Southwest Airlines Baggage Allowance: If you are booked on a Southwest Airlines flight, you should learn about its carry-on baggage and checked baggage allowance. Remember to keep your baggage within the permissible limit for a hassle-free journey.

Earlier, Southwest Airlines had a provision to allow passengers 2 free checked baggage while charging for the third hold baggage onwards. However, the company has changed its checked baggage allowance policy, whereby travellers will have to pay for their first and second checked bags for bookings made on or after May 28, 2025, onwards.

The provision of 2 free hold baggage is still available for select passengers, which includes Business Select fares and Rapid Rewards® A-List Preferred members, among others.

Southwest Airlines Carry-on Baggage Allowance

Southwest Airlines allows all passengers to bring 1 personal item and 1 cabin bag onboard. While you should store your cabin bag in the overhead bin, your personal item has to be kept underneath your flight seat or beneath the seat in front of yours.

Cabin Baggage

Ø  Must be stored in the overhead bin

Ø  Its dimensions should not be more than 24” (length), 16” (Width), and 10” (Height)

Ø  It includes a small-sized suitcase and a roller bag

Personal Item

Ø  Should be kept under your seat

Ø  It includes a laptop, a purse, a small camera, a backpack, or a briefcase

Southwest Airlines Baggage Allowance: Checked Baggage Allowance

As far as hold baggage on Southwest Airlines is concerned, you can carry up to 10 bags. The fees for the first checked baggage and second checked baggage have been fixed at 35kg and 45 kg, respectively. The airline charges $150 each for the third checked baggage and any other extra bags.

The standard checked bag size permissible by the airline is 62 inches, which includes length, height, and width. The handles and wheels are inclusive of these measurements. You will have to pay $200 for oversized baggage, which includes those in the range of 63 inches and 80 inches.

Also, the standard checked bag weight limit that is allowed by the airline authorities is up to 50 pounds or 23 kg each. Plus, the airline charges $150 for overweight baggage measuring between 51 pounds and 70 pounds and $200 for bags measuring between 71 pounds and 100 pounds. You will not be allowed to carry baggage that weighs more than 100 pounds. More so, you have to pay $200 if your bag is both oversized and overweight, subject to the condition that it does not weigh over 100 pounds.

Southwest Airlines Baggage Allowance FAQs

1.   Can I carry sports equipment when flying with Southwest Airlines?

Yes. You can carry specific sports equipment as checked baggage. If the sporting item weighs more than 50 pounds, you have to incur overweight bag charges. Click here to view the list of accepted sports equipment on Southwest Airlines flights.

2.   How much does Southwest Airlines charge for the first and second checked baggage?

You have to pay $35 for the first checked baggage and $45 for the second checked baggage.

3.   Can I carry pets on Southwest Airlines flights?

Your dog or cat has to be vaccinated to be allowed onboard Southwest Airlines flights. Also, you must carry them in a container. Your pet will be counted as personal item or carry-on baggage. The airline charges a pet fare for passengers travelling with their pets.

 

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