Southwest Airlines Baggage Fees (2026)
Quick summary
Southwest ended its decades-long 'Bags Fly Free' policy on May 28, 2025 and now charges for checked bags like every other major U.S. carrier. As of the April 9, 2026 increase, the first checked bag is $45 and the second is $55 (per direction). Carry-ons remain free on every fare. A-List Preferred members and Business/Choice Extra fares still get two free checked bags, while A-List members and Rapid Rewards cardholders get the first bag free.
At a glance
🎒 Personal item
One free personal item (small bag, purse, or laptop bag) that fits under the seat in front of you, on every fare.
🧳 Carry-on
One free carry-on bag on all fares. Max size 24 x 16 x 10 in (61 x 41 x 28 cm) — slightly more generous than most U.S. carriers. Carry-ons stay free even after the 2025/2026 checked-bag changes.
Southwest Airlines checked bag fees
| 1st checked bag | $45 |
| 2nd checked bag | $55 |
| 1st bag – A-List Preferred / Business / Choice Extra | Free |
| 1st bag – A-List member / Rapid Rewards cardholder | Free |
🔁 Change & cancellation
Southwest never charges a change or cancellation fee. If you cancel, the funds are kept as transferable flight credit (or refunded to original form of payment on refundable Business Select/Anytime fares). All bookings also include the standard 24-hour risk-free cancellation for a full refund. Note: Southwest tightened its flight-credit and fare rules in 2025 alongside the bag-fee change.
Other common fees
| Overweight bag (51–100 lb) | $125 |
| Oversized bag (63–80 in) | $150 |
| In-cabin pet (carrier) | $125 |
How to avoid extra fees
- Carry-ons are still free and Southwest's carry-on size limit is unusually generous (24 x 16 x 10 in), so many travelers can avoid checked-bag fees entirely.
- A Rapid Rewards co-branded credit card (e.g., Rapid Rewards Plus/Premier) gets you your first checked bag free — worth it if you check a bag on a round trip.
- A-List Preferred status includes two free checked bags; A-List includes one — useful for frequent Southwest flyers now that bags are no longer universally free.
- Active-duty military traveling on orders or for leisure still receive free checked bags with valid military ID.
Southwest Airlines baggage — FAQ
Does Southwest still offer free checked bags?
Not for everyone. Southwest ended its 'Bags Fly Free' policy on May 28, 2025. Most passengers now pay $45 for the first checked bag and $55 for the second. Free checked bags remain for A-List Preferred members, Business/Choice Extra fares, A-List members and Rapid Rewards cardholders (first bag), and active military.
How much does Southwest charge for checked bags now?
Following the April 9, 2026 increase, the first checked bag is $45 and the second is $55, charged per direction (so $90 round trip for one bag). Carry-ons remain free.
Does Southwest charge a cancellation fee?
No. Southwest does not charge change or cancellation fees on any fare. Cancelled non-refundable tickets become transferable flight credit, and there is also a standard 24-hour full-refund window.
Sources
This guide is independent and not affiliated with Southwest Airlines. Baggage fees and policies change often and vary by route, fare type, and date — always confirm on the airline's official website before booking or flying.