Here’s what we could confirm about Southwest Airlines bags as of 2026-10-31. Your fare, route, ticket date, benefits, and the airline flying the trip can still change the answer.
Check my flight and bags
What we know: Some rules checked
If you don’t see a price here, it doesn’t mean the bag is free. Check the final charge and acceptance rules with Southwest Airlines for your flight.
When these rules apply
Separate mainland and Hawaii interisland tables; booking, ticketing or change date matters.
Checked, carry-on and personal item limits
Start with these published limits, then check the fare you bought. Measure the packed bag on the outside, including wheels and handles.
| Policy detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Standard checked weight (lb) | 50 |
| Standard checked size (linear in) | 62 |
| Largest accepted weight (lb) | 100 |
| Largest accepted size (linear in) | 80 |
| Carry-on (in) | 24 × 16 × 10 |
Checked bags, extra pieces and excess fees
- Mainland from April 9: $45/$55 for standard first/second bags without benefits.
- Mainland combined overweight and oversize surcharge is $200 plus the standard bag charge.
These prices apply only to the conditions listed above. Your route, fare, ticket date, or benefits can change what you pay.
How to add and pay for bags
- Choose the correct mainland or interisland booking.
- Review included bags during digital check-in.
- Bring a physical credit card for any airport bag charges.
Timing: During or after check-in; exact airport deadlines are airport-specific.
A payment receipt does not replace bag drop before the airport cutoff.
Free bags and possible savings
- Choice Extra, qualifying status, card benefits and Getaways packages can change included bags.
Special items, connections and refunds
We couldn’t confirm one Southwest Airlines price that covers every sports item, stroller, or mobility device. Ask about the exact item you’re bringing, especially if another airline flies part of the trip. If a paid checked bag is delayed or lost, report it to the airline and keep the bag tag and fee receipt.
- A-List has a $35 mainland second-bag rate; do not substitute the general $55. Hawaii is a different table.
Worked bag examples
Route: U.S. mainland · Fare: Choice · Ticket issued: 2026-10-20 · Bag number: 1 · Weight: 55 lb · Size: 66 linear in
The listed charges add up to 245 USD in this example. Your checkout may differ. Use the stated combined surcharge rather than adding the separate $100 and $200 rows.
Questions to answer before you pay
Can Southwest charge excess baggage at the airport?
Yes. The airline’s airport payment guidance calls for a physical credit card.
Next: Bring the required payment method and retain the receipt.
Does Southwest still give everyone two checked bags free?
No. General mainland fares, Choice Extra, status/card benefits and other qualified bookings have different entitlements.
Next: Select the actual fare and benefits.
Why is a Southwest A-List second bag not $55?
The mainland table gives eligible A-List travelers a separate $35 second-bag price.
Next: Use the status-specific row.
Cabin item decision
| Item | Researched outside dimensions |
|---|---|
| Personal item | No universal numerical box confirmed in this source |
| Carry-on | 24 × 16 × 10 in |
One carry-on and one underseat personal item on Southwest; handles, wheels and attachments count toward carry-on dimensions. A dimensions check tells you whether the bag fits the researched box; it does not determine fare inclusion, cabin space or the gate agent’s final acceptance. Open the official cabin-bag policy.
Baggage rules by topic
Use the sections below to check each bag type and fee. When we couldn’t confirm a rule, you’ll see what to ask the airline before you buy.
| Topic | Evidence status |
|---|---|
| Checked bags | Limit with conditions |
| Carry-on | Published size |
| Personal item | Check your ticket or the airline |
| Overweight fees | Limit with conditions |
| Oversized fees | Limit with conditions |
| Extra bag numbers | Check your ticket or the airline |
| Fare baggage allowance | Check your ticket or the airline |
| Add or pay for bags | Check your ticket or the airline |
| Free checked bags | Check your ticket or the airline |
| Sports equipment | Check your ticket or the airline |
| Family and medical bags | Check your ticket or the airline |
| Connecting flights | Check your ticket or the airline |
| Baggage refunds | Check your ticket or the airline |
Checked bags
This page covers Separate mainland and Hawaii interisland tables; booking, ticketing or change date matters.. The standard weight listed here is 50 lb. Check the purchased fare for the included piece count.
Carry-on
The official cabin source lists 24 × 16 × 10 inches for the outside box. Fare inclusion and aircraft space are different questions from size.
Personal item
We couldn’t confirm a fixed underseat size for this airline. The item still needs to fit under the seat on the operating flight.
Overweight fees
The standard weight listed here is 50 lb. A heavier bag may cost extra. Check the base bag price and the excess charge together before you pay.
Oversized fees
The standard outside-size limit listed here is 62 linear in. Measure outside length, width and height and separately check the maximum accepted size.
Extra bag numbers
Your second or third bag may cost more than your first. Start with the bags included on your ticket, then price each additional piece for that traveler.
Fare baggage allowance
Southwest Airlines allowance cannot be inferred from the brand alone. Match the fare printed on the ticket, the route, any bundle and the date the ticket was issued or changed.
Add or pay for bags
Choose the correct mainland or interisland booking. Review included bags during digital check-in. During or after check-in; exact airport deadlines are airport-specific.
Free checked bags
Choice Extra, qualifying status, card benefits and Getaways packages can change included bags. A standard-piece waiver does not automatically waive excess weight or size.
Sports equipment
Bringing a bike, golf bag, skis, or an instrument? Check the airline’s packing and special-item rules before using an ordinary checked-bag price.
Family and medical bags
A stroller, car seat, or mobility device may follow different rules from a suitcase. Tell the airline what you’re bringing and check its handling and battery instructions.
Connecting flights
Check whether each segment is marketed and operated by Southwest Airlines or a partner. A separate ticket can require a new bag purchase and physical recheck.
Baggage refunds
If a paid checked bag is lost or significantly delayed, report it to the airline and keep your bag tag and fee receipt. An unused prepaid bag has a different refund question.
For any unresolved detail, check the Southwest Airlines policy for the current ticket and operating flight.
Need one specific answer?
Southwest fare and bag table explains the dated fee row or cabin-item box for this airline and shows exactly which conditions still need the booking screen.
Related baggage help
Official sources and evidence
- Southwest Airlines: Carryon and Personal Item Policy (official page read; checked 2026-10-31)
- Southwest Airlines: Optional Travel Charges (official page read; checked 2026-10-31)
- Southwest Airlines: How do I pay for checked bags? (official page read; checked 2026-10-31)