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Southwest Checked Bag Size & Weight Limit

How big and how heavy your checked bag can be on Southwest, what you pay if it’s over, and how to measure it.

Last verified Source: Southwest checked bag page

The short answer

A Southwest checked bag can weigh up to 50 lb (23 kg) in economy and measure up to 62 linear inches (157 cm), length + width + height combined. The first checked bag costs $45; the second costs $55.

Southwest checked bag size and weight limits

Max size (L + W + H)
62 in
157 cm
Max weight, economy
50 lb
23 kg
1st checked bag
$45
2nd checked bag
$55

Choice Extra fares include two free bags. A third bag costs $150.

How to measure linear inches

Measure the bag’s height, width and depth at the widest points, including wheels, handles and side pockets, then add them up. A 28 × 19 × 12 in suitcase is 59 linear inches and fits under the 62-inch limit. Most suitcases sold as 29–30 inches land right at 62 inches, so check the exterior size on the spec sheet before you buy. Our suitcase size chart shows typical sizes.

Overweight and oversize fees

  • Overweight: 51–70 lb: $100, plus the bag fee. 71–100 lb: $200, plus the bag fee.
  • Oversize: 63–80 linear in: $200, plus the bag fee.

Fees for overweight and oversize bags are charged on top of the regular bag fee, and a bag that is both is often charged both.

Ways to avoid the fee

  • 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.
  • Travel with only a carry-on and personal item. Southwest Carry-On & Personal Item Size.

Southwest compared with other airlines

Southwest checked bag limits compared
AirlineChecked weightChecked size1st checked bag2nd checked bag
Southwest50 lb23 kg62 in157 cm (L+W+H)$45$55
United50 lb23 kg62 in157 cm (L+W+H)$50 ($45 prepaid)$60 ($55 prepaid)
JetBlue50 lb23 kg62 in157 cm (L+W+H)$50–$55$70–$75
American Airlines50 lb23 kg62 in158 cm (L+W+H)$50 ($45 online)$60 ($55 online)
Every airline’s checked bag limits

Frequently asked questions

How much can a checked bag weigh on Southwest?
50 lb (23 kg) in economy before overweight fees apply. 51–70 lb: $100, plus the bag fee. 71–100 lb: $200, plus the bag fee.
What is the maximum checked bag size on Southwest?
62 linear inches (157 cm), adding length, width and height. 63–80 linear in: $200, plus the bag fee.
How much is a checked bag on Southwest?
First bag: $45. Second bag: $55. Prices are for Southwest’s main routes as of our last check.

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