Southwest Airlines baggage allowance
United States
Quick answer
Checked bag in Economy: not included in the basic fare (from 45 USD).
| Item | Allowance | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Cabin bag | 1 piece | |
| Personal item | included | small bag under the seat |
| Checked baggage - Economy | 1 piece · 22.7 kg (50 lb) | paid option, from 45 USD · max total dimensions 157 cm (62 in) |
| Checked baggage - Economy | 1 piece · 22.7 kg (50 lb) | paid option |
| Extra bag | from 55 USD | cheaper when added online in advance |
Basic Economy allowance on most routes; premium fares and some destinations get more. Weights are shown in kilograms with pounds in brackets, sizes in centimetres with inches in brackets. Always confirm on the official website before travelling.
Southwest offers a unique baggage policy compared to many competitors. The first and second checked bags are not free for all passengers; standard baggage fees apply. However, select passengers receive free checked bags, which represents significant savings for frequent travelers.
| Item | Limit | Included |
|---|---|---|
| First checked bag | 1 bag | $45 fee; free for A-List, A-List Preferred, Choice Extra, and eligible cardholders |
| Second checked bag | 1 bag | $55 fee; free for A-List, A-List Preferred, Choice Extra, and eligible cardholders |
| Third bag and beyond | Per bag | $150 per bag |
| Overweight (51–70 lbs) | Standard dimensions | $100 additional fee |
| Overweight (71–100 lbs) | Standard dimensions | $200 additional fee |
| Oversized (>62" up to 80") | Oversize allowance | $200 additional fee |
How can I avoid checked baggage fees?
Enroll in Southwest's A-List or A-List Preferred frequent-flyer program, purchase a Choice Extra ticket, or apply for an eligible Southwest co-branded credit card. These options typically include free checked bags, offsetting the cost of regular baggage fees on frequent travel.
What are the dimensions and weight limits for standard checked bags?
Southwest allows checked bags up to 62 inches (length + width + height) and 50 pounds at no additional charge (beyond the base baggage fee). Bags exceeding these limits incur oversized or overweight fees as shown in the table above. For complete details, visit Southwest.com.
Are carry-on bags free?
Yes. Southwest includes one carry-on bag and one personal item (purse, backpack, laptop bag) at no charge for all passengers. This policy applies across all ticket types.