Southwest Airlines Checked Baggage: Fees, Size & Weight (2026)
Southwest now charges for checked bags — its famous 'Bags Fly Free' policy ended in 2025. For tickets booked on or after April 9, 2026, the first bag is $45 and the second is $55 each way. Bags must be under 50 lb and 62 linear inches. A-List Preferred members, Southwest card holders and Choice Extra fares still get free bags.
| Bag | Prepaid | At airport |
|---|---|---|
| First checked bag | $45 | $45 |
| Second checked bag | $55 | $55 |
| Third+ bag | $150 | |
Does Southwest Airlines charge for checked bags?
Southwest Airlines charges $45 prepaid ($45 at the airport) for the first checked bag and $55 for the second on typical domestic routes. MAJOR CHANGE: Southwest ended its 53-year 'Bags Fly Free' policy for tickets booked on or after May 28, 2025, then raised fees from $35/$45 to $45/$55 on April 9, 2026. This is the single biggest baggage story of 2026 — Southwest was the last major US airline to charge for bags.
Who flies free: A-List Preferred members (2 free), A-List members (1 free), Southwest co-brand card holders (1 free, plus up to 8 companions), Choice Extra fare (2 free), and active-duty US military (all bags free). Tickets booked before May 28, 2025 and never changed keep the old free-bags policy.
Weight and size limits
Weight: 50 lb (23 kg)
Size: 62 linear inches (length + width + height), including wheels and handles
Overweight: $100 for 51-70 lb, $200 for 71-100 lb; over 100 lb not accepted
Oversize: charged for bags over 62 linear inches
2026 policy note: MAJOR CHANGE: Southwest ended its 53-year 'Bags Fly Free' policy for tickets booked on or after May 28, 2025, then raised fees from $35/$45 to $45/$55 on April 9, 2026. This is the single biggest baggage story of 2026 — Southwest was the last major US airline to charge for bags.
Interisland Hawaii routes have a separate, cheaper fee schedule; Hawaii residents get the first two bags free.
How to avoid the fee on Southwest Airlines
A-List Preferred members (2 free), A-List members (1 free), Southwest co-brand card holders (1 free, plus up to 8 companions), Choice Extra fare (2 free), and active-duty US military (all bags free). Tickets booked before May 28, 2025 and never changed keep the old free-bags policy.
How Southwest Airlines compares
See checked-baggage fees and limits for Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Air, American Airlines — fees, weight caps, and free-bag rules differ airline by airline.
Frequently asked questions
Does Southwest Airlines charge for checked bags?
Southwest Airlines charges $45 prepaid ($45 at the airport) for the first checked bag and $55 for the second on typical domestic routes. MAJOR CHANGE: Southwest ended its 53-year 'Bags Fly Free' policy for tickets booked on or after May 28, 2025, then raised fees from $35/$45 to $45/$55 on April 9, 2026. This is the single biggest baggage story of 2026 — Southwest was the last major US airline to charge for bags.
What is Southwest Airlines's checked bag weight limit?
50 lb (23 kg)
What is Southwest Airlines's checked bag size limit?
62 linear inches (length + width + height), including wheels and handles
Who flies free with Southwest Airlines checked bags?
A-List Preferred members (2 free), A-List members (1 free), Southwest co-brand card holders (1 free, plus up to 8 companions), Choice Extra fare (2 free), and active-duty US military (all bags free). Tickets booked before May 28, 2025 and never changed keep the old free-bags policy.