✓ Policy web-verified 2026-05-31
Southwest Airlines made the single biggest baggage-policy change in its history in 2025: the legendary “Bags Fly Free” perk — two free checked bags for everyone — was retired for flights booked on or after 28 May 2025. As of 2026, most passengers now pay to check bags, putting Southwest in line with the rest of the US carriers. Carry-on and a personal item remain free for every traveler.
This guide covers the current 2026 rules: free carry-on and under-seat dimensions, checked-bag weight and size limits, the new fees (which rise again on 9 April 2026), and the fare classes, elite tiers and credit cards that still get you free checked bags. Southwest is a US domestic and near-international carrier, so all fees are in USD.
Quick facts
| Personal item | Free — fits under the seat (~18.5 × 8.5 × 13.5 in) |
| Carry-on | Free — 24 × 16 × 10 in, no published weight limit |
| 1st checked bag | $35 (from 9 Apr 2026: $45) — free on some fares/status/cards |
| 2nd checked bag | $45 (from 9 Apr 2026: $55) |
| Checked weight/size limit | 50 lb (23 kg) and 62 linear in (L+W+H) |
| Overweight 51–70 lb | $100 + standard bag fee |
| Oversize 63–80 in | $125–$200 + standard bag fee (varies) |
Cabin bag & personal item
| Item | Allowance |
|---|---|
| Personal / under-seat item | ~18.5 × 8.5 × 13.5 in — must fit under the seat in front of you. Free for every passenger, in addition to the carry-on. Examples: backpack, purse, laptop bag, small roller. |
| Cabin / carry-on bag | 24 × 16 × 10 in (61 × 41 × 25 cm) · No published weight limit (must fit overhead bin) Free for all passengers |
Checked baggage & fees
| Checked allowance | No longer free by default — fees apply (see fare-class table) |
| Weight limit | 50 lb (23 kg) per bag |
| Typical fee | 1st bag $35, 2nd bag $45 (rising to $45 / $55 on 9 Apr 2026); 3rd+ bags ~$150 |
What each fare includes
| Fare | Personal | Cabin | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic (new, select routes) | Free | Free carry-on + personal item | 1 free checked bag |
| Wanna Get Away / Wanna Get Away Plus | Free | Free carry-on + personal item | 2 free checked bags |
| Anytime | Free | Free carry-on + personal item | 2 free checked bags |
| Business Select | Free | Free carry-on + personal item | 2 free checked bags |
What you actually get on a cheap fare
What you actually get at deal prices in 2026: Southwest’s cheapest fares no longer bundle the famous two free checked bags. On a standard discounted “Wanna Get Away” / “Wanna Get Away Plus” fare, you still get two free checked bags — but Southwest is now testing a deeply discounted “Basic” fare on select routes that includes only one free checked bag. Business Select includes two free bags.
The reliable workarounds: hold most Rapid Rewards co-brand credit cards (one free checked bag for you and up to eight companions on the booking), or earn elite status — A-List gets one free bag, A-List Preferred gets two. For a true cheapest-ticket buyer with no card and no status, budget $35 (rising to $45 on 9 April 2026) for that first checked bag, and pack into the generous free carry-on whenever you can.
Oversize, sports & special items
Overweight & oversize: A checked bag over 50 lb (23 kg) triggers an overweight surcharge — about $100 for 51–70 lb and roughly $200 for 71–100 lb — added to the normal bag fee. Bags over 62 linear inches (up to 80 in) draw an oversize surcharge of around $125–$200; the exact figure varies by source, route and booking date, so confirm at booking.
Sports gear & instruments: Bikes, skis, golf clubs and similar count as a checked bag at the standard fee, with the oversize fee generally waived (instruments up to ~150 linear inches). Overweight charges still apply if the item tops 50 lb.
Key 2026 dates: “Bags Fly Free” ended for bookings on/after 28 May 2025. Checked-bag fees increase again for bookings on/after 9 April 2026 ($35→$45 first bag, $45→$55 second). Southwest is also rolling out a new “Basic” fare tier (one free checked bag) on select routes.
Frequently asked questions
Does Southwest still offer two free checked bags in 2026?
Not universally. The blanket 'Bags Fly Free' policy ended for flights booked on or after 28 May 2025. In 2026, two free checked bags come only with Wanna Get Away, Anytime and Business Select fares, A-List Preferred status, or qualifying Rapid Rewards credit cards. The new Basic fare includes just one free bag, and passengers without a qualifying fare/status/card now pay per bag.
How much does a checked bag cost on Southwest in 2026?
For passengers who don't qualify for a free bag, the first checked bag is $35 and the second is $45. From 9 April 2026 these rise to $45 (first) and $55 (second). A third and any additional bags cost roughly $150 each. Fees are one-way, in USD.
What size and weight can a checked bag be?
Each checked bag must weigh no more than 50 lb (23 kg) and measure no more than 62 linear inches (length + width + height combined). Bags exceeding these limits incur overweight or oversize charges on top of the standard bag fee.
What are the carry-on and personal item size limits?
The carry-on must not exceed 24 × 16 × 10 inches and goes in the overhead bin. The personal item (about 18.5 × 8.5 × 13.5 in) must fit under the seat in front of you. Both are free for every passenger; there is no published carry-on weight limit, but it must fit the bin.
How can I still get a free checked bag on Southwest?
Several routes: book Wanna Get Away / Anytime / Business Select fares (2 free bags), reach A-List status (1 free) or A-List Preferred (2 free), or hold a Rapid Rewards co-brand credit card, which gives one free checked bag to the cardholder and up to eight travelers on the same reservation.
What are the overweight and oversize bag fees?
Overweight bags from 51–70 lb cost about $100 (and 71–100 lb roughly $200) on top of the standard checked-bag fee. Oversize bags from 63–80 linear inches cost an additional charge (sources cite figures from $125 up to $200, varying by route and date). Both surcharges stack with the base bag fee.
How are sports equipment and musical instruments charged?
Sports equipment and musical instruments are accepted as checked baggage at the standard checked-bag fee. Southwest generally waives the oversize fee for these items (instruments up to ~150 linear inches), but the overweight surcharge still applies if the item exceeds 50 lb.
Did the carry-on policy change too?
No. The 2025–2026 changes affected only checked bags. The free carry-on plus free personal item allowance is unchanged and applies to every passenger regardless of fare class or status.
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