Southwest Airlines Baggage Policy

Baggage is one of the common concerns for travelers when booking their flights. The most common things that travellers ask number of bags to carry, the weight limit, and extra fees for extra weight.  However, Southwest Airlines has the most generous baggage policy in the airline industry. In this comprehensive guide, we will uncover the facts about the Southwest Airlines Baggage Policy

It is important to know what you can carry and not allowed to be carried. It helps to eliminate the stress at the last minute while preparing for a trip. Southwest Airlines' baggage policy is ahead of the times. Whether it is a weekend getaway in Vegas or a week-long vacation, it is good to know size limits, fees, and allowances ahead of time to save time, money, and headaches.

Southwest Airlines Baggage Policy

Why Choose Southwest Airlines for Baggage Allowance

Southwest Airlines has a generous baggage allowance which is also fairly easy to understand. While most airlines charge a fee for every single checked bag, Southwest has two free checked bags for each traveler and this makes them a cheap option. This is for business class or loyalty member only right? No, this applies to all passengers flying on any fare.

Most of the Airlines charge a checked bag fee of either $30 for the first bag or $50 for the second checked bag. You will be able to save more than $120 on a round-trip airline ticket with Southwest's free baggage policy.

Southwest Airlines Carry-on Baggage Policy

Every person who has booked a ticket with Southwest Airlines can bring one carry-on bag and one personal item on board.

Carry-on Bag Requirements:

Dimensions: 24 x 16 x 10 inches maximum (including wheels and handles)

The bag must fit in the overhead storage bin.

Personal Item Rules:

Must fit under the seat in front of you.

Examples: laptop bag, purse, small backpack, briefcase.

If your carry-on bag does not fit these dimensions, then you might have to pay the extra cost. If the carry-on bag meets the size requirements for checked baggage imposed by Southwest, the bag will be checked at no charge.

Checked Baggage Policy: Two Free Bags

Southwest Airlines is the only major U.S. carrier to allow each passenger to check two bags at no cost.

Checked Baggage Guidelines:

Weight: 50 lbs (23 kg) for each bag.

Size: maximum 62 inches (length + width + height).

If your bags meet these guidelines or are below these guidelines, you will not be charged anything for checking your bags.

Extra Bags or Overweight Bags: 

  • 3rd checked bag: $75
  • Overweight (51 – 70 lbs): $100 for each bag
  • Oversized (63 - 80 inches): $100 for each bag
Excess Baggage Fees and Excess Baggage Conditions:
  • Southwest does allow you to check more than 2 bags; however, if you check more than 2 bags, then there is a fee of $75 for each additional item (beyond the 2 free items). This fee is charged based on a way segment for the 3rd bag and beyond.
  • All excess baggage totals against the same size and weight limits. If the excess bag is also overweight or oversized, then both fees would apply at the same time. 
  • Travelers with a few bags to check may want to consider combining items or trying vacuum-sealed packing to eliminate extra volume.

Special Baggage & Sports Equipment Allowed With Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines allows many types of special items: sports equipment, musical instruments. Here are the allowed Items:

  • Golf clubs
  • Skis and snowboards
  • Surfboards (only on Hawaiian routes)
  • Bikes (packed in a hard case)
  • Musical Instruments

If the weight and size requirements are met with the guidelines of Southwest Airlines, then items can be checked against your free baggage allowance.  If they exceed weight or size limits, standard oversized/ overweight charges apply.

Items for infants and children

If you are traveling with infants or toddlers, Southwest Airlines permits checked baggage of the following items for free:

  • Strollers
  • Car Seat
  • Booster Seats

These items do not count against your two free checked bags, offering parents ease of transition when traveling with children.

Delayed or Lost Luggage - What You Need to Know

While traveling with Southwest Airlines, it is typically very efficient with luggage in most cases, but there are times when luggage may be mishandled. If your baggage is lost, then the passengers can do this:

Report the situation with the Baggage Service Office within 4 hours of arrival of your flight (must be done on the same day).

It is important to keep your baggage claim tag, so there is proof you had a bag checked.

Open a lost or delayed baggage claim online or at the airport.

If the Baggage Service office has indicated that your baggage may be delayed over 24 hours, Southwest may refund the reasonable costs for essential toiletries and clothing, etc.

Things You Can Do To Avoid Baggage Problems

If you want to avoid baggage issues while traveling with Southwest or other airlines:

  1. Make sure to measure the weight of all of your bags to cleat on your total and dimensions before leaving for the airport. 
  2. You should use soft-sided luggage to help save space and also to help save weight.
  3. Make sure that you tag your bags with your name, phone, and email.
  4. Pack your essentials and medications in your carry-on bag.
  5. Never pack any restricted items in checked luggage - power banks, lithium batteries, etc.
Final Thoughts

Southwest Airlines has the absolute best baggage policy for passengers. Two free checked bags, no rules for carry-ons, and an honest approach to added costs - Southwest gives customers what they want. Additionally, the airlines also provide a passenger-friendly baggage policy, maintained for families, students, and economic travelers.

If you are simply traveling with just yourself or a carry-on, sports equipment, musical instruments, or like to have the option of moving your winter coat, knowing Southwest's baggage policy in advance will help you move through the airport less stressfully. Southwest Airlines ' transparent baggage policy is setting it apart from the other airlines.

For more airline baggage policies, travel advice, and strategies, we encourage you to visit flyingpolicy.com and playback our regularly updated and individualized travel advice.

Every passenger is allowed to check two bags for free, one carry-on item, and one personal item.
You are not allowed to check a bag that weighs over 50 lbs. There is a $100 fee for any overweight bag.
Yes, most sports equipment and musical instruments are allowed and count as part of your checked baggage. You are only allowed to carry these items if you meet the size and weight limits.
Yes, there is a $125 pet fare for each direction for small pets traveling in the cabin on domestic flights only.
You can report the issue at a Southwest Baggage Service Office within four hours of arrival. You may also be entitled to a refund for necessary items you carry in your bag.