Southwest's Baggage Fees and What You Actually Pay
Southwest does not charge for your first two checked bags — that is the airline's standard policy and it applies to all passengers on all flights. Your first and second checked bag fly free. If you need to check a third bag or more, Southwest charges $35 for the third bag, $45 for the fourth, and $50 for each additional bag after that.
Carry-on bags and personal items (purse, laptop bag, small backpack) are also free. The only luggage that costs money is checked baggage beyond your first two bags. You pay these fees at the airport ticket counter or online before your flight, depending on when you add the extra bags to your reservation.
Key Takeaways
- Your first two checked bags are free on every Southwest flight, regardless of your ticket type or frequent flyer status.
- A third checked bag costs $35, a fourth costs $45, and each bag after that costs $50 — these are the standard fees as of now.
- You can add extra checked bags to your reservation online before you arrive at the airport, or you can pay the fee at the ticket counter on the day of travel.
- Carry-on bags and personal items never cost money on Southwest.
- Southwest Rapid Rewards members do not receive free checked bags beyond the standard two, but some credit card holders may have other perks.
How to Add a Checked Bag Before Your Flight
If you know you will need a third checked bag, you can add it to your reservation on Southwest's website or mobile app. Log in with your confirmation number and name, find your flight, and look for the option to add baggage. You will see the fee ($35 for the third bag) and can pay it right there using a credit or debit card.
Adding the bag online before you travel is often faster than waiting in line at the airport. Southwest will note the extra bag in your reservation, and you can proceed to the regular check-in counter when you arrive. You do not need to do anything special — just check in normally and hand over all three bags.
Paying for Extra Baggage at the Airport
If you did not add the bag online, you can pay for it when you check in at the airport. Go to the ticket counter or bag drop area, tell the agent you have a third (or fourth, or fifth) checked bag, and they will charge you the fee at that time. You can pay with a credit card, debit card, or cash, depending on what the airport location accepts.
Paying at the airport takes longer because you have to wait in line and process the payment there. If your flight is soon, this can cut into your time before boarding. That is why paying online ahead of time is the smoother route — you avoid the line and the fee is already settled.
Weight and Size Limits for Checked Bags
Southwest's checked bags must weigh no more than 50 pounds and measure no more than 62 inches (length plus width plus height). If a bag is overweight or oversized, Southwest charges an additional fee on top of the per-bag fee. An overweight bag (51 to 100 pounds) costs $50 extra. An oversized bag (63 to 80 inches) also costs $50 extra. A bag that is both overweight and oversized costs $100 extra.
You can weigh your bag at home before you pack it fully, or use a scale at the airport. Most luggage stores and many grocery stores have scales you can use for free or a small fee. Knowing the weight ahead of time means you can repack if needed and avoid the surprise fee at check-in.
Special Items and Oversized Baggage
Some items count as checked bags but have their own rules. A golf bag, ski bag, or surfboard counts as one checked bag and follows the same weight and size limits. A car seat or portable crib also counts as a checked bag and is free if it is within the weight and size limits. Musical instruments can sometimes be carried on if they fit in the overhead bin, but large instruments like cellos or bass guitars may need to be checked.
Sports equipment like bicycles, skis, or snowboards must be packed in a hard case or bag and counts as a checked bag. If the packed item exceeds 50 pounds or 62 inches, you pay the overweight or oversized fee. Call Southwest ahead of time if you are unsure whether your specific item will fit the rules — the phone number is on their website, and agents can tell you what to expect before you arrive at the airport.
Paying for Baggage With a Southwest Credit Card
Southwest's co-branded credit cards (issued by Chase) come with various perks, but free checked bags beyond the standard two are not one of them. However, some cardholders receive other benefits like priority boarding or anniversary bonuses that can add value to their account. Read the specific terms of the card you are considering to see what it actually includes.
The card benefits change depending on which Southwest card you hold and when you opened the account. Check your cardholder agreement or call the card issuer to confirm what you have. Do not assume a credit card will cover extra baggage fees — it usually will not.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay for extra baggage after I check in online?
Yes. You can add bags to your reservation on Southwest's website or app up until 24 hours before your flight. After that, you must pay at the airport ticket counter or bag drop. Paying online is faster and you avoid the airport line.
What happens if my bag is 51 pounds?
Southwest charges a $50 overweight fee on top of any per-bag fee. A third checked bag that weighs 51 pounds costs $35 (for the third bag) plus $50 (for being overweight), totaling $85. Weigh your bags at home to avoid this surprise.
Do I have to pay for a car seat or stroller?
No. Car seats and strollers are free checked items on Southwest and do not count against your two free bags. Pack them in a protective bag or case if you want, and check them at the counter like any other bag.
Can I pay for baggage fees over the phone?
Southwest does not take baggage fee payments over the phone. You must pay online through their website or app, or at the airport when you check in. Paying online is available 24 hours before your flight.
What if I have a connecting flight?
Your checked bags transfer automatically to your next Southwest flight at no extra charge. You do not need to claim them or pay again. If you are connecting to a different airline, ask at the first airport whether the bags will transfer or if you need to claim and recheck them.