Southwest is the last big U.S. airline that allows you to check your luggage for free. While other airlines will charge you upward of $35 to bring a bag (and some will even charge you for carry-ons), Southwest allows each passenger to check two bags at no cost.
Southwest mainly operates domestic flights, including options to Hawaii. However, it does have limited service to destinations in Mexico and the Caribbean. No matter where you’re flying, you’ll still enjoy the same free checked bags and open seating.
Southwest baggage policies
All passengers can bring two checked bags for free on Southwest. This is true whether you have elite status with the airline, buy the cheapest fare class or fly Southwest once a year. While it’s great that this is offered to everyone, it also varies from other U.S. airlines.
For example, United Airlines gives elite members and those booked in business class additional luggage allowances and the ability to check bags with a higher weight limit.
Southwest weight limit for luggage
Southwest limits the weight and size of your checked bags to the following:
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Weight: 50 pounds per bag.
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Size: 62 inches (length plus width plus height).
This is in line with industry standards and is better than offerings from low-cost airlines such as Frontier Airlines, which allows you to check a bag only up to 40 pounds.
Southwest also allows you to bring a carry-on and a personal item for free when traveling.
Southwest overweight baggage costs
If you end up at the airport and realize that your luggage is overweight, don’t worry. You’ll still be able to check your bag. However, there are costs associated with doing so:
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Bags between 51 and 70 pounds: $150 per bag.
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Bags between 71 and 100 pounds: $200 per bag.
You’ll also need to pay a fee if you’re checking more than two bags, if your bag is oversized or if you have sporting equipment:
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Checking between three and 20 bags: $150 per bag.
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Oversized luggage (between 63 and 80 inches): $200 per bag.
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Sports equipment: $75 per bag.
Tips for checking your bags for free on Southwest
Check two bags instead of one big one. Note that the overweight limit fee applies whether or not you have other checked bags. If in doubt, it’s a better idea to split one heavy bag into two and check both for free.
Use a credit card to reduce fees. Many travel credit cards come with a travel credit each year that’ll reimburse you for any checked baggage fees you encounter. These include:
Use military exemptions, if you qualify. Active-duty military members are able to check up to 20 bags for free as well, even if their luggage is overweight. Others, such as those in the National Guard or Reserve, must be traveling on orders to receive this exemption.
