Southwest Bag Fees What Travelers Should Know

Understanding Southwest Airlines Baggage Policy Basics

Southwest Airlines operates one of the most customer-friendly baggage policies in the aviation industry. Unlike many major carriers, Southwest permits passengers to check two bags at no charge. This policy applies to most ticket types and passenger categories, making it a significant advantage for travelers who need to transport luggage without paying extra fees.

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The first checked bag and second checked bag both fly free on Southwest flights for passengers with valid tickets. This contrasts sharply with competitors like American Airlines, Delta, and United, which typically charge $30 to $40 for the first checked bag and $45 to $50 for a second checked bag on domestic flights. Over the course of multiple trips, these savings can accumulate substantially.

Southwest's checked baggage allowance applies to standard tickets purchased through their website, airport ticket counters, travel agents, and phone reservations. The policy remains consistent across all booking channels. Each checked bag may weigh up to 50 pounds and measure no more than 62 inches when adding height, width, and depth together (known as linear dimensions).

The airline also permits passengers to bring one personal item and one carry-on bag into the cabin at no cost. Personal items typically include purses, laptops, small backpacks, or briefcases. Carry-on bags are generally standard roller luggage that fits in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.

Practical Takeaway: When planning a Southwest flight, factor in the free checked baggage allowance as part of your overall ticket value. This policy can make Southwest particularly economical for trips where you need to check luggage, especially when compared to airlines that charge for first and second bags.

Bag Dimensions, Weight Limits, and Restrictions

Southwest establishes clear measurement and weight standards to maintain safety and operational consistency. Checked bags must not exceed 50 pounds or measure more than 62 linear inches. To calculate linear inches, add the height, width, and depth of your suitcase. For example, a bag measuring 27 inches tall, 20 inches wide, and 15 inches deep totals 62 inches—the maximum allowable size.

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Many travelers use soft-sided luggage or expandable suitcases to maximize packing space while staying within weight limits. However, if a bag expands beyond 62 linear inches, Southwest ground staff may refuse to check it, or the airline may charge an oversized baggage fee. Weighing your luggage at home before departure prevents weight-related surprises at the airport.

Certain items cannot be packed in checked or carry-on bags due to federal transportation safety regulations. These prohibited items include:

• Firearms, ammunition, and explosives
• Flammable liquids and solids (including lighter fluid and paint thinner)
• Oxidizers and organic peroxides
• Toxic and infectious substances
• Corrosive materials (certain batteries, acids, and cleaning products)
• Compressed gas cylinders
• Radioactive materials

Lithium batteries represent a common concern for travelers. Spare lithium batteries are prohibited in checked baggage but may be permitted in carry-on luggage under specific conditions. Passengers should review Southwest's current regulations before packing electronics with built-in lithium batteries or carrying spare batteries.

Sporting equipment and musical instruments can usually be transported but may have specific size requirements. Oversized items like surfboards, skis, or golf clubs may incur additional fees. Items exceeding 62 linear inches or weighing more than 50 pounds qualify as oversized baggage.

Practical Takeaway: Before packing for your Southwest flight, weigh your checked bags and verify dimensions using a measuring tape. Keep prohibited items out of your luggage entirely, and research any sporting equipment or special items you plan to bring to understand size and fee requirements.

When Extra Fees Apply to Baggage

While Southwest offers two free checked bags, additional charges do apply in specific situations. Understanding these scenarios helps travelers budget accurately and avoid unexpected airport surprises.

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A third checked bag costs $25 on the first three domestic flights within a calendar day, increasing to $35 per bag thereafter. Fourth and subsequent bags cost $35 each. This fee structure encourages passengers to pack efficiently while accommodating those with legitimate needs for additional luggage.

Oversized baggage fees apply when a bag exceeds 62 linear inches or weighs more than 50 pounds. The oversized baggage fee is $75 for the first and second oversized bags, and $100 for each additional oversized bag. Some passengers transport unusual items—such as large art pieces, vintage furniture during relocations, or specialized equipment—that legitimately require oversized baggage accommodations.

Overweight bags—those exceeding 50 pounds—trigger a $75 charge for each oversized or overweight bag. A bag that is both oversized and overweight is charged once at the oversized rate, not double-charged. This distinction matters when calculating total fees.

Sports equipment may incur charges depending on the item. For example, one golf bag or one pair of skis/snowboard might travel free as part of your second checked bag allowance, but additional sporting equipment beyond standard luggage could incur fees. Passengers should verify current policies for specific equipment before travel.

International flights to/from Mexico, Central America, or the Caribbean may have different baggage policies compared to domestic service. Passengers should check their specific route for any variations in baggage allowances or fees.

Practical Takeaway: If you anticipate needing more than two checked bags, calculate whether the additional baggage fees ($25-$100 per bag) affect your decision to fly Southwest versus another airline. For domestic travel, the free bags often outweigh extra baggage fees, but for travelers packing minimally, the advantage may be less pronounced.

Special Baggage Categories and Equipment

Beyond standard luggage, travelers often need to transport specialized items. Southwest permits various types of equipment under specific guidelines, though some categories may incur fees beyond the standard checked baggage allowance.

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Golf equipment generally receives favorable treatment. One golf bag may be checked free as part of your second bag allowance. However, if you're traveling with multiple golf bags or other sports equipment, additional fees may apply. The golf bag must still comply with the 62-inch linear dimension and 50-pound weight limits.

Skis, snowboards, and related winter sports equipment can be checked as part of your free baggage allowance if they fit within size and weight restrictions. Soft cases or hard cases both work, provided the total package doesn't exceed the limits. During peak winter travel seasons, airlines note that packing skis, boots, and poles efficiently becomes particularly important.

Bicycles require special handling. Southwest permits bikes to be transported in a hard-sided bike case or padded bike bag. The bike case or bag counts as one of your checked bags. You must remove pedals or turn them inward and turn the handlebars parallel to the frame to fit within dimensional limits. Some travelers book an extra checked bag specifically to transport a bike, understanding it will occupy one of their free-checked-bag allowances.

Musical instruments such as guitars, violins, or keyboards can travel in the cabin as a carry-on item if space is available, or they may be checked. An instrument case counts toward your carry-on or checked baggage allowance. Fragile instruments benefit from cabin transport to minimize handling damage.

Car seats and strollers for infants and small children typically fly free and don't count against your checked baggage allowance. Southwest recognizes these items as essential travel equipment for families. You may check them or gate-check them (meaning they're placed on the plane just before boarding and retrieved upon arrival).

Pet carriers count toward your baggage allowance and must comply with size restrictions. Southwest allows one pet per passenger in a carrier, and a pet travel fee of $100 per segment (each flight leg) applies. The carrier must be leak-proof and properly ventilated.

Practical Takeaway: If you're traveling with specialty equipment, contact Southwest before your flight to confirm current policies and prevent delays at the airport. Packing specialized items efficiently—such as using a