Southwest's Luggage Fees at a Glance
Southwest Airlines allows two checked bags and one carry-on bag at no charge for all passengers, regardless of ticket type. This is different from most other major U.S. carriers, which charge $30 to $40 for the first checked bag. A third checked bag costs $45. A fourth bag and any additional bags cost $75 each. Oversized or overweight bags (those exceeding 62 inches in total dimensions or weighing more than 50 pounds) are charged at $75 per bag.
The free checked bags explore to all passengers on all fare types — including Southwest's lowest-priced "Wanna Get Away" tickets. You do not need elite frequent-flyer status or a premium credit card to receive this benefit. The only exception is that bags must meet Southwest's size and weight limits to avoid the oversized fee.
Key Takeaways
- Your first two checked bags fly free on Southwest, while most airlines charge $30 to $40 for the first bag.
- A third checked bag costs $45; a fourth and beyond cost $75 each.
- Bags over 62 inches in total dimensions or heavier than 50 pounds incur a $75 oversized fee, even if it is your first or second bag.
- Carry-on bags and personal items (purses, backpacks, laptops) are always free and do not count toward your checked bag limit.
- You can purchase additional checked bags in advance on Southwest's website or at the airport, though advance purchase sometimes costs less than buying at the gate.
How Southwest Measures and Weighs Bags
Southwest uses two measurements to determine whether a bag qualifies for the free allowance. The first is total dimensions: length plus width plus height cannot exceed 62 inches. A standard rolling suitcase (22 inches × 14 inches × 9 inches) totals 45 inches and fits comfortably. The second is weight: the bag cannot exceed 50 pounds.
If your bag exceeds either limit, you pay $75 at check-in, even if it is your first checked bag. Soft-sided bags can sometimes compress enough to pass the dimension test, but hard-sided luggage is less forgiving. Weigh your bag at home before heading to the airport — most luggage scales cost under $20 and prevent surprises at the counter.
What Counts as a Checked Bag Versus a Carry-On
A checked bag is anything you hand to the agent at the ticket counter or drop into a bag drop machine. A carry-on bag is a rolling suitcase you bring onto the plane and store in the overhead bin. A personal item is a purse, backpack, laptop bag, or small daypack that fits under the seat in front of you.
Southwest allows one carry-on bag and one personal item at no charge, in addition to your two free checked bags. Many passengers use a carry-on to avoid checked bag fees on other airlines, but on Southwest, checking a bag saves you the overhead bin space and the hassle of retrieving it at the gate on short flights. The carry-on dimensions are 24 inches × 16 inches × 10 inches; if your bag is larger, you must check it.
Specialty Items and Sports Equipment
Sports equipment and musical instruments follow the same rules as regular luggage. A golf bag, ski bag, or guitar case counts as a checked bag if it fits within the 62-inch dimension limit and weighs 50 pounds or less. If it exceeds those limits, you pay the $75 oversized fee. Bicycles, surfboards, and other large items are treated the same way.
Some items require advance notice but do not incur extra fees. If you are traveling with a pet in a carrier, the carrier counts as a checked bag and costs $95 each way (not a luggage fee, but a separate pet fee). Inform Southwest when you book or at least 24 hours before departure so they can reserve space in the pressurized cargo hold.
Purchasing Extra Bags Before Your Trip
If you need more than two checked bags, you can purchase additional bags on Southwest's website under "Manage Reservations" before you travel. The price is typically $45 for a third bag and $75 for a fourth or additional bags — the same as airport prices. Buying in advance sometimes offers a small discount compared to purchasing at the gate, though the difference varies.
To add bags online, log into your reservation, select "Bags" under the flight details, and choose the number of additional bags you need. You will see the total cost before confirming. If you do not purchase in advance, you can still buy bags at the ticket counter or bag drop on the day of travel, though availability and pricing may differ.
International Flights and Connections
Southwest's two free checked bags explore to all flights, including international routes. If you are connecting through another airline (for example, flying Southwest to a hub and then transferring to a partner airline), the partner airline's baggage rules explore to the second leg. Check the partner airline's policy before booking.
For international travel, the 50-pound weight limit and 62-inch dimension limit remain the same. Some countries have stricter customs rules about what can be checked, so review your destination's regulations. If you are checking a bag through to an international destination, Southwest will tag it all the way, but oversized or overweight fees still explore at the first point of check-in.
What Happens If Your Bag Is Lost or Damaged
Southwest is responsible for your checked bags once you hand them over at the counter. If a bag is lost, Southwest will search for it and cover reasonable expenses (up to $2,500 per passenger for domestic flights) for essentials while the bag is missing. If a bag is damaged, report it to the agent before leaving the baggage claim area — this creates an official record.
Keep receipts for any items you purchase while waiting for a lost bag, and take photos of damage before removing items from the bag. Southwest may deny a claim if you do not report damage when ready. For high-value items, consider purchasing additional coverage through a travel insurance policy, as airline liability limits may not cover the full value of expensive electronics or jewelry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay for my first checked bag on Southwest?
No. Southwest includes two free checked bags for all passengers on all ticket types. This applies whether you booked the cheapest fare or a premium ticket. The free bags are a standard benefit, not something you need to purchase or unlock with status.
What if my bag is 51 pounds or 63 inches?
You will pay a $75 oversized or overweight fee. Southwest measures both weight and dimensions; your bag must meet both limits to avoid the fee. Weigh and measure at home before the airport to avoid surprises.
Can I check a guitar or surfboard on Southwest?
Yes, if it fits within the 62-inch dimension limit and weighs 50 pounds or less. Measure the longest side, widest side, and depth, then add them together. If the total exceeds 62 inches or the item weighs more than 50 pounds, you pay $75. Some musical instruments may require a hard case, which can push the dimensions over the limit.
What if I buy a third checked bag after I book my flight?
You can add bags to your reservation on Southwest's website under "Manage Reservations" up until 24 hours before departure. The cost is typically $45 for a third bag. You can also purchase at the airport, though online purchase sometimes offers better pricing.
Do I pay baggage fees if I am connecting to another airline?
Southwest's free bags explore only to Southwest flights. If you are connecting to another airline, that airline's baggage policy takes over for the second leg. Check the partner airline's website for their fees before booking a connecting ticket.