free	50 lbs (23 kg), 62 in (158 cm)	$150 (3rd+ bag)
Rapid Rewards A-List	1 bag free	2 bags free	50 lbs (23 kg), 62 in (158 cm)	$45 (2nd bag), $150 (3rd+ bag)
Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred	2 bags free	2 bags free	50 lbs (23 kg), 62 in (158 cm)	$150 (3rd+ bag)
Southwest Credit Card Holders	1 bag free	2 bags free	50 lbs (23 kg), 62 in (158 cm)	$45 (2nd bag), $150 (3rd+ bag)
Active-Duty Military	Exempt from fees	Exempt from fees	100 lbs (46 kg), 80 in (203 cm)	No fees
Hawaii Residents (Interisland)	2 bags free	2 bags free	50 lbs (23 kg), 62 in (158 cm)	$150 (3rd+ bag)
Infants (No Seat)	1 stroller + 1 car seat	1 stroller + 1 car seat	No weight limit	Free

Notes:

Booking Exemption: Tickets purchased on or before May 27, 2025, receive two free checked bags, regardless of travel date or fare type.
International Restrictions: To/from Belize, Mexico City, Montego Bay, and San Jose (Costa Rica) from November 16–January 16, max 2 checked bags per passenger due to space constraints.
Valuables/Fragile Items: Not recommended in checked baggage; Southwest is not liable for damage to electronics, jewelry, or poorly packed items.
Check-In Deadlines: 45 minutes before departure (domestic), 60 minutes (international). Arrive 2–3 hours early for international flights.
Hawaii Interisland: Surfboards count as one checked bag for residents, with keels/fins removed and packed.

Excess Baggage Fees

Fees apply for bags exceeding allowance, weight, or size limits. Payment is required at the airport; prepayment is not available.

Excess Bags:
- 3rd bag and beyond: $150 USD per bag, each way.
- Max 20 bags per passenger, subject to space availability.
Overweight Fees (Per Bag):
- 51–70 lbs (23–32 kg): $150 USD.
- 71–100 lbs (32–46 kg): $200 USD.
- Over 100 lbs: Not accepted.
Oversized Fees (Per Bag):
- 62–80 in (158–203 cm): $200 USD.
- Over 80 in: Not accepted (except specific sporting equipment).
- Combined overweight/oversized: $200 USD (single fee, regardless of weight up to 100 lbs).
Notes:
- Fees are cumulative with standard baggage fees (e.g., 3rd bag of 60 lbs = $150 + $150).
- Active-duty military exempt from all excess/overweight/oversized fees (up to 100 lbs, 80 in).

Special Items

Sports Equipment:
- Items (e.g., skis, golf bags, fishing equipment, hockey/lacrosse gear, non-motorized bicycles): Count as one checked bag if within 50 lbs and 62 in. Surfboards (Hawaii interisland) substitute for one checked bag, $75 if over 50 lbs.
- Oversized (up to 80 in) or overweight (51–100 lbs): $150–$200 per item, each way.
- Examples: One pair of skis/snowboard + poles + boots (1 or 2 bags) counts as one checked bag.
- Notify in advance for large items (e.g., kayaks, vaulting poles).
Musical Instruments:
- Within carry-on limits (24 x 16 x 10 in): Counts as carry-on, free.
- Checked: Counts as checked bag, subject to standard/excess fees if over 50 lbs or 62 in.
- Extra seat: Purchase for fragile instruments; contact Southwest for pricing.
Pets:
- In-cabin: Small vaccinated cats/dogs in carriers (max 18.5 x 13.5 x 8.5 in), $95 one-way, counts as personal item. Limited to 6 carriers per flight.
- Checked: Not allowed in cargo hold.
- Service animals: Free in cabin with prior approval, documentation required.
Mobility Equipment: Wheelchairs, crutches, and assistive devices free, no weight/size limit, with prior notification.
Infant Items: Strollers, car seats free when checked at curb, ticket counter, or gate.

Lost, Damaged, or Delayed Baggage

Reporting: File a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) at the airport’s Baggage Service Office.
Claims: Submit within 7 days for damage, 21 days for delay, up to 1,131 SDRs (approx. $1,800 USD) for loss, per Montreal Convention.
Liability: Southwest is not liable for damage due to inherent defects, poor packing, or fragile items (e.g., electronics, glassware).
Recommendations: Label bags, use locks, and pack valuables/medications in carry-on.

Additional Notes

Fare Types:
- Basic, Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime: No free checked bags (post-May 27, 2025 bookings).
- Business Select: 2 free checked bags, priority boarding.
- Choice Extra: 2 free checked bags, additional perks (introduced with new fare structure).
Rapid Rewards Benefits:
- A-List: 1 free checked bag.
- A-List Preferred: 2 free checked bags.
- Credit Card Holders: 1 free checked bag, including travel companions on the same booking.
Check-In: Online check-in opens 24 hours and closes 45 minutes (domestic) or 60 minutes (international) before departure. International flights require passport verification at the counter. Arrive 2–3 hours early.
Recommendations: Book before May 28, 2025, to secure two free checked bags. Pack efficiently in carry-ons to avoid fees. Check size/weight at home to avoid surprises. Verify codeshare partner policies for connecting flights.