Southwest Baggage Policy 2025: Carry-On, Checked Bags & Travel Tips

Flying can be exciting until baggage rules step in and complicate things. Southwest Airlines, known for its friendly service and affordable fares, has a few baggage policies every traveler should understand before heading to the airport. Whether you’re flying for work, a quick weekend getaway, or a long family trip, knowing exactly what you can and cannot pack can save you both time and money.

Many travelers overlook how baggage rules can affect the total cost of their journey. A small mistake, an overweight suitcase or extra bag, can quickly add unexpected fees at check-in. That’s why learning about Southwest’s carry-on, checked bag, and excess baggage policies can make your trip smoother from start to finish.

In this blog, we’ll explore everything about the Southwest baggage policy, what you can bring for free, what might cost extra, and practical tips to avoid any surprises. You’ll also find guidance on how to pack smartly and how booking with platforms like Travelpodium can make the process easier.

Why Baggage Policy Matters When You Book Your Flights?

Understanding the Southwest baggage policy is not just about packing correctly, it’s about managing your travel budget wisely. Many travelers book cheap flights but end up paying extra at the airport because they didn’t read the fine print. Southwest’s baggage rules directly influence how much you spend and how comfortable your journey will be.

Here’s why it’s essential to review baggage details before confirming your booking:

• Hidden Costs: Bag fees can increase your total fare by $50–$100 or more if you’re not prepared.
• Overweight Penalties: Bags heavier than 50 pounds may lead to extra charges, even if you’re carrying just a few pounds extra.
• Smooth Check-In: Knowing your limits helps you pack efficiently and check in faster without stress.
• Trip Planning: If you’re connecting through another airline, their baggage rules might differ, affecting your total allowance.

When booking through a platform like Travelpodium, always check the baggage policy listed with your fare type. It ensures full transparency and prevents unpleasant surprises at the counter.

Carry-On and Personal Item Rules with Southwest

Southwest Airlines allows passengers to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item onboard. This means you can travel light and avoid checked-bag delays if you plan correctly.

Here’s what you need to know about carry-on rules:

• Carry-On Size Limit: The maximum size for carry-on luggage is around 24 × 16 × 10 inches, including handles and wheels. It must fit in the overhead bin.
• Personal Item: This includes items like a backpack, laptop bag, or purse, which should fit under the seat in front of you.
• Free Allowance: These two items are free of charge on every Southwest flight.
• Exempt Items: Coats, umbrellas, duty-free purchases, or assistive devices (like walking sticks) do not count as personal items.
• Security Tip: Keep electronics and liquids easily accessible for screening to save time at the checkpoint.

By sticking to these rules, travelers can avoid unnecessary delays and fees while enjoying smoother boarding. For business travelers or short trips, relying on just a carry-on can help skip baggage claim entirely.

Also Read: Southwest Carry On Size Limit

Checked Baggage Allowance and Fees

Southwest has long been popular for its generous baggage policy of allowing two free checked bags. However, starting in 2025, the airline has introduced some updates that travelers need to note carefully.

Here’s the current breakdown:

• Free Bags: Southwest continues to allow up to two checked bags free under certain fare types, such as “Wanna Get Away Plus” or higher.
• New Fees: For other basic fares, the first checked bag may cost $35, and the second $45, depending on route and timing.
• Weight Limit: Each checked bag can weigh up to 50 pounds (23 kilograms). Anything between 51–70 pounds attracts overweight charges.
• Size Limit: Bags must not exceed 62 inches (length + width + height) combined, including handles and wheels.
• Excess Baggage: If you check in more than two bags, expect to pay $125 per extra bag.
• Sports Equipment: Southwest allows items like skis, golf bags, or surfboards, but size rules still apply.

By understanding these details, you can plan better and avoid spending extra at the counter. Weigh your bags at home, use a measuring tape, and pack efficiently. Small steps can save you $100 or more on a round trip.

What to Know When Booking Your Flight?

Booking your flight isn’t just about choosing the cheapest fare, it’s also about choosing smartly. When you book your Southwest flights, baggage policy plays a crucial role in determining the overall cost and convenience.

Here’s how to make smarter booking decisions:

• Check Fare Inclusions: Some Southwest fares already include free checked bags, while others don’t. Confirm before paying.
• Consider Total Cost: Sometimes, a slightly higher fare with free baggage is cheaper than a lower one with add-on fees.
• Weigh Before You Go: Pack efficiently and check your bag’s weight at home to avoid surprise overweight fees.
• Plan for Connections: If your journey includes another airline, verify whether the same baggage rules apply.
• Use Travelpodium: When you book through Travelpodium, the system displays baggage details clearly, helping you pick the best fare option for your travel style.

Flying is always easier when you know what to expect. A few minutes spent checking baggage terms can save both money and hassle later.

Packing Smart to Avoid Extra Baggage Fees

Packing might seem simple, but one wrong choice can cost you extra at the airport. The Southwest baggage policy has clear rules on size and weight, so learning how to pack smartly can help you save money.

Here are some easy yet effective tips:

• Use a Digital Scale: Weigh your bag at home to make sure it’s below the 50 lb (23 kg) limit.
• Pack Dual-Purpose Items: Clothes that can be mixed and matched reduce the need for extra outfits.
• Wear Bulky Items: Jackets, hoodies, and heavy shoes can be worn instead of packed to save space.
• Use Compression Bags: They reduce space and help you fit more without going over the size limit.
• Keep Essentials in Your Carry-On: Include medicines, documents, and one change of clothes in case your checked bag is delayed.

A few smart choices like these can keep you within the allowed limits and make travel much smoother.

Common Mistakes Travelers Make with Southwest Baggage

Even frequent flyers sometimes make simple mistakes that lead to last-minute costs. Understanding what to avoid is just as important as knowing what to pack.

Here are the most common errors:

• Ignoring Size Rules: A slightly oversized bag might not fit in the overhead bin and could be checked for a fee.
• Forgetting Weight Restrictions: Even two extra pounds can result in a $50–$75 overweight fee.
• Packing Restricted Items: Batteries, aerosols, and liquids beyond 3.4 oz (100 ml) can get confiscated.
• Not Labelling Bags: Lost baggage is harder to trace without a visible name tag.
• Booking Without Checking Policies: Always confirm updated baggage terms when purchasing your ticket, as policies can change yearly.

Avoiding these mistakes helps you save time, money, and stress before your flight.

Travel Smart, Save More with Travelpodium

Southwest baggage policy can make your entire trip smoother, cheaper, and stress-free. From carry-on limits to checked bag fees, every detail matters when you’re preparing for a flight. Knowing these rules in advance allows you to pack smartly and avoid unnecessary expenses.

Whether you’re flying solo or with family, planning your baggage ahead can save up to $100 or more on your journey. It’s not just about packing light, it’s about packing smart.

If you’re ready to travel confidently, book your tickets with Travelpodium today. Compare fares, check baggage details, and choose the perfect option for your trip, all in one place. Save time, save money, and fly without worry.

Plan your next trip with ease. Book your Southwest Airlines flight now with Travelpodium and enjoy a seamless journey, from packing to landing.