Worried your luggage might cost you more than you planned? Southwest Airlines has updated its rules. Business Class still gets two free checked bags, but all other travelers now face tighter limits. Each checked bag must weigh no more than 100 lbs. Any extra weight means extra fees that can add up fast.
Before you pack, learn the tips to protect your travel budget and keep your trip stress-free. Pack smart so you can fly without unexpected surprises.
southwest airlines baggage weight: Hassle-Free Limits
Before you pack your bags, here's a surprising fact: if you accidentally pack an item that weighs more than 100 lbs, you might face unexpected charges that could dig deep into your travel budget.
Southwest Airlines has updated its baggage rules. Business Class travelers still enjoy two free checked bags. But starting May 28, 2025, all other passengers will need to pay for checked bags. Each checked bag must weigh no more than 100 lbs (45 kg) and not exceed 80 linear inches (203 cm). This clear limit means you just need to pack smart to avoid extra fees.
Every traveler is allowed one carry-on bag with dimensions up to 24 x 16 x 10 inches. You can also bring one personal item that measures up to 18.5 x 13.5 x 8.5 inches. Although carry-ons aren’t weighed, strict size rules are enforced at the gate.
If your bag is too heavy or too big, you may incur extra charges or be asked to ship it via Southwest Cargo. Checking your bags against these guidelines before you leave home can save you from hassle and delays at the airport.
Carry-on Baggage Weight and Size Rules on Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines lets you bring one carry-on bag and one personal item on board. Your carry-on must be no larger than 24 x 16 x 10 inches, while your personal item should fit within 18.5 x 13.5 x 8.5 inches. The airline doesn't weigh your bag; they only check its dimensions. If your bag is too big, for example, 25 x 17 x 11 inches, it will need to be gate-checked and might cost extra, similar to a first checked bag.
Before you head to the airport, double-check your carry-on items. Also, make sure you follow TSA rules on liquids (3.4 oz per container), aerosols, and sharp objects to avoid any delays.
Checked Baggage: Weight and Size Limits, Fees, and Handling Overweight/Oversized Items
Southwest Airlines sets simple rules for checked bags when you're not on a Business fare. If you fly non-Business, you'll pay for each bag. The first bag costs $75 and the second costs $85. These prices might vary by route or international trip, so check your flight details for the most accurate info.
Bags must weigh no more than 100 lbs (45 kg) and be under 80 linear inches (203 cm) in size. If your bag weighs between 76 and 100 lbs, you’ll be charged an extra $100 for each leg of your trip. Bags over 100 lbs cannot be checked; they must be sent separately through Southwest Cargo. Similarly, if your bag is oversized – measuring between 63 and 80 inches – you’ll pay an extra $75 each way. Any bag exceeding 80 inches in total will be turned away at check-in.
If you run into problems with heavy or big bags, consider packing your items into more than one suitcase. Another option is to ship some items separately using Southwest Cargo. You could also upgrade to Business Class, where you get two free checked bags. Plus, the early-bird check-in, costing between $15 and $25, can warn you about any overweight issues before you reach the gate, leaving you time to adjust your load.
| Bag Type | Weight Limit | Size Limit | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non-Business First Bag | Up to 100 lbs | Up to 80 linear inches | $75 |
| Non-Business Second Bag | Up to 100 lbs | Up to 80 linear inches | $85 |
| Overweight (76-100 lbs) | 76-100 lbs | — | $100 each way |
| Oversized (63-80 inches) | — | 63-80 inches | $75 each way |
Special Baggage Provisions and Exceptions on Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines cuts extra costs with fee waivers for certain travelers. Active-duty military with a valid ID don’t pay baggage fees as long as their bags meet the usual weight and size limits. Business Class flyers still enjoy two free checked bags, a benefit that’s been around for a long time. Also, holders of select co-branded credit cards get a waiver for the fee on their first checked bag.
For international flights, check-in has a few extra steps. Passengers need to show their passport at the ticket counter or a kiosk, but the baggage still has to stick to the regular size and weight rules. This extra step helps keep things secure without changing the standards. For more details on the passport check and check-in options, see how to check baggage.
These rules let qualified travelers avoid extra fees and handle their luggage more easily, making the Southwest experience smoother and friendlier on your budget.
Packing Tips to Meet Southwest Airlines Baggage Weight Limits
Traveling with Southwest becomes stress-free when you pack wisely. Use a home travel scale to check your bag’s weight before leaving so you avoid surprises at the airport. We suggest putting your heaviest items in the checked bag, which gives your carry-on a better chance of meeting size limits. Tuck dense gear into pockets of your personal item and balance the load. Compressible packing cubes keep things neat and help spread the weight evenly between bags. And if you check in early, you might spot any overweight issues at the gate, giving you time to fix them.
Here are six practical packing strategies:
- Weigh your bags at home with a travel scale.
- Pack heavy items in your checked bag.
- Use compressible packing cubes for efficient storage.
- Distribute weight evenly between your suitcases.
- Fit dense gear into your personal item.
- Check in early to catch any overweight issues at the gate.
Check-In Options and Weight Verification Practices for Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines offers several convenient check-in methods to help you stay on top of baggage rules. If you’re flying domestically, you can check in online up to 24 hours before departure. Alternatively, you can visit a ticket counter, use a self-service kiosk, or opt for the curbside check-in. There’s even an early-bird check-in available as early as 36 hours before your flight, giving you a heads-up on any overweight baggage issues before you reach the gate.
At kiosks and counters, your bags are first measured for size and weighed if needed to meet the airline’s standards. At the gate, an agent will double-check that your carry-on bag fits the allowed dimensions. For international flights, you must check in person so your passport details can be verified, but the same bag size rules still apply. Spotting any issues early means you have time to adjust your packing, whether it’s rearranging items or shifting some belongings into another bag. This way, you can avoid delays, extra fees, and last-minute stress.
Final Words
In the action, this post broke down essential details on how to handle Southwest Airlines baggage weight limits. It explained carry-on and checked bag rules, fee structures, and real tactics for avoiding extra charges. It also covered special cases like military benefits and credit card perks while noting key check-in procedures. The tips provided help you pack smartly and weigh your luggage correctly. Clear insight into southwest airlines baggage weight criteria makes preparing for your flight easier and less stressful. Enjoy planning your next trip!
FAQ
What are Southwest Airlines baggage weight guidelines for international flights?
The Southwest Airlines baggage weight guidelines for international travelers follow the same checked weight limit of 100 lbs and 80 linear inches. Fee variations may apply based on the route.
What is allowed in carry-on baggage on Southwest Airlines?
The allowed carry-on baggage on Southwest Airlines includes one bag measuring 24 × 16 × 10 inches plus one personal item up to 18.5 × 13.5 × 8.5 inches. TSA liquid and item restrictions also apply.
Does Southwest have a weight limit for carry-on bags?
The carry-on policy on Southwest Airlines is based on dimensions rather than weight. No routine weigh-ins occur, so ensure your bag meets the size limits to avoid gate checking.
What is allowed in checked baggage on Southwest Airlines?
Southwest Airlines permits checked bags up to 100 lbs and 80 linear inches. Business Class fares include two free bags, while other fares incur fees per bag.
Are there any fees for Southwest carry-on baggage?
Carry-on baggage on Southwest Airlines is free if it meets the prescribed size limits. Oversized items may be gate-checked and charged as a regular first checked bag.
What is the size limit for Southwest checked baggage?
The size limit for tested checked bags on Southwest Airlines is 80 linear inches when adding the length, width, and height together.
How are overweight baggage fees structured on Southwest Airlines?
Overweight fees apply when checked bags weigh between 76–100 lbs, costing $100 each way. Bags over 100 lbs must be handled through Southwest Cargo.
What happens if my suitcase is over 50 pounds on Southwest Airlines?
A suitcase over 50 pounds is acceptable as long as it does not exceed the 100-lb checked baggage limit. There is no special fee for a bag over 50 pounds unless it qualifies as overweight by policy.
Can I bring a backpack and a carry-on on Southwest Airlines?
Southwest Airlines allows one carry-on bag plus one personal item, such as a backpack, provided both items meet the specified dimension limits.