The short answer
- Personal item: free; a purse, briefcase, laptop case or backpack that fits under the seat in front of you.
- Carry-on: free on standard fares, up to 24 × 16 × 10 in (61 × 41 × 25 cm).
- Checked bag: first bag $45; up to 50 lb (23 kg) and 62 linear inches.
- Southwest Basic: Every Southwest fare, including Basic, includes a carry-on and a personal item. Basic fares get a seat assigned at check-in.
Southwest bag fees at a glance
| Bag | Price | Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Personal item | Free | Must fit under the seat |
| Carry-on bag | Free | 24 × 16 × 10 in |
| 1st checked bag | $45 | Up to 50 lb / 23 kg |
| 2nd checked bag | $55 | Up to 62 linear in |
| Overweight bag | 51–70 lb: $100, plus the bag fee. 71–100 lb: $200, plus the bag fee. | |
| Oversize bag | 63–80 linear in: $200, plus the bag fee. |
Standard fees for Southwest’s main routes as of our last check. Elite status, co-branded cards and some fares include bags.
Checked bags
Each checked bag can weigh up to 50 lb (23 kg) and measure up to 62 linear inches (157 cm), length + width + height. Choice Extra fares include two free bags. A third bag costs $150.
Full details: Southwest Checked Bag Size & Weight Limit.
Southwest carry-on and personal item size
- Carry-on
- 24 × 16 × 10 in
- 61 × 41 × 25 cm · free
- Personal item
- Must fit under the seat
- free
Rules to know
- Southwest’s carry-on limit, 24 × 16 × 10 in, is the largest of any major US airline.
- Southwest stopped including free checked bags in May 2025. Fees rose to $45 / $55 for bookings from April 9, 2026.
- A-List members get the first bag free, A-List Preferred the first two; Rapid Rewards credit cardmembers get the first bag free for themselves and up to 8 companions on the reservation.
- Southwest doesn’t publish personal item dimensions.
- Airport overweight and oversize fees must be paid with a physical credit card.
Will your bag fit Southwest?
Measure your bag at its widest points. Most carry-on bags are 21–22.5 in tall with wheels.
Bags that fit Southwest
- Best 22x14x9 Carry-On Luggage (Fits Every US Airline)A 22 × 14 × 9 in bag fits Southwest’s carry-on limit.
- Best Carry-On Travel Backpacks35–45 L travel backpacks built to the carry-on limit.
- Best Personal Item Bags & Backpacks for PlanesBackpacks and totes that slide under any seat.
- Best Underseat LuggageSmall wheeled bags that go under the seat.
Southwest compared with similar airlines
| Airline | 1st checked bag | 2nd checked bag | Checked weight | Lowest fare carry-on |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southwest | $45 | $55 | 50 lb23 kg | Carry-on includedSouthwest Basic |
| United | $50 ($45 prepaid) | $60 ($55 prepaid) | 50 lb23 kg | Personal item onlyUnited Basic Economy |
| JetBlue | $50–$55 | $70–$75 | 50 lb23 kg | Carry-on includedJetBlue Main Base |
| American Airlines | $50 ($45 online) | $60 ($55 online) | 50 lb23 kg | Carry-on includedAmerican Basic Economy |
Frequently asked questions
How much is a checked bag on Southwest?
First bag: $45. Second bag: $55.
What is the weight limit for checked bags on Southwest?
50 lb (23 kg) in economy. 51–70 lb: $100, plus the bag fee. 71–100 lb: $200, plus the bag fee.
How can I avoid Southwest baggage fees?
Southwest stopped including free checked bags in May 2025. Fees rose to $45 / $55 for bookings from April 9, 2026. A-List members get the first bag free, A-List Preferred the first two; Rapid Rewards credit cardmembers get the first bag free for themselves and up to 8 companions on the reservation. Airport overweight and oversize fees must be paid with a physical credit card.
What does Southwest Basic include?
Every Southwest fare, including Basic, includes a carry-on and a personal item. Basic fares get a seat assigned at check-in.
Does Southwest still have free checked bags?
No. Southwest began charging for checked bags in May 2025, except on Choice Extra fares and for A-List members and Rapid Rewards cardmembers. Bags booked from April 9, 2026 cost $45 for the first and $55 for the second.