Southwest Airlines will begin charging for checked bags starting May 28, 2025. For reservations booked and ticketed on or before May 27, 2025, the first two checked bags remain free, subject to weight and size limits
. From May 28, 2025, the fees for checked bags will be as follows:
- Passengers who are not part of Southwest's loyalty programs or flying business class will have to pay for checked bags.
- The airline has not officially disclosed the exact fees for the first and second checked bags, but industry standards suggest around $35 per bag, so two bags could cost approximately $70
- For bags beyond the second, the fee is $150 per bag.
- Oversize bags (up to 80 inches) incur a $200 fee.
- Overweight bags (51-70 lbs) cost $150; bags weighing 71-100 lbs cost $200
Certain passengers are exempt from these fees:
- Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred members and those flying Business Select fares continue to get two free checked bags.
- Rapid Rewards A-List members and Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card holders get one free checked bag
Weight and size limits for checked bags remain 50 pounds and 62 inches (length
- width + height) or smaller to avoid overweight and oversize fees
. In summary, most passengers will pay for their first and second checked bags starting May 28, 2025, with estimated fees around $35 per bag, while loyalty members and business class travelers retain free checked bags privileges
