Planning a flight with Southwest Airlines? Knowing the luggage regulations prior to embarking on your trip will save you from unforeseen costs once you reach the airport. The Luggage Regulations for Southwest Airlines contain the regulations about carry-ons, personal items, checked baggage, weight and size restrictions, as well as extra luggage charges.
Based on the 2026 policies of Southwest Airlines, it means that the passenger can carry only one carry-on bag along with one personal item without any charges. However, depending on your type of ticket, when you buy the ticket, and whether you qualify for any benefit or not, the cost of checked bags will differ.
What Are the Southwest Airlines Baggage Rules in 2026?
These are some of the restrictions that have been set by the airline Southwest as regards the sizes of the carry-on baggage and checked luggage. It is advisable for passengers to measure their baggage prior to the journey. Understanding the Southwest Airlines Baggage Rules can help passengers prepare their luggage before arriving at the airport.
Below is a short outline of the important rules concerning baggage.
Baggage type | Size limit | Weight limit |
Carry-on bag | 24 × 16 × 10 inches | No published limit; has to adhere to carry-on restrictions |
Personal item | Must fit under the seat | No standard published limit |
Standard checked bag | 62 linear inches | 50 pounds |
Oversized checked bag | Additional fees may apply | Depends on applicable restrictions |
Overweight checked bag | Standard size rules apply | Additional fees above 50 pounds |
Dimensions of hand baggage include those of the wheels, handles, and accessories. Dimensions of check-in baggage consist of the total of length, width, and height.
What Is Southwest Airlines' Carry-On Baggage Policy?
Based on the guidelines at Southwest Airlines, each passenger can have one bag of carry-on luggage and one personal item free of any extra charges for the carry-on luggage.
Carry-On Bag
The size of the carry-on luggage that you are allowed to carry should not exceed 24 × 16 × 10 inches, including wheels and handles.
Examples include small suitcases, roller bags, and garment bags. In case your baggage is too big for the allowable limit, it has to be placed at the counter.
Personal Item
The personal item has to be able to fit beneath the seat in front of you. Common examples include:
A handbag or purse
A laptop bag
A small backpack
A briefcase
A small camera bag
If your itinerary includes another airline, that carrier's baggage rules may differ.
Dimensions of hand baggage include those of the wheels, handles, and accessories. Dimensions of check-in baggage consist of the total of length, width, and height.
What Is Southwest Airlines' Carry-On Baggage Policy?
Based on the guidelines at Southwest Airlines, each passenger can have one bag of carry-on luggage and one personal item free of any extra charges for the carry-on luggage.
Carry-On Bag
The size of the carry-on luggage that you are allowed to carry should not exceed 24 × 16 × 10 inches, including wheels and handles.
Examples include small suitcases, roller bags, and garment bags. In case your baggage is too big for the allowable limit, it has to be placed at the counter.
Personal Item
The personal item has to be able to fit beneath the seat in front of you. Common examples include:
A handbag or purse
A laptop bag
A small backpack
A briefcase
A small camera bag
If your itinerary includes another airline, that carrier's baggage rules may differ.
How Much Does Southwest Charge for Checked Bags in 2026?
Southwest has adopted various fares for check-in baggage for eligible itineraries in the mainland United States as of April 9, 2026. It follows that the cost you will pay depends on when your ticket was booked and the fare you have paid.
For U.S. mainland travel booked and ticketed on or after April 9, 2026, the standard fees are:
Fare type | First checked bag | Second checked bag |
Basic | $45 | $55 |
Choice | $45 | $55 |
Choice Preferred | $45 | $55 |
Choice Extra | Free | Free |
These prices are generally per passenger, per one-way journey. Earlier eligible bookings may have different fees. Special benefits and exceptions can also apply.
What Are the Southwest Checked Baggage Size and Weight Limits?
Baggage regulations of Southwest Airlines reveal that each bag cannot weigh more than 50 pounds, and the maximum size of each piece of baggage cannot be more than 62 inches.
Additional charges apply to bags that exceed these limits.
Baggage Condition | Additional fee |
Overweight: 51–70 pounds | $100 plus standard bag fee |
Overweight: 71–100 pounds | $200 plus standard bag fee |
Oversized: over 62 inches up to 80 inches | $200 plus standard bag fee |
Third or additional checked bag | $150 per bag |
There might be restrictions and exemptions for certain special luggage categories. In addition, some places of destination have baggage embargoes on oversized, overweight, and extra baggage.
How Can You Avoid Extra Baggage Fees?
You can avoid the possibility of additional costs for luggage with just a few precautions:
Measure the size of your carry-on and checked luggage before you leave.
Don’t forget to weigh your bags to ensure that they are under 50 pounds.
Review your fare benefits before paying for checked luggage.
Kindly check the baggage policies of connecting flights that are flown by other carriers.
Review the official baggage policy for any destination-specific restrictions.
Certain fares, Rapid Rewards status, qualifying credit cards, and military members traveling on active duty could entitle passengers to receive free checked bags.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does Southwest allow free carry-on baggage in 2026?
Yes. For free, a ticketed passenger is allowed to carry one piece of carry-on luggage and one personal item according to the specifications of the airline company.
2. What is the maximum checked bag weight on Southwest?
The weight limit per checked bag is 50 pounds. Overweight luggage fees apply to additional weight on the bags, based on the airline's policy for accepting luggage.
3. How much is the first checked bag on Southwest in 2026?
For U.S. mainland travel eligible for this fare starting April 9, 2026, the first checked bag will cost $45 for the Basic, Choice, and Choice Preferred fares. Choice Extra includes two free checked bags.
4. Can I bring a backpack and a carry-on bag?
Yes. One carry-on bag and a personal item are permitted. The backpack can fall into any of the categories listed above based on its size and location.
5. Where can I check the latest Southwest baggage policy?
Check out the policy on Southwest checked luggage and the Southwest carry-on luggage policy for more information.
Final Thoughts
Knowing about the Southwest Airlines baggage rules will assist you in packing well and not getting charged any surprise costs at the airport. Find out how many bags you are permitted to carry according to your ticket category, measure them, and be well-informed about any recent charges.
