Southwest Airlines Free Baggage Policy Explained
Southwest Airlines Baggage Rules
Flying with Southwest Airlines? You’re in luck with their super passenger-friendly baggage policy. Here’s the scoop on what you can bring without breaking the bank!
Free Checked Bag Allowance
Southwest really shines with its checked bag benefits. You get to check not one but two bags completely free. To keep these freebies, your bags gotta fit within these easy guidelines:
- Weight limit: Each bag should be under 50 lbs (about 23 kg).
- Size limit: Bags can’t stretch beyond 62 inches in total (length + width + height).
Got a third bag you need to take? That’ll be $75. And if your bags are more like overstuffed sausages or heavier than a college textbook stash, be ready for some extra charges. Need more details? Head over to our excess baggage fees page.
| Bag Number | Weight Limit | Size Limit | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Checked Bag | < 50 lbs | < 62 inches | Free |
| Second Checked Bag | < 50 lbs | < 62 inches | Free |
| Third Checked Bag | < 50 lbs | < 62 inches | $75 |
Carry-On and Personal Item Policy
Beyond those two free checked bags, you also get to bring one carry-on and one personal item onto the plane without paying a cent. So you can keep your necessities like snacks, tablets, and good reads close by.
- Carry-On Bag: Needs to cozy up in the overhead bin, maxing out at 10 x 16 x 24 inches (25 x 40 x 60 cm).
- Personal Item: Should slip under the seat in front of you, no bigger than 18.5 x 8.5 x 13.5 inches (47 x 22 x 34 cm). Think purses, briefcases, laptop bags, or tiny backpacks that scream essential.
For all the nitty-gritty details on more baggage stuff, catch our full scoop on excess baggage fees, or see what’s up for military personnel and other special items.
Stick to Southwest’s baggage tips to sail through your trip with no extra cash surprises or last-minute repacking nightmares. Curious how other airlines stack up? Peek into our guides on American Airlines baggage allowance and Delta Air Lines baggage allowance.
Excess Baggage Fees
Knowing the drill when it comes to Southwest Airlines luggage rules can keep more money in your pocket and reduce those travel surprises. While they’re pretty cool about letting you check two bags for the whopping price of zero dollars, start going overboard with your bags or size, and you’ll start shelling out a bit.
Third Checked Bag Fee
So, you love bringing more stuff? Well, after your two freebies, the third bag’s gonna cost you. Southwest Airlines hits the $125 mark for that third bag, matching the market standard for extra luggage. It’s a case of “the more you bring, the more you pay.” They don’t play around with that third wheel in baggage.
| Number of Checked Bags | Fee |
|---|---|
| First and Second Bag | Free |
| Third Bag | $125 per bag |
Overweight Bag Fee
Packed your bags like there’s no tomorrow? If they tip the scales between 51 and 100 pounds, get ready to fork over 75 bucks for each heavy hitter. Quick tip: weighing your luggage before you roll into the airport is a smart move unless you’re cool with surprise charges.
| Weight of Bag | Fee |
|---|---|
| Up to 50 lbs | Free |
| 51 – 100 lbs | $75 per bag |
Oversized Bag Fee
Got a big ol’ surfboard or something? If your luggage is larger than the standard but not a monster over 80 inches, you’ll shell out $75 for that space hog. It’s your “giant stuff” tax, making sure things don’t get too wild. Bust out that tape measure beforehand—trust me.
| Size of Bag | Fee |
|---|---|
| Up to 62 inches | Free |
| 63 – 80 inches | $75 per item |
A little prep goes a long way. Weigh and measure your bags cause those extra fees are the worst kind of travel buzzkill. Need to brush up on how other airlines stack up in the luggage game? Check out our guides on American Airlines baggage allowance and United Airlines baggage allowance.
Special Exemptions
Military Personnel Benefits
Southwest Airlines rolls out the red carpet for military personnel, whether they’re on active duty or making a permanent move. These folks don’t need to worry about the typical baggage shuffle. They get a pass on the usual limits without a care about extra charges for heavy or oversized luggage, as long as each piece keeps under 100 lbs and doesn’t stretch beyond 80 inches (SendMyBag).
| Baggage Type | Weight Limit | Dimension Limit | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Baggage | 50 lbs | 62 inches | Free |
| Military Personnel | 100 lbs | 80 inches | Free |
Pets in the Cabin
Thinking of bringing Fido or Whiskers along for the ride? Small cats or dogs get their own travel perks at Southwest. Just make sure they’re tucked into a snug carrier – no more than 8.5 inches tall, 18.5 inches long, and 13.5 inches wide. It’ll set you back $95 each way, and the carrier counts as a carry-on (SendMyBag).
| Item | Fee | Dimensions |
|---|---|---|
| Pet Carrier | $95 one way | 8.5″ H x 18.5″ L x 13.5″ W |
Musical Instruments Policy
Your tunes are welcome on Southwest! If your musical companion fits under the seat or in the overhead bin, jam away with it as a carry-on. Bigger instruments that need more space? You’re good to go if you buy them a seat, just make sure to strap them in nice and safe (SendMyBag).
For some travel tips or to size up other airlines like American or United, check out our write-ups on American Airlines baggage allowance and United Airlines baggage allowance. They’ll help you figure out which flight fits your travel vibes best.
Baggage Rules of Other Airlines
To wrap your head around how Southwest Airlines’ baggage setup measures up against others, we dug into the baggage playbook of some big-name airlines. We’re zooming in on American Airlines’ rib-tickling checked bag charges, the baggage allowances for different routes, and the perks of paying your baggage dues online.
American Airlines Checked Bag Fees
American Airlines throws a few surprises depending on when you’re flying, where you’re headed, and when your ticket was booked. Being clued up on these fees can save you from any nasty surprises on your wallet front.
| Bag | U.S. Role | Transatlantic | Transpacific |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Checked Bag | $30 | $75 | Free (woo-hoo!) |
| Second Checked Bag | $40 | $100 | $100 |
| Not-the-First or Second Checked Bag | $150 | $200 | $200 |
Want to dive deeper? Check out our handy guide on American Airlines’ baggage allowance.
Baggage Allowances for Different Routes
American Airlines isn’t a one-size-fits-all deal, they’ve got route-specific allowances, especially if you’re planning a globetrotter adventure.
- U.S. Domestic: Usually, you’ll wave goodbye to $30 for bag one and $40 for bag two.
- Transatlantic Flights: $75 for your debut bag, and steeper hikes for the bag brigade.
- Transpacific Flights: Score a free ride for the first bag, but the party stops there with fees for more.
Want to check out the baggage quid pro quo of other airlines like Delta Air Lines or United Airlines? We’ve got the details.
Online Payment Benefits
What about ducking those fees like a pro? American Airlines lets you do the digital wallet dance and score some sweet savings. Pony up online within 24 hours before take-off and snag the best price for your bags, making your domestic travel across the U.S. wallet-happy.
Why bother with online payment?
- Fee Cuts: Snatch the best bang for your buck for checked bags.
- Simplicity: Handle up to 3 checked bags online, keeping things easy-peasy.
- Time Saver: Dodge those epic airport lines and reclaim some precious time.
If you’re keen on smart savings with other airlines too, explore our pages on Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Lufthansa, and the gang.
Example Table of Online Payment Rates
| Route | Fee if Paid at Airport | Discounted Online Fee |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. Domestic | $30 | $25 |
| Transatlantic | $75 | $65 |
| Transpacific | $100 | $90 |
Knowing these ins and outs means you’re armed to the teeth for savvy flight bookings and keeping your travel piggy bank intact. For more travel wisdom on bag rules with various airlines, dive into our details on multiple airlines’ baggage allowances.
