Understanding Southwest Airlines Checked Baggage Policy will help you travel stress-free and steer clear of unforeseen penalties, regardless of whether you're a frequent traveler or are organizing your first trip with the airline. Although Southwest is renowned for its substantial baggage allowances, there are still restrictions and guidelines you must abide by, unlike most major U.S. carriers. To help you confidently navigate the policy, this thorough guide breaks down weight limits, size restrictions, costs, special products, and expert advice.
Southwest allows each checked bag to weigh up to 50 pounds (23 kg) and measure a maximum of 62 linear inches. Linear inches are calculated by adding:
Length + Width + Height ≤ 62 inches (157 cm)
If any bag exceeds these limits, extra fees apply.
When your bag doesn’t meet the standard requirements, here’s what to expect:
Southwest is family-friendly when it comes to gear. You can check the following baby items for free, in addition to your two standard checked bags:
Playpens, portable cribs, and child carriers can count toward your two free checked bags.
Active-duty Up to three checked bags, each weighing up to 100 pounds, are free for U.S. military members on orders. Military members may still be eligible for some perks even if they are not traveling on orders, but they must present identification at the airport to verify their status.
Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America are among the locations served by Southwest's foreign flights. Although overseas airports may have additional customs, agricultural, or security regulations, the basic two-bag free policy still applies.
Depending on the airport, you may need to claim and recheck your bags during connections even though they should already be labeled for your final destination.