Learn About Southwest Airlines Baggage Policies

Understanding Southwest Airlines' Basic Baggage Policy

Southwest Airlines operates one of the most passenger-friendly baggage policies in the U.S. airline industry. Unlike most major carriers, Southwest allows two free checked bags for all passengers, regardless of ticket type or frequent flyer status. This policy applies to standard-sized luggage weighing up to 50 pounds and measuring no more than 62 inches in total dimensions (length plus width plus height). A third checked bag costs $35, with each additional bag costing $70.

The airline also permits one free personal item, such as a purse, laptop bag, or backpack, which must fit under the seat in front of you. One free carry-on bag is included as well. These carry-on dimensions should not exceed 24 inches long, 16 inches wide, and 10 inches tall. Many travelers find these measurements generous compared to other airlines, which typically allow smaller carry-on bags.

Southwest's checked baggage allowance makes the airline particularly valuable for families traveling with children, people moving to new cities, or anyone planning extended trips. The two free checked bags mean a family of four can check eight bags total without paying extra fees. This contrasts sharply with airlines like American, United, and Delta, which charge $35 for the first checked bag and $45 for the second on standard economy tickets.

The baggage policy applies equally to all ticket types purchased on Southwest, whether you buy a Wanna Get Away fare (the lowest price), Anytime fare, or Business Select fare. Even passengers booking through third-party travel websites receive the same baggage allowance. This consistency removes confusion about what you're paying for and what baggage benefits come with your ticket.

Practical takeaway: When calculating total travel costs, factor in that Southwest's two free checked bags often offset the slightly higher base ticket prices compared to competing airlines.

Weight and Size Restrictions for Checked Baggage

Southwest enforces strict weight and dimension limits to ensure safety and proper aircraft loading. Each checked bag must weigh no more than 50 pounds. This limit exists because baggage handlers load bags by hand, and exceeding 50 pounds creates safety risks for workers and potential damage to luggage handling equipment. The airline weighs bags at check-in, and if your bag exceeds the limit, you'll face an overweight baggage fee of $75 for the first offense and $100 for subsequent overweight bags on the same trip.

Size restrictions also matter. The maximum dimensions for a checked bag are 62 inches total (length plus width plus height). A typical large rolling suitcase measuring 29 inches long, 20 inches wide, and 12 inches deep totals 61 inches, fitting within limits comfortably. However, large duffel bags or oversized hard-shell cases can exceed these measurements. Before packing, measure your luggage or check the airline's website for dimension guidelines. Bags exceeding size limits may be rejected at check-in or charged $75 each as oversize baggage fees.

Items with unusual shapes present additional considerations. Surfboards, skis, golf clubs, and musical instruments have special handling procedures. Southwest charges $75 for each of these items in addition to your standard baggage allowance. However, items like walking canes, crutches, and wheelchairs travel free as equipment rather than baggage. Parents with infants can bring a car seat or stroller at no charge; these don't count toward your baggage limit.

The weight limit applies to individual bags, not total baggage allowance. You could theoretically check two 50-pound bags under your free allowance, then pay for a third 50-pound bag. However, most travelers find that spreading items across bags within the weight limit works better for balance and handling. Digital scales at home allow you to verify weights before arriving at the airport, preventing surprises at check-in.

Practical takeaway: Invest in a portable luggage scale ($15-30) to weigh bags before airport arrival, avoiding costly overweight fees and check-in delays.

Prohibited and Restricted Items on Southwest Flights

Southwest Airlines follows federal Transportation Security Administration (TSA) guidelines regarding prohibited and restricted items. Understanding these rules prevents items from being confiscated at security or creating delays at the gate. Hazardous materials represent the primary concern. Flammable items including lighter fluid, paint thinner, and certain aerosols cannot travel in either checked or carry-on baggage. Lithium batteries—found in laptops, phones, and power banks—have special restrictions. Consumer electronics with lithium batteries must remain in your carry-on bag, not checked luggage, due to fire risks in cargo holds.

Weapons and weapon-like objects face strict prohibition. Firearms, ammunition, explosives, and realistic replica guns cannot board Southwest flights. Knives with blades longer than 2.36 inches are prohibited in carry-on bags but may be packed in checked baggage if properly secured. Tools like drills, saws, and wrenches exceeding certain size limits must be checked rather than carried on.

Medications and medical devices generally travel without issue. Prescription medications in original labeled containers are permitted in carry-on and checked bags. Insulin, inhalers, and similar medical items are allowed. However, travelers carrying large quantities of certain medications should research specific TSA guidelines beforehand. Dietary items like peanut butter, honey, and jam can travel in checked bags but may face scrutiny in carry-on bags if they appear paste-like.

Sporting equipment and musical instruments present nuanced rules. Baseball bats, tennis rackets, and ski poles (up to two pairs) can be checked. However, baseball bats cannot travel in carry-on bags. Guitars and other acoustic instruments often fit in overhead bins if dimensions allow, though some travelers prefer checking them. String instruments worth significant money may travel better as checked luggage with protective cases, despite the inherent risks of baggage handling.

Alcohol presents clear restrictions. Alcohol cannot travel in carry-on bags; federal law prohibits this. Alcohol may be packed in checked baggage only, in unopened original containers, limited to one liter per person duty-free. Personal use quantities are generally acceptable, but commercial quantities or resale amounts face additional scrutiny.

Practical takeaway: Before packing, review the TSA website's "What Can I Bring?" tool (tsa.gov) specific to your items, then cross-reference with Southwest's policies to avoid check-in complications.

Special Baggage Situations and How to Handle Them

Traveling with sports equipment, musical instruments, or other specialized items requires understanding Southwest's procedures. Golf bags typically count as one of your two free checked bags, though some golf travel cases may be classified as oversized and incur the $75 fee. Skis and snowboards each cost $75 to check, separate from your standard baggage allowance. If you're traveling to a ski destination, you can check two regular bags free, then pay $75 for ski equipment.

Musical instruments up to 40 inches in length may fit in overhead bins as carry-on items if the cabin is not full. Southwest prioritizes accommodating instruments in overhead bins rather than forcing them to be checked. For larger instruments like cellos or bass guitars, purchasing an additional seat ($110-200 depending on route) sometimes makes sense to ensure safety and avoid baggage fees. This option requires contacting Southwest directly before travel to make arrangements.

Pet travel has specific requirements. Cats and dogs weighing 10 pounds or less (including carrier weight) can fly in cabin with a $95 pet fee each way. The pet must remain in a carrier under the seat during flight. Each passenger may bring only one pet in cabin. Additional pets or larger animals must be shipped through cargo services, not carried on commercial flights. Birds, reptiles, and other exotic pets have varying policies; calling Southwest customer service at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA provides specific guidance for unusual animals.

Traveling with infant gear requires understanding what counts as baggage. One stroller and one infant car seat travel free and don't count toward your baggage limit. Gate-checking strollers is standard procedure on most flights—you drop the stroller at the aircraft door, and it appears at baggage claim. This process works smoothly at most airports. However, on regional flights with smaller aircraft, space may be limited; arriving early helps ensure stroller accommodation.

International travel adds complexity. When flying from the U.S. to other countries or