The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Southwest began charging for checked bags on many fares on May 28, 2025. As of October 8, 2026, the airline lists a $45 first-bag fee and a $55 second-bag fee for qualifying U.S. mainland reservations booked, ticketed, and/or changed on or after April 9, 2026. The fees do not apply to every traveler: fare type, loyalty status, eligible cardmember benefits, military status, route, and reservation date can change what you pay.
Does Southwest still offer free checked bags?
Yes, but free checked bags are no longer a general benefit across Southwest fares. On qualifying U.S. mainland travel, Basic, Choice, and Choice Preferred fares are subject to the current bag fees. Choice Extra includes two free checked bags. Some Rapid Rewards members, eligible primary credit-card members, and active-duty military customers also retain free-bag benefits under Southwest’s terms.
The separate carry-on allowance remains: each ticketed passenger may bring one carry-on and one personal item without charge, subject to size and stowage rules. Southwest’s listed maximum external dimensions for a carry-on are 10 x 16 x 24 inches. Southwest’s Optional Travel Charges page has the current rules.
How much does Southwest charge for a checked bag?
For U.S. mainland travel, Southwest’s fee page lists the following one-way charges for reservations booked, ticketed, and/or changed on or after April 9, 2026. These are the airline’s published fees as of October 8, 2026; Southwest may amend them.
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- Airline-Approved Carry-On Size: 22x14x9 carry on luggage meets the overhead compartment requirements of most airlines, making it a perfect travel companion for air, train, and bus travel. 20 inch carry on luggage measuring 22" x 15.16" x 9.65”, compact case measuring 19.29" x 14.33" x 9.65” ensure easy handling and seamless boarding, making your journey stress-free and convenient
- Expand Your Packing Capacity by 24%: Luggage designed to maximize your packing efficiency. The luggage features an expandable zipper that increases capacity from 33L to 41L. Carry on suitcase provides 8L more space for travel essentials, last-minute items or additional souvenirs
- Effortless Maneuverability: Carry on luggage 22x14x9 airline approved glide through crowded terminals with ease using the 360° spinner wheels. Suitcases with wheels smooth-rolling through tight spaces or rough surfaces effortlessly. Carry on luggage with sturdy 3-stage telescopic handle ensures a wobble-free experience as you roll your luggage in any direction
- Durable and Lightweight Construction: At just 6.94 lbs carry on bag is light enough for easy lifting and maneuvering. Carryon suitcase built with a robust ABS hardshell is both lightweight and durable, designed to withstand the rigors of travel. Carry on luggage with wheels offers impact resistance, scratch resistance, and reliable protection for your belongings, keeping your luggage looking sharp trip after trip
- Well-Organized Interior for Efficient Packing: Keep your belongings organized with the spacious interior, featuring dual compartments with a secure buckle compression system and practical storage pockets. Whether for business or leisure, this suitcase offers the organization you need to keep everything in place throughout your trip
| Fare or eligibility | First checked bag | Second checked bag |
|---|---|---|
| Basic, Choice, or Choice Preferred | $45 | $55 |
| Choice Extra | Free | Free |
| Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred | Free | Free |
| Rapid Rewards A-List | Free | $35 |
| Eligible Rapid Rewards credit-card primary member | Free | $55 |
| Third and later checked bags | $150 per bag | |
Credit-card baggage benefits are subject to conditions: Southwest says the Rapid Rewards account number must be included at booking, and up to eight additional passengers on the same reservation may qualify. Authorized users and employee cards are excluded. Southwest says card status can take up to 14 days to update. Benefits may not apply to partner-operated itineraries; check the airline’s detailed terms for your route.
Active-duty military customers are listed as eligible for free checked bags, subject to Southwest’s applicable rules. The exact allowance and conditions should be checked with Southwest before travel.
Rank #2
- Carry On Luggage 22x14x9 Airline Approved: This carry on bag fits the overhead bins of major airlines like American, Delta, Southwest, JetBlue, Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines. With an external luggage sleeve, it slides directly over suitcase handles, and the front zippered pocket holds phones, passports and more, making it an ideal overnight bag for business and short personal trips
- Large Duffle Bag For Travel: 45L capacity with dimensions of 22×14×9 inches,which can replace a 22 inch carry on luggage for your trips.This overnight bag offers ample storage space to store a large amount of gear, multiple sets of clothing and bulk items, it also keeps all your belongings neatly organized. When not in use, it can be folded flat for compact storage
- Travel Gym Bag with Shoe Compartment: This duffle bag for men is thoughtfully designed with a dedicated side shoe compartment, which effectively separates shoes from clothing, prevents stains and odors from getting on your clothes, keeps the bag tidy and organized at all times, and makes luggage packing effortless and efficient
- Humanized Design: This travel duffel bags made of water-resistant, wear-resistant fabric, it is lightweight and highly durable. The weekender bag has dual-side straps allow two people to carry it together when too heavy for one person. And its padded detachable shoulder strap is freely adjustable to any length, relieving weight and freeing your hands for single-shoulder carry
- Versatile For Multiple Scenarios: It easily holds all travel essentials and is an ideal choice. This lightweight travel bag works as a travel duffel bag, camping bag, overnight bag, family weekend bag, hospital bag, business travel bag, airline carry on bag, gym bag, sports bag and more, meeting all your diverse usage needs effortlessly
What are the overweight and oversized bag charges?
For mainland checked baggage, Southwest lists additional charges on top of the standard fee for bags that exceed size or weight limits:
- 51–70 lb: $100 plus the standard bag fee.
- 71–100 lb: $200 plus the standard bag fee.
- Oversized baggage: $200 plus the standard fee for the applicable size category.
Sports equipment and musical instruments have their own handling rules. Review the fee page before packing an unusual item or a bag near a weight or size limit.
Rank #3
- Important: The bag size is 20.5 x 13.8 x 8.7 inch fits carry-on item size 22 x 14 x 9 inch of United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines, which could be fitted into the overhead bin. We compare the bag to 15.6 inch laptop for you to better understand real bag size, pls double check the size before purchase to ensure it meets your expectation
- Easy Carrying - Its exterior pocket offers quick access to items like tickets, passport and more. The pouch as a strap allows the duffel to fit nicely over the handle of common suitcase 18 20 24 26 28 32 inch
- Extra Padded Shoulder Strap - It comes with an adjustable and detachable padded shoulder strap, which give you comfortable feeling when carrying on shoulder
- Reliable Quality - Made of sturdy and durable fabric which is tear-resistant, sturdy and adjustable straps, smooth zippers. no need to worry any ripping or break during trips
- Versatile - Large capacity 40L to easily hold all your gym or travel items, ideal for garment bag, hospital bag, sports, gym use, yoga, travel, weekend shopping, overnight, camping and picnic
What does Southwest charge for interisland Hawaii flights?
Interisland Hawaii travel has a separate fee schedule; mainland prices do not apply. For eligible interisland bookings made or changed on or after April 9, 2026, Southwest lists $30 for the first bag and $40 for the second for non-Hawaii residents. Hawaii residents with a Rapid Rewards number are listed as receiving two free bags. The page also lists loyalty, credit-card, and military exceptions for this market. Confirm the rules for your itinerary on Southwest’s fee page.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.When did Southwest start charging for checked bags?
Southwest announced the change in March 2025 and outlined the fare and customer benefits in April. The initial checked-bag fees began applying on May 28, 2025, to specified reservations booked and ticketed and/or changed on or after that date. At launch, the first and second bag fees were $35 and $45. Those are historical launch prices, not the current qualifying mainland prices.
Rank #4
- Effortless Maneuverability: Carry on luggage 22x14x9 airline approved glide through crowded terminals with ease using the 360° spinner wheels. Suitcases with wheels smooth-rolling through tight spaces or rough surfaces effortlessly. Carry on luggage with sturdy 3-stage telescopic handle ensures a wobble-free experience as you roll your luggage in any direction
- Expand Your Packing Capacity by 24%: Luggage designed to maximize your packing efficiency. The luggage features an expandable zipper that increases capacity from 33L to 41L. Carry on suitcase provides 8L more space for travel essentials, last-minute items or additional souvenirs
- Airline-Approved Carry-On Size: 22x14x9 carry on luggage meets the overhead compartment requirements of most airlines, making it a perfect travel companion for air, train, and bus travel. 20 inch carry on luggage measuring 22" x 15.16" x 9.65”, compact case measuring 19.29" x 14.33" x 9.65” ensure easy handling and seamless boarding, making your journey stress-free and convenient
- Durable and Lightweight Construction: At just 6.94 lbs carry on bag is light enough for easy lifting and maneuvering. Carryon suitcase built with a robust ABS hardshell is both lightweight and durable, designed to withstand the rigors of travel. Carry on luggage with wheels offers impact resistance, scratch resistance, and reliable protection for your belongings, keeping your luggage looking sharp trip after trip
- Well-Organized Interior for Efficient Packing: Keep your belongings organized with the spacious interior, featuring dual compartments with a secure buckle compression system and practical storage pockets. Whether for business or leisure, this suitcase offers the organization you need to keep everything in place throughout your trip
On April 9, 2026, Southwest raised the applicable mainland first- and second-bag prices by $10, to $45 and $55. The airline says this increase does not affect existing bookings unless they are voluntarily changed. Its notice distinguishes new bookings and existing reservations, so do not assume the same fee applies simply because your flight departs after a policy date. Check the terms for the date your reservation was booked, ticketed, or changed. Southwest’s April 2026 fee-update notice describes the increase and booking protection.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Effortless Maneuverability: Carry on luggage 22x14x9 airline approved glide through crowded terminals with ease using the 360° spinner wheels. Suitcases with wheels smooth-rolling through tight spaces or rough surfaces effortlessly. Carry on luggage with sturdy 3-stage telescopic handle ensures a wobble-free experience as you roll your luggage in any direction
- Expand Your Packing Capacity by 24%: Luggage designed to maximize your packing efficiency. The luggage features an expandable zipper that increases capacity from 33L to 41L. Carry on suitcase provides 8L more space for travel essentials, last-minute items or additional souvenirs
- Airline-Approved Carry-On Size: 22x14x9 carry on luggage meets the overhead compartment requirements of most airlines, making it a perfect travel companion for air, train, and bus travel. 20 inch carry on luggage measuring 22" x 15.16" x 9.65”, compact case measuring 19.29" x 14.33" x 9.65” ensure easy handling and seamless boarding, making your journey stress-free and convenient
- Durable and Lightweight Construction: At just 6.94 lbs carry on bag is light enough for easy lifting and maneuvering. Carryon suitcase built with a robust ABS hardshell is both lightweight and durable, designed to withstand the rigors of travel. Carry on luggage with wheels offers impact resistance, scratch resistance, and reliable protection for your belongings, keeping your luggage looking sharp trip after trip
- Well-Organized Interior for Efficient Packing: Keep your belongings organized with the spacious interior, featuring dual compartments with a secure buckle compression system and practical storage pockets. Whether for business or leisure, this suitcase offers the organization you need to keep everything in place throughout your trip
How to check your likely baggage cost
- Identify the route. Determine whether the trip is mainland U.S. travel, interisland Hawaii, or another itinerary with separate rules.
- Check your reservation dates. Note when it was booked and ticketed, and whether you voluntarily changed it. The applicable fee schedule is tied to those events, not only the travel date.
- Confirm the fare and benefits. Check the fare name, eligible Rapid Rewards tier, primary cardmember status and reservation association, or active-duty military eligibility.
- Count and weigh bags. Add any second or later bag and check dimensions and weight; extra-bag, oversized, and overweight charges can apply.
- Verify the current terms. Use Southwest’s Optional Travel Charges page before paying or traveling, especially for partner itineraries or special items.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
