Southwest Airlines Baggage Policy: Free Bags, Weight Limits & Fees Explained

Last Updated on Feb 20th, 2025 by Chakshu Kaur, Leave a Comment

When it comes to flying, baggage policies can sometimes not be very easy to understand. But if you’re flying with Southwest Airlines, you’re lucky Unlike many other airlines, Southwest Airlines baggage policy is generous, offering two free checked bags and reasonable rules for carry-ons. Whether you are flying for the very first time or you are a frequent traveler, this guide will help you understand everything about Southwest’s baggage policy even If you’re planning a trip and looking for cheap flights to India, you can check out for the best deals!

What is Southwest Airlines Baggage Policy?

Before we start the nitty-gritty details of Southwest baggage policies, let’s take a quick look at what this all means. Southwest is known for having a generous baggage policy compared to other airlines, especially when it comes to checked baggage.

Unlike many airlines that charge for your first bag, Southwest allows you to check two bags for free. In this blog, I’ll be covering everything from checked baggage to carry-ons, personal items, and everything in between. We’re also going to talk about the weight limits, special baggage policies, and even what happens if your bag gets lost or damaged.

Southwest Airlines Baggage Check-In Policy

When to Check-In Your Bags? When you’re flying with Southwest Airlines, there’s a process you need to follow when it comes to checking in your bags. You’ll want to check in online (you can do this up to 24 hours before your flight). Once you arrive at the airport, head to the baggage drop area and you’re good to go!

Here’s the important thing: Southwest’s check-in baggage policy means that your checked bags must be within their size and weight limits. If you check in and your bag exceeds the size or weight limits, Southwest Airlines baggage check policy states that you may be charged an oversized or overweight fee. So, always make sure your bags are packed and ready!

Southwest Carry-On Baggage Policy

What Can You Bring Onboard? Now, let’s talk about carry-on baggage. Southwest baggage carry-on policy is very simple, but here are the main things you need to remember:

• Size Limit: Your carry-on bag can be no larger than 24″ x 16″ x 10” Approx. That’s the maximum size allowed in the overhead compartment.
• Personal Item: You can also bring a personal item like a backpack, purse, or laptop bag. It should fit under the seat in front of you. The personal item size limit is 18″ x 8.5″ x 13.5″ Approx.
• Weight Limit: Southwest doesn’t have a weight limit for carry-on bags, but you’ll want to make sure you can lift it and store it in the overhead bin.

Item	Max Size	Max Weight
Carry-On Bag	24″ x 16″ x 10″	No weight limit
Personal Item	18″ x 8.5″ x 13.5″	No weight limit

So, when you’re packing for your next trip with Southwest, just make sure your carry-on and personal items meet these guidelines.

You can also check: How To Add TSA PreCheck To Southwest Airlines Here

Southwest Airlines Checked Baggage Policy

How Many Bags Are Allowed?

Southwest’s checked baggage policy allows two checked bags for free! This is one of the best features of Southwest baggage policy for Southwest Airlines. Most airlines will charge you for even the first checked bag, but Southwest gives you two bags for free.

Weight and Size Limits for Checked Bags

Each checked bag can weigh up to 50 lbs (23 kg). If your bag is over the weight limit, you’ll need to pay an extra fee.

• For overweight bags (51-70 lbs), there’s a $150 fee per bag.
• For overweight bags (71-100 lbs), the fee increases to $200 per bag.

Also, there’s a size limit: Your checked bag should not exceed 62 inches (height + length + width). If it does, it’s considered oversized, and you’ll pay an additional fee of $200.

Extra Baggage Fees

Southwest charges $150 for each additional checked bag beyond the two free ones. If your bag is overweight (more than 50 lbs), there’s an additional fee of:

• $150 for bags weighing 51-70 lbs
• $200 for bags weighing 71-100 lbs

Please note that prices may change, and the above information is based on official sources from the airline’s website. For the latest details, please visit Southwest Airlines’ Checked Baggage Policy.

Southwest Airlines Special Baggage Policies

Sports Equipment and Golf Clubs

For all the sports enthusiasts out there, Southwest air baggage policy has a generous rule for sports equipment. Whether you’re carrying golf clubs, skis, or a surfboard, Southwest Airlines baggage policies allow you to check these items as part of your free baggage allowance, as long as they meet the size and weight restrictions.

If you’re carrying golf clubs, they’ll count as one checked bag, and you won’t have to pay extra, as long as they fall under the size limits.

Musical Instruments and Other Special Items

If you’re traveling with a musical instrument or a pet, Southwest baggage policy weight carry-on has specific guidelines. Musical instruments can be brought onboard, but if they’re too large to fit under the seat or in the overhead compartment, you’ll need to make arrangements for them to be checked.

Southwest Airlines Damaged Baggage Policy

What Happens if My Bag is Damaged? No one likes the thought of their bags getting damaged, but if it happens, Southwest Airlines damaged baggage policy states that you can file a claim. If your bag is damaged during your flight, Southwest Airlines baggage policies will reimburse you for repairs or replacement. The best thing to do is file a damaged baggage report at the baggage claim counter.

What Happens if Your Southwest Baggage is Lost?

Lost Baggage Procedure

If your bag doesn’t show up at your destination, Southwest’s lost baggage policy has a process for handling it. You’ll need to report the lost baggage at the Southwest baggage check-in policy counter, and they will work with you to track it down.

Compensation for Lost Bags

If your bag is delayed or lost for a longer period, Southwest Airlines lost baggage policy allows you to be reimbursed for essential items like toiletries or a change of clothes, depending on the situation.

Southwest Airlines Baggage Weight Policy (Checked + Carry-On)

Weight Limits for Checked Baggage

To avoid any surprise fees, it’s important to know the weight limits for checked baggage. Each checked bag can be a maximum of 50 lbs. If your bag exceeds this weight limit, you’ll pay an overweight baggage fee.

Weight Limits for Carry-On Baggage

While Southwest carry-on baggage doesn’t have a weight limit, it’s always good practice to make sure your carry-on is manageable. You should be able to lift it into the overhead compartment without any issues.

Southwest Airlines Baggage Policy for Domestic and International Flights

Domestic Flights

For domestic flights, Southwest’s baggage rules are pretty straightforward. You get two free checked bags, and your carry-on must meet the size requirements.

International Flights

For international flights, Southwest maintains the same basic baggage policies, but you might need to double-check the details depending on the destination, especially regarding overweight baggage or special items.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do all Southwest tickets include free checked bags?

A: A: Yes! Every passenger gets two free checked bags, no matter the ticket type.

Q: What items are not allowed in checked bags?

A: A: Hazardous materials, lithium batteries, explosives, and flammable items are not allowed.

Q: Can I check a stroller or car seat for free?

A: A: Yes! Strollers and car seats can be checked for free at the ticket counter or gate.

Q: Do military members get an extra baggage allowance?

A: A: Yes! Active-duty military members can check additional bags for free with a valid ID.

Q: How do I avoid extra baggage fees?

A: A: Keep your checked bags under 50 lbs and within 62 inches (L+W+H) to avoid fees.

Conclusion

Now that you’re fully in the know about Southwest Airlines baggage policy, it’s time to pack your bags and get ready for your flight! Whether you’re traveling to India, Cancun, or just across the U.S., Southwest baggage policies make it easy to travel without stressing over fees.

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