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Southwest Airlines Baggage Policy 2026: Updated Fees, Carry-On Rules & Free Bags
September 2, 2026
Southwest Airlines was known for decades as the one carrier that let every passenger check two bags for free. That changed in a big way travelers now need updated information before booking to avoid a surprise at the counter.
On May 28, 2025, Southwest ended its 54-year “Bags Fly Free” policy for most fares. A second fee increase took effect April 9, 2026. This guide covers exactly what’s free, what costs money, and how to avoid paying more than you have to.
Jump to a section:
Does Southwest Still Offer Free Checked Bags?
Not for most travelers anymore. The blanket “two free bags for everyone” policy that Southwest was famous for ended on May 28, 2025 one of the biggest operational shifts in the airline’s history.
That said, free checked bags haven’t disappeared entirely. You still qualify if you fall into one of these categories:
| Status / Fare | Free Checked Bags |
|---|---|
| A-List Preferred member | 2 free |
| A-List member | 1 free |
| Choice Extra fare | 2 free |
| Business Select fare | 2 free |
| Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cardholder | 1 free (plus up to 8 companions on the same booking) |
| Active-duty military (valid ID required) | All bags free, no cap |
| Basic, Choice, Choice Preferred fares (everyone else) | None standard fees apply |
Always check your specific fare and confirmation email at the time of booking, since eligibility depends on exactly which fare and status you have.
Southwest Checked Baggage Policy
Regardless of whether your bag is free or paid, the size and weight limits are the same for everyone:
| Type | Limit |
|---|---|
| Standard checked bag weight | 50 lbs |
| Maximum size (L+W+H) | 62 linear inches |
If you’re checking more than two bags, additional pieces beyond your allowance are charged separately at the standard extra-bag rate.
Southwest Airlines Baggage Fees 2026
For travelers on standard fares without elite status, a credit card benefit, or military ID, here’s what checking bags actually costs after the April 9, 2026 fee increase:
| Bag | Fee |
|---|---|
| First checked bag | $45 |
| Second checked bag | $55 |
Fees shown apply to standard domestic economy bookings made on or after April 9, 2026. Southwest can adjust pricing at any time always confirm the current fee at checkout before you fly.
Southwest Carry-On Baggage Policy
This part hasn’t changed Southwest remains one of the more generous major US carriers here. Every passenger, on every fare, still gets one free carry-on bag and one free personal item.
Carry-On Bag
Max size 24″ × 16″ × 10″, must fit in the overhead bin.
Personal Item
Max size 16.25″ × 13.5″ × 8″, must fit under the seat a backpack, purse, or laptop bag all qualify.
What Can You Bring on Southwest Flights?
✅ Allowed
Everyday clothing, packaged snacks and dry food, laptops/tablets/e-readers, prescription medicine and approved medical gear.
❌ Restricted
Liquids over 3.4 oz in carry-on, loose spare lithium-ion batteries (carry-on only, never checked), sharp tools, undeclared firearms, and other hazardous materials.
Overweight and Oversized Baggage
| Bag Condition | Extra Charge |
|---|---|
| 51–70 lbs | $100 per bag |
| 71–100 lbs | $125 per bag |
| Over 100 lbs | Not accepted must ship via cargo |
| 63–80 linear inches | $125 oversized handling fee |
| Over 80 linear inches | Not accepted as standard baggage |
Sports Equipment and Special Baggage
Golf equipment
One golf bag with clubs, balls, and shoes counts as one checked bag, provided it stays under 50 lbs.
Bicycles
Non-folding bikes in a proper protective case may still trigger oversized charges unless packaged within standard limits.
Musical instruments
Small instruments can travel as TSA carry-on rules if they fit the overhead bin. Larger ones may need an extra purchased seat.
Mobility devices and baby gear
Wheelchairs, strollers, and child car seats check completely free at the counter or gate – this hasn’t changed under the new policy.
Military Baggage Policy
International Baggage Rules
For flights to Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean, standard size and weight limits still apply, but customs screening adds another layer. Some countries restrict specific agricultural products, food items, or electronics on arrival. Get to the airport at least three hours before international departures to allow time for both baggage check-in and passport inspection.
How to Avoid Southwest Baggage Fees
✅ Get a Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card – the single most reliable way to lock in a free bag for yourself and up to 8 companions on the booking.
✅ Earn A-List or A-List Preferred status – A-List gets one free bag, A-List Preferred gets two, plus earlier boarding.
✅ Book Choice Extra or Business Select if the fare difference is close to what you’d pay in bag fees anyway.
✅ Pack to the limit, not over it – staying under 50 lbs and 62 linear inches avoids the overweight and oversize surcharges entirely.
✅ Weigh your bag at home with a luggage scale before heading to the airport to avoid a counter surprise.
What Happens If Southwest Loses Your Bag?
- Go to the Southwest Baggage Service Office in baggage claim before leaving the airport.
- File a formal report and get your file reference number.
- Provide precise details bag brand, color, tags, distinguishing features.
- Use Southwest’s online baggage tracker to follow updates.
Southwest vs. Other Airlines: Baggage Comparison
| Airline | Checked Bag | Carry-On |
|---|---|---|
| Southwest | $45 / $55 unless status/fare qualifies for free | Included |
| American | Fee-based on most fares | Included |
| Delta | Fee-based on basic economy and main cabin | Included |
| United | Fee-based; Basic Economy restricts full-size carry-ons on select routes | Included (except restricted Basic Economy) |
With the May 2025 change, Southwest’s baggage costs are now broadly in line with other major US carriers rather than standing apart the real differentiator now is how many ways there still are to qualify for a free bag.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does Southwest still have free checked bags in 2026?
Not for most passengers. The universal two-free-bags policy ended May 28, 2025. Free bags are now limited to A-List/A-List Preferred members, Choice Extra and Business Select fares, Rapid Rewards credit cardholders, and active-duty military.
2. How many bags can I check on Southwest Airlines?
Most passengers can check bags up to the standard 50 lb / 62-inch limit; whether the first two are free depends on your fare and status, as outlined above.
3. What is the Southwest carry-on size limit?
24″ × 16″ × 10″ for your carry-on bag, and 16.25″ × 13.5″ × 8″ for your personal item.
4. Does Southwest charge for carry-on bags?
No the carry-on bag and personal item are still free for every passenger, on every fare.
5. How much are Southwest baggage fees?
As of the April 9, 2026 fee increase, $45 for the first checked bag and $55 for the second on standard fares without a qualifying status or benefit.
6. Can I bring sports equipment on Southwest?
Yes items like golf bags count as a standard checked bag if they’re under 50 lbs. Bikes and larger equipment may face oversized fees.
7. What happens if Southwest loses my luggage?
Report it to the Southwest Baggage Service Office in baggage claim before leaving the airport to start tracking and claims processing.
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