Southwest Airlines Baggage Policy: A Guide to Checked and Carry-on Allowances and Fees

Yadana Chaw

Founded in 1967, Southwest Airlines (WN), is a North American low-cost carrier from the United States. They operate mainly throughout North American, Central America, and the Caribbean, offering flights to 100+ destinations.

Southwest Airlines' baggage policy is primarily determined by the status and fare brand purchased. All customers are generally allowed one carry-on bag and one personal item free of charge, while the checked baggage allowance and fee waivers for checked luggage are contingent upon the passenger's Rapid Rewards Tier Status, the specific fare brand, or their Active-Duty Military status.


Checked bag vs carry on vs personal item

Packing starts with understanding your bags:

  • Checked baggage is the larger luggage checked into the cargo hold; for Southwest Airlines, the maximum standard size is 158 cm / 62 in.
  • Carry-on bags (also referred to as cabin bags) go into the cabin for essentials, subject to the 100ml liquid rule, with a max size of 61 x 41 x 25 cm / 24 x 16 x 10 in.
  • The Personal Item is the smallest (like a laptop bag or purse) and must fit under the seat in front of you.

For safety, remember all spare lithium batteries, power banks, and e-cigarettes must be in your carry-on, while sharp objects must always be placed in checked baggage.

Southwest Airlines carry-on allowance

Class / Fare TypePiecesMax Dimensions (L x W x H)
All Fares (Basic, Choice, Choice Preferred, Choice Extra, Business Select)124 x 16 x 10 inches (61 x 41 x 25 cm)

One small personal item is permitted free of charge in addition to the carry-on bag for all passengers. The personal item must fit beneath the seat in front of you and should not exceed 18.5 x 13.5 x 8.5 inches (47 x 34 x 22 cm).

Southwest Airlines checked baggage allowance

Southwest Airlines primarily operates on the Piece Concept for its checked luggage.

The Piece Concept limits the number of bags you can bring (e.g., 2 bags maximum, each up to 23kg), meaning you cannot consolidate one big bag into two small ones without paying extra. Conversely, the Weight Concept limits the total combined weight of all your bags (e.g., a total of 30 kg across any number of pieces).

Class / Fare TypeChecked Baggage AllowanceEst. Fees (For the 1st bag that is charged)
Business Select / Choice Extra2 Pieces$150 USD
Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred2 Pieces$150 USD
Rapid Rewards A-List1 Piece$35 USD
Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers1 Piece$45 USD
Basic, Choice, Choice Preferred0 Pieces$35 USD

The standard policy and fees are generally uniform across all routes and apply to reservations booked on or after May 28, 2025. Under this policy, each checked bag must not exceed 62 inches (158 cm) in total dimensions and must be below 23 kg (50 lbs) in weight. Customers traveling on reservations booked before May 28, 2025, who have not made voluntary changes, will retain the original baggage policy that was applicable at the time of booking.

Southwest Airlines extra baggage fees

Southwest Airlines applies fixed fees per bag for all overweight, oversized, and additional baggage. An absolute maximum weight limit of 100 lbs (45 kg) and a size limit of 80 linear inches (203 cm) apply to checked baggage. Any bag exceeding these limits will not be accepted as checked baggage and must be shipped via Southwest Cargo.

Overweight and Oversized Baggage Charges (per bag, per direction, fee is in addition to any standard checked bag fee):

  • Overweight (51–70 lbs / 23–32 kg): $100 USD
  • Overweight (71–100 lbs / 32–45 kg): $200 USD
  • Oversized (63–80 linear inches / 158–203 cm): $200 USD

Additional Baggage Charges:

  • 3rd Bag and subsequent bags: $150 USD per bag.

Southwest Airlines special baggage policy

  • Military Baggage: Active-duty military personnel presenting a valid military ID are exempt from the two-piece baggage limit and will not be subject to additional baggage charges, provided bags do not exceed the maximum size and weight limit.
  • Infant/Child Equipment: One stroller and one child restraint system (car seat) may be checked for free per child, in addition to the standard baggage allowance. These can be checked at the curb, ticket counter, or gate.
  • Sporting Equipment: Many common items (e.g., golf clubs, skis, snowboards) are accepted as a substitute for one piece of checked baggage. Oversize fees are typically waived for most sporting equipment up to 115 linear inches (292 cm), but overweight fees still apply. Skis/snowboards and boots packed in two separate bags may count as a single checked item.
  • Musical Instruments: Instruments can be carried on if they meet the standard carry-on size limits. Larger instruments can be checked and are subject to the standard checked baggage policy. If checked, an instrument up to 150 linear inches (381 cm) and 165 lbs (75 kg) may be accepted on a limited-release basis, provided arrangements are made in advance and the instrument fits in the baggage compartment.
  • Large Media Camera Equipment: Customers with professional media equipment receive specific waivers. The 3rd+ bag fee is reduced to $75 USD, and both the oversized and overweight fees (up to 100 lbs and 110 inches / 279 cm) are waived.

Pack the Wise card with you to save on international spending

Flying abroad with Southwest Airlines soon? Whatever you need to buy during your trip, whether it’s a travel adapter, or extra baggage, the Wise card has you covered.

You can spend like a local in 150+ countries with this clever contactless card. It automatically converts currency at the mid-market exchange rate whenever you spend, with no foreign transaction fees and only a small conversion fee.

Simply create a Wise account for free, order a card and top-up to get started. Having a physical Wise card allows you to make chip and pin payments, as well as make some free ATM withdrawals each month for when you're abroad. And for extra convenience, you can add your Wise card to your Google Wallet or Apple Wallet. Then you can travel even lighter and pay using just your phone, with no need to pack the physical card.

Get your Wise card 🚀


*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.

This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.

We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.

Money without borders

Find out more

Tips, news and updates for your location