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After 54 years of “Bags Fly Free,” everything changed on May 28, 2025. The Southwest Airline baggage policy shifted from being the most generous among U.S. carriers to joining industry standards with checked bag fees. This transformation shocked frequent flyers who built travel strategies around Southwest’s signature benefit, but understanding the new rules and who still qualifies for free bags helps you navigate these changes and potentially avoid fees entirely.
Southwest New Baggage Policy: What Changed
The Southwest new baggage policy introduced on May 28, 2025 marks the airline’s most significant operational shift in decades. Southwest now charges $35 for the first checked bag and $45 for the second checked bag on Basic, Choice, and Choice Preferred fares booked after this date.
This represents a fundamental departure from Southwest’s competitive positioning. For over half a century, the carrier distinguished itself through generous baggage allowances that competitors couldn’t match. The policy change aligns Southwest with Delta, United, and American, eliminating a key reason price-sensitive travelers chose the airline.
However, the transition includes important nuances. Passengers who booked tickets or made changes before May 27, 2025 maintain the original two free checked bags benefit regardless of travel date. This grandfathering protects existing reservations while implementing new standards going forward.
Southwest Charging for Bags: Who Pays, Who Doesn’t
Southwest charging for bags doesn’t apply universally; several exemptions preserve free checked baggage for specific passenger categories.
Who Gets Southwest Free Checked Bags
Choice Extra fares, Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred members, and Getaways by Southwest customers receive two free checked bags. A-List members and Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers receive their first checked bag free.
The credit card benefit extends remarkably; cardholders get one free checked bag for themselves plus up to eight companions on the same reservation. For families, this single cardholder benefit potentially saves hundreds of dollars on round-trip travel.
Business Select passengers maintain two free checked bags as part of their premium fare purchase, while Hawaii residents traveling between islands continue enjoying two free checked bags.
Southwest Checked Bags Fee Structure
| Passenger Type | First Bag | Second Bag |
|---|---|---|
| Basic/Choice/Choice Preferred | $35 | $45 |
| Choice Extra | Free | Free |
| Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmember | Free | $45 |
| A-List Member | Free | $45 |
| A-List Preferred | Free | Free |
| Business Select | Free | Free |
Each checked bag must not exceed 62 inches (158 cm) in total dimensions and must weigh less than 50 lbs (23 kg). Overweight bags from 51-70 pounds cost $150, while items 71-100 pounds incur $200 fees. Oversized bags exceeding 62 inches but not more than 80 inches cost $200 per item.
Southwest Airlines Carry On Size: Still Free
The Southwest Airline baggage policy carry on remains unchanged despite checked baggage modifications. One carry-on bag measuring 24″ x 16″ x 10″ including wheels and handles is permitted free of charge. There’s no weight restriction, though passengers must lift bags into overhead bins unassisted.
This generous allowance exceeds many competitors, creating opportunities for travelers to avoid checked bag fees entirely through strategic packing.
Southwest Carry On Dimensions and Personal Items
Understanding Southwest carry on dimensions alongside personal item rules maximizes your free allowance. Personal items can measure up to 16.25″ x 13.5″ x 8″ and must fit under the seat.
The Southwest personal item size accommodates laptop bags, purses, small backpacks, and briefcases. Combined with your full-size carry-on, this dual allowance provides substantial capacity for trips under one week.
What Counts as Personal Items
Acceptable personal items include purses, laptop cases, briefcases, camera bags, and compact backpacks. These items stay at your feet during flight rather than consuming overhead bin space.
Parents traveling with infants receive additional allowances. Strollers, car seats, breast pumps, diaper bags, and milk/formula travel free without counting against standard baggage limits.
Southwest Baggage Policy Carry On: Additional Free Items
The Southwest baggage policy carry on extends beyond standard luggage. Medical devices, wheelchairs, and assistive equipment travel free regardless of size or quantity. Compact strollers fitting overhead bins accompany families without fees, while gate-checked strollers process at aircraft doors.
Small pets travel in approved carriers counting as either your personal item or carry-on bag, with fees starting at $125. The carrier must fit under the seat ahead of you with sufficient room for your pet to move freely.
Southwest Airlines Baggage Policy: Special Equipment
The Southwest Airline baggage policy accommodates sports equipment within standard checked bag allowances when meeting size and weight requirements. Golf bags substitute for one checked bag, while ski equipment (skis, poles, boots) counts as a single item despite multiple pieces.
Musical instruments meeting carry-on size limits travel as cabin baggage. Larger instruments can be checked following standard policies, though arrangements in advance help ensure proper handling.
Active-duty military personnel with valid military ID receive complete baggage fee waivers regardless of quantity, provided items stay within maximum size and weight limits.
Tips for Avoiding Southwest Baggage Fees
The checked bag policy changes demand new strategies for cost-conscious travelers:
Get a Rapid Rewards Credit Card: The first checked bag benefit extends to eight companions on your reservation, making this worthwhile for frequent travelers or families.
Upgrade to Choice Extra: Sometimes upgrading your fare costs less than paying for two checked bags separately, especially on round-trip travel.
Master Carry-On Packing: With 24″ x 16″ x 10″ dimensions and no weight limits, skilled packers fit 5-7 days of clothing in carry-ons using compression bags and strategic rolling.
Book Before Check-In: Adding bags during booking or through your online account saves money compared to airport counter fees.
Utilize Vacation Packages: Some Southwest Vacations bundles include checked bags as package components, potentially offering better overall value than separately purchased tickets and bags.
Southwest Baggage Policy: What You Can’t Bring
Standard TSA restrictions apply throughout Southwest’s network. Liquids, gels, and aerosols must follow the 3-1-1 rule: containers of 3.4 ounces or less, fitting in one quart-sized clear plastic bag, one bag per passenger.
Firearms and ammunition require specific declaration procedures and packing standards. Sharp objects must travel in checked baggage, never carry-on. Lithium batteries, power banks, and e-cigarettes stay in cabin baggage; these items are prohibited in checked bags due to fire hazards.
Travel Light with Radical Storage
Whether you’re exploring Dallas before a Southwest connection, spending a layover day in Denver, or arriving in Las Vegas hours before hotel check-in, carrying luggage through cities diminishes the experience. Radical Storage provides secure storage near major Southwest hubs including Love Field, Midway, and airports throughout the carrier’s network.
Drop bags at verified partner locations for flat daily rates with comprehensive insurance coverage. Book online instantly, receive immediate confirmation, and collect belongings when ready to continue your journey without worrying about baggage fees or schlepping luggage through entertainment districts.
FAQs
Yes, for Choice Extra fares, A-List Preferred members, credit cardholders, and Business Select passengers, others pay $35/$45 per bag.
24″ x 16″ x 10″, including handles and wheels, with no weight limit, must be lifted unassisted into overhead bins.
$35 for the first bag, $45 for the second bag on Basic, Choice, and Choice Preferred fares booked after May 28, 2025.
Yes, if it fits under the seat (16.25″ x 13.5″ x 8″), it qualifies as your personal item alongside your carry-on.
Yes, Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers receive one free checked bag for themselves plus up to eight companions on the same reservation.
Conclusion
The Southwest Airline baggage policy transformation marks the end of an era, but doesn’t eliminate all free checked bag opportunities. Elite members, credit cardholders, and premium fare passengers maintain generous allowances, while strategic packing in carry-on bags helps others avoid fees entirely.
Understanding who qualifies for free bags, maximizing carry-on space, and leveraging credit card benefits keep Southwest competitive despite losing its signature “Bags Fly Free” distinction. The carrier’s generous carry-on allowance and straightforward policies still provide value for travelers who adapt to the new landscape.