Southwest airline baggage policy

Southwest Airlines this morning made a groundbreaking announcement-theIR Generation shall overshadow the baggage policy commencing March 12, 2025. After this authorization, increasing fees for all additional bags per passenger will follow: two checked bags. Exceptions include A-List members and business fare passengers. HOUSTONCHRONICLE.COM “Well, we can’t really say now what specific fee might be for checked bags, but competitors usually charge around$35for the first checked bag,” said HOUSTONCHRONICLE.COM No Link. The policy change was designed to increase profitability. But it has already drawn the ire of stubborn passengers comfortable with the previous free baggageallowance. HOUSTONCHRONICLE.COM To find out the most up-to-date and accurate information, it’s best to refer to an official communication of Southwest Airlines or via their website. Southwest Airlines Ends Free Checked Bags Policy
Southwest checked bag policy
As of March 12, 2025, it was announced that Southwest Airlines is changing its checked baggage policy, which will go into effect for all fares reserved initiating May 28, 2025. Airline policy formerly allowed two free checked-in bags for passengers, within weight limits of 50 pounds and size limits of 62 inches (length + width + height). However, the new changes would allow for Policy Two Free Checked Bags to be available to Rapid Rewards A-list, Preferred Members, or Business Select fares. One free bag will be allowed only for A-List Members. There will be a one-bag credit for holders of Rapid Rewards Credit Cards. All other passengers will pay for their checked bags, although the amount of fees has yet to be revealed; it’s suggested, however, that similar airlines will charge approximately $35 for another checked-in bag. WSJ.COM Southwest Airlines introduces new Basic Economy Fares, a new Fare Option with more restrictions, similar to other airlines’ Basic Economy tickets. PEOPLES.COM Southwest will allocate specific seating of migrations instead of its open-seat policy in late 2025. WSJ.COM Southwest will usher in the expiration on flight credits which were established but rescinded during the pandemic. WSJ.COM Aimed at boosting profitability and bringing Southwest’s policy closer into alignment with industry practice, the changes have to be made realities upon which loyal customers will be enraged for their once-free baggage policies.
Southwest airline baggage check

Southwest Airlines Baggage Check Policy: An indepth 2025 Reference
Southwest Airlines is renowned for years for its lenient baggage policy, which lets travellers check two bags free of cost. Starting May 28, 2025, however, the airline is overhauling its baggage policy. Under the new regulations, this guide will lead you through everything you need to know regarding Southwest Airlines’ checked luggage.
Baggage policy as of until 27 May 2025.
- Passengers could have two checked bags free of charge.
- Every bag has a maximum weight of 50 pounds (22.7kg).
- At most 62 inches (157 cm) (length + width + height).’
- Extra fees could apply to baggage too big or heavy.
Revised Baggage Policy (effective 28 May 2025)
Southwest Airlines is rolling out a tiered baggage policy meant to more closely match those of the sector. Look for this:
- Free checked bags are still available.
- For Rapid Rewards AList Preferred Members, two checked bags are free.
- Business Select Fare Passengers: Two checked bags at no charge.
- Members of the AList: A free checked suitcase.
- One checked bag credit per flight for holders of the Rapid Rewards Credit Card.
Paid Checked Bags (For Everyone Else)
Passengers not entitled to the complimentary checked baggage services will have to pay a fee for their checked bags.
While particular fee levels have yet to be revealed, usual charges for the first checked bag range from $35 for the second to $45.
Oversized & Overweight Charges
- An additional fee will be assessed on bags over 50 lbs (22.7 kg) but under… 100 lbs.
- Extra charges will apply also for bags larger than 62 inches in combined size.
- Any bag weighing more than 100 lbs shall not be approved.
- Other Significant Changes from Southwest Airlines
- Apart from the update on the baggage policy, Southwest is introducing other alterations:
- Introduction of Basic Economy Fare: a reducedcost fare with less benefits.
- Open seating will give way to allocated seating in late 2025 for the airline.
Expiring Flight Credits:

Flight credits will once again have expiration dates. For those who travel for companies or fly regularly AList status or having a Southwest credit card could help to cut luggage charges. Still, casual travelers who counted on Southwest’s two complimentary checked bags will have to plan for extra baggage costs.
Southwest airline baggage weight
Southwest Airlines Baggage Check Policy: An indepth 2025 Reference
Southwest Airlines is renowned for years for its lenient baggage policy, which lets travellers check two bags free of cost. Starting May 28, 2025, however, the airline is overhauling its baggage policy. Under the new regulations, this guide will lead you through everything you need to know regarding Southwest Airlines’ checked luggage.
Baggage policy as of until 27 May 2025.
- Passengers could have two checked bags free of charge.
- Every bag has a maximum weight of 50 pounds (22.7kg).
- At most 62 inches (157 cm) (length + width + height).’
- Extra fees could apply to baggage too big or heavy.
- Revised Baggage Policy (effective 28 May 2025)
Southwest Airlines is rolling out a tiered baggage policy meant to more closely match those of the sector. Look for this:
- Free checked bags are still available.
- For Rapid Rewards AList Preferred Members, two checked bags are free.
- Business Select Fare Passengers: Two checked bags at no charge.
- Members of the AList: A free checked suitcase.
- One checked bag credit per flight for holders of the Rapid Rewards Credit Card.
Paid Checked Bags (For Everyone Else)
Passengers not entitled to the complimentary checked baggage services will have to pay a fee for their checked bags. While particular fee levels have yet to be revealed, usual charges for the first checked bag range from $35 for the second to $45.
Oversized & Overweight Charges
- An additional fee will be assessed on bags over 50 lbs (22.7 kg) but under… 100 lbs.
- Extra charges will apply also for bags larger than 62 inches in combined size.
- Any bag weighing more than 100 lbs shall not be approved.
- Other Significant Changes from Southwest Airlines
- Apart from the update on the baggage policy, Southwest is introducing other alterations:
- Introduction of Basic Economy Fare: a reducedcost fare with less benefits.
- Open seating will give way to allocated seating in late 2025 for the airline.
- Expiring Flight Credits: Flight credits will once again have expiration dates.
For those who travel for companies or fly regularly AList status or having a Southwest credit card could help to cut luggage charges. Still, casual travelers who counted on Southwest’s two complimentary checked bags will have to plan for extra baggage costs.
Conclusion
The baggage policy revision of Southwest Airlines marks a significant turnaround from the airline industry’s long-standing practice of generously permitting every passenger, whatever fare class, to check in two free bags. The activities chambered provide complimentary two-bag check-ins for elite travelers and travelers with some affiliated credit card; many other travelers are to be imposed baggage fees henceforth. Though these policy changes align Southwest more closely with industry standards, loyal customers who held a tenderness for the higher baggage allowance may feel shortchanged. Given that the new guidelines will become effective from now on, all travelers should prepare themselves by carefully checking the applicable fee structure, along with the baggage allowances included in your fare booked, and then weigh out your options on loyalty programs or the credit cards available that could allow for a lesser cost of fees involved. Kindly refer to the official website of Southwest Airlines for the updated information and specifics.