How Many Bags Are Free Under Southwest Airlines’ Baggage Policy?

Ever found yourself at the check-in counter, wondering how many bags you can take for free? You’re not alone. Baggage rules can be tricky, and some airlines charge for every single bag you bring. That’s why the Southwest Airlines baggage policy stands out. It keeps things simple.

Flying within the US, Southwest continues to offer what many travelers consider a relief—no extra fees for checked bags, up to a certain number. But there’s more to it than just a free ride for your bags. If you’re unsure how many you can carry, what the Southwest checked baggage limit is, or how much your bag should weigh to avoid excess charges, keep reading.

3 Key Takeaways

• You can check two bags for free—no strings attached.
  
• Bags must weigh 50 lbs or less to avoid extra charges.
  
• Stick to the size rules for all bags to keep your travel smooth.

What Is the Southwest Airlines Baggage Policy?

The Southwest Airlines baggage policy is simple. Each flyer gets to check two bags for free. No small print, no loyalty program needed. You also get one carry-on and one personal item with no added cost. But the bags must stay within weight and size limits. 

Checked bags must weigh 50 lbs or less and measure no more than 62 inches total. Go over, and you’ll pay a fee. This policy is what makes Southwest’s checked baggage easier to deal with than most other US airlines.

What’s Free? Your First Two Bags

The Southwest Airlines baggage policy is refreshingly simple: you get two checked bags for free. That’s right. No small print. No membership needed. Each passenger gets to check two bags without paying extra.

But here’s the deal—those bags must meet size and weight rules. That’s where Southwest’s checked baggage terms come in. If your bag weighs too much or is too big, you’ll have to pay.

Now, about the Southwest baggage weight :

• Each bag must weigh 50 lbs or less
  
• Size limit is 62 inches (L+W+H)

If your bag is 51–100 lbs, or bigger than 62 inches but less than 80 inches, you’ll be charged an excess fee. Bags over 100 lbs or larger than 80 inches won’t be accepted at all.

Carry-Ons and Personal Items – What You Can Take Onboard

Along with your checked bags, you can bring:

• One carry-on bag
  
• One personal item (like a purse, backpack, or briefcase)
  

Your carry-on bag should fit in the overhead bin, while your personal item must fit under the seat in front of you.

The dimensions for the carry-on bag must not exceed:

• 24 x 16 x 10 inches
  

Southwest’s staff is strict about these sizes. If your carry-on exceeds the limit, you might have to check it in.

Southwest Airlines Baggage Policy Table: Quick Breakdown

Here’s a summary of the entire baggage structure in table form:

Type	Count Allowed	Size Limit	Weight Limit	Fee
Checked Bag (1st & 2nd)	2	62 inches (L+W+H)	50 lbs each	Free
Checked Bag (Extra)	3+	62 inches	50 lbs	$75 per bag
Overweight (51–100 lbs)	2	62 inches	51–100 lbs	$75 per bag
Oversized (63–80 inches)	2	63–80 inches	50 lbs max	$75 per bag
Carry-on	1	24 x 16 x 10 inches	Must fit overhead bin	Free
Personal Item	1	Must fit under seat	N/A	Free

Remember: these numbers apply per person, per flight.

Points to Know Before You Pack

• Stick to the Southwest baggage weight limit to avoid extra costs.
  
• Fragile or perishable goods aren’t allowed in bags you check in with Southwest. It’s best to pack such items in your carry-on if you must bring them.
• Sports gear like skis and golf bags count as checked bags but must follow size rules.
  
• Infant equipment (like strollers or car seats) doesn’t count against your limit.
  
• You can check in online 24 hours before flight to save time at baggage drop.

Know Before You Go

We all want peace of mind before we fly. The Southwest Airlines baggage policy makes it easier than most US airlines. Two free bags, simple rules, and fair size limits give you clarity. Follow the limits for Southwest checked baggage, and stick to the Southwest baggage weight limit. That way, you skip the stress and the fees.

Need to change the name on your Southwest ticket? We’ve got you covered. Go to Southwest Name Change for help.

Got more questions about baggage? Reach out to us.

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