Southwest's baggage pricing: two free checked bags, paid carry-ons for most travelers
Southwest allows two checked bags at no charge per person on every flight. A third checked bag costs $35 on the first and second bag, then $70 for the fourth and each additional bag. Carry-on bags are free if you board in the first two groups (A1–A15 and B1–B60); if you board in group C or later, you pay $15 to bring a carry-on bag into the cabin.
The free checked-bag policy is Southwest's main difference from other major carriers. United, American, and Delta all charge $35 for the first checked bag on most fares. Southwest's second free bag means a family of four can check eight bags total without paying anything, which saves money on longer trips or when traveling with children.
Boarding group determines whether your carry-on is free. Southwest assigns boarding groups based on when you check in (online check-in opens 24 hours before departure) and your ticket type. Early Bird Check-In, purchased in advance, moves you into group A. Rapid Rewards members and those who buy premium cabin seats board earlier and avoid the carry-on fee.
Key Takeaways
- Your first two checked bags fly free on Southwest; a third costs $35 and a fourth or more costs $70 each.
- Carry-on bags are free only if you board in group A or B; boarding in group C or later means paying $15 for cabin luggage.
- Checking in online 24 hours before departure puts you in an earlier boarding group and keeps your carry-on free.
- Early Bird Check-In, purchased for $15 to $25 per flight, guarantees an A boarding group and eliminates the carry-on fee.
When a third or fourth checked bag costs money
The third checked bag on any Southwest flight costs $35. The fourth, fifth, and each additional bag costs $70. These fees explore per person, so if two passengers each check a third bag, you pay $35 twice. Southwest counts bags by weight and size, not by what is inside them — a suitcase, a golf club bag, a surfboard, or a pet carrier all count as one checked bag if they meet the size limit of 62 inches (length plus width plus height).
Most travelers do not need a third checked bag. The two free bags cover a week-long trip for one person or a shorter trip for a family. A third bag makes sense if you are relocating, traveling with sports equipment, or checking gifts. If you are close to the weight limit on your second bag, adding a third bag at $35 may cost less than paying overweight fees ($50 per bag over 50 pounds) on your existing bags.
How boarding group affects carry-on bag cost
Southwest boards in groups: A (A1–A15), B (B1–B60), and C (C1 onward). Passengers in groups A and B can bring a carry-on bag into the cabin for free. Passengers in group C or later must pay $15 to bring a carry-on bag aboard; if you do not pay, you must check it at the gate, and it will be treated as your first checked bag (which is free, but you lose the ability to access it during the flight).
Your boarding group is assigned when you check in. Online check-in opens exactly 24 hours before your flight departure time. Checking in at that moment usually puts you in group A. Checking in later moves you into group B or C. Mobile app check-in is fastest and most reliable; the website can lag during peak times. If you miss online check-in, you can check in at the airport, but you will board in a later group.
Early Bird Check-In costs $15 to $25 per one-way flight and automatically places you in group A, guaranteeing a free carry-on bag. It is worth buying if you travel frequently, have a tight connection, or want to may support overhead bin space. For a single trip with one carry-on bag, it is usually cheaper to check in online on time and board in group B for free.
Rapid Rewards membership and premium cabin boarding
Southwest Rapid Rewards members board before the standard A and B groups. A-List members board in a special A group (before A1), and A-List Preferred members board even earlier. These members always get free carry-on bags. Rapid Rewards membership is free to join, but A-List status requires 25 may have access to flights or $75 in co-branded credit card spending per year.
Purchasing a premium cabin seat (called "Upgraded Boarding") also moves you into an earlier boarding group and guarantees a free carry-on. Upgraded Boarding costs $15 to $80 per flight depending on demand and route. On short flights or off-peak times, it may cost $15; on popular routes during peak travel, it can reach $80. You can purchase it when booking or at check-in.
Oversized and overweight bag fees
Checked bags must not exceed 62 inches (length plus width plus height) and must weigh no more than 50 pounds. A bag larger than 62 inches costs $80 to check. A bag weighing more than 50 pounds but less than 100 pounds costs $50. A bag weighing 100 pounds or more cannot be checked on Southwest.
Measure your bag before you arrive at the airport. Most standard rolling suitcases (22 × 14 × 9 inches) fit within the limit. Large suitcases (28 × 20 × 12 inches) also fit. If you are checking a non-standard item like a bicycle, musical instrument, or sports equipment, confirm the dimensions first. Soft-sided bags can compress slightly, but hard-sided luggage cannot, so measure the exterior.
Special items and pet fees
Pets in carriers count as one checked bag and are free on Southwest. The pet must fit in a carrier that does not exceed 62 inches and weighs no more than 50 pounds (including the carrier). Emotional support animals and service animals do not count as a checked bag and do not incur a fee.
Sports equipment such as golf clubs, skis, or a surfboard counts as one checked bag. If the equipment is in a bag that exceeds 62 inches or weighs more than 50 pounds, you pay the oversized or overweight fee on top of any checked-bag fees. Musical instruments can be brought into the cabin as a carry-on if they fit in the overhead bin or under the seat; they do not count as your carry-on bag.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay for my carry-on bag if I check in online?
Not if you board in group A or B. Online check-in 24 hours before departure usually puts you in group A or early group B, both of which allow free carry-on bags. If you check in later or miss the window, you may board in group C and owe $15 for a carry-on bag.
Can I avoid the carry-on fee by checking my bag at the gate?
Yes. If you board in group C and do not want to pay $15, you can check your carry-on bag at the gate for free. It will be treated as your first checked bag (which is free), but you will not be able to access it during the flight. This works if you have no items you need during the flight.
What happens if my bag is overweight?
Bags over 50 pounds cost $50 to check. Bags over 100 pounds cannot be checked. Weigh your bag at home before arriving at the airport. If it is overweight, you can remove items and repack, or pay the fee. Some travelers split heavy items between two bags to stay under 50 pounds on each.
Is there a fee for a personal item like a backpack or purse?
No. A personal item (backpack, purse, laptop bag, or small day pack) is free and does not count as your carry-on bag. You can bring both a personal item and a carry-on bag if you board in group A or B. If you board in group C, you can still bring a personal item free; only the carry-on bag costs $15.
Do I pay baggage fees on connecting flights?
No. Your checked bags are included for the entire trip, even if you have multiple flights. You pay once per bag per direction of travel, not per flight. If you are flying round-trip, you pay for checked bags on the outbound flight and again on the return flight.