Southwest Airlines Baggage Fees & Policy Guide (2026)

Southwest Airlines Baggage Policy: The Basics

Southwest Airlines remains the only major U.S. carrier that includes two free checked bags on every fare, including its cheapest Wanna Get Away tickets. Each checked bag can weigh up to 50 lbs (23 kg) and measure up to 62 linear inches (158 cm). Overweight or oversized bags trigger fees starting at $75.

You also get one free carry-on (10 x 16 x 24 inches) and one personal item (small backpack, purse, or laptop bag) that fits under the seat in front of you.

Checked Baggage Fees at a Glance

• 1st checked bag: Free
• 2nd checked bag: Free
• 3rd–9th bag: $125 each
• Overweight (51–100 lbs): $125
• Oversized (63–80 linear in): $125
• Bags over 100 lbs or 80 in: Not accepted

For most travelers, that means a family of four can check eight bags without paying a dime — a huge advantage over Delta, United, or American, where each checked bag runs $35–$45.

Carry-On Rules You Should Actually Memorize

Southwest's carry-on dimensions (10 x 16 x 24 in) are slightly more generous than the industry standard. Personal items must fit under the seat — Southwest does not publish strict dimensions, but anything larger than a typical laptop bag may get gate-checked.

Liquids follow standard TSA 3-1-1 rules. Lithium batteries, e-cigarettes, and power banks must travel in your carry-on, never checked.

The Southwest Boarding Process Explained

Southwest does not assign seats. Instead, it uses a numbered boarding system: A1–A60, B1–B60, C1–C60. You board in that order and pick any open seat once on the plane.

Your boarding position is set when you check in. Check in exactly 24 hours before departure to get the best position you can, or pay for one of these upgrades:

• EarlyBird Check-In ($15–$25): Automatic check-in 36 hours before departure
• Upgraded Boarding ($30–$80): Guaranteed A1–A15 spot, available 24 hours before departure
• Business Select fare: Includes A1–A15 boarding and a free drink

If you're traveling with kids under 6, family boarding happens between the A and B groups — no upgrade needed.

Rapid Rewards: Earning and Redeeming Points

Rapid Rewards is one of the simplest loyalty programs in the industry. You earn 6–12 points per dollar depending on fare class, and points are always redeemable for any available seat with no blackout dates.

Rough redemption value: about 1.3–1.5 cents per point. A $200 flight typically costs 13,000–15,000 points.

The Companion Pass is the real prize. Earn 135,000 qualifying points (or 100 qualifying flights) in a calendar year and a companion flies free with you on every paid or award ticket for the rest of that year and the next. The fastest path is via the Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards' sign-up bonuses.

How to Find the Cheapest Southwest Fares

Southwest fares are not sold through Expedia, Kayak, or Google Flights — you have to compare them against other carriers yourself. On CheapoTrav we surface Southwest alongside legacy carriers so you can see whether the free bags actually make Southwest the cheapest total.

Tips that consistently work:

1. Book on Tuesdays. Southwest typically releases sale fares Monday night, which means the best inventory is live by Tuesday morning.
2. Travel Tuesday/Wednesday/Saturday. Lowest-demand days, lowest fares.
3. Watch for Wanna Get Away Plus. Slightly more than Wanna Get Away, but flight credits never expire and are transferable.
4. Use points for last-minute flights. Unlike most airlines, Southwest award pricing stays roughly tied to cash pricing, so points get you out of last-minute fare spikes.
5. Re-price after booking. If the fare drops, rebook at the lower price and Southwest credits you the difference as travel funds — no change fees, ever.

Same-Day Changes and Cancellations

Southwest is the only U.S. major with no change or cancellation fees on any fare. Cancel a Wanna Get Away ticket and you get travel funds valid for future use. Cancel an Anytime or Business Select fare and you can get a full refund.

Same-day standby is free on all fares — show up earlier, get on an earlier flight if there's space, no charge.

Bottom Line

Southwest's combination of two free bags, no change fees, and a generous loyalty program makes it one of the best values in U.S. air travel — especially for families and travelers who shift plans frequently. Compare total prices (including bags) on CheapoTrav before you book.