Southwest Airlines Checked Baggage Fees 2026: Costs & Rules

Few things are as reliably disruptive as learning that a free perk you’ve counted on for years suddenly comes with a price tag. Southwest Airlines, long known for its “two free checked bags” promise, changed its baggage policy in April 2026, introducing fees for standard fares. Here’s exactly what changed, which fares still get free bags, and how to avoid the new charges.

First checked bag fee (standard fare): $45 ·
Second checked bag fee (standard fare): $55 ·
Overweight fee (51‑70 lbs): $100 ·
Overweight fee (71‑100 lbs): $200 ·
Free checked bags included: 2 per passenger (Choice Extra fare) ·
Carry‑on bag fee: $0 (always free)

Nine key specs, one pattern: the more flexible your fare, the more Southwest still covers. Here’s the full breakdown.

The pattern is clear: the specs tilt heavily in favor of passengers who book Choice Extra or hold loyalty status.

Does Southwest Charge for Checked Bags?

Standard fare checked bag fees

• First checked bag: $45 (Southwest Airlines – official travel fees page)
• Second checked bag: $55 (Southwest Airlines – official travel fees page)
• Third checked bag: $150 (Audacy / WCCO Radio – regional news outlet)

As of April 9, 2026, standard fares (Basic, Choice, and Choice Preferred) now carry these fees. The increase from $35 to $45 for the first bag and from $45 to $55 for the second was reported by USA Today – national news outlet.

Choice Extra fare checked bag allowance

• Two free checked bags (Southwest Airlines – official travel fees page)
• Priority boarding included

Choice Extra remains the only fare that includes two free checked bags. The Arizona Republic – regional news outlet confirmed that this fare is exempt from the new charges. Overweight fees still apply to any fare.

What Is the New Bag Rule for Southwest?

2026 policy change summary

• Effective for tickets booked or voluntarily changed on or after April 9, 2026 (Audacy / WCCO Radio – regional news outlet)
• First bag fee rose from $35 to $45; second bag from $45 to $55 (USA Today – national news outlet)

This shift ended Southwest’s long‑standing all‑passengers free‑checked‑bags model for most fare types, as noted by NerdWallet – personal finance site.

Which fares still include free bags

• Choice Extra: two free checked bags
• Rapid Rewards A‑List Preferred members: two free checked bags (Southwest Airlines – official travel fees page)
• A‑List members and Rapid Rewards credit cardmembers: one free checked bag (Southwest Airlines – official travel fees page)

The catch: these benefits do not apply on flights booked with a partner carrier (Southwest Airlines – official travel fees page).

How to Avoid Paying for Bags on Southwest?

Book Choice Extra fare

• Two free checked bags included
• Priority boarding also included

Booking Choice Extra is the most straightforward way to dodge checked‑bag fees. The fare is Southwest’s premium economy option and costs more than standard fares, but the baggage savings may offset the difference for travelers with luggage.

Use Southwest credit card benefits

• Rapid Rewards credit cardmembers receive one free checked bag (Southwest Airlines – official travel fees page)

If you hold a Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card, you get at least one free checked bag on every Southwest flight. Combined with A‑List status, you can stack up to two free bags.

Leverage A‑List status

• A‑List: one free checked bag
• A‑List Preferred: two free checked bags (Southwest Airlines – official travel fees page)

Frequent Southwest fliers can earn status through qualifying flights or points. A‑List Preferred members get the same baggage benefit as Choice Extra passengers.

Each of these strategies uses a different lever — fare selection, credit card perks, or loyalty status — to keep baggage costs at zero.

Is Southwest Still Giving Two Free Checked Bags?

Fare class comparison

• Choice Extra: two free checked bags
• Wanna Get Away (Basic): $45 for first, $55 for second
• Wanna Get Away Plus: $45 / $55
• Anytime: $45 / $55
• Business Select: $45 / $55

The Arizona Republic – regional news outlet confirmed that the higher fees apply to Basic, Choice, and Choice Preferred fares, while Choice Extra remains exempt.

When do you get two free bags?

• On Choice Extra fare
• If you are a Rapid Rewards A‑List Preferred member (Southwest Airlines – official travel fees page)
• On inter‑island Hawaii flights: first checked bag free for non‑Hawaii residents who are A‑List members (Southwest Airlines – official travel fees page)

The long‑standing two‑free‑bags policy for all passengers is now limited to these specific groups. Southwest Groups customers do not get free checked bags (Skyscanner – travel comparison site).

The implication: Southwest has traded universal free bags for a targeted loyalty model, steering most passengers toward paid options.

What Are the Carry-On Rules for Southwest?

Carry‑on size and weight restrictions

• Maximum size: 10 x 16 x 24 inches
• No weight limit published; must fit in the sizer at the gate

Carry‑on bags remain free on all Southwest flights. The airline does not charge for carry‑ons, making them a reliable alternative to checked bags for light packers.

Liquids in carry‑on

• TSA 3‑1‑1 rule applies: liquids must be in containers ≤3.4 oz (100 ml), all placed in a single quart‑sized bag

Personal item allowance

• One personal item (purse, backpack, laptop bag) allowed free, must fit under the seat in front of you

Southwest’s carry‑on policy is unchanged. The airline does not charge for carry‑on bags, and the size limit is generous compared to some ultra‑low‑cost carriers.

For the average traveler, the choice is clear: stick with a standard fare and pay $45–$55 per checked bag, or upgrade to Choice Extra (or earn A‑List status) to keep the two‑free‑bag perk. The days of automatic free checked bags on any Southwest ticket are over, but the airline still offers more baggage value than most competitors — if you know which fare to book.