Learn About Southwest Airline Baggage Fees

Southwest Airlines Baggage Policy Overview

Southwest Airlines stands out in the U.S. airline industry because it offers a unique baggage policy compared to most other major carriers. Understanding how Southwest handles baggage is important before you book a flight, as it can significantly affect your travel costs and packing decisions.

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As of 2024, Southwest provides two free checked bags for most passengers on domestic flights. This means the first bag you check at the airport and the second bag you check both travel at no additional charge. This policy applies to standard-sized checked luggage, which must meet Southwest's dimension and weight requirements. The first checked bag must not exceed 62 inches in length, width, and height combined, and cannot weigh more than 50 pounds. The second checked bag has the same size and weight limitations.

For comparison, major competitors like American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines typically charge between $35 and $40 for the first checked bag and $45 to $50 for the second checked bag on domestic flights. Over the course of a year, frequent travelers can save hundreds of dollars by choosing Southwest, assuming they would otherwise pay these fees.

The baggage policy applies to passengers traveling on regular Southwest tickets purchased through standard booking methods. Group bookings, special fares, and certain promotional tickets may have different baggage allowances, so it's worth reviewing your specific ticket details when you purchase. Additionally, companion passes and other Southwest loyalty program benefits do not automatically grant baggage allowance changes—they follow the same standard policy.

Practical Takeaway: If you travel multiple times per year, Southwest's two free checked bags could provide substantial savings compared to other airlines. Review your specific ticket confirmation to confirm your baggage allowance, as some special promotional fares may differ from the standard policy.

Carry-On Baggage and Personal Item Rules

Beyond checked luggage, Southwest also allows passengers to bring items into the cabin of the aircraft. Knowing these rules helps you avoid checking bags unnecessarily and keeps your essentials with you during your flight.

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Each passenger traveling on Southwest may bring one carry-on bag and one personal item into the cabin at no charge. The carry-on bag is typically a rolling suitcase, duffel bag, or backpack that fits in the overhead bin above your seat. Southwest specifies that carry-on bags must not exceed 24 inches in length, 16 inches in width, and 10 inches in depth. This is similar to the sizing standards used by most other U.S. airlines.

The personal item is a separate piece, generally smaller than the carry-on. Personal items can include purses, small backpacks, laptop bags, or small crossbody bags. This item must fit under the seat in front of you. Southwest does not specify exact dimensions for personal items, but the general guideline is that it should be small enough to fit comfortably in that under-seat space without blocking the aisle or interfering with safety equipment.

Many travelers pack strategically to avoid checked bag fees on other airlines. With Southwest, you can bring both a carry-on and a personal item, plus two checked bags, which provides substantial packing flexibility. Some passengers use this to their advantage by packing one checked bag with everyday clothing and another with specialized items like sports equipment or formal wear, knowing there are no fees for these additional bags.

There are specific items that cannot be packed in carry-on or checked baggage due to safety regulations. These include sharp objects like knives and scissors, certain tools, firearms (with specific procedures), flammable materials, and pressurized containers. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) maintains a detailed list of prohibited items on its website.

Practical Takeaway: You can bring a rolling carry-on bag and a personal item for free on every Southwest flight. If your luggage fits within the carry-on dimensions and you can manage with just these two pieces, you can avoid checking bags altogether. However, for trips requiring more items, take advantage of the two free checked bags to stay within your total packing needs.

Baggage Fees for Additional and Oversized Bags

While Southwest provides two free checked bags, additional bags and oversized items carry fees. Understanding these charges helps you plan financially for your trip and avoid unexpected costs at the airport.

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If you need to check a third bag, Southwest charges a fee of $45 for that bag on domestic flights as of 2024. A fourth checked bag costs $50, and a fifth checked bag also costs $50. Each additional bag beyond the fifth costs $100 per bag. These fees apply to standard-sized bags that meet the 62-inch and 50-pound limits.

Oversized baggage—items that exceed the standard 62-inch dimension limit or the 50-pound weight limit—incurs additional charges. An oversized bag that exceeds 62 inches but is no more than 80 inches in total dimensions, or weighs between 51 and 100 pounds, costs $50 per bag on domestic flights. A bag exceeding 80 inches in total dimensions or weighing more than 100 pounds costs $100 per bag.

For travelers moving households, shipping items through a moving company or purchasing oversized baggage might be more cost-effective than paying multiple Southwest baggage fees. However, for travelers with specific needs—such as musicians with instruments, athletes with specialized equipment, or families with extra gear—understanding these fees allows for better trip budgeting.

Sports equipment like golf clubs, skis, surfboards, and bicycles may be transported on Southwest but typically fall under baggage allowances. A single golf bag or a single pair of skis counts as one of your free checked bags. However, if you're traveling with multiple sports equipment items, additional charges apply. Passengers should notify Southwest when booking if they plan to travel with sports equipment, though this notification is informational rather than requiring prior approval for most items.

Pet carriers count toward your baggage allowance on Southwest. A pet in a carrier counts as one checked bag if the carrier exceeds standard personal item size. Southwest charges a pet fee of $95 per pet for domestic flights, in addition to any baggage considerations.

Practical Takeaway: Calculate your total baggage needs before your trip. If you need more than two checked bags or have oversized items, add the baggage fees to your total trip cost to understand your actual travel expense. For some trips, purchasing additional baggage allowance or considering alternative transportation methods for extra items might provide better value.

Special Baggage Considerations and Restrictions

Certain types of items require special handling or have restrictions when flying with Southwest. Being aware of these rules prevents problems at check-in and ensures your items arrive safely.

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Fragile items like glassware, artwork, or electronics require protection when packed in checked baggage. Southwest does not assume liability for damage to baggage contents, so proper packing is the passenger's responsibility. Purchasing baggage protection insurance through third-party providers is an option for high-value items, though Southwest does not offer this directly.

Musical instruments present a special case. Many musicians choose to keep instruments in the cabin rather than checking them due to concerns about damage. Southwest allows passengers to bring one musical instrument as a carry-on item in addition to the standard carry-on and personal item, provided it fits safely in the overhead bin or under the seat. This means a musician could theoretically have a carry-on rolling bag, a personal item, and a guitar or violin in the cabin. If a musical instrument is too large for the cabin, it must be checked as a standard bag, counting toward the two free checked bags.

Hazardous materials have strict rules. Items like certain batteries, aerosols, alcoholic beverages, and flammable materials may be restricted or prohibited. Some items, such as lithium batteries commonly found in electronics, may only be transported in carry-on bags, not checked baggage. The TSA website and Southwest's specific policies should be consulted before packing items you're uncertain about.

Valuable items such as jewelry, electronics, cash, important documents, and medications should generally be kept in carry-on bags rather than checked baggage. If these items are lost or damaged in checked baggage, recovery and compensation can be complicated. Keeping valuables with you ensures you have immediate access and reduces risk.

International flights may have different baggage allowances than domestic flights. If you're traveling internationally with Southwest, your baggage allowance may differ depending on your destination and ticket type. Always check your specific booking confirmation for international trips.