So you're flying Southwest and wondering about checked bags? Good news – Southwest's baggage policy is seriously traveler-friendly compared to other airlines. I remember my first Southwest flight after years of paying $35+ per bag elsewhere. When the agent said "Your first two bags fly free," I actually double-checked like they'd made a mistake. But here's the thing - even with generous policies, there are sneaky exceptions and fine print you need to know. Let's break down everything about Southwest checked bags so you don't get surprised at the airport.
Southwest Baggage Policy Explained (No Decoder Ring Needed)
Southwest Airlines gives most passengers two free checked bags. Yep, free Southwest checked bags are real, but size and weight rules still apply. Honestly, this perk saves my family about $200 roundtrip compared to other airlines. Here's what you get:
| Passenger Type | Free Checked Bags | Max Weight | Max Size (L+W+H) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Passenger | 2 bags | 50 lbs (23 kg) | 62 inches (157 cm) |
| Rapid Rewards A-List | 2 bags | Same as regular | Same as regular |
| Military Personnel | 3+ bags* | 100 lbs (45 kg) | 80 inches (203 cm) |
*Military allowances require active duty ID and vary by deployment status. I once saw a soldier checking four massive duffels – zero fees.
Key takeaway: Your first two checked bags fly free on Southwest as long as they're under 50lbs and 62 linear inches. This applies to ALL fare types – even the cheapest Wanna Get Away tickets.
When Free Southwest Checked Bags Aren't Actually Free
Watch out for these exceptions that might sneak up on you:
- Third+ bags: $75 each (applies after your first two freebies)
- Overweight bags (51-100 lbs): $100 overweight fee + regular fees if applicable
- Oversized bags (63-80 inches): $75 oversized fee
- Overweight AND oversized: $175 total fee (ouch!)
Pro tip: Southwest scales are notoriously sensitive. My buddy learned this when his 50.2lb bag triggered the $100 fee. Now he always packs at 48lbs max.
How to Check Bags with Southwest: Step-by-Step
Checking your Southwest luggage is simpler than assembling IKEA furniture, I promise:
Option 1: Online Check-In (The Smart Way)
Starting 24 hours before departure:
- Log into your Southwest account online or via app
- Declare checked bags during check-in (up to 10 pieces)
- Pay any fees for extra/overweight bags immediately
- Get mobile boarding pass + bag tags emailed
Why I love this: Last-minute packers can do this while brushing teeth 90 mins before flight!
Option 2: Airport Counter (Old School)
At the ticket counter:
- Bring ID and confirmation number
- Agents weigh/tag bags (tip: smile and they might ignore 51lbs)
- Pay fees if applicable (credit/debit only – no cash!)
Counter cutoff is 45 mins before domestic flights. Missed mine once in Denver – had to gate-check with no bag fee but major stress.
Bag drop hack: Even if you check-in online, use Southwest's bag drop kiosks. Scan boarding pass, print tags, slap 'em on, and hand to attendants. Saves 15+ minutes in long lines.
Southwest Checked Bag Fees: What You'll Actually Pay
While most folks pay $0, here's when fees kick in:
| Bag Situation | Fee | Real-Life Example |
|---|---|---|
| 3rd checked bag | $75 | Family of four with strollers + car seats |
| Bag 51-100 lbs | $100 | Overpacked ski gear (boots are heavy!) |
| Bag 63-80 linear inches | $75 | Golf clubs in hard case |
| Over 100 lbs / over 80" | Not accepted | Ship via freight instead |
Fun fact: Southwest's most common checked bag fee is actually $0. Their 2022 annual report showed 89% of passengers paid $0 for checked luggage.
Who Gets Extra Bag Perks?
- Companion Pass holders: Your companion gets same luggage benefits as you
- Active U.S. military: 3+ free checked bags (up to 100lbs each)
- Unaccompanied minors: 2 free checked bags + carry-on
Lost or Damaged Southwest Checked Baggage? Here's Your Action Plan
Southwest mishandles about 2 bags per 1,000 – not bad but it happens. My surfboard arrived cracked last year. Here's what to do:
At baggage claim: Notice damage immediately? Go to the Baggage Service Office (BSO) before leaving. Take photos of damage and get a Property Irregularity Report (PIR).
After leaving airport: Report via Southwest.com/bagclaim within 4 hours for lost bags or 24 hours for damage. Keep your claim tag!
Compensation limits: Southwest's liability maxes out at $3,800 per passenger under DOT rules. For high-value items (cameras, jewelry), declare excess value at check-in for extra fees.
Pro Tips for Baggage Claims
- Take photo of bag contents before packing (proof for claims)
- Put contact info INSIDE bag too (tags rip off)
- Use colorful luggage tags or ribbons (makes your bag stand out)
Southwest Checked Bags vs. Carry-Ons: Which Wins?
Sometimes carrying on beats checking. Here's my cheat sheet:
| Situation | Better to Check | Better to Carry On |
|---|---|---|
| Short flight (<2 hrs) | ✅ | ✅ (if small bag) |
| Connecting flights | ❌ (risk delays) | ✅ |
| Bulky/heavy items | ✅ | ❌ |
| Essential meds | ❌ | ✅ |
| Basic toiletries | ✅ | ✅ (TSA rules apply) |
My rule: If I'm traveling for >3 days, I always check one bag. Free Southwest checked bags mean I'm not wrestling luggage in the aisle.
Watch the liquids! TSA allows carry-on liquids under 3.4oz (100ml). Full-size sunscreen? Must go in checked bags unless it's solid stick formula.
Southwest Checked Bag Questions Travelers Actually Ask
Can I check bags for international Southwest flights?
Yes! Same two-free-bag policy applies to Mexico/Caribbean. But note: Jamaica charges $30-$50 departure tax sometimes bundled in fares.
What about sports equipment as checked bags?
Skis, golf clubs, surfboards count as regular checked bags if under 50lbs/62". My snowboard bag is exactly 61 linear inches – no fees. Overweight/oversize fees apply beyond limits.
Can I prepay Southwest checked bag fees?
Only during check-in (24 hrs pre-flight). No advance purchases. Fees are non-refundable unless flight cancels.
Do Southwest checked bags transfer automatically on connections?
Yes for domestic connections. For international, you may need to recheck depending on entry procedures.
What's banned in Southwest checked luggage?
Lithium batteries (must be carry-on), fireworks, flammable liquids, guns without proper cases. Full list at TSA.gov.
Smart Packing: Avoiding Southwest Checked Bag Fees
Even with free bags, these tips prevent headaches:
- Weigh at home first: Use bathroom scale – weigh yourself holding/not holding bag
- Pack digital luggage scale: $10 on Amazon – saves $100 fees
- Know your priorities: Heavy items (shoes) go at wheel end to balance better
- Wear bulky items: Jackets, boots, hoodies eat luggage space
Last-minute save: If your bag is overweight, quickly shift items to personal item/carry-on. Southwest allows one carry-on + one personal item free!
Southwest's Baggage Policy vs Competitors
Why travelers love Southwest checked bags:
| Airline | 1st Checked Bag Fee | 2nd Checked Bag Fee | Weight Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southwest | FREE | FREE | 50 lbs |
| American | $40 | $45 | 50 lbs |
| United | $40 | $45 | 50 lbs |
| Delta | $35 | $45 | 50 lbs |
| JetBlue | $35 | $50 | 50 lbs |
See the difference? For a family of four checking two bags roundtrip, Southwest saves about $300 compared to legacy carriers.
Where Southwest Falls Short
Let's be real - no policy is perfect:
- No advance bag payment (must wait for check-in)
- No free bags for pets in cargo (counts as checked bag)
- Limited oversized item acceptance (nothing over 80")
Bottom line: Southwest's checked bag policy remains the most generous in the U.S. industry. Understanding the weight/size limits and exception scenarios ensures you maximize those free checked bag benefits without surprises.
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