Independent summary, reviewed September 2026. WarBird Flight is not affiliated with Southwest Airlines. Exact fees depend on route and fare; the agent quotes them for your booking.
Southwest Airlines Baggage Allowance and Fees
What Southwest Airlines includes for carry-on and checked bags, where fees apply, and how to add bags at the lowest price. Call (708) 866-8751 to add bags to a booking or to book a fare that includes them.
Carry-on
One carry-on and one personal item on every fare.
Checked bags
Southwest introduced checked-bag fees on most fares in 2025; allowances still vary by fare type, credit-card holders, and Rapid Rewards tier. The agent will confirm what your fare includes.
Good to know
Southwest's baggage policy changed significantly in 2025; always confirm the current allowance for your fare before booking.
Overweight bags (over 50 lb / 23 kg on most carriers) and oversize bags carry extra fees on every airline. Sports equipment, instruments, and medical devices have their own rules; the agent can add them to the booking.
Fare classes and bags on Southwest Airlines
- Basic: Lowest fare with the most restrictions on changes and credits.
- Choice / Choice Preferred: Standard fares with flexibility on changes and flight credits.
- Choice Extra: Premium fare with refundability, priority boarding, and extra-legroom seating.
Baggage help on Southwest Airlines
Licensed agents at our partner agency handle these by phone, 24/7. No charge for a quote.
Guides on baggage, seats, and special items
Airline policiesChecked Bag and Carry-On Rules Compared Across AirlinesHow the major US and international carriers differ on carry-ons, first-bag fees, and who gets bags free.
Airline policiesFlying with Sports Gear and Musical Instruments: Bags, Fees, and the Cabin RuleHow airlines handle golf clubs, skis, bikes, and surfboards, the federal rule that lets small instruments in the cabin, and how to protect a fragile item in the hold.
Booking tipsSeat Selection Fees: When You Pay, When You Don't, and Sitting TogetherHow seat fees work on the major US carriers, which fares include a seat, how families get seated together without paying, and when to just pick at check-in.
Airline policiesAirline Pet Policies Compared: In-Cabin, Checked, and CargoWhich airlines take pets in the cabin, size and fee rules, and the shrinking options for larger dogs.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Southwest charge for checked bags?
Fees apply on most fares since 2025, with exceptions for certain fare types, credit-card holders, and elite members. The agent quotes the fee for your fare.
What is Southwest's carry-on size?
24 x 16 x 10 inches for the carry-on, plus a personal item of 18.5 x 8.5 x 13.5 inches.
Southwest Airlines booking · Southwest Airlines changes and cancellations