For decades, Southwest Airlines was known for its signature perk: “bags fly free.” 

That simple policy set it apart from every other U.S. airline and saved travelers hundreds of dollars per trip. 

But on May 28, 2025, everything changed.

Southwest officially ended its free checked bag policy for most passengers, introducing new baggage fees that bring it closer in line with competitors like United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and American Airlines. 

Today, unless you hold elite status, carry a co-branded Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards credit card, or book a Business Select fare, you will pay for checked bags on Southwest flights.

So, what does that mean for your next trip?

This updated guide to the Southwest Airlines baggage policy in 2025 will walk you through:

• The new fee structure for checked luggage.
• Carry-on and personal item allowances.
• Who still qualifies for free checked bags.
• Rules for special baggage like sports gear, strollers, and instruments.
• Smart tips to avoid or offset fees.

Whether you are a frequent flyer, a family packing for vacation, or a business traveler trying to keep costs low, understanding the new Southwest Airlines baggage policy can help you save money and reduce stress at the airport.

The Basics Of The Southwest Airlines Baggage Policy (2025 Update)

Southwest Airlines made headlines in May 2025 when it officially ended its long-standing two free checked bags policy. For many travelers, this change means adjusting expectations and budgets when flying with the airline.

Here is what you need to know about the new baggage rules:

• Checked Bags Are No Longer Free for Most Travelers. Standard Economy passengers must now pay for checked bags.
• Carry-On and Personal Items Remain Free. Every passenger may still bring one personal item and one carry-on bag without charge.
• Elite Members, Credit Cardholders, and Business Select Passengers Still Get Free Bags. Certain groups retain valuable baggage waivers.
• Standard Size and Weight Limits Still Apply. Checked bags cannot exceed 50 pounds or 62 linear inches.

Southwest Carry-On Allowance And Personal Items

While the Southwest Airlines baggage policy changed for checked baggage in 2025, the airline continues to offer one of the most straightforward and traveler-friendly carry-on policies in the industry. Every passenger, regardless of fare type, may bring one carry-on bag and one personal item for free.

Carry-On Bag

• Maximum size: 24 x 16 x 10 inches (60.9 x 40.6 x 25.4 cm)
• Must fit in the overhead bin.
• No published weight limit, but passengers must be able to lift the bag into the overhead bin without assistance.

Personal Item

• Maximum size: 16.25 x 13.5 x 8.5 inches (41 x 34.3 x 22 cm)
• Must fit under the seat in front of you.
• Examples include a purse, laptop bag, small backpack, or briefcase.

Special Allowances

• Lap Infant Items: A small bag containing a breast pump or breast milk may be brought in addition to the standard carry-on allowance.
• Strollers and Car Seats: Parents may check these items for free at the ticket counter, curbside, or gate.
• Assistive Devices: Wheelchairs, crutches, and medical devices are always accepted free of charge and do not count against baggage limits.

Southwest Checked Baggage Allowance

For decades, Southwest Airlines was the only major U.S. airline to allow two free checked bags for every passenger. That changed on May 28, 2025, when the airline introduced new checked baggage fees. 

Today, most travelers must pay unless they qualify for exemptions through status, fare type, or a Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards co-branded credit card.

• Bags heavier than 100 lbs or larger than 80 linear inches are not accepted.
• Fees apply per direction, so round-trip travelers will pay double.

Overweight And Oversized Southwest Baggage Fees

Southwest allows each checked bag to weigh up to 50 pounds and measure up to 62 linear inches (length + width + height). If your bag exceeds these limits, you will pay additional fees on top of the standard checked bag charge.

Overweight Bag Fees

• 51 – 70 lbs (24 – 32 kg): +$150 per bag
• 71 – 100 lbs (33 – 45 kg): +$200 per bag
• Over 100 lbs: Not accepted

Oversized Bag Fees

• 63 – 80 linear inches (158 – 203 cm): +$200 per bag
• Over 80 linear inches: Not accepted

Why Understanding These Fees Matter

The Southwest overweight and oversized charges are some of the steepest in the industry. In many cases, it is cheaper to check a second standard bag than to exceed the limits on one.

Example 1:

• A single bag weighing 65 lbs → $35 (1st checked bag) + $150 (overweight fee) = $185 one-way.
• Two bags weighing 32 lbs and 33 lbs each → $35 (first) + $45 (second) = $80 one-way.
• Result: Splitting your items into two bags saves you $105 each way.

Example 2:

• One oversized bag measuring 70 inches → $35 (1st checked bag) + $200 (oversized fee) = $235 one-way.
• Two smaller bags within size limits → $35 (first) + $45 (second) = $80 one-way.
• Result: Downsizing saves you $155 each way.

TPA Pro Tip: Always weigh and measure your bags before heading to the airport. A $20 luggage scale can save you hundreds of dollars in fees.

Special Items And Sports Equipment

Southwest Airlines has long been known for its flexibility with special baggage items, and while the new fee structure applies to most luggage, certain items remain easier to check or bring onboard. 

Baby Gear

• Strollers and Car Seats: May be checked free of charge at the curb, ticket counter, or gate.
• Diaper Bags: Allowed in addition to your personal item.
• Lap Infant Allowances: Parents may also bring an extra small bag for breast pumps or breast milk.

Musical Instruments

• Carry-On Option: Smaller instruments (violins, guitars, ukuleles) can be carried on if they fit in the overhead bin or under the seat.
• Checked Option: Larger instruments must be checked and are subject to standard fees.
• Oversize / Overweight Charges: Apply if the instrument exceeds 62 inches or 50 pounds, with limited liability in case of damage.

Sports Equipment

Southwest still accepts a wide variety of sports gear, but most items are now treated as part of your checked baggage allowance. Unless exempt, standard fees apply.

• Golf Bags: Count as one checked bag. Oversize charges waived, overweight may still apply.
• Skis and Snowboards: Up to two bags (one set) count as one checked item. Oversize fees waived, overweight may apply.
• Hockey and Lacrosse Sticks: Two sticks may be bundled and counted as one checked bag.
• Fishing Rods: Accepted up to 91 inches in length, 3 inches in diameter. Rod + tackle box counts as one item.
• Surfboards: Oversize and overweight fees apply, except when traveling interisland in Hawaii.
• Scuba Gear: Tanks must be empty before boarding.
• Bicycles: Must be packed in a hard-sided case within 62 linear inches; otherwise oversize fees apply.

Mobility and Assistive Devices

• Items such as wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, and other medical equipment are always transported free of charge and do not count toward baggage limits.

Southwest Airlines Baggage Policy By Fare Type And Status

Although most Southwest Airlines passengers now pay for checked bags, there are still several ways to qualify for free baggage. Depending on your fare class, elite status, or credit card, you may avoid fees that would otherwise add up quickly.

Business Select Fares

If you are willing to pay more for a top-tier Southwest Airlines ticket, the baggage benefits are significant.

• Passengers booking Business Select receive two free checked bags.
• This is the only fare class with an automatic two-bag allowance.
• Bags must still meet the 50-pound and 62-inch limits.

Southwest Rapid Rewards A-List Members

Frequent flyers are rewarded with perks that extend beyond just priority boarding.

• A-List Members: Receive one free checked bag.
• A-List Preferred Members: Receive two free checked bags.
• Benefits also extend to up to eight other passengers on the same reservation.

Southwest Rapid Rewards Co-Branded Credit Cardholders

Carrying a Southwest Rapid Rewards co-branded credit card does more than earn points – it can also save you money at the airport.

• Select Southwest credit cards include a free baggage perk.
• Cardholders receive one free checked bag, and the benefit applies to up to eight companions on the same booking if the Rapid Rewards number is added at purchase.
• Eligible cards include both personal and business versions.

Military Personnel

Active-duty service members enjoy some of the most generous baggage allowances Southwest offers.

• Active-duty military and those traveling under permanent change of station (PCS) orders continue to receive free checked baggage.
• No charge for overweight or oversized bags as long as items are under 100 pounds and 80 inches.
• Applies to military members only; not extended to family unless traveling under PCS orders.

Other Baggage Fee Exemptions

Not all free bag perks are tied to loyalty or fare class – some exceptions still exist for special bookings.

• Vacation Packages: Some Southwest Vacations bundles still include free checked bags as part of the package.
• Grandfathered Bookings: If you purchased your ticket before May 28, 2025, and do not make changes, the old two-bag policy may still apply.

How To Avoid Or Reduce Southwest Baggage Fees

With the new Southwest Airlines baggage policy, most passengers will face charges for checked luggage. 

The good news is there are several smart ways to cut costs – or even eliminate fees entirely. From loyalty status to packing strategies, here is how you can keep more money in your pocket.

Use A Southwest Co-Branded Credit Card

One of the easiest ways to get free baggage on Southwest is by holding a co-branded credit card.

• Cardholders receive one free checked bag, which also extends to up to eight companions on the same reservation.
• This benefit alone can save a family hundreds of dollars on a single round trip.
• Examples include:
  • Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card
  • Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card
  • Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card
  • Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card

Earn Southwest Elite Status

Flying often with Southwest pays off in baggage savings.

• A-List Members get one free checked bag, while A-List Preferred Members get two.
• Status benefits also apply to up to eight companions, making it especially valuable for families and groups.

Book A Business Select Fare

If you need multiple checked bags, upgrading your ticket may be the smarter choice.

• Business Select fares include two free checked bags, which could outweigh the higher ticket price depending on how many bags you plan to bring.
• This option is especially useful for business travelers or longer trips where extra luggage is unavoidable.

Pack Strategically To Avoid Overweight Fees

Even if you plan to pay for checked bags, packing smart can prevent unexpected charges.

• Redistribute items across multiple bags to stay under the 50-pound limit.
• Use lightweight luggage to maximize packing space.
• Weigh your bags at home to avoid surprises at the airport.

Leverage Flexible Travel Credit Cards

General travel credit cards can help offset baggage costs, even if they do not offer automatic waivers.

• Cards like the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card allow you to cover baggage fees with points at a rate of 1 cent per mile.
• This option is especially useful for covering overweight or oversized charges that are not waived by Southwest Airlines perks.

Consider Vacation Packages

Booking through Southwest Vacations may still include baggage as part of the deal.

• These packages bundle flights, hotels, and sometimes perks like free checked bags.
• Always check the fine print before booking, as inclusion may vary by promotion.

Southwest Airlines Lost, Delayed, And Damaged Baggage Policy

Southwest Airlines is well known for its point-to-point network, but baggage delays and mishandling can still happen. Like other U.S. carriers, Southwest follows the U.S. Department of Transportation’s rules for compensation and has its own procedures for reporting and resolving baggage issues.

Lost Or Delayed Baggage

If your bag does not arrive at your destination, Southwest requires you to report it immediately at the baggage service office located inside the airport. Claims can also be tracked and managed online through the Southwest Baggage Service portal.

• Initial Compensation: Southwest will reimburse you for “reasonable interim expenses” such as toiletries and clothing while your bag is delayed. Keep all receipts.
• Time Frame: Most delayed bags are returned within 24 hours, although some may take longer depending on routing. If you provided your contact information, Southwest will send updates by phone, text, or email.
• Maximum Liability: For domestic flights, liability is capped at $3,800 per passenger, in line with DOT rules. For international flights, compensation follows the Montreal Convention, which limits reimbursement to about 1,288 SDRs (≈ $1,700 USD), subject to exchange rates.

TPA Pro Tip: Since Southwest operates point-to-point service with fewer baggage transfers, bags are often returned faster than with legacy carriers. Still, placing an AirTag, Tile, or similar tracker inside your luggage gives extra peace of mind.

Damaged Baggage

If your bag is damaged during travel, you must report it to Southwest Airlines before leaving the airport or within 4 hours of your flight’s arrival. Southwest will repair or replace damaged baggage at its discretion.

Important exclusions:

• Normal wear and tear (scuffs, dents, scratches, broken zippers from overpacking) is not covered.
• Pre-existing damage is not covered.
• Fragile or improperly packed items are excluded.

Missing Or Damaged Items Inside Luggage

If items inside your checked baggage are missing or broken, you must file a claim within 4 hours of arrival for both domestic and international flights. 

Receipts or photos proving value will strengthen your claim.

How To File A Baggage Claim With Southwest Airlines

• Report the issue immediately at the Southwest baggage service office in the airport.
• Request a Baggage Claim Number for tracking.
• File follow-up documentation online through the Southwest Baggage Service portal if required.
• Keep copies of all receipts, photos, and communication until the claim is fully resolved.

Final Thoughts

For decades, Southwest Airlines stood apart from its competitors with its promise that bags would fly free. 

That policy ended on May 28, 2025, marking a major shift in how travelers plan and budget for flights. 

Now, most passengers pay thirty-five dollars for their first checked bag, forty-five dollars for the second, and one hundred fifty dollars for each additional. Overweight and oversized fees add even more, which makes careful packing more important than ever.

Despite the change, Southwest continues to offer free baggage for certain travelers. 

Business Select passengers, A-List elites, co-branded credit cardholders, and active-duty military still enjoy waived fees, and in many cases these benefits extend to companions on the same reservation. 

Families and frequent flyers can still save significantly by using these perks wisely.

The end of universal free checked bags has pushed Southwest closer to the industry standard, but the airline remains competitive. 

With the right strategy – whether through loyalty status, credit card benefits, or smarter packing – travelers can continue to keep costs down and make Southwest a cost-effective choice.

Kevin Zanes