As of May 28, 2025, Southwest Airlines has ended its long-standing policy of allowing two free checked bags for all passengers. Now, most passengers must pay to check their first and second bags. However, exceptions apply:
- Southwest Rapid Rewards A-List members and Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card holders get one free checked bag.
- Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred members and passengers who purchase a Business Select fare continue to get their first two checked bags free.
For passengers who must pay, fees apply starting with the first checked bag
. Regarding size and weight limits:
- Each checked bag must weigh 50 pounds or less.
- Maximum size is 62 linear inches (length + width + height).
- Overweight bags (51-70 lbs) incur a $150 fee; 71-100 lbs bags incur a $200 fee.
- Oversized bags (63-80 inches) incur a $200 fee.
- Bags over 100 pounds or 80 inches must be shipped as cargo.
- No passenger can check more than 20 pieces of baggage per flight
In summary, the number of bags you can check on Southwest depends on your fare type and loyalty status, but generally:
- Most passengers: 0 free checked bags; fees apply for first and second bags.
- Loyalty members/business fare passengers: 1 or 2 free checked bags.
- Maximum checked bags per passenger: 20.
This represents a significant change from Southwest's previous policy of two free checked bags for all passengers
