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Southwest Bags Fly Free: Who Still Gets Free Checked Bags?

Southwest no longer includes two free checked bags with every fare. See which fares and Rapid Rewards benefits qualify, and how to compare your trip cost.

Southwest Bags Fly Free: What Changed?

Southwest's former two free checked bags for everyone rule is no longer the current policy. The fare you buy and any eligible Rapid Rewards benefits now determine whether your first and second standard checked bags are free. Do not assume an old “Bags Fly Free” article or an earlier trip's receipt describes your next booking.

Who gets a free checked bag?

Fare or benefitFirst standard checked bagSecond standard checked bag
Basic, Choice, or Choice Preferred without an eligible benefitFee appliesFee applies
Choice ExtraFreeFree
Rapid Rewards A-List PreferredFreeFree
Rapid Rewards A-ListFreeFee may apply
Eligible Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit CardmemberFreeFee may apply

These are Southwest's published fare and benefit rules, not a quote for a particular booking. Benefits have conditions, including restrictions on partner-carrier itineraries. Size and weight charges can still apply to a bag that otherwise qualifies for a free standard allowance. Check Southwest's fare information and Optional Travel Charges for your itinerary.

What stays free in the cabin?

Each ticketed passenger may bring one carry-on bag and one personal item at no charge. The carry-on must fit Southwest's 24 × 16 × 10 inch external limit, including handles, wheels, and attachments; it goes in the overhead bin. The personal item must fit under the seat in front of you. See Southwest's carry-on policy.

The limits for a standard checked bag

Southwest's standard checked-bag limit is 50 pounds and 62 linear inches (length + width + height, including wheels and handles). Extra, overweight, and oversized bags can incur additional charges. Some destinations restrict extra, oversized, or overweight baggage. Check the checked-bag policy and current charges before travel.

Compare the total price

For each airline and fare you are considering, add the actual bag charge shown for each direction to the fare. Then account for any valid status or card benefit. A free allowance on Choice Extra can be valuable, but its fare may cost more than another bundle plus bag fees. The cheapest choice depends on your reservation and how many bags you will check; an across-the-board savings claim is no longer reliable.

Southwest now uses assigned seating. Basic seats are generally assigned at check-in unless an eligible status or card benefit allows earlier selection. Boarding order can affect overhead-bin availability, but it no longer determines which seat you take. See Southwest's assigned-seat guidance.

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.

Sources and scope

Source-based research; no hands-on test or specialist review claimed.

  • Choice Extra and A-List Preferred include two standard checked bags; Basic, Choice and Choice Preferred have checked-bag fees unless another benefit applies.

    Southwest fare and tier checked-bag eligibility only

    Fare Information and Rules; checked bag benefit terms

    Source review: · Codex (AI source review)

  • One carry-on up to 24 x 16 x 10 inches and one underseat personal item are allowed.

    Southwest-operated flight cabin baggage only

    Carryon bags and personal items

    Source review: · Codex (AI source review)

  • Southwest now assigns seats; Basic seats are generally assigned at check-in.

    Southwest seating process only

    Assigned Seat Selection

    Source review: · Codex (AI source review)

  • Current checked fees and benefits are conditional on date, route, fare and status/card; a cabin bag remains free.

    Full official fee page reviewed. No universal checked-bag or cabin-upgrade quote.

    Mainland before/from9April2026; Hawaii interisland; Additional Fees; notes1–3

    Source review: · Codex (AI source review)

  • 24×16×10 in including wheels/handles/attachments; personal item under seat; no numeric weight or personal box.

    Full indexed official article text reviewed; direct DNS unavailable. Partner rules can differ.

    Carryon bag; Personal item; Measure carefully

    Source review: · Codex (AI source review)

  • Assigned seating from27January2026; Basic normally assigned at check-in, with tier/card exceptions.

    Seat selection and boarding only; not a guarantee of overhead storage.

    Assigned Seating; Basic fare footnote15; card benefits

    Source review: · Codex (AI source review)

Frequently asked questions

Does Southwest still let everyone check two bags free?

No. Checked bag fees apply to Basic, Choice, and Choice Preferred fares. Choice Extra and Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred include two standard checked bags free on eligible Southwest flights, subject to weight, size, and other conditions.

Who gets one free checked bag on Southwest?

Rapid Rewards A-List Members and eligible Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers receive their first standard checked bag free on eligible Southwest flights. Check the benefit terms for companions and partner itineraries.

Are Southwest carry-on bags still free?

Yes. Southwest permits one carry-on bag up to 24 × 16 × 10 inches and one personal item per ticketed passenger at no charge.

What does a Southwest checked bag cost?

The charge depends on the fare, benefit eligibility, itinerary, and ticketing terms. Check Southwest's Optional Travel Charges page and the baggage details for your reservation before paying.

Check if your bag fits

Compare your carry-on dimensions with your airline’s allowance.

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