Southwest's free bag policy and what it actually covers

Southwest allows two free checked bags per passenger, which is unusual among major U.S. carriers. Most airlines charge $30 to $40 for the first checked bag and $45 to $75 for a second one. Southwest charges nothing for either, and this applies to every ticket type except basic economy fares on some routes.

The two free bags must meet Southwest's size and weight limits: 62 inches total (length plus width plus height) and 50 pounds each. A standard rolling suitcase fits comfortably within these dimensions. Bags that exceed these limits incur an oversize fee of $75 per bag, paid at the airport when you check in.

Carry-on bags are also free. You can bring one personal item (purse, backpack, laptop bag) and one standard carry-on roller bag into the cabin at no charge. These do not count against your two free checked bags.

Key Takeaways

  • Southwest includes two free checked bags for most passengers, while competitors charge $30 to $75 per bag.
  • Each checked bag must weigh no more than 50 pounds and measure no more than 62 inches total in length, width, and height.
  • Bags exceeding the size or weight limit cost $75 each at check-in.
  • Carry-on bags and personal items are free and do not reduce your two free checked bags.
  • Checked bag fees vary by ticket type, so confirm your fare rules before booking.

When Southwest charges for bags

Third, fourth, and additional checked bags cost $75 each. If you are traveling with a family or moving, you may need more than two bags. Each extra bag beyond the second one incurs the $75 charge, and you pay this at the airport counter when you check in.

Overweight and oversized bags also cost $75. A bag weighing between 51 and 100 pounds is considered overweight. A bag measuring more than 62 inches in total dimensions is oversized. If your bag meets both conditions, you still pay only one $75 fee, not two.

Sports equipment and special items follow the same rules. A golf bag, ski bag, or surfboard counts as a checked bag and is subject to the same size and weight limits. If it exceeds those limits, you pay $75. Firearms, ammunition, and hazardous materials have additional restrictions and fees set by federal law, not by Southwest alone.

Comparing Southwest to other airlines

American, Delta, and United charge $30 for the first checked bag and $40 for the second on most domestic flights. Southwest's two free bags save a family of four roughly $280 on a round trip. This advantage shrinks if you need a third bag, since Southwest charges $75 while competitors charge $45.

Budget carriers like Frontier and Spirit include no free checked bags. Their base fares are lower, but adding two bags can cost $60 to $80 per person round trip, making the total price higher than Southwest. Southwest's model works best if you check at least one bag; if you travel with only a carry-on, the savings disappear.

Some airlines waive checked bag fees for elite frequent flyer members, military personnel, or credit card holders. Southwest does not offer these exceptions. All passengers on a paid ticket receive the same two free bags, regardless of status or card membership.

How to avoid luggage fees on Southwest

Pack within the 50-pound and 62-inch limits to avoid the $75 oversize or overweight fee. A standard rolling suitcase typically weighs 8 to 12 pounds empty, leaving 38 to 42 pounds for clothing and belongings. Weigh your bag at home before heading to the airport; most luggage stores and many grocery stores have scales.

Use your two free checked bags strategically. If you are traveling with a partner, each of you can check two bags, giving you four free bags total. If you need more space, it is usually cheaper to buy a larger suitcase than to pay $75 for a third bag.

Carry-on bags are free and unlimited in number, though overhead bin space is finite. If you are on a full flight, Southwest may gate-check your carry-on at no charge. This is not a fee; it is a space-management practice, and your bag travels in the cargo hold and arrives at your destination with you.

Luggage fees for different ticket types

Most Southwest fares include two free checked bags. This applies to Wanna Get Away, Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, and Business Select tickets. The exception is Wanna Get Away fares booked through third-party travel sites or on certain routes, which may have restrictions. Check your confirmation email or the Southwest website to confirm your bag allowance before you book.

Southwest does not offer a basic economy or "basic" fare class that strips away checked bags, unlike American, Delta, and United. Even the lowest-priced Wanna Get Away ticket includes two free bags on most routes. If you see a Wanna Get Away fare with bag restrictions, it is usually because you booked through a partner site that does not display Southwest's full terms.

Connecting flights do not change your bag allowance. If you book a round trip or a multi-leg journey, you receive two free checked bags for the entire itinerary, not per flight segment.

What happens if your bag is lost or damaged

Southwest's checked bag fee covers the transport of your bag, not insurance against loss or damage. If your bag is lost, Southwest will reimburse you up to $3,500 per passenger for domestic flights, though this is a federal limit, not a Southwest policy. You must file a claim with Southwest's baggage services team, which requires a receipt or proof of the contents' value.

Damage claims follow the same process. If your bag arrives torn or broken, report it to the baggage services desk before you leave the airport. Take photos of the damage and keep your baggage tag. Southwest will repair the bag if possible or reimburse you for the cost of repair or replacement, up to the federal limit.

Travel insurance and credit card coverage may provide additional protection. Some travel insurance policies and premium credit cards cover baggage loss and damage beyond the federal limit. Check your policy or card terms to see what is included.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay for luggage if I book a basic economy ticket on Southwest?

Southwest does not offer a basic economy fare that removes checked bags. Even the cheapest Wanna Get Away ticket includes two free checked bags on most routes. If you see a Wanna Get Away fare with bag restrictions, you likely booked through a third-party site; check your confirmation email or call Southwest to confirm your bag allowance.

What if my bag weighs 51 pounds?

A bag weighing 51 to 100 pounds is overweight and costs $75 at check-in. Weigh your bag before you arrive at the airport. If it is over 50 pounds, you can remove items and repack, or pay the fee. Southwest will not allow you to check a bag over 100 pounds under any circumstance.

Can I bring a car seat or stroller on Southwest without paying?

Car seats and strollers are not counted as checked bags and do not cost extra. You can check them for free, and they do not reduce your two free checked bags. Gate-check them if you want to use them until boarding, or check them at the ticket counter before security.

Do I pay for a second checked bag if I am flying standby?

Standby passengers receive the same two free checked bags as confirmed passengers, provided they hold a paid ticket. If you are flying standby on a free or discounted voucher, check the terms of that voucher, as some restrict bag allowances.

What is the fee for a bag that is both overweight and oversized?

You pay one $75 fee, not two. Southwest charges $75 per bag that violates either the weight limit (over 50 pounds) or the size limit (over 62 inches total). A bag that exceeds both limits still costs $75.