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Check Baggage Policy

Southwest Airlines Baggage Policy

The Southwest Airlines Baggage Policy aims to ensure you are well-informed and equipped with all the necessary information about your luggage, from the time of packing to the end of your journey. These guidelines vary depending on factors such as ticket type, selected cabin class, and your loyalty status with Southwest Airlines.

Southwest Airlines Baggage Policy - Checked Baggage

Southwest Airlines baggage policy for checked baggage specifies the number of bags, the weight and the size limit allowed on the flight, and the baggage fees. These factors can vary based on the passenger's itinerary and fare class.

Southwest Airlines Baggage Policy - Complimentary Baggage

Southwest Airlines Luggage

  • Under Southwest Airlines Baggage Policy, passengers are permitted 2 Complimentary checked bags
  • If golf bags and skis are under the weight limit, they will be included in your free checked bags. They can be substituted for one checked bag

Southwest Carry-On Rules

Southwest carry-on rules allow passengers to bring one personal item and a carry-on bag on the plane. The personal item and carry-on bag must follow the following restrictions:

  • Personal item: The personal item must fit under the seat in front of you and can have a maximum size of 16.25” (L) x 13.5” (W) x 8” (H)
  • Carry-on bag: The carry-on bag must fit in the overhead bin or under the seat and can have a maximum size of  24” (L) + 16” (W) + 10” (H) (including handles and wheels)

Note: The measurements for seat dimensions differ based on the type of seat and aircraft. The length, width, and height indicated the smallest available Southwest carry-on size underneath the seat.

Southwest Airlines Baggage Policy - Weight & Dimensions

Southwest Airlines- Bags Weight and Dimension policy

  • The weight limit for each bag, without additional fees for exceeding the weight limit, is 50 pounds
  • The size limits of the bag are calculated by summing up the total outside dimensions of each bag: Length + Width + Height.  The standard size limit, without additional fees for exceeding the weight limit, is 62 inches or 158 centimeters
  • Bags weighing over 100 pounds will be transported as Air Cargo
  • Military passengers are exempt from the two-bag limit and are not charged any fees for excess baggage

Important Notes: Baggage that exceeds the weight limit of 50 pounds and the size limit of 62 inches will incur additional fees

Southwest Airlines Baggage Fees

No.  of bagsFee (each way)
1Free
2Free
3+$75 USD each

Southwest Baggage Fees - Oversize and Overweight Bags

The Southwest Airlines baggage fees for overweight and oversized luggage depend on your destination. If your bag is oversized and overweight, more than one fee may apply.

Oversized Bag Fees

Southwest Airlines charges a fee of $75 for oversized bags.

Overweight Bag Fees

Southwest Airlines charges a fee of $75 for overweight bags.

Frequently Asked Questions
According to the Southwest carry-on rules, the Southwest Airlines carry-on size limit for personal items is 16.25” (L) x 13.5” (W) x 8” (H), and the Southwest Airlines carry-on size limit for Carry-on bag is 24” (L) + 16” (W) + 10” (H), including wheels and handles.
No, Southwest Airlines does not charge additional fees for carrying a carry-on bag as per the Southwest carry-on rules. However, if the carry-on bag exceeds the Southwest carry-on size limit of 24” (L) + 16” (W) + 10” (H) inches, it must be checked, and a fee may apply.
If you arrive at your destination and your baggage is missing, you should go to the Baggage Service Office to report your delayed bag. An agent will assist you in creating a report and provide you with a receipt. You will receive regular updates on the status of your bag. Southwest Airlines also provides a phone number that you can call to follow up on the status of your baggage.
Southwest Airlines charges a fee of $75 for each oversized bag that exceeds the size limit of 62 inches but weighs less than 100 pounds. Bags weighing more than 100 pounds will be shipped as air cargo.
According to the Southwest carry-on rules, Southwest allows passengers to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item on the flight. The carry-on bag must fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you and have a southwest carry-on size limit of 24” (L) + 16” (W) + 10” (H) inches, including wheels and handles. The personal item, such as a purse, briefcase, or laptop bag, must fit under the seat and have a southwest carry-on size limit of 24” (L) + 16” (W) + 10” (H), inches.
If you realize that you have left an item on the plane, you should notify a Customer Service Agent before leaving the airport so that they can try to retrieve it for you. You can file a lost and found report if you have already left the airport. If you provide an email address when you report the loss, you will receive regular updates on the search status for your lost item. You may be contacted by email and/or phone if your item is located. If you do not provide an email address, you will only be contacted by phone if your item is found. If your item is not located within 30 days of your report, likely, it was not turned in. While Southwest Airlines makes every effort to locate lost items, they are not liable for unchecked items left on the plane.
To check your bags, you must visit the airport ticket counter upon arrival. It is essential to note that you must check your baggage at least 60 minutes before your flight's scheduled departure time. However, if you are departing from Aruba, make sure to check your bags at least 75 minutes before the flight's scheduled departure time.
No, curbside check-in is not allowed in such cases. Passengers must check in at the ticket counter or kiosk to verify their passports, check their luggage, and obtain their boarding passes.
Yes, Southwest Airlines allows sports equipment such as golf bags and skis to be checked as part of your free baggage allowance, as long as they are within the weight and size limits. However, some items may require an additional fee.
If your baggage is lost, damaged, or delayed while traveling with Southwest Airlines, please report it in person to the Baggage Service Office or at the ticket counter.
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