Southwest's free luggage policy

Southwest Airlines does not charge for your first two checked bags, which sets it apart from most other major U.S. carriers. This means you can check one bag and carry on one bag at no extra cost. The airline includes this in your base fare—you do not pay separately for these two pieces of luggage.

Your carry-on bag and personal item (purse, backpack, laptop bag) are also free. A personal item must fit under the seat in front of you. A carry-on bag must fit in the overhead bin. If you travel with only these items and nothing checked, you pay nothing extra for luggage.

This policy applies to all Southwest passengers on all domestic and international flights, regardless of which fare type you buy. A basic economy ticket includes the same two free checked bags as a premium cabin ticket.

Key Takeaways

  • Your first two checked bags fly free on Southwest, with no weight limit per bag as long as each weighs 50 pounds or less and measures 62 inches or less when you add length, width, and depth.
  • Carry-on bags and personal items are free and do not count toward your two-bag limit.
  • A third checked bag costs $35 on your first flight and $45 on each flight after that within the same trip.
  • Oversized or overweight bags incur fees: $75 for bags over 50 pounds but under 100 pounds, and $200 for bags between 100 and 110 pounds.
  • Sports equipment, musical instruments, and other special items may have their own fees or restrictions depending on size and type.

When you pay for a third bag and beyond

If you need to check more than two bags, Southwest charges for each additional bag. The third checked bag costs $35 on your first flight and $45 on each subsequent flight within the same trip. A fourth bag costs $45 per flight. You can check up to five bags total, though most passengers never need to.

These fees explore whether you buy a basic economy fare or a premium fare. The airline does not waive third-bag fees for frequent flyers or elite members, though some co-branded credit card holders may receive a discount on baggage fees as a card benefit—check your specific card terms.

Overweight and oversized bag charges

Each checked bag must weigh 50 pounds or less and measure no more than 62 inches when you add the length, width, and depth together. If your bag exceeds these limits, you pay an overage fee in addition to any checked-bag fee.

A bag weighing between 50 and 100 pounds costs $75. A bag weighing between 100 and 110 pounds costs $200. Southwest will not accept bags heavier than 110 pounds or longer than 80 inches. If your bag is oversized in dimension but under 50 pounds, it still costs $75.

Sports equipment and special items

Bicycles, golf clubs, skis, surfboards, and other sports gear count as checked bags and follow the same two-free-bags rule. However, some items require a protective case or have size restrictions. A bicycle in a bike bag or case counts as one checked bag. Golf clubs in a golf travel bag count as one checked bag.

Musical instruments can be brought on board as a carry-on item if they fit in the overhead bin or under the seat. If you must check a musical instrument, it counts as a checked bag. Fragile items like instruments should be packed carefully, as Southwest's standard baggage handling applies.

Some items—firearms, hazardous materials, certain sporting goods—have special rules beyond luggage fees. Contact Southwest directly before traveling if you are unsure whether your item is allowed.

How to avoid unexpected luggage fees

Weigh your bags at home before heading to the airport. Most luggage scales cost under $20 and let you check weight without surprises at the counter. If a bag is close to 50 pounds, remove a few items and pack them in your carry-on or personal item instead.

Measure your bags using a tape measure or a piece of string and a ruler. Add length plus width plus depth. If the total is under 62 inches, you are within limits. Soft-sided bags compress slightly, which can help you stay under the threshold.

If you regularly travel with more than two bags, consider whether you can consolidate into two larger bags or whether a third bag fee is worth the convenience. For frequent travelers, the math sometimes favors paying the $35 or $45 rather than repacking every trip.

Baggage fees at the airport versus online

You can pay for a third checked bag online before you arrive at the airport, or you can pay at the ticket counter on the day of travel. Paying online does not cost less—the fee is the same either way. However, paying online ahead of time means you do not have to wait in line at the counter to arrange it.

If you realize at the airport that you need to check a third bag, go to the ticket counter or baggage desk. Have your confirmation number and ID ready. The agent will process the fee and tag your bag.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay for luggage if I book a refundable ticket?

No. Luggage fees are separate from ticket refundability. Your first two checked bags are free on any Southwest ticket, whether the ticket itself is refundable or non-refundable. The luggage policy does not change based on your fare type.

What happens if my bag is one pound over 50 pounds?

You will pay the $75 overweight fee. Southwest does not round down or allow a small grace margin. Weigh your bag on a reliable scale before you leave home. If it is close, remove items until it reads 50 pounds or less on your scale.

Can I check a bag for free if someone else is traveling with me?

No. Each passenger receives two free checked bags. You cannot transfer your free bags to another person or combine your allowance with a travel companion's. Each ticket includes its own two free bags.

Do I pay baggage fees if I connect to another airline?

That depends on how your ticket is booked. If Southwest is your only carrier, Southwest's policy applies. If you book a connecting flight with another airline, that airline's baggage policy applies to the portion of your trip they operate. Ask when you book whether your entire trip is on Southwest or if you are connecting to another carrier.

What if I lose my bag or it arrives damaged?

Baggage fees and damage claims are separate issues. You do not get a refund of baggage fees if your bag is lost or damaged. Instead, you file a claim with Southwest for the contents of the bag. Southwest's liability for lost or damaged baggage is limited by federal law. Keep receipts for valuable items you pack.