Southwest Airlines baggage fees: bags no longer fly free
For US mainland travel booked and ticketed (or changed) on or after 9 April 2026, Southwest charges $45 for the first checked bag and $55 for the second on Basic, Choice and Choice Preferred fares. Before that date the fees were $35 and $45. Choice Extra fares still include checked bags.
Southwest checked bag fees (one way)
| Fare / member | 1st checked bag | 2nd checked bag |
|---|---|---|
| Basic, Choice, Choice Preferred | $45 | $55 |
| Choice Extra | Free | Free |
| Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred | Free | Free |
| Rapid Rewards A-List | Free | $35 |
| Rapid Rewards credit cardmember | Free | $55 |
| Active-duty military | Free | Free |
These fees apply to US mainland travel booked and ticketed and/or changed on or after 9 April 2026. For travel booked before that date the first bag is $35 and the second $45. The third and later bags are $150 each.
Weight and size limit
- Size: 62 inches (length + width + height), with wheels and handles included.
- Weight: up to 50 lb each.
Overweight and oversize fees
| Bag | Fee |
|---|---|
| Overweight 51 to 70 lb | $100 + standard bag fee |
| Overweight 71 to 100 lb | $200 + standard bag fee |
| Oversized 63 to 80 in | $200 + standard bag fee |
| Oversized and overweight | $200 + standard bag fee |
Carry-on is still free
Southwest lets every ticketed passenger bring one carry-on bag up to 10 x 16 x 24 inches plus one smaller personal item for free. See Southwest carry-on size.
Interisland Hawaii
For non-Hawaii residents flying within Hawaii (booked on or after 9 April 2026): $30 first bag, $40 second, $50 third.
Source: Optional Travel Charges and Checked Bag Policy on southwest.com. Checked 10 October 2026. Fees change often and depend on when you bought your ticket, your fare and your route: confirm with the airline before you fly.
Frequently asked questions
Do bags still fly free on Southwest?
Not on most new bookings. For US mainland travel booked and ticketed or changed on or after 9 April 2026, the first checked bag is $45 and the second $55 on Basic, Choice and Choice Preferred fares. Choice Extra fares, A-List Preferred members and active-duty military still check bags free.
How much is the first checked bag on Southwest?
$45 for tickets booked on or after 9 April 2026, and $35 for tickets booked and ticketed before that date.
How much is the second checked bag on Southwest?
$55 for tickets booked on or after 9 April 2026, and $45 before that date.
What is Southwest's checked bag weight limit?
Up to 50 pounds each, and 62 inches in total size including wheels and handles. Overweight bags of 51 to 70 lb pay $100 and 71 to 100 lb pay $200, on top of the standard fee.
Who still gets free checked bags on Southwest?
Choice Extra fares, Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred members (two bags), A-List members and Rapid Rewards credit cardmembers (first bag) and active-duty military.