Southwest Airlines Baggage Policy: Fees, Limits and Free Bags

Southwest Airlines Baggage Policy

Southwest no longer gives every traveler two free checked bags. Basic, Choice, and Choice Preferred fares are subject to checked-bag charges. Choice Extra and Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred benefits include two standard checked bags free on eligible Southwest flights. Rapid Rewards A-List Members and eligible Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers receive a first standard checked bag free, subject to benefit terms.

See Southwest's current fare rules and Optional Travel Charges. A bag benefit may not apply on a partner-carrier itinerary, and extra size or weight charges can still apply.

At a glance

Southwest's carry-on policy and checked-bag policy set the measurements. The fee page controls current prices; check the rules attached to your booking before travel.

Work out your actual bag cost

1. Select the fare you intend to buy and count the checked bags for each traveler.
2. Check whether your fare, A-List tier, or eligible Rapid Rewards card grants a free standard bag. Read the benefit conditions rather than assuming they stack.
3. Add charges for any bag beyond that allowance and for bags over the standard size or weight limit.
4. Check both directions, especially if the return uses a different fare or partner airline.

A lower fare with bag fees may still cost less than a higher fare with bags included. Southwest's published optional charges distinguish travel and ticketing conditions, so a single fixed price is not a reliable quote for every reservation.

Special items and partner itineraries

Sports equipment and musical instruments have item-specific acceptance and fee rules. Some qualifying sports equipment is treated as a standard checked bag with the oversized fee waived, while overweight or extra-bag charges may still apply. Review Southwest's sports-equipment guidance or musical-instrument guidance for your item.

A partner airline can have different carry-on and checked-bag rules. Southwest also imposes baggage embargoes for some destinations or periods, which can limit additional, oversized, or overweight bags.

For dated prices and acceptance limits, see the checked-baggage guide. To compare a bag staying in the cabin, open the Southwest checker or compare operators on a route.