Southwest Airlines Baggage Policy (2026): Bag Fees, Carry-On & Free Bags

The Southwest Airlines baggage policy is no longer "Bags Fly Free". Southwest began charging for checked bags on May 28, 2025, and raised the fees again for tickets booked or changed on or after April 9, 2026. What has not changed is the cabin allowance: every passenger still gets a free carry-on and a free personal item, and Southwest's carry-on limit is larger than that of most US airlines.

Fees are per bag, each way, on US mainland flights booked or changed on or after April 9, 2026. Tickets bought before that date keep the previous fees ($35 / $45) unless you voluntarily change them.

Southwest Carry-On Size and Personal Item

Every ticketed passenger, on every fare including Basic, may bring one carry-on bag up to 24 x 16 x 10 inches (61 x 41 x 25 cm) and one personal item up to 16.25 x 13.5 x 8 inches (41 x 34 x 20 cm) for free. Southwest does not set a carry-on weight limit, but you must be able to lift the bag into the overhead bin yourself.

The carry-on box is 2 inches taller, 2 inches wider and 1 inch deeper than the 22 x 14 x 9 in standard used by American, Delta and United. That is useful if you only fly Southwest — but a bag packed to Southwest's limit will be too big if your trip continues on another airline. See our carry-on size chart by airline and personal item size chart to compare.

When a carry-on is checked at the gate

On full flights, gate agents may ask passengers to check roller bags at the gate. A bag that meets the carry-on size and is gate-checked for space reasons is not charged a bag fee. A bag that does not fit the 24 x 16 x 10 in sizer is treated as a checked bag and charged accordingly, so measure it at home including wheels and handles.

Southwest Checked Bag Fees in 2026

For most travelers the price is now $45 for the first checked bag and $55 for the second, each way, on Basic, Choice and Choice Preferred fares. A third bag and any further bags cost $150 each, regardless of fare or status.

Who still checks bags for free

• Choice Extra fares (the former Business Select) include two free checked bags.
• A-List Preferred members get two free bags; A-List members get the first bag free and pay $35 for the second.
• Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers get the first bag free. Add your Rapid Rewards number to the booking, otherwise the benefit is not applied.
• Active-duty military with a valid military ID check two bags free.
• Companion Pass companions receive the same bag benefits as the member they travel with.

If you would pay for two bags on a round trip ($200 at the new rates), compare that with the price difference to a Choice Extra fare before you book; on some routes the higher fare is the cheaper option overall.

Size, Weight, Overweight and Oversize Fees

Each checked bag may weigh up to 50 lbs (23 kg) and measure up to 62 inches (length + width + height, wheels and handles included). Heavier or larger bags are accepted for a surcharge added on top of the standard bag fee:

Overweight and oversize fees for bags checked at the airport must be paid with a physical credit card; tap-to-pay and mobile wallets are not accepted. For how these thresholds compare with other airlines, see our checked bag size and weight guide.

Hawaii Interisland Bag Fees

Flights between the Hawaiian islands have their own schedule. Hawaii residents check two bags free; for non-residents booking on or after April 9, 2026, the first bag is $30, the second $40 and further bags $50. Non-resident A-List Preferred members check two bags free, A-List members pay $15 for the second bag, and Credit Cardmembers get the first bag free.

Special Items

• Pets: small cats and dogs can fly in the cabin on domestic flights for $125 per carrier ($35 between Hawaiian islands); see our airline pet policy guide.
• Strollers and car seats can be checked at the gate or ticket counter without counting toward your allowance.
• Assistive devices such as wheelchairs and medical equipment travel free.
• Sports equipment such as golf bags and skis generally counts as a checked bag and is subject to the same size, weight and fee rules; bikes and surfboards have specific packing requirements.
• Power banks and spare lithium batteries must stay in your carry-on, never in checked bags.
• Liquids in your carry-on follow the TSA 3-1-1 rule — see our TSA liquid rules guide.

How to Pay Less for Bags on Southwest

1. Use the large carry-on. At 24 x 16 x 10 in plus a personal item, many travelers can avoid checking a bag on trips of up to a week.
2. Book before you change. Changing a ticket bought before April 9, 2026 moves it to the new, higher fee schedule.
3. Add your Rapid Rewards number if you hold a Southwest credit card or A-List status.
4. Weigh bags at home. The $100 overweight surcharge is more than a second bag.
5. Compare fares, not just bag fees. Choice Extra includes two bags and can be cheaper than Basic plus bags.