WN · United States · Low-cost

Southwest Airlines Baggage Policy

Carry-on, personal item, checked bag fees, overweight, special items, and basic economy rules for Southwest Airlines, with every figure cited to the airline's own policy page.

Quick answer

  • Carry-on: up to 24 x 16 x 10", free
  • Personal item: up to 18.5 x 8.5 x 13.5", free on every fare
  • Checked bag: $45 first, $55 second (domestic economy)

Carry-on baggage

Max dimensions (in)
24 x 16 x 10"
Max dimensions (cm)
61 x 41 x 25 cm
Weight limit
No published limit
Fee
Free
Gate-check risk
Low

One of the most generous carry-on allowances in the US. Two free checked bags also included on most fares.

Personal item

Max dimensions (in)
18.5 x 8.5 x 13.5"
Max dimensions (cm)
47 x 22 x 34 cm
Included
Yes, free on every fare

Must fit under the seat in front of you.

Does your bag count?

Bag typeTypical sizeFit
Standard backpack
Everyday daypack, laptop backpack
 18 x 13 x 8" Fits
Tote bag
Canvas or leather tote
 15 x 14 x 5" Too big
Laptop bag
Messenger or slim briefcase
 16 x 12 x 4" Fits
Small duffel
Gym or weekender
 18 x 11 x 11" Too big
Purse
Handbag or crossbody
 12 x 10 x 5" Fits
Under-seat roller
Mini wheeled bag
 16 x 14 x 8" Too big

Checked baggage fees

Compare fees across airlines →
Domestic economy
1st bag$45
2nd bag$55
Long-haul / international
1st bagNot published
Weight limit50 lb
Linear dim62 in
Overweight & oversize
51–70 lb$100
71–100 lb$200
63–80 in$200

Southwest ended its "Bags Fly Free" policy for most fares in May 2025. For tickets booked on or after April 9, 2026, the first checked bag is $45 and the second is $55. A-List Preferred and Business Select customers still receive two free bags; Rapid Rewards Priority and Premier credit cardmembers receive one free bag.

Ways to skip the Southwest Airlines checked bag fee

  1. Pack carry-on only. Confirm your bag fits the Southwest Airlines carry-on size.
  2. Use a Southwest Airlines co-branded credit card. These typically waive the first checked bag fee for the cardholder and companions.
  3. Earn elite status. Mid-tier and above usually waive one or two bags per direction.
  4. Book a higher fare. Premium Economy, Business, and First usually include 1 to 2 checked bags.

Special items & sports equipment

Ski / snowboard
Not published
Golf clubs
Not published
Bicycle
Not published
Pet in cabin
$125
Pet as cargo
Not published

Musical instruments: Small instruments fit in the overhead bin as carry-on. Larger instruments can be checked within the standard allowance.

Ski, snowboard, golf, and bicycle equipment count as one standard checked bag on Southwest if within 50 lb and 62 linear inches. Pet-in-cabin fee is $125 each way.

Basic economy restrictions

Wanna Get Away Southwest Airlines's lowest fare tier
Carry-on allowed
Yes
Personal item allowed
Yes
Checked bag surcharge
$45
  • Cheapest non-refundable fare
  • Lowest boarding priority
  • Checked bag fees now apply as of 2025

Frequently asked questions

What is the Southwest Airlines carry-on size limit?

Southwest Airlines allows a carry-on bag up to 24 x 16 x 10" (61 x 41 x 25 cm), including handles and wheels. There is no published weight limit, but you must be able to lift your bag into the overhead bin unassisted.

What is the Southwest Airlines personal item size?

The personal item on Southwest Airlines must fit within 18.5 x 8.5 x 13.5" (47 x 22 x 34 cm) and slide fully under the seat in front of you. Must fit under the seat in front of you.

How much does a checked bag cost on Southwest Airlines?

The first checked bag on Southwest Airlines costs $45 on most domestic economy fares, and the second bag costs $55. Southwest ended its "Bags Fly Free" policy for most fares in May 2025. For tickets booked on or after April 9, 2026, the first checked bag is $45 and the second is $55. A-List Preferred and Business Select customers still receive two free bags; Rapid Rewards Priority and Premier credit cardmembers receive one free bag.

What are the Southwest Airlines overweight and oversize bag fees?

Bags weighing 51 to 70 lb incur an overweight fee of $100. Bags 71 to 100 lb are charged $200. Oversize bags between 63 and 80 linear inches are $200. Fees are charged in addition to the standard checked bag fee.

Can I bring a carry-on on Southwest Airlines Wanna Get Away?

Yes. Southwest Airlines Wanna Get Away passengers can bring one carry-on bag plus one personal item. A checked bag on Wanna Get Away costs around $45.

How can I avoid Southwest Airlines checked bag fees?

Four common ways: (1) pack in a carry-on and personal item only (confirm your bag fits the Southwest Airlines carry-on size of 24 x 16 x 10"); (2) hold a Southwest Airlines co-branded credit card, which typically waives the first checked bag fee for the cardholder and companions on the same reservation; (3) reach elite status in the airline's frequent flyer program, where mid-tier and above usually waive one or two bags per direction; (4) book a higher fare class (Premium Economy, Business, First) where checked bags are included.

Will my bag be gate-checked on Southwest Airlines?

Southwest Airlines currently has a low gate-check risk based on our review of boarding policies and traveler reports. Overhead bin space is usually sufficient on full flights.

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Sources & verification

Airlines change baggage rules without notice. Always confirm with Southwest Airlines before flying.