Understanding Southwest Baggage Fees: Carry-On and Checked Bag Allowance Made Simple

For years, Southwest Airlines stood out from the crowd by letting passengers check two bags for free—a rare perk that saved travelers up to $120 per round trip compared to other major U.S. carriers.

But that changed.

Starting May 28, 2025, Southwest is officially rolling out checked baggage fees, marking the end of its long-standing “bags fly free” policy for most travelers.

So what’s still free? What’ll cost you? And who still gets perks?

Here’s everything you need to know about Southwest’s updated baggage fees and allowance—covering carry-ons, personal items, checked bags, and special exceptions.

• For more on Southwest, be sure to read my tips for flying Southwest.

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One Carry-On and One Personal Item – Still Free

Even with the new checked bag fees, Southwest still allows one carry-on and one personal item per passenger at no charge. This remains a strong advantage compared to low-cost airlines like Spirit and Frontier, which often charge for both.

Carry-On Bag

Your carry-on must fit within the following dimensions: 24 x 16 x 10 inches.

If your bag exceeds these limits, Southwest will require you to check it at the gate, and under the new policy, this may result in a checked bag fee depending on your fare type or traveler status.

Unlike some budget airlines, Southwest does not charge for carry-ons that meet the size requirement.

Personal Item

Your personal item must fit under the seat in front of you and cannot exceed 16.25 x 13.5 x 8 inches.

Acceptable personal items include:

• Backpacks, purses, or briefcases
• Laptop or tablet bags (with or without the device)
• Small camera bags or food containers

If the item doesn’t fit under the seat, it must go in the overhead bin and may count as your carry-on.

What Doesn’t Count Toward Your Limit

The following items are not considered carry-ons or personal items and may be brought on board in addition:

• Child restraint devices for ticketed children or when space permits
• Assistive or mobility devices for individuals with disabilities (there is no limit on the number)
• Outerwear or other wearable articles of clothing
• Food for in-flight consumption in disposable packaging
• Walking canes or umbrellas

Checked Bags on Southwest Airlines

Southwest used to offer two free checked bags per passenger—a standout perk that made it one of the most budget-friendly airlines for travelers with luggage.

However, starting May 28, 2025, Southwest has introduced checked baggage fees for most passengers. Now, unless you’re flying on a premium fare or have elite status, you’ll need to pay:

• First checked bag: $35
• Second checked bag: $45
• Third checked bag: $150

That means a typical round-trip will now cost $80 for two checked bags, bringing Southwest in line with other major U.S. airlines.

You can still check bags for free with some airlines if you have a co-branded credit card or elite status, and that’s true for Southwest too—to a degree. While most passengers now pay for checked bags, the following groups still receive checked baggage benefits:

• Business Select or Anytime fare passengers – 2 free checked bags
• A-List Preferred members – 2 free checked bags
• A-List members and Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cardholders – 1 free checked bag
• Travelers checking mobility or assistive devices – these are always free and unlimite

If you want all the tips on how to deal with checked baggage, be sure to check out the ultimate guide to checked luggage here.

Checking in more than two bags with Southwest

For every pice of luggage that you check in over two bags, you’ll have to pay $150 per item one-way. Note that these bags must be under the length and weight restrictions (discussed below) or you will be subject to additional fees.

Southwest Baggage Fees: Weight and Size Restrictions

Southwest now charges for checked bags on most fare types, and there are also extra fees for bags that exceed weight or size limits.

If your bag is too big or too heavy, here’s what to expect:

• 3rd Checked Bag: $150
• Oversized Bag (63″–80″ linear inches): $200 + standard fee
• Overweight Bag (51–70 lbs.): $100 + standard fee
• Overweight Bag (71–100 lbs.): $200 + standard fee
• Oversized & Overweight (combined): $200 + standard fee

That means if you check a third bag that weighs 60 pounds, you’ll be charged:

• $150 (3rd bag fee)
• $100 (overweight 51–70 lbs.)
  Total: $250 one-way

If a bag is both oversized and overweight, you’ll only be charged once at the $200 rate plus the base checked bag fee.

Southwest Baggage Fees for Interisland Hawaii Flights

If you’re flying between the Hawaiian Islands on Southwest, special baggage pricing applies. Whether you’re a Hawaii resident, a Rapid Rewards member, or simply visiting, here’s how the fees break down.

For Flights Booked or Changed On or After May 28, 2025:

Hawaii Residents:

• 1st Checked Bag: Free
• 2nd Checked Bag: Free
• 3rd Checked Bag: $50

Non-Hawaii Residents:

• 1st Checked Bag: $15
• 2nd Checked Bag: $20
• 3rd Checked Bag: $50

A-List Preferred Members (Non-Hawaii Residents):

• 1st Checked Bag: Free (plus up to 8 passengers on same reservation)
• 2nd Checked Bag: Free (plus up to 8 passengers on same reservation)
• 3rd Checked Bag: $50

A-List Members (Non-Hawaii Residents):

• 1st Checked Bag: Free (plus up to 8 passengers on same reservation)
• 2nd Checked Bag: $15
• 3rd Checked Bag: $50

Active-Duty Military:

• All checked bags: Free

Over 100 pounds?

Any item weighing more than 100 pounds must be shipped as Air Cargo. However, customers cannot use SWA Cargo unless classified as a “Known Shipper” as defined by the TSA or TSA approved Indirect Air Carriers (IAC). For full details about shipping cargo, visit www.swacargo.com.

Military exception

Military Passengers traveling on active duty or permanent change of station orders will be exempt from the two-piece Baggage limit and will not be subject to excess, oversize, or overweight Southwest baggage fees, provided that none of the pieces of Baggage exceeds 100 pounds in weight and 80 inches in size (L+W+H).

Strollers

Customers traveling with children will be allowed to check one stroller and one Child Restraint System (CRS) or car seat per child without charge. This is in addition to the regular free baggage allowance.

TSA’s list of prohibited items

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If you’re not familiar with prohibited items you can read more about these here.

Liability

Southwest Airlines’ liability for lost, damaged, or delayed baggage is limited to $3,800.00 per fare-paying Customer.

Keep in mind that many credit cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve offer protections for lost and delayed luggage as well.

Claims

Damaged or lost baggage must be reported, in person, within four hours of Customer’s arrival at destination. So don’t wait around if your luggage ends up lost. Report it asap.

Late Check-in

Baggage checked at curbside or at the ticket counter less than 45 minutes before scheduled departure will be tagged with a Late Check-In Tag.

Although every effort will be made to get late checked baggage on your flight, in the event your baggage does not arrive with you at your destination, Southwest will not assume delivery charges to get your baggage to you. Thus, you probably want to check in your bags at least an hour before your departure time just to play it safe.

International check-in

You cannot check in or check luggage at the curbside if traveling on an international itinerary.

Special restrictions

There are certain special restrictions for items such as alcohol, batteries, camera equipment, etc. You can click here to read more about the Southwest baggage allowances for these items.

Pets

To find out about all of the rules and restrictions for flying with pets on Southwest click here.

Final word

Southwest baggage fees are one of the best perks about flying with Southwest. Never forget to factor in these savings when shopping airfare rates. And make sure you capitalize on savings if you’re a military member.