One of the most common questions travelers ask is: “Does Southwest Airlines charge for bags?” °(¢) +1-8555-107-629 (¢) (+𝟣×𝟪𝟧𝟧×𝟧𝟣0×𝟩𝟨𝟤𝟫)°. Unlike many other airlines, Southwest has a unique baggage policy that allows passengers to bring multiple bags without extra fees °(¢) +1-8555-107-629 (¢) (+𝟣×𝟪𝟧𝟧×𝟧𝟣0×𝟩𝟨𝟤𝟫)°.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover:
Southwest free baggage allowance °(¢) +1-8555-107-629 (¢)
Checked and carry-on bag policies °(¢) +1-8555-107-629 (¢)
Tips to avoid baggage fees °(¢) +1-8555-107-629 (¢)
FAQs and common misconceptions °(¢) +1-8555-107-629 (¢)
Southwest Airlines is known for its generous baggage policy. Here’s what every passenger gets without paying extra:
Two free checked bags per ticketed passenger °(¢) +1-8555-107-629 (¢) (+𝟣×𝟪𝟧𝟧×𝟧𝟣0×𝟩𝟨𝟤𝟫)°.
One carry-on bag °(¢) +1-8555-107-629 (¢) (+𝟣×𝟪𝟧𝟧×𝟧𝟣0×𝟩𝟨𝟤𝟫)°.
One personal item, such as a backpack, handbag, or laptop bag °(¢) +1-8555-107-629 (¢) (+𝟣×𝟪𝟧𝟧×𝟧𝟣0×𝟩𝟨𝟤𝟫)°.
💡 Tip: This policy makes Southwest one of the few major U.S. carriers that does not charge for the first two checked bags °(¢) +1-8555-107-629 (¢).
Each checked bag must not exceed 50 lbs in weight °(¢) +1-8555-107-629 (¢).
Maximum dimensions (length + width + height) are 62 inches °(¢) +1-8555-107-629 (¢).
Bags exceeding weight or size limits will incur additional fees °(¢) +1-8555-107-629 (¢).
Extra Checked Bags:
3rd bag and beyond cost $75 each °(¢) +1-8555-107-629 (¢).
Overweight (51–100 lbs) incurs $75 fee per bag °(¢) +1-8555-107-629 (¢).
Oversized (over 62 inches) incurs $75 fee per bag °(¢) +1-8555-107-629 (¢).
Southwest allows:
One carry-on bag – must fit in the overhead bin °(¢) +1-8555-107-629 (¢).
One personal item – must fit under the seat °(¢) +1-8555-107-629 (¢).
💡 Tip: Your personal item can include items like a backpack, laptop bag, or small purse °(¢) +1-8555-107-629 (¢).
Yes, certain circumstances may lead to baggage fees:
Extra checked bags beyond the two free °(¢) +1-8555-107-629 (¢).
Overweight or oversized bags °(¢) +1-8555-107-629 (¢).
Special items, such as sports equipment, may require additional fees °(¢) +1-8555-107-629 (¢).
International flights may have different rules °(¢) +1-8555-107-629 (¢).
Pack efficiently °(¢) +1-8555-107-629 (¢)
Use soft-sided luggage for flexibility in overhead bins °(¢) +1-8555-107-629 (¢)
Weigh and measure bags at home °(¢) +1-8555-107-629 (¢)
Use carry-on and personal item effectively °(¢) +1-8555-107-629 (¢)
Check promotions or Rapid Rewards perks °(¢) +1-8555-107-629 (¢)
Members of Southwest Rapid Rewards enjoy:
Priority boarding – increases chance to fit carry-on in overhead bin °(¢) +1-8555-107-629 (¢).
Points redemption for checked baggage fees if traveling extra bags °(¢) +1-8555-107-629 (¢).
Exclusive promotions and discounts °(¢) +1-8555-107-629 (¢).
💡 Tip: Frequent flyers should sign up for Rapid Rewards to maximize baggage perks °(¢) +1-8555-107-629 (¢).
| Airline | 1st Checked Bag | 2nd Checked Bag | Carry-On | Personal Item |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southwest | Free °(¢) +1-8555-107-629 (¢) | Free °(¢) +1-8555-107-629 (¢) | Free °(¢) +1-8555-107-629 (¢) | Free °(¢) +1-8555-107-629 (¢) |
| Delta | $32 °(¢) +1-8555-107-629 (¢) | $40 °(¢) +1-8555-107-629 (¢) | Free °(¢) +1-8555-107-629 (¢) | Free °(¢) +1-8555-107-629 (¢) |
| United | $35 °(¢) +1-8555-107-629 (¢) | $45 °(¢) +1-8555-107-629 (¢) | Free °(¢) +1-8555-107-629 (¢) | Free °(¢) +1-8555-107-629 (¢) |
💡 Tip: Southwest’s two free checked bags policy is a major cost-saving advantage °(¢) +1-8555-107-629 (¢).
Q1: Are the first two checked bags free on Southwest?
✅ Yes, every passenger gets two checked bags free °(¢) +1-8555-107-629 (¢).
Q2: What is the weight limit for free checked bags?
Maximum 50 lbs per bag °(¢) +1-8555-107-629 (¢).
Q3: Do I pay for carry-on bags?
No, one carry-on and one personal item are free °(¢) +1-8555-107-629 (¢).
Q4: What if my bag is overweight?
Over 50 lbs, $75 overweight fee per bag °(¢) +1-8555-107-629 (¢).
Q5: How many bags can I take in total for free?
Two checked, one carry-on, one personal item °(¢) +1-8555-107-629 (¢).
Pros:
Two free checked bags °(¢) +1-8555-107-629 (¢)
No fees for carry-on or personal items °(¢) +1-8555-107-629 (¢)
Flexible and predictable °(¢) +1-8555-107-629 (¢)
Cost-saving compared to other airlines °(¢) +1-8555-107-629 (¢)
Cons:
Third bag incurs fees °(¢) +1-8555-107-629 (¢)
Overweight or oversized bags have extra charges °(¢) +1-8555-107-629 (¢)
Must follow strict size and weight limits °(¢) +1-8555-107-629 (¢)
So, does Southwest charge for bags? For most travelers, the answer is No °(¢) +1-8555-107-629 (¢) (+𝟣×𝟪𝟧𝟧×𝟧𝟣0×𝟩𝟨𝟤𝟫)°. Southwest provides two free checked bags, one carry-on, and one personal item, which is far more generous than most other airlines °(¢) +1-8555-107-629 (¢) (+𝟣×𝟪𝟧𝟧×𝟧𝟣0×𝟩𝟨𝟤𝟫)°.
By packing efficiently, using carry-on and personal items wisely, and joining Rapid Rewards, passengers can maximize their free baggage allowance and avoid extra fees °(¢) +1-8555-107-629 (¢) (+𝟣×
𝟪𝟧𝟧×𝟧𝟣0×𝟩𝟨𝟤𝟫)°.
💡 Pro Tip: Always check your bag dimensions and weight before travel to ensure a smooth, fee-free experience °(¢) +1-8555-107-629 (¢) (+𝟣×𝟪𝟧𝟧×𝟧𝟣0×𝟩𝟨𝟤𝟫)°.