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Southwest Airlines is following other major U.S. carriers by charging for checked bags on most fares and for most passengers. Its “two bags fly free” tagline is now history. The first checked bag is $35, and the second costs $45. But it's possible to get around these surcharges.
How to avoid checked bag fees
Under Southwest's new policy, which applies to all flights booked or changed on or after May 28, 2025, you won’t have to pay for two checked bags if:
- You have A-List Preferred elite status (up to eight people in the same reservation also qualify for this perk).
- You purchase a Choice Extra fare.
- You're active-duty military personnel with valid ID.
Some travelers may qualify for one free checked bag, including:
- Passengers with A-List elite status (up to eight people in the same reservation also qualify for this perk). They also qualify for a $10 discount on the second checked bag ($35).
- Rapid Rewards Credit Cardholders (up to eight people in the same reservation also qualify for this perk).
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Anyone who checks a third bag (or more) will pay $150 per bag except for active-duty military members. A customer can check as many as 20 bags as long as there is not an embargo for that specific flight or destination for weight or number of bags. You can check the Southwest website for a list of these restrictions.
Southwest also operates a network of inter-island flights wholly within the state of Hawaii. For these passengers, there are different fees with particular benefits for residents of the state. Active duty military members and A-List Preferred and A-List elite status members receive their standard benefits. These are the fees you can expect:
- Residents of the state of Hawaii flying inter-island flights receive two free checked bags. The third bag is $50.
- Non-residents of the state of Hawaii flying inter-island flights pay reduced bag fees. The first bag is $15, the second bag is $20 and the third bag is $50.
- A-List Rapid Rewards elite status members only pay $15 for the second bag (for up to eight other passengers in the same reservation).
- The third checked bag for all passengers (except active duty military members) is $50.
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Overweight and oversized bag fees
If the bag you check is larger or heavier than the approved amount, then you will get dinged with an extra fee. These are divided into different fee levels based on how heavy or big the bag is.
- Bags weighing between 51 and 70 pounds ($100 extra).
- Bags weighing between 71 and 100 pounds ($200 extra).
- Bags measuring between 63 and 80 inches by width, length and height ($200 extra).
- Bags that are both overweight without exceeding 100 pounds and oversized ($200 extra).
Oversized sporting equipment also falls into this category, but there are more loose restrictions. These are the fees:
- Equipment that measures between 63 and 115 inches (no fee).
- Equipment that weighs between 51 and 70 pounds ($100 extra).
- Equipment that weighs between 71 and 100 pounds ($200 extra).
For travel wholly within Hawaii, these are the additional fees to expect:
- Bags weighing between 51 and 70 pounds ($35 extra).
- Bags weighing between 71 and 100 pounds ($70 extra).
- Bags measuring between 63 and 80 inches by width, length and height ($35 extra).
- Bags that are both overweight without exceeding 100 pounds and oversized ($100 extra).
- Sporting equipment that measures 63 and 115 inches (no fee, so go ahead and check that surfboard!).
- Equipment that weighs between 51 and 70 pounds ($35 extra).
- Equipment that weighs between 71 and 100 pounds ($70 extra).
Southwest carry-on policy
This is the one sliver of good news. Southwest carry-on bags still fly free as long as they are within the approved size limits. Each passenger can bring on one bag that measures 10 x 16 x 24 inches, plus one personal item like a purse or briefcase.
Other Southwest fees
There are a slew of other charges that you can expect when booking a Southwest reservation depending on the services you need.
Change and cancellation fees
Southwest continues to waive fees when making changes or canceling a reservation, but the remaining amount comes back as a travel credit. These must be used within one year; residual travel credit from booking a Basic fare must be used within six months. Any difference in fare will apply to the new ticket when using the balance of your credit.
Unaccompanied minor fees
Kids aged 5-11 who are traveling alone now pay $100 each way or $35 each way if traveling wholly within Hawaii.
Pet fees
Bringing Fido along costs $125 per pet carrier or $35 per pet carrier if traveling wholly within Hawaii.
Airport ticket counter extras
Southwest has a variety of things you can purchase at the ticket counter for your flight. They include:
- Tote bag ($25).
- Wax box ($10).
- Wine/beer bag ($5).
- Pet carrier ($58).
- Stroller bag or child seat bag ($17).
In-flight fees
The fees don’t end once in the air. These are the things you can purchase after takeoff:
- Wi-Fi ($8). If you're a Rapid Rewards member, Wi-Fi is free.
- Beer ($7).
- Wine ($8).
- Hard seltzer or ready-to-drink cocktail ($9).
- Hard liquor ($9).
How to maximize your rewards
You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2026:
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- Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®
- Luxury perks: American Express Platinum Card®
- Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
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