Southwest Airlines Bag Policy 2026 | Carry-On & Checked Bag Rules
Southwest has long been known for its bags-fly-free reputation, but that changed with a shift toward charging for checked bags on standard fares. Carry-on allowances remain free for every passenger, so knowing the size limits and fee structure under the official southwest airline bag policy ahead of time can save you money and hassle at the airport. Here is the full breakdown before you fly.
Quick Answer: Southwest Bag Policy at a Glance
Every Southwest passenger gets one free carry-on and one free personal item, but checked bags on standard fares now come with a fee under the southwest airline bag policy, with exceptions for elite status, co-branded cardholders, military members, and premium fares.
| Policy Detail | Rule |
|---|---|
| Free carry-on? | Yes, one free carry-on bag per passenger |
| Carry-on max size | 24″ × 16″ × 10″ (including wheels and handles) |
| Personal item allowed? | Yes, one free personal item per passenger (purse, backpack, laptop bag) |
| Personal item max size | Must fit under the seat in front (approx. 18.5″ × 13.5″ × 8.5″) |
| Checked bag fee (standard fare) | \$45 first checked bag, \$55 second checked bag |
| Checked bag size limit | 62 linear inches (length + width + height) |
| Checked bag weight limit | 50 lbs (51–70 lbs adds \$100 overweight fee) |
| Who checks bags free? | Elite status, co-branded cardholders, active-duty military, premium fares |
| Last verified | September 2026 (Official 2026 Southwest Baggage Guidelines) |
Official Policy Verification & Source Check
Official policy source: Southwest.com official baggage policy and Help Center pages (southwest.com)
Source type: Official airline baggage policy and fee schedule
Last checked: September 2026
Confidence level: High
Important notes: If your itinerary includes a partner airline, their carry-on and personal item rules may differ from Southwest’s own policy.
How We Check This Policy: We reference Southwest’s official Help Center baggage articles directly, along with the airline’s published travel fee schedule. Because checked bag fees and exceptions have changed recently, we recommend confirming current pricing on Southwest.com before you fly.
Official Southwest Airline Bag Policy Overview
Southwest allows every passenger one free carry-on bag and one free personal item, regardless of fare type — though a restricted basic tier may limit this under the updated southwest airline bag policy.
The bigger shift is on checked bags: standard and basic fares now pay \$45 for the first checked bag and \$55 for the second, a departure from Southwest’s historically free-checked-bag model. Certain travelers still fly with free checked bags, including Rapid Rewards elite members, co-branded cardholders, active-duty military, and passengers on premium fares like Business Select or Choice Extra.
What Makes This Southwest Policy Different
Compared to most major U.S. carriers that have charged for checked bags for years, Southwest’s move to standard checked bag fees is a notable change to its brand identity. It still stands apart in two ways:
- No carry-on weight limit: No weight restriction is enforced on carry-on bags, as long as you can lift the bag into the overhead bin yourself.
- Generous fee waivers for key flyers: Rapid Rewards elite members, credit cardholders, active military, and premium fare passengers retain free checked luggage allowances.
Allowed Bags and Size Limits Under Southwest Airline Bag Policy
Review this side-by-side comparison table to verify what bags meet travel criteria under the southwest airline bag policy:
| Bag Type | Entry Status | Max Dimensions | Conditions & Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overhead Carry-On Bag | Allowed | 24″ × 16″ × 10″ | One free per passenger; wheels and handles included; no weight limit |
| Under-Seat Personal Item | Allowed | 18.5″ × 13.5″ × 8.5″ | One free per passenger; purse, laptop bag, briefcase, or small backpack |
| Small Travel Pouch / Clutch | Allowed | Standard clutch size | Allowed inside personal item or carried individually |
| Checked Bags (Standard) | Conditional | 62 linear inches, ≤ 50 lbs | \$45 for 1st bag, \$55 for 2nd bag; free for elite/military/cardholders |
| Pet Carriers | Conditional | Fits under seat | Counts as your carry-on or personal item; pet fare applies |
| Diaper & Childcare Bags | Conditional | Standard size | Diaper bags traveling with infant are accommodated |
| Oversized Checked Luggage | Prohibited | > 62 to 80 linear inches | Incurs oversized baggage fees (\$100+); >80″ not accepted |
| Overweight Luggage (Over 100 lbs) | Prohibited | > 100 lbs | Bags over 100 lbs are not accepted on passenger flights |
1. Carry-On Bag
Goes in the overhead bin, with a maximum size of 24″ × 16″ × 10″, including wheels and handles under the southwest airline bag policy. There is no official weight limit, provided you can safely lift the bag into the overhead bin unassisted.
2. Personal Item
Must fit comfortably under the seat in front of you (approximately 18.5″ × 13.5″ × 8.5″). Examples include a purse, crossbody bag, briefcase, laptop case, or small daypack.
3. Checked Bags
Maximum 62 linear inches (length + width + height combined) and up to 50 pounds per bag under standard checked bag rules.
4. Pet Carriers
A pet carrier counts as either your carry-on bag or your personal item, not an additional allowance. Ensure your carrier meets airline dimension standards to fit beneath the seat.
Checked Baggage Fees and Weight Limits
Standard and basic fares are charged \$45 for a first checked bag and \$55 for a second under the updated southwest airline bag policy. Bags between 51 and 70 pounds incur an additional \$100 overweight fee, and heavier bags cost more still. Free checked bags remain available for Rapid Rewards elite status members, Southwest co-branded credit cardholders, active-duty military passengers, and those flying on Business Select or Choice Extra fares.
How Security and Gate Screening Works
Carry-on bags and personal items are checked for size at the gate if they appear oversized, and any bag that doesn’t fit the overhead bin or under-seat space will need to be checked at the ticket counter before you reach your gate. TSA’s standard prohibited items list applies to all carry-ons and personal items.
Packing Strategy for Faster Boarding
- Measure carry-on dimensions at home: Ensure your bag measures within 24″ × 16″ × 10″ including wheels and handles.
- Pack personal items efficiently: Ensure your purse, backpack, or laptop bag fits fully under the seat in front of you.
- Pre-pay or plan extra checked bags: If you are bringing more than one bag per allowance, plan to check the extra at the ticket counter.
- Weigh checked bags beforehand: Weigh checked luggage at home to avoid the \$100+ overweight fee triggered at 51 pounds.
- Verify fee waiver eligibility: Check whether your ticket fare, credit card, or military status qualifies you for complimentary checked luggage.
Bag Fee Anxiety Tips
Check your fare type and Rapid Rewards status before you book to see if checked bags are already included, weigh your bags at home so there are no surprises at the counter, and keep your carry-on within the stated dimensions so you don’t get flagged for a gate check.
Day-of Entry Tips From BagPolicyInfo
- Know your exceptions: Elite status, co-branded cardholders, active-duty military, and premium fares still check bags free — confirm which applies to you.
- Weigh before you go: A bag just over 50 pounds triggers a \$100 overweight fee, so a home luggage scale can save real money.
- Measure with wheels and handles included: Southwest counts these toward your carry-on’s 24″ × 16″ × 10″ limit.
- Check partner airline rules separately: If your itinerary includes a partner carrier, their carry-on and personal item rules may not match Southwest’s.
Category-Specific Packing Tips
For budget travelers: Stick to one carry-on and one personal item to avoid checked bag fees entirely — both remain free regardless of fare.
For families traveling with kids: A diaper bag or small backpack works well as a personal item, since it just needs to fit under the seat.
For pet owners: Remember your pet carrier counts as your carry-on or personal item, not an extra allowance — plan your other bags accordingly.
Before You Go Checklist
- Carry-On Measured: Carry-on measures within 24″ × 16″ × 10″ (wheels/handles included)
- Personal Item Sized: Personal item fits completely under the forward seat
- Checked Weight Checked: Checked bags weighed and confirmed under 50 lbs
- Status Verified: Confirmed fare, credit card, or military status for free bag eligibility
- TSA Rules Reviewed: Checked TSA liquid 3-1-1 rules and prohibited carry-on items
- Partner Flights Checked: Checked baggage rules for any connecting codeshare partner airlines
Southwest Airline Bag Policy FAQs
Are Southwest checked bags still free?
Not for standard or basic fares — those now cost \$45 for the first bag and \$55 for the second under the southwest airline bag policy. Free checked bags remain for elite status members, co-branded cardholders, active-duty military, and premium fares.
What’s the carry-on size limit on Southwest?
The maximum carry-on size is 24″ × 16″ × 10″, including wheels, handles, and external pockets.
Is there a weight limit for carry-on bags?
No official weight limit applies to carry-on bags, but you must be able to lift the bag into the overhead bin unassisted.
What counts as a personal item?
A purse, crossbody bag, briefcase, laptop case, or small backpack that fits under the seat in front of you.
What happens if my bag is too big to carry on?
You will need to check it at the ticket counter before heading to your departure gate rather than at the gate itself.
For more information, see our Southwest Airlines carry-on bag policy guide for additional details on carry-on allowances and packing requirements.
Related Bag Policies
Flying with other major airlines or embarking on travel vacations? Explore our comprehensive baggage policy guides:
- Alaska Airlines Bag Policy Guide
- Aer Lingus Bag Policy Guide
- Icelandair Bag Policy Guide
- Carnival Cruise Bag Policy Guide
- Southwest Airlines Carry-On Bag Policy Guide
Conclusion
Southwest’s shift to standard checked bag fees is a meaningful change from its old bags-fly-free branding, but carry-ons and personal items remain free for everyone under the southwest airline bag policy, and several traveler categories still check bags at no cost. Since fees and exceptions can be adjusted, it is worth confirming current pricing and your own eligibility on Southwest.com shortly before you fly.
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