Southwest Airlines·None
Southwest Baggage Fees & Allowance
Southwest Baggage Fees & Allowance — Summary
Southwest carry-on size limits, checked bag fees, weight limits, overweight and oversize charges, and who gets bags free. Updated policy summary with booking help.
Key Travel Facts & Insights
- Personal item: One personal item that fits under the seat, on all fares..
- Carry-on bag: One full-size carry-on plus one personal item on every fare.
- First checked bag: Southwest historically included two free checked bags on every fare.
- Second checked bag: See above — the two-free-bags policy no longer applies universally.
Personal item
One personal item that fits under the seat, on all fares.
Carry-on bag
One full-size carry-on plus one personal item on every fare. Maximum dimensions: 24 x 16 x 10 inches — a genuinely larger allowance than the 22 x 14 x 9 standard used by most US carriers.
First checked bag
Southwest historically included two free checked bags on every fare. The carrier has moved to a paid checked bag model for most fares, so confirm the allowance attached to your specific fare at booking rather than assuming the legacy policy.
Second checked bag
See above — the two-free-bags policy no longer applies universally. Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred members and Southwest credit cardholders retain free checked bag benefits.
Weight limits
50 lbs (23 kg) and 62 linear inches per checked bag.
Overweight bag charges
Bags 51–100 lbs and over 62 linear inches carry per-item charges.
Oversize bag charges
Over 62 linear inches is charged as oversize; over 80 linear inches is not accepted.
Who gets bags free
A-List Preferred members and eligible Rapid Rewards credit cardholders receive free checked bags. Verify your fare's allowance at booking.
Sports and special equipment
Golf bags and snow ski equipment count as one checked bag within the standard weight limit. Southwest is unusually accommodating with bulky sports gear.
Southwest baggage allowance & fees — common questions
What is the Southwest carry-on size limit?
24 x 16 x 10 inches — a genuinely larger allowance than the 22 x 14 x 9 standard used by most US carriers including wheels and handles. One full-size carry-on plus one personal item on every fare.
How much does a checked bag cost on Southwest?
Southwest historically included two free checked bags on every fare. The carrier has moved to a paid checked bag model for most fares, so confirm the allowance attached to your specific fare at booking rather than assuming the legacy policy. A second bag: See above — the two-free-bags policy no longer applies universally. Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred members and Southwest credit cardholders retain free checked bag benefits.
What is the Southwest checked baggage weight limit?
50 lbs (23 kg) and 62 linear inches per checked bag. Bags 51–100 lbs and over 62 linear inches carry per-item charges.
Can I get a free checked bag on Southwest?
A-List Preferred members and eligible Rapid Rewards credit cardholders receive free checked bags. Verify your fare's allowance at booking.
More Southwest help
Booking Southwest? Talk to a US travel consultant.
Fare rules, baggage allowances and change policies differ by route and fare brand. Our consultants confirm the exact terms attached to your itinerary before you pay — and handle the change or refund if plans move.