Southwest Airlines Baggage Policy and Fee Guide
Southwest Airlines operates a passenger-friendly baggage allowance structure compared to most major carriers in North America. Every ticketed passenger receives two free checked bags alongside a standard carry-on allowance, regardless of the fare class selected. Understanding the specific dimension limits, weight thresholds, and boarding procedures helps ensure a smooth experience at the airport.
Southwest Airlines allows all ticketed passengers 1 free carry-on bag (24 x 16 x 10 in / 61 x 41 x 25 cm), 1 free personal item (16.5 x 15 x 8.5 in / 42 x 38 x 21 cm), and 2 free checked bags (up to 50 lbs / 23 kg and 62 linear inches / 157 cm each). Additional bags (3+), overweight items (51–100 lbs), or oversized bags (63–80 linear inches) cost $125 per item each way. Items exceeding 100 lbs or 80 linear inches are prohibited.
Baggage Allowance Snapshot
Southwest includes two free checked bags and two free cabin items for all ticketed passengers. Fees only apply when exceeding standard bag counts, size limits, or weight thresholds.
What can change: Active-duty U.S. military personnel receive specific fee waivers and higher bag limits. Flights operated by partner carriers or international codeshares may follow different baggage rules.
Baggage Size Visual
Southwest enforces maximum dimensional boundaries for all cabin luggage. Measurements must include handles, wheels, side pockets, and external straps.
Personal Item
Published limit: 16.5 x 15 x 8.5 in (42 x 38 x 21 cm)
Must fit entirely underneath the seat in front of you across all Southwest aircraft.
Carry-On Bag
Published limit: 24 x 16 x 10 in (61 x 41 x 25 cm)
Must fit inside the overhead bin; includes wheels, handles, and bulging pockets.
Standard Free Checked Bag
Published limit: Max 62 linear inches (157 cm) | 50 lbs (23 kg)
Sum of Length + Width + Height. Applies to the 1st and 2nd checked bag for all fare types.
Visual guide - not to scale. Use the published numerical limit as the controlling rule.
Official Source Verification
Baggage rules can vary by fare, cabin, route, operating carrier, traveler status, and purchase channel. BaggageBase separates published rules from practical guidance.
How BaggageBase Checks This Information
BaggageBase cross-checks policy details using published airline documents, customer service manuals, airport counter fee schedules, and contract of carriage filings. Our editorial process monitors official changes to dimension limits, weight thresholds, and special equipment exemptions. Details that depend on local airport operations, aircraft bin sizes, or ticket partner agreements are clearly labeled.
Southwest Carry-On Bag Size Rules and Bin Restrictions
Southwest Airlines permits one carry-on bag per ticketed passenger free of charge. The official size limit for a carry-on bag is 24 x 16 x 10 inches (61 x 41 x 25 cm). These limits explicitly include external handles, rigid corner guards, wheels, and stuffed exterior compartments.
Southwest does not publish a maximum weight limit for carry-on luggage. However, you must be able to lift your bag into the overhead bin without assistance from flight attendants.
Boarding Groups and Overhead Storage Space
Southwest uses an open seating model paired with assigned boarding groups (Groups A, B, and C). Because overhead storage space is limited across Boeing 737 aircraft fleets, bin space often fills up completely before Boarding Group C finishes boarding.
If you are assigned to Boarding Group C or board late in Group B, overhead bin space near your seat may be unavailable. When overhead bins reach full capacity, gate agents will check standard carry-on bags to your final destination at no additional charge.
When evaluating whether to bring a checked bag vs carry-on on Southwest, keep in mind that the airline's two free checked bags policy allows you to drop large bags at the ticket counter without paying extra fees.
Southwest Personal Item Dimensions and Under-Seat Requirements
In addition to a carry-on bag, every passenger may bring one personal item on board. The maximum allowable dimensions for a personal item on Southwest are 16.5 x 15 x 8.5 inches (42 x 38 x 21 cm).
A personal item must fit completely under the seat directly in front of you. Common examples of compliant personal items include:
- Small backpacks or daypacks
- Purses and totes
- Laptop bags and messenger cases
- Briefcases
- Small camera bags
If your item cannot slide under the seat due to size or stiff frame construction, gate agents will require it to be placed in the overhead bin or checked. Travelers interested in specific sizing guidelines can review our guides on what counts as a personal item and standard carry-on vs personal item dimensions across major airlines.
Southwest Checked Baggage Policy: Allowance and Free Weight Limits
Southwest Airlines includes two free checked bags for every passenger purchasing any fare class. This standard applies equally to Wanna Get Away, Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, and Business Select tickets.
To qualify for free check-in, each bag must adhere to specific weight and dimension caps:
Maximum Weight: 50 lbs (23 kg) per bag.
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Maximum Dimensions: 62 linear inches (157 cm) total ($Length + Width + Height$).
Linear Inches Formula: Length + Width + Height = Total Linear Inches Example: 28 in (L) + 20 in (W) + 12 in (H) = 60 Linear Inches (Compliant)
Soft-Sided Luggage Caution
Soft-sided duffel bags, expansion zippers, and overpacked suitcases can easily bulge past the 62 linear inch or 50 lb boundaries. Weigh your bags on a home scale before departing for the airport. Exceeding 50 lbs by even a fraction of a pound shifts the bag into the overweight category, triggering an automatic penalty fee.
Southwest Excess, Overweight, and Oversized Baggage Fees
Bags that exceed the standard piece allowance, weight threshold, or linear size limit incur additional charges. Fees are assessed per item each way at the airport ticket counter.
| Baggage Category | Threshold / Measurement | Fee Scope & Currency | Acceptance Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3rd & Additional Bags | 3rd bag onward | $125 USD per bag each way | Subject to aircraft cargo capacity |
| Overweight Checked Bag | 51 to 100 lbs (23.1 to 45.3 kg) | $125 USD per bag each way | Bags >100 lbs strictly prohibited |
| Oversized Checked Bag | 63 to 80 linear in (158 to 203 cm) | $125 USD per bag each way | Bags >80 linear in strictly prohibited |
| Prohibited Cargo Size | >100 lbs or >80 linear in | Not accepted | Must ship via freight carrier |
Hard Weight and Size Limits
Southwest Airlines maintains strict maximum boundaries for checked items. Items weighing over 100 lbs (45.3 kg) or measuring over 80 linear inches (203 cm) are prohibited as checked baggage on passenger flights.
Combined Oversized and Overweight Fee Rules
Official Southwest documentation does not explicitly detail whether an item that is simultaneously oversized (e.g., 70 linear inches) and overweight (e.g., 60 lbs) incurs a single $125 fee or a double $250 assessment. Check with ticket counter staff upon check-in if your item exceeds both boundaries simultaneously.
Baggage Allowances Across Southwest Fares and Military Exemptions
Unlike many airlines that restrict carry-on bags or charge checked bag fees on basic economy tiers, Southwest maintains equal baggage benefits across all fare families.
Active Duty U.S. Military Exemptions
Active-duty U.S. military personnel traveling with valid military identification receive expanded baggage exemptions on Southwest Airlines.
- Piece Limit Exemption: The standard two-bag limit is waived for military members.
- Overweight Exemption: Overweight fees are waived for military luggage weighing up to 100 lbs (45.3 kg).
- Oversized Exemption: Oversized fees are waived for military gear measuring up to 80 linear inches (203 cm).
Military dependents traveling without the military sponsor must follow standard civilian weight, size, and quantity limits unless traveling on official travel orders.
Rapid Rewards and Credit Card Status
Because Southwest already grants two free checked bags to every traveler, Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards do not offer extra checked bag benefits. Instead, these co-branded credit cards provide tier points, early check-in benefits, and inflight purchase discounts.
Southwest Policy for Strollers, Car Seats, and Medical Devices
Southwest provides special exemptions for family gear, infant care items, and medical mobility equipment.
Infant and Child Equipment
Passengers traveling with infants or young children may check essential child safety gear free of charge.
- Strollers and Car Seats: One stroller and one child restraint system (car seat) can be checked per child at the curb, ticket counter, or gate free of charge. These items do not count toward your standard two-free-bag allowance.
- Diaper Bags and Breast Pumps: Breast pumps, milk storage bags, and diaper bags traveling with an infant are considered medical/care items and do not count toward cabin personal item allowances.
Assistive and Medical Devices
Mobility equipment, mobility scooters, crutches, walkers, CPAP machines, and other qualified assistive medical devices check or carry on free of charge. They are completely excluded from both checked piece counts and cabin baggage limits.
Southwest Special Baggage Rules for Sports, Instruments, and Pets
Southwest permits various items of sporting equipment, musical instruments, and small domestic pets to travel across its route network, provided specific rules are followed.
Sporting Equipment
Most standard sports equipment bags count as one of your two free checked bags, provided they weigh 50 lbs (23 kg) or less and do not exceed linear dimensions.
- Golf Equipment: One golf bag containing clubs, balls, and golf shoes counts as a standard checked bag. Oversized size charges are waived for standard golf travel bags, though overweight fees apply if the bag exceeds 50 lbs.
- Ski and Snowboard Gear: One ski bag (or snowboard bag) plus one boot bag count together as one single checked bag, provided the combined weight is 50 lbs or under.
- Hawaii Surfboard Waiver: Surfboards, paddleboards, and kiteboards fly free as one of your two checked bags on flights operating to or from Hawaii, provided the board and bag weigh 50 lbs or less total. On non-Hawaii domestic or international routes, standard oversized fees ($125 each way) apply to surfboards.
Musical Instruments
Small musical instruments (such as violins, flutes, or small guitars) may be brought as a carry-on item if they fit inside overhead bins at the time of boarding. Larger instruments that exceed overhead space can be checked in a hard-shell case or transported on a purchased passenger seat.
In-Cabin Pet Policy
Southwest accepts small cats and dogs in the cabin on domestic U.S. flights only.
- Pet Fee: $125 USD each way per pet carrier.
- Carrier Requirements: Pet carriers must be leak-proof, well-ventilated, and fit under the seat in front of you (maximum dimensions: 17 x 10 x 9.5 inches / 43 x 25 x 24 cm).
- Cabin Allowance Impact: The pet carrier takes the place of either your one carry-on bag or your personal item.
- International Prohibition: In-cabin pets are strictly prohibited on international Southwest flights due to international quarantine regulations.
Airport Check-In Cutoffs, Sizers, and Gate Enforcement
Meeting airport processing cutoffs ensures that checked bags are loaded onto your scheduled aircraft.
- Domestic Flights Cutoff: Checked bags must be presented at the ticket counter or curb drop at least 45 minutes prior to scheduled departure.
- International Flights Cutoff: Checked bags must be dropped at least 60 minutes prior to scheduled international departure.
Gate Enforcement and Sizers
Metal baggage sizers are positioned near check-in counters and departure gates. If a carry-on item exceeds 24 x 16 x 10 inches, gate agents will require the bag to be checked to your final destination. Ensure external pockets are not overstuffed and handles are completely retracted before boarding.
Pre-Flight Baggage Verification Checklist
Use this step-by-step checklist prior to heading to the airport to avoid surprise fees or gate delays.
- Weigh Checked Bags at Home: Ensure checked luggage stays under 50.0 lbs (23 kg) to avoid the $125 overweight charge.
- Measure Luggage Handles and Wheels: Confirm carry-on pieces fit within 24 x 16 x 10 in including all external attachments.
- Pack Essentials in Personal Items: Keep prescription medication, power banks, and key electronics in your under-seat personal item in case overhead bins fill.
- Verify Pet Flight Eligibility: Double-check that pet reservations are domestic-only, as pets are prohibited on international itineraries.
- Confirm Hawaii Surfboard Limits: Keep surfboard travel bags under 50 lbs to take advantage of the Hawaii route oversized fee waiver.
- Arrive Before Cutoff Limits: Check in luggage at least 45 minutes prior to domestic departures and 60 minutes prior to international flights.
Frequently Asked Questions About Southwest Baggage Rules
Does Southwest Airlines charge for the first two checked bags?
No. Southwest Airlines provides two free checked bags per passenger across all ticket classes, provided each bag remains within standard weight and dimension thresholds.
What are the maximum weight and dimension limits for free checked bags on Southwest?
Free checked bags must weigh 50 lbs (23 kg) or less and measure no more than 62 linear inches (157 cm; Length + Width + Height).
What is the penalty fee if a checked bag exceeds 50 pounds on Southwest?
Checked bags weighing between 51 and 100 lbs incur an overweight fee of $125 USD per bag each way. Bags weighing over 100 lbs are not accepted.
What are the exact carry-on and personal item size limits for Southwest?
Carry-on bags must fit within 24 x 16 x 10 inches (61 x 41 x 25 cm) including wheels and handles. Personal items must fit beneath the seat and cannot exceed 16.5 x 15 x 8.5 inches (42 x 38 x 21 cm).
Are active-duty military members exempt from Southwest excess baggage fees?
Yes. Active-duty U.S. military personnel with valid military IDs are exempt from bag count limits, overweight charges (up to 100 lbs), and oversized fees (up to 80 linear inches).
Can strollers and car seats be checked for free on Southwest?
Yes. Passengers traveling with children may check one stroller and one car seat free of charge at the curb, ticket counter, or gate without using their standard checked bag allowance.
Are pets allowed on Southwest international flights?
No. Small dogs and cats are permitted in-cabin on domestic U.S. flights for a $125 USD fee each way, but pets are strictly prohibited on international routes.
Do surfboards fly free on Southwest flights to Hawaii?
Yes. Surfboards fly free as one of your two allowed checked bags on flights to or from Hawaii, provided the board and bag weigh under 50 lbs total.
Final Recommendation and Summary
Southwest Airlines offers one of the most generous baggage policies among U.S. commercial carriers, providing two free checked bags alongside a free carry-on bag and personal item. To make full use of this allowance without unexpected costs, ensure your checked bags weigh under 50 lbs (23 kg) and stay under 62 linear inches total. Keep in mind that excess items (3rd+ bags), overweight luggage up to 100 lbs, or oversized gear up to 80 linear inches trigger a flat $125 fee per piece each way.
When preparing your cabin luggage, ensure your personal item fits under the seat (16.5 x 15 x 8.5 inches) and your carry-on bag meets overhead bin dimensions (24 x 16 x 10 inches). If you hold a C boarding group assignment, pack critical items, prescription medications, and electronics inside your under-seat personal item in case overhead bins fill and carry-on bags are gate-checked.
Airline baggage rules and fees can change by route, fare, cabin, operating carrier, traveler status, purchase channel, and departure date. Check the airline's official baggage policy or calculator before booking, paying, or traveling. BaggageBase reviews information for 2026 where possible, but the airline's published terms remain the final authority.
