Southwest Airlines Baggage Policy (2026)

Last updated: May 2026 · Source: Southwest Airlines official website

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Quick Answer

Southwest Airlines allows 1 carry-on and 1 personal item for free. Checked bags start at $45 for the first bag on basic fares, but Choice Extra fares include 2 free checked bags.

Carry-On Baggage

Carry-On Size	24x16x10 inches (61x41x25 cm), no weight limit
Personal Item	1 personal item: 16.25x13.5x8 inches. Must fit under the seat in front of you.

Checked Baggage Fees

Item	Fee / Details
Included Bags	Basic Fare: 0 bags. Choice Fare: 0 bags. Choice Preferred Fare: 0 bags. Choice Extra Fare: 2 bags (50 lbs/23 kg each). Rapid Rewards A-List/Credit Cardmembers: 1 bag free.
1st Checked Bag	$45 domestic
2nd Checked Bag	$55 domestic
Overweight Fee	$100 for bags 51-70 lbs, $200 for bags 71-100 lbs
Oversized Fee	$200 for bags 63-80 linear inches
Max Weight	23 kg per bag
Max Dimensions	157 cm linear (L+W+H)

International Baggage Rules

Baggage for international flights must be checked at least 60 minutes prior to departure (75 minutes for Aruba). Seasonal baggage embargoes may apply. Must claim and re-check baggage upon arrival in the U.S. unless arriving from a preclear city (Aruba or Nassau).

Special Items

Sports Equipment

Standard checked bag fees apply. Oversized fee waived for sports equipment 63-115 inches. Overweight fees apply: $100 for 51-70 lbs, $200 for 71-100 lbs.

Musical Instruments

Small instruments allowed as carry-on if within 24x16x10 inches. Larger instruments can be carried on if they fit in overhead bin or under seat. Can purchase a seat for large instruments (must be first row window seat). Checked instruments subject to standard fees; oversize/overweight fees apply if 62-150 inches or 51-165 lbs.

Tips to Avoid Baggage Fees

1Book Choice Extra fare for two free checked bags.
2Get a Rapid Rewards credit card for a free first checked bag.
3Achieve A-List Preferred status for two free checked bags.
4Active-duty military get free checked bags.

Did You Know?

Southwest recently ended its famous 'Bags Fly Free' policy, now charging $45 for the first checked bag on basic fares. Active-duty military customers still receive free checked bags. Oversized fees are waived for sports equipment up to 115 inches.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Southwest Airlines charge for checked bags?▼

Southwest Airlines charges $45 domestic for the first checked bag and $55 domestic for the second bag.

What is Southwest Airlines's carry-on bag size limit?▼

Southwest Airlines carry-on allowance: 24x16x10 inches (61x41x25 cm), no weight limit. 1 personal item: 16.25x13.5x8 inches. Must fit under the seat in front of you.

Does Southwest Airlines include free checked bags in economy?▼

No, Southwest Airlines does not include free checked bags in basic economy. Basic Fare: 0 bags. Choice Fare: 0 bags. Choice Preferred Fare: 0 bags. Choice Extra Fare: 2 bags (50 lbs/23 kg each). Rapid Rewards A-List/Credit Cardmembers: 1 bag free.

What is Southwest Airlines's overweight baggage fee?▼

$100 for bags 51-70 lbs, $200 for bags 71-100 lbs

Can I bring sports equipment on Southwest Airlines?▼

Standard checked bag fees apply. Oversized fee waived for sports equipment 63-115 inches. Overweight fees apply: $100 for 51-70 lbs, $200 for 71-100 lbs.

More Southwest Airlines Information

Side-by-side comparison

Related Airlines — Baggage Policies

American Airlines

1st bag: $45 online / $50 at airport for domestic flights

Delta Air Lines

1st bag: $35 domestic

United Airlines

1st bag: $45 prepaid

JetBlue Airways

1st bag: $45 domestic off-peak ($49 peak)

Alaska Airlines

1st bag: $45 domestic

Spirit Airlines

1st bag: $36-$50 depending on when purchased (during booking vs airport)

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Southwest Airlines Baggage Policy (2026)

Quick Answer

Carry-On Baggage

Checked Baggage Fees

International Baggage Rules

Special Items

Sports Equipment

Musical Instruments

Tips to Avoid Baggage Fees

Did You Know?

Frequently Asked Questions

More Southwest Airlines Information

Related Airlines — Baggage Policies

Flying Southwest Airlines?

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Why Camli Finds Cheaper Flights

How Consolidator Fares Work

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Frequently Asked Questions