Southwest Airlines Baggage Policy 2026: Fees and Rules 

Southwest Airlines now charges $45 for the first checked bag and $55 for the second on most fares, following a fee increase effective April 9, 2026. Carry-on bags (max 24″ × 16″ × 10″) and one personal item remain free. A-List Preferred members, Choice Extra fare holders, and active-duty military still receive two free checked bags.

Southwest has long been the airline travelers turn to when they want fewer surprises. But 2025 and 2026 brought major changes to the policies that made Southwest famous most notably, the end of its iconic “Bags Fly Free” program. After 54 years, the airline joined its competitors in charging for checked luggage.

What Is the New Southwest Baggage Policy?

The new Southwest baggage policy, introduced on May 28, 2025, eliminated the long-standing “Bags Fly Free” benefit for most passengers. Southwest now charges for the first and second checked bags on Basic, Choice, and Choice Preferred fares. A second fee increase took effect on April 9, 2026, raising prices by an additional $10 per bag. Carry-on bags and personal items remain free for all passengers.

This is the most significant policy shift in Southwest’s history. For decades, two free checked bags were the airline’s biggest selling point over Delta, United, and American. That advantage is largely gone though certain loyalty tiers, credit cardholders, and premium fare buyers still enjoy free checked luggage.

Here’s a quick timeline:

• May 28, 2025: First and second checked bag fees introduced ($35 and $45)
• April 9, 2026: Fees increased to $45 (first bag) and $55 (second bag)
• 2026 onward: Assigned seating fully rolled out across all Southwest flights

What Is Southwest Airlines Baggage Policy 2026?

Southwest Airlines’ 2026 baggage policy allows every passenger one free carry-on bag and one free personal item. Checked bags cost $45 for the first and $55 for the second on standard fares. Certain fare types, loyalty statuses, and credit cardholders still receive one or two free checked bags. The standard checked bag limit is 50 lbs and 62 inches (L+W+H).

Southwest Checked Bag Fee Table (2026)

A Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmember’s free first bag benefit extends to up to eight companions on the same reservation making the card especially valuable for families.

How Many Free Bags Can I Take on Southwest Airlines?

The number of free checked bags you receive depends entirely on your fare type and loyalty status. Most passengers on standard fares receive zero free checked bags in 2026. A-List Preferred members, Choice Extra fare holders, Business Select passengers, and active-duty military receive two free checked bags. A-List members and Rapid Rewards Credit Cardholders receive one free checked bag.

Practical example: A family of four on Choice fares, with one Rapid Rewards Credit Cardholder, could get one free first checked bag for all four passengers (if the cardholder links the reservation) saving $180 on a round trip.

Southwest Airlines Carry-On Baggage Policy: What Are the Rules?

Southwest allows every passenger one free carry-on bag in the overhead bin and one free personal item under the seat. There is no weight limit on carry-on bags, but you must be able to lift the bag into the overhead bin unassisted. If your bag exceeds the size limit, it will be checked at the gate though gate-checked bags are processed free of charge for most passengers.

What Are Southwest Airlines Carry-On Weight Limits and Dimensions?

Southwest Airlines does not enforce a carry-on weight limit. The only restriction is size: your carry-on must fit within 24″ (length) × 16″ (width) × 10″ (height), including wheels, handles, and all attachments. If it fits in the overhead bin within those dimensions, it flies free.

This is more generous than many competitors, who cap carry-on bags at 22″ × 14″ × 9″. The extra inch in each dimension can make a real difference when packing a week’s worth of clothing.

What counts as a carry-on?

• Roller bags and small suitcases
• Large backpacks (if within dimensions)
• Duffel bags

What does NOT count as a carry-on?

• Full-size suitcases exceeding 24″ × 16″ × 10″
• Pet carriers (these count as either your carry-on or personal item)

What Is the Southwest Personal Item Size in 2026?

Southwest Airlines does not publish an official size limit for personal items, but the practical rule is that it must fit under the seat in front of you. Most passengers use the guideline of approximately 16.25″ × 13.5″ × 8″ as a safe maximum. Examples of acceptable personal items include purses, crossbody bags, laptop cases, briefcases, small backpacks, blankets, and neck pillows.

Note: neck pillows do not count toward your carry-on limit at all you can bring one in addition to your carry-on and personal item.

Southwest Airlines Liquid Policy: What Are the Rules?

Southwest Airlines follows the TSA 3-1-1 liquid rule for all carry-on baggage. Each liquid, gel, or aerosol container must be 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less. All containers must fit in one quart-sized, clear, resealable plastic bag. Each passenger is allowed one such bag.

The TSA 3-1-1 rule at a glance:

• 3.4 oz or less per container
• 1 quart-sized clear plastic bag
• 1 bag per passenger

Items purchased after the security checkpoint (like a water bottle or airport cocktail) are not subject to this rule. Liquid medications, including insulin and over-the-counter medicines, may travel in quantities exceeding 3.4 oz but must be declared at the security checkpoint.

Lithium batteries, power banks, and e-cigarettes must travel in carry-on baggage only these items are prohibited in checked bags due to fire risk.

Does Southwest Allow Two Carry-Ons?

No. Southwest Airlines allows one carry-on bag and one personal item per passenger not two carry-on bags. A second bag that exceeds personal item dimensions must be checked. If you arrive at the gate with two full-sized carry-ons, one will be checked at the gate. Southwest does not charge a gate-check fee for this, but your bag will be loaded into the cargo hold.

The one exception: items like a coat, umbrella, food purchased at the airport, or an FAA-approved car seat traveling with a child do not count toward the carry-on limit.

What Are Southwest’s Baggage Fees for Oversized and Overweight Bags?

When a checked bag exceeds Southwest’s standard size or weight limits, additional fees apply on top of the standard checked bag fee. The limits are 50 lbs and 62 total inches (length + width + height).

Overweight and Oversized Fee Table

Bags over 100 lbs or over 80 inches cannot be checked they will not be accepted regardless of fees paid.

Sports equipment exception: Golf bags and ski/snowboard equipment (skis, poles, and boots together) each count as one checked bag. Oversized sporting equipment measuring 63–115 inches incurs no additional oversized fee, though overweight charges still apply.

Who Still Gets Free Checked Bags on Southwest in 2026?

Several categories of passengers retain access to free checked bags under the 2026 Southwest baggage policy:

Two free checked bags:

• A-List Preferred Rapid Rewards members (+ up to 8 companions per reservation)
• Choice Extra fare holders
• Business Select fare holders
• Active-duty military with valid ID
• Getaways by Southwest package customers
• Hawaii residents on inter-island flights

One free checked bag:

• A-List Rapid Rewards members (+ up to 8 companions per reservation)
• Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers (+ up to 8 companions per reservation)

What Happens If Your Bag Is Lost or Damaged on Southwest?

If your checked bag doesn’t arrive, report it immediately at the Baggage Service Office in the baggage claim area or at the ticket counter. For domestic flights, you must report a lost or delayed bag within four hours of your flight’s arrival. Damaged bags must be reported within 24 hours for domestic itineraries.

If your bag is not located within five days, you can submit a formal claim through Southwest’s Baggage Claim Web Portal using your incident number. Southwest will arrange courier delivery of your recovered bag.

International itinerary deadlines:

• Damaged baggage: report within 7 calendar days
• Delayed baggage: report within 21 calendar days

Southwest is not liable for carry-on baggage damage or damage resulting from normal wear and tear (scratches, dents, scuffs) on domestic routes.

Baggage Allowance for Pets, Infants, and Special Items

Pets: Small dogs and cats can travel in the cabin for a one-way fee of $125 per carrier (or $35 for inter-island Hawaii flights). The pet carrier counts as either your carry-on or personal item.

Infant and family items (travel free, do not count toward limits):

• FAA-approved car seats (when traveling with a child)
• Compact strollers that fit in the overhead bin
• Diaper bags
• Breast pumps
• Infant formula and breast milk

Medical items (free, do not count toward limits):

• Wheelchairs, canes, and crutches
• Insulin kits, EpiPens, and screened prescription medications

Carry-On Allowance Summary

Smart Ways to Avoid Southwest Baggage Fees in 2026

• Get a Rapid Rewards Credit Card: One free first checked bag for you and up to eight companions potentially saving over $700 for a family of four on a round trip.
• Book Choice Extra: On shorter routes, upgrading the fare sometimes costs less than paying for two checked bags.
• Master your carry-on: Southwest’s 24″ × 16″ × 10″ limit is one of the most generous in the industry. Using compression packing cubes, most travelers can fit 5–7 days of clothing in a carry-on.
• Add bags online before check-in: Paying during booking is generally the same price as airport counter fees, but avoids last-minute scrambling.
• Check Southwest Vacations packages: Some bundled vacation packages include free checked bags as part of the deal.

Wrapping Up: Is Southwest Still Worth It for Baggage?

Southwest’s 2026 baggage policy is a meaningful shift from where the airline stood just two years ago. The free checked bag era is over for most passengers. But Southwest still holds a real carry-on advantage over many competitors a larger size limit, no weight cap, and zero fees and loyalty members retain strong checked bag perks.

Before booking your next flight, check your Rapid Rewards status and consider whether a Southwest credit card could offset the new fees. For many frequent flyers and families, the math still favors Southwest. For everyone else, knowing the rules in advance is the best way to avoid surprises at the check-in counter.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Southwest Airlines baggage fee for 2026?
Southwest charges $45 for the first checked bag and $55 for the second on Basic, Choice, and Choice Preferred fares. These fees apply to reservations booked or voluntarily changed on or after April 9, 2026, per the official Southwest Airlines Newsroom announcement.

Does Southwest still offer free checked bags to anyone?
Yes. A-List Preferred members, Choice Extra fare holders, Business Select passengers, active-duty military with valid ID, and Getaways by Southwest customers still receive two free checked bags. A-List members and Rapid Rewards Credit Cardholders receive one free checked bag.

What are the Southwest Airlines carry-on dimensions in 2026?
The carry-on size limit is 24″ × 16″ × 10″, including wheels, handles, and attachments. There is no weight limit, but you must be able to lift the bag into the overhead bin yourself.

Does Southwest have a carry-on weight limit?
No. Southwest Airlines does not enforce a weight limit on carry-on bags. The only restriction is the size limit of 24″ × 16″ × 10″.

What qualifies as a personal item on Southwest Airlines?
A personal item is any bag that fits under the seat in front of you. Common examples include purses, crossbody bags, laptop cases, briefcases, and small backpacks. Southwest does not publish an official size limit, but a maximum of approximately 16.25″ × 13.5″ × 8″ is the widely accepted guideline.

What is the Southwest liquid policy for carry-on bags?
Southwest follows the TSA 3-1-1 rule: liquids, gels, and aerosols must be in containers of 3.4 oz (100ml) or less, placed in one quart-sized clear plastic bag, with one bag per passenger. Liquid medications are exempt but must be declared at security.

How much does Southwest charge for an overweight bag?
Bags weighing 51–70 lbs incur a $100 additional fee on top of the standard checked bag fee. Bags weighing 71–100 lbs incur an additional $200 fee. Bags over 100 lbs are not accepted.

Can I bring a backpack as a carry-on AND a personal item on Southwest?
Yes if your backpack meets the carry-on size limit (24″ × 16″ × 10″), it qualifies as your carry-on. A smaller backpack that fits under the seat qualifies as your personal item. You can bring both, but not two full-sized carry-ons.

What happens if Southwest loses my bag?
Report the loss at the Baggage Service Office within four hours of landing (domestic). If your bag is not located within five days, file a formal claim through Southwest’s Baggage Claim Web Portal using your incident number. For international flights, damage must be reported within 7 days and delays within 21 days.

Does the Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card free bag benefit cover travel companions?
Yes. Rapid Rewards Credit Cardholders receive one free first checked bag for themselves and up to eight additional passengers on the same reservation as long as the cardholder’s Rapid Rewards number is applied to the booking at time of purchase.