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Southwest Baggage Fees (Updated: August 27, 2025) — What You Pay & Who Still Flies Free

By flightshelpcenter

Published on August 27, 2025

Introduction: A New Chapter in Southwest Airlines Baggage Policy

For years, Southwest Airlines baggage fees were famously non-existent thanks to the “two bags fly free” policy. That perk set the airline apart in a crowded U.S. market where rivals like American, Delta, and United charged for nearly everything.

But on May 28, 2025, the rules changed. The airline introduced new checked baggage fees: $35 for the first bag and $45 for the second, unless you qualify for exemptions. This shift has reshaped how travelers plan and pack.

In this guide, we’ll break down:

What are the new Southwest Airlines checked baggage fees?
Who still gets free checked bag
Special rules for Hawaii residents and interisland travel
Tips to avoid or reduce Southwest baggage fees

Quick Snapshot of Southwest Airlines Checked Baggage Fees

Traveler Type / Fare	First Checked Bag	Second Checked Bag	Notes
Basic / Choice / Choice Preferred	$35	$45	Applies to most passengers
Choice Extra / Business Select	Free	Free	2 free bags included
A-List Preferred	Free	Free	Includes member + 8 companions
A-List	Free	$45	First bag free; companions included
Southwest Credit Cardholders	Free (first bag)	$45	Cardholder + up to 8 companions
Active-Duty Military	Free	Free	Always 2 free bags
Hawaii Residents (Interisland)	Free	Free	Third bag $50
Non-Residents (Interisland)	$15	$20	Third bag $50
3rd Bag or More (Mainland)	$150 each	$150 each	Same for all fares

Why Southwest Introduced Baggage Fees

The introduction of the Southwest baggage fee (May 28, 2025) was driven by rising costs: fuel, labor, and competitive pressure.

Unlike other carriers, Southwest balanced the new fee system by:

Keeping carry-on bags free.
Extending status and credit card baggage benefits to up to 8 companions.
Preserving special policies for Hawaii residents and military members.

So while Southwest Airlines’ checked baggage fees now exist, the airline still offers more generous allowances than many competitors.

Who Still Gets Free Checked Bags on Southwest?

Not every passenger pays the new Southwest baggage fees. These groups still enjoy complimentary checked baggage:

Choice Extra / Business Select fares: 2 free checked bags.
A-List Preferred: 2 free bags (benefits extend to 8 companions).
A-List: 1 free bag (extends to 8 companions).
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Credit Cardholders: 1 free bag for cardholder + companions.
Active-Duty Military: Always 2 free bags.
Getaways by Southwest™ packages: 2 free bags included.
Hawaii Residents (interisland flights): First 2 bags free.

This loyalty-driven system rewards frequent flyers and encourages travelers to use Southwest’s credit card or book premium fare types.

Standard Southwest Airlines Checked Baggage Fees

Here’s what most passengers face:

First Bag: $35
Second Bag: $45
Third & Additional Bags: $150 each

For a family of four, this can mean hundreds in extra costs — so understanding exemptions is critical.

Overweight and Oversized Southwest Baggage Fees

Southwest Airlines enforces strict size and weight limits:

Weight Limit: 50 lbs per bag
Size Limit: 62 linear inches (L + W + H)

If your bag exceeds these limits, surcharges apply on top of regular Southwest Airlines baggage fees:

51–70 lbs: +$100
71–100 lbs: +$200
63–80 in: +$200
If both overweight & oversize: only one $200 surcharge

Example: a 2nd bag at 75 lbs costs $45 + $200 = $245.

Special Rules for Hawaii Interisland Travel

Southwest designed special Hawaii baggage fee policies:

Hawaii residents: First 2 bags free; third bag $50.
Non-residents: $15 for the first, $20 for the second, $50 for the third.
Overweight/oversize add-ons: Reduced (+$35 or +$70).

This exception acknowledges how frequently Hawaii residents fly between islands.

Southwest Carry-On Baggage Rules (Still Free)

Unlike many airlines, Southwest’s carry-on baggage rules remain unchanged:

1 carry-on bag (10 × 16 × 24 in)
1 personal item (must fit under seat)

Carry-ons remain free regardless of fare, which still helps Southwest stand out.

Sports Equipment, Baby Gear & Special Items

Sports Gear: Golf clubs, skis, surfboards count as checked bags (standard fees apply). Oversize charges often waived, but overweight charges remain.
Strollers & Car Seats: Always free to check or gate-check.
Medical Equipment: Free and doesn’t count against baggage allowance.

Edge Cases Travelers Should Know

Not every situation with Southwest Airlines baggage fees is straightforward. Here are the special cases you should keep in mind before heading to the airport:

Tickets Issued Before May 28, 2025: If your ticket was booked before the fee change, you still get two free checked bags. But once you modify or rebook that ticket, the new fees apply.
Partner-Booked Flights: When flights are purchased through third-party partners or codeshares, free bag benefits may not carry over. Always confirm baggage rules at booking.
Gate-Check Surprises: With fuller flights and tighter bin space, more bags are being tagged at the gate. If your carry-on exceeds size or weight rules, standard checked bag fees may apply.
Companion Reservations: Even if you hold a Southwest credit card or A-List status, benefits only extend to up to 8 companions on the same booking — not separate reservations.
Special Items & Exceptions: Certain bulky or unique items (musical instruments, pets, or odd-sized gear) may not qualify under free-bag allowances, even if you have perks.
Refunds on Prepaid Bags: If you prepaid for baggage online and later qualify for free bags (e.g., upgraded fare, added RR#), refunds aren’t always automatic — you may need to contact support.
Military & Hawaii Exceptions: These groups enjoy broader baggage benefits, but make sure to carry valid ID or proof of residency to avoid disputes at check-in.

Conclusion: What Southwest Flyers Need to Know in 2025

The Southwest baggage fee May 28, 2025 policy update ended the legendary “two bags fly free” promise for most passengers. Still, the airline remains more generous than many competitors thanks to its:

Free carry-on allowance
Companion benefits tied to loyalty and credit cards
Special Hawaii and military policies

Bottom line: Expect $35 and $45 fees for most checked bags, but if you hold status, the Southwest credit card, or book the right fare, you may still check your bags at no cost.

For questions or assistance, travelers can contact Southwest support at +1 (866) 558-3017.

Southwest Airlines Baggage FAQ

How much are Southwest Airlines checked baggage fees now?

Most travelers pay $35 for the first bag and $45 for the second.

Who still gets free bags on Southwest?

Choice Extra, A-List, A-List Preferred, Southwest credit cardholders, active-duty military, and Hawaii residents on interisland flights.

Are carry-ons still free on Southwest Airlines?

Yes. You still get 1 carry-on and 1 personal item free.

What are the overweight/oversize baggage fees?

$100–$200 depending on weight/size; capped at one $200 surcharge per bag.

Do Southwest baggage fees apply to old tickets?

Not if booked before May 28, 2025 — unless you change the itinerary.

Do baggage benefits extend to companions?

Yes. Status and credit card perks extend to up to 8 companions.

What are the baggage fees for interisland Hawaii flights?

Residents: first 2 bags free. Non-residents: $15 (first), $20 (second), $50 (third).

Do families get free stroller/car seat check?

Yes, strollers and car seats are always free to check or gate-check.

How to Avoid or Reduce Southwest Airlines Baggage Fees

Even though Southwest baggage fees are now standard for most travelers, there are still plenty of ways to avoid paying extra if you plan ahead. Frequent flyers, families, and even casual vacationers can save money by using a mix of smart booking choices, loyalty benefits, and packing strategies.

- Book the Right Fare: Upgrading to Choice Extra or Business Select often pays for itself because both fares include two free checked bags. If you usually check luggage, the slightly higher ticket price can be cheaper than paying bag fees separately.
- Leverage Loyalty Status: Earning A-List or A-List Preferred status gives you at least one free bag (two if Preferred) and extends those perks to up to eight companions on the same reservation. For frequent flyers, this perk is a major money saver.
- Use the Southwest Credit Card: Holding a Southwest Rapid Rewards® Credit Card means your first checked bag is free, and the benefit also covers companions traveling on the same booking. For families, this card can quickly offset annual fees.
- Consider Getaways by Southwest™ Packages: Booking through Southwest Vacations often includes two checked bags per person — a built-in saving for leisure travelers heading to resorts or group trips.
- Pack Smarter: Even with free bag benefits, weight limits still apply. Keep bags under 50 lbs by redistributing items among suitcases or weighing at home before leaving for the airport.
- Maximize Free Carry-Ons: Southwest still allows one carry-on and one personal item free of charge. Using a standard roller bag and a backpack or duffel can often eliminate the need to check luggage entirely.
- Use Packing Tools: Compression cubes and vacuum-sealed bags make it easier to fit everything into your carry-on and stay within size restrictions, especially for short trips.

By combining these strategies, travelers can often avoid paying the new Southwest Airlines checked baggage fees altogether or, at the very least, cut them down significantly.