Southwest Airlines Baggage Policy: 2025 Guide

Explorer Southwest Airlines New Baggage Policy

Southwest Airlines introduces a new baggage policy, under which passengers booked their tickets after May 28, 2025, will be charged for their first and second bags. Earlier, the prices of the bags were included in the ticket. Under the new policy, the airline reduces costs and eliminates the hassle for passengers who do not need to pay extra if they are not carrying luggage on the trip. For a complete understanding of Southwest Airlines' new baggage policy, keep reading this article to the end.

What Is The Cost For Checked Bags With Southwest's New Policy? 

Passengers who have made a reservation after May 28, 2025, will be required to pay the baggage fee to have their bags checked. Under the new Southwest Airlines baggage policy, passengers will not incur charges when traveling without luggage. However, if passengers are carrying checked bags, the prices are not included in the ticket. They will need to pay a fee to the airline instead. The charges for the checked bags are discussed below: 

  • First Bag: Passengers will be charged a fee of $35. 
  • Second Bag: The Passenger will be required to pay a fee of $45. 

Who Will Not Be Charged Under The New Baggage Policy? 

Southwest's new baggage policy still offers free checked bags to certain passengers. If you are interested in the list of fare types eligible for a free checked bag under the Southwest Airlines baggage policy, check out the points below:

  • With Business Select fares, the passengers will continue to receive two free checked bags on their trip. 
  • As a Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred Member, you get your first two checked bags for free. 
  • Passengers who are A-List Members and Rapid Rewards Credit Card members will remain eligible to check one bag without incurring charges. 
  • People from Hawaii who travel between the islands can still bring two free checked bags. 

What If I Have Booked Before May 28, 2025? 

The new Southwest Airlines baggage policy does not apply to flight tickets that have been booked before May 28, 2025. It means if you have made the reservation before this date, the airline will not apply the baggage fee to your checked bags. However, overweight and oversized bags will incur a charge. 

What Is The Baggage Allowance On Southwest Airlines?

Southwest Airlines strictly prohibits passengers from bringing extra luggage on flights to maintain the safety of all passengers traveling with them. Each passenger's Southwest Airlines baggage allowance is subject to a specific limit. No passengers can exceed the limit in terms of number, weight, and size of the luggage. To understand the baggage allowance of Southwest Airlines, review the points mentioned below: 

  • Each passenger traveling with Southwest Airlines is allowed to bring two checked bags in Economy and Business classes. 
  • The passengers traveling with a First-Class ticket on Southwest can bring a maximum of three checked bags. 
  • The maximum weight of luggage is 23 kg with an Economy fare. However, the weight allowance for business and first class passengers is 32 kg. 
  • The Southwest Airlines baggage policy limit the total dimensions of the bag to 62 inches, including length, width, and height. 

What Is The Carry-On Bag Policy Of Southwest Airlines? 

At Southwest Airlines, the passengers are entitled to carry with them a personal item and a carry-on bag at zero cost. The carry-on baggage should not be larger than 24 inches long, 16 inches wide, and 10 inches high, including the wheels and handle. Personal items are allowed to consist of such items as purses, laptop bags, or backpacks, and must pass under the seat in front of the person occupying it. Also, there is no tolerance for oversized or overweight luggage in Southwest Airlines, so when you plan your trip, it is advisable to make sure that your luggage and hand luggage will meet the requirements to avoid spending extra money or wasting your precious time at the airport.

How Much Does Southwest Airlines Charge For Extra Luggage? 

Each passenger can bring up to two checked bags on their trip. They're also allowed to bring up to 10 pieces of luggage. If they have more than two bags, they will have to pay a Southwest Airlines baggage fee $75 for each additional bag after the second one, on top of the ticket price. 

What Are The Fees For Oversized And Overweight Bags On Southwest Airlines? 

Southwest Airlines charges for overweight luggage. The standard baggage fee plus an extra cost of $100 is charged for bags weighing 51-70 pounds. In case your bag weighs between 71 and 100 pounds and your bag goes beyond 70 pounds, then the Southwest Airlines baggage fee will be raised to $200 in addition to the general charge. You should ensure that your luggage weight is verified before travelling so as to avoid paying impromptu fees. Remember that Southwest Airlines has no overweight luggage, so one can advise you not to check oversized luggage to avoid extra costs at the airport.

Conclusion

The new baggage policy of Southwest Airlines will still allow free carry-on luggage, but the new policy will be introduced after May 28, 2025, and include the first checked bag (at $35) and the second checked bag (at $45), but waivers will apply to some fare types and members. The passengers may still take personal belongings and a carry-on free of charge. It is imperative to ensure that the weight and size of luggage are good to avoid extra expenses.

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Frequently Asked Questions?

How many bags can you take on Southwest Airlines for free?

No bags can be brought on Southwest Airlines for free. However, business class passengers and those who booked their tickets before May 28, 2025, will be eligible for two checked bags without incurring additional charges.

Can I take a backpack and a carry-on Southwest?

Yes, Passengers can bring a carry-on bag and a personal item. You can also count a backpack as part of your personal items.

Can I have two carry-on bags in Southwest?

No, passengers are allowed to bring one carry-on bag and a personal item. No passenger can carry two carry-on bags, regardless of the fare type.

What is not allowed on carry-on Southwest?

The restricted products in carry-on luggage on Southwest Airlines include weapons, flammable materials, sharp objects, oversized sports gear, and containers with liquids exceeding 3.4 ounces, among others. Visit the airline's website to view the list of restrictions.

What is the new Southwest baggage policy?

Now, Southwest Airlines has ended its "Bags Fly Free" policy for most passengers. Starting May 28, 2025, passengers booking flights on or after that date will be charged for checked baggage.