Southwest Baggage Policy: Rules & Fees Guide & 2026

Under the new Southwest Airlines Baggage Policy 2026, your baggage policy will now depend on your fares you purchased, as well as your Rapid Rewards membership, and what kind of trip you are taking.

Fares for checked bag charges for the U.S. mainland apply to most fares booked, ticketed or modified for travel on or after April 9, 2026 and are: Basic, Choice or Choice preferred. But, there isn’t any bag of choice, there are two bags of choice which are available for free.

Southwest Airlines Baggage Policy 2026 guidelines for checked bags, carry-ons, and fare tiers.

What changed in the Southwest Airlines baggage policy?

The most significant is that for most fares on Southwest, checked bags are no longer free.

According to Southwest Baggage Policy, individuals should first check their ticket whether they are required to pay for their checked bag or not.

• Basic: An amount for checked Bag fees will be added.
• Checked bag fees for Choice: Choice Preferred (check bag fees apply).
• Choice Extra: 2 checked bags are free.
• A-List Preferred members: will have 2 bags checked for free.
• A-List members: First checked bag is free.
• Applies to eligible rapid rewards credit cardmembers: first checked bag is free (applies to benefit rules).
• For active (on duty) military travelers: 2 bags are complimentary.

How much are Southwest Airlines baggage fees in 2026?

The basic charges for checked bags are:

Typically, fees are applied on a round-trip basis. There are other routes, destinations and special categories with different charges.

What is Southwest Airlines carry-on baggage allowance?

The one carry-on bag and one piece of personal property on Southwest will still go without any additional payment for carry-on cargo.

When traveling, people should ensure that:

• The carry-on should be put in the overhead storage in the airplane.
• The personal item fits in under the seat.
• They have their travel documents and other valuables with them.
• Other limited items – such as liquids – are checked in accordance with airport security regulations.
• The oversized pieces cannot be regarded as standard carry-on pieces.

Southwest continues to offer a free carry-on, personal item allowance on all of their fare’s/flight options.

Southwest passengers may bring one carry-on bag for overhead bin and one personal item for under-seat storage.

What are the Southwest Airlines checked baggage size and weight limits?

The sum of the length, width, and height of a standard checked bag is not to exceed 62 linear inches. The regular weight per bag is 50lbs. Handles and wheels are included when measuring the bag.

Travellers should make themselves aware of these restrictions:

• Standard Checked Bag: Max length of 62 linear inches.
• Average weight: up to 50lbs.
• Bags ranging from 51 to 70 lbs will get you a surcharge of $100 apart from bag fees.
• An additional charge of $200 is applicable on bags which weigh from 71 to 100 lbs apart from the baggage fee.
• Bags that are oversized (63-80") will be charged a $200 fee in addition to the standard fee.
• It costs around $150 for a third or additional standard checked bag.
• There are special provisions for sporting things and musical instruments.

Standard checked luggage limit on Southwest is 50 lbs and 62 linear inches.

Which Southwest fare includes two free checked bags?

In fact, at present, Southwest charges, called Choice Extra, provide two free checked bags as part of their discount offer.

Don't just compare the ticket cost, add on the additional luggage fees for cheaper fares to get the flying cost.

For example:

The higher the travel cost, the more people are willing to pay.

When you factor in the choice fare and the ‘baggage fees' you may end up paying more.

Choice Extra = two checked bags included.

Who can still get free checked bags on Southwest Airlines?

Eligible groups include:

• Choice Extra passengers.
• Sprint Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred members.
• If you are an A-List member you will save $5 on the first checked bag.
• Credit cardmembers receive free Southwest Frequent Utility for the first checked bag while they are eligible Southwest cardholders.
• Fully-equipped military passengers (2 checked bags).
• Some partners when the qualifying passenger benefit is applied to the booking.

Loyalty and credit card information with respect to the Reservation shall not be incorrectly entered into the Rapid Rewards account if so required, in connection with any such loyalty or credit card benefits.

How much does Southwest charge for overweight or oversized baggage?

The charges will be the responsibility of Southwest Airlines if the usual checked luggage is larger or heavier than the maximum allowed size and weight of the bag.

Mainland fees in the U.S. are:

• A fee of $100 and the standard checked bag fee applies for 51 to 70 pounds of luggage.
• From 71 lbs to 100 lbs: $200 + standard checked bag fee.
• 63-80 linear inches: $200 plus standard checked bag fee.
• Third or additional checked bag fee: $150.
• Certain sports equipment and musical instruments are handled differently; travellers are advised to make sure they know the rules of particular items before arriving at the airport.

Southwest Airlines charges additional fees for checked bags that exceed standard weight (50 lbs) or size limits (62 linear inches):

How can you avoid Southwest Airlines baggage fees?

Check your fare to find if you can save and bring in less or no baggage, or qualify for a baggage benefit.

Here are some practical measures to take:

• Look at the entire price, not just the ticket cost.
• If you require two checked bags and the total price is reasonable then select Choice Extra.
• If you already have a baggage benefit with an eligible Rapid Rewards credit card, then use one you already have.
• Look to see if you get free suitcases as a perk of your Rapid Rewards status.
• Active Service personnel traveling should check on the military allowance that is applicable.
• Calculate the weight of your suitcase before you get ready to travel.
• Weigh heavy bags prior to traveling.
• If it’s a part of the travel process, then make use of the carry-on and personal items.

How do you pay for Southwest checked bags?

Southwest has introduced a digital check-in that enables the bag check and payment for those who are eligible. But you can buy your online baggage at the time of check-in and after that which can be found at some airports.

Passengers can also use a counter at the airport for southwest flights, or the airport's self-service facilities. Bags can be checked no earlier than 4 hours before departure time, claims Southwest.

What are the important baggage rules of Southwest Airlines to remember?

The best Southwest Airlines Baggage Rules for 2026 include:

• Carry-on and personal items are complimentary.
• In most cases checked bag fees are applicable for Basic, Choice, and Choice Preferred.
• There are two free checked bags with Choice Extra.
• Checked bags are subject to the standard weight and dimensions of 50 lbs and 62 linear inches.
• Carry-on bags are an additional charge, per specification up to a maximum of three bags.
• Some Rapid Rewards members may get free bags.
• Potential reward credit cardholders can get a first checked bag complimentary when they utilize their eligible card.
• The baggage allowances apply to different partners.

Remember that the baggage allowance for Southwest Airlines is determined by the Terms & Conditions of the reservation, route, fare, and reservation status and may depend on the date of booking, so please be sure to check the Terms & Conditions of the baggage related to the reservation.

Why Check the Baggage Policy Before Booking with Southwest?

Due to the new regulations, you will now have more control over the way that your baggage fee is determined. With a low Basic fare that may seem attractive, however, a checked bag on applicable U.S. mainland trips can cost $100 on both the way in and on the return trip.

Before booking, compare:

• Base ticket price.
• Number of bags that must be checked.
• Applicable Southwest Airlines baggage fees.
• Fare benefits.
• Rapid Rewards status.
• Baggage benefits for credit cards.
• Over size/overweight requirements.

FAQs

The Southwest baggage policy has changed totally from its previous two bags free for each passenger. The fares will include an allowance which should be reviewed prior to booking to reflect the current charges for that holiday.

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