When it comes to luggage allowance, Southwest Airlines is renowned for its customer-friendly regulations. As per the Southwest Airlines Baggage Allowance policy 2025, fliers can bring 2 complimentary checked bags. Each checked baggage has a maximum weight of 50 pounds and a maximum overall size of 62 inches. In addition, they are permitted to bring personal possessions and one carry-on bag. Along with these, they can bring musical instruments when necessary with some special instructions. Hence, this air operator stands out for its generous baggage policy, which offers substantial benefits to business, as well as leisure visitors, throughout multiple locations.
What is Southwest Airlines Checked Luggage Allowance?
Southwest Airlines customers are entitled to two complimentary bag checks. The maximum Southwest Airlines international baggage allowance is 62 inches long, wide, and tail, including wheels and handles. Each bag can weigh no more than fifty pounds. Anything over 100 pounds in weight needs to be shipped as air cargo.
- Exception: The two-piece luggage limit will not apply to active-duty military personnel with a verified ID. As long as none of the Southwest Airlines baggage allowance 2025 exceeds 100 pounds and measures over 80 inches (L+W+H), they won’t be charged for excess, oversized, or overweight luggage. It is not permitted to check bags that are longer than 80 inches. However, when the customer is a known shipper, he or she can be shipped as cargo.
- Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers: Beginning on May 28, 2025, the first standard checked bag will be free for all Rapid Rewards Credit Cardholders and up to 8 extra travelers flying on a similar booking. Each traveler will receive a complimentary one piece of standard luggage. Moreover, cardholders will not be able to take advantage of this benefit since it does provide a second free baggage.
What is Southwest Airline Carry on Baggage Allowance?
When traveling with Southwest Air, 1/one carry-on luggage is allowed. Additionally, one/1 personal item can be brought. It is best to put the personal item under the seat. Moreover, 10″ (H) + 16″ (W) + 24″ (L) is the maximum dimensions or Southwest Airline carry-on baggage allowance.
| Item | Allowance | Size Restrictions | Weight Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carry-On Bag | 1 per passenger | Max 24 x 16 x 10 in (61 x 41 x 25 cm) | None | Must fit in overhead bin. |
| Personal Item | 1 per passenger (e.g., purse, laptop bag) | Max 18.5 x 8.5 x 13.5 in (47 x 22 x 34 cm) | None | Must fit under seat. |
| Special Items | 1 additional item (e.g., diaper bag, medical equipment) | Size varies | None | Free if for essential use. |
| Musical Instruments | Allowed if fits in overhead bin (or purchase seat for larger items). | Case size restrictions apply. | None | Contact Southwest for oversized items. |
| Liquids/Gels | ≤ 3.4 oz (100 ml) per container in 1-quart clear bag for carry-ons. | N/A | N/A | Exemptions for medications/baby food. |
Note: When a passenger is flying with a pet, the pet carrier is regarded as a personal or carry-on item.
What is the Cost of the Additional Baggage Allowance on Southwest Airlines?
Extra Southwest Airlines baggage allowance 2025 prices can be charged based on the kind of fare, route selected, and other factors. Usually, USD 150 can be charged per bag for carrying three or more luggage. For additional expenses, the following information may be helpful:
- For each oversized bag (up to 80 inches), fliers need to pay USD 200.
- On overweight bags, for example, 51 to 70 pounds, USD 150 can be charged.
- Further, when it exceeds 71 to 100 lbs, $200 can be levied.
Southwest Airlines International Checked Baggage Embargoes Policy
Oversized, overweight, and additional checked luggage can be subject to a baggage embargo for specific overseas locations. In order to guarantee that there is sufficient room for each customer to check up to 2 standard-sized bags, the airline just takes this proactive measure.
According to the Southwest Airlines international baggage allowance rules, certain locations have limitations all year long, while others only allow travel during the summer and holidays. Any checked products that exceed the limit or limits listed below will not be accepted during an embargo. The airline applies the standard carry-on rules during a luggage embargo.
Further, the ban does not apply to customers with disabilities who are transporting assistive devices. In addition to the standard free Southwest Airlines baggage allowance 2025, customers with children can check 1 stroller and 1 Child Restraint System (CRS) per child.
- The Bahamas, Belize, Costa Rica, San Jose, and Jamaica: Every year, from November 15 to January 15, several locations temporarily prohibit the carrying of bags.
| Limit | NAS | BZE | MBJ | SJO |
| More than 62 inches | No | No | No | No |
| Ice chest, storage containers, boxes | No | No | No | No |
| Checked item limit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Maximum weight up to 100 pounds | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Remember that from August 15 to September 15, Jamaica (MBJ) is subject to an embargo each year.
- Cuba: A luggage embargo is in effect year-round for Cuba (HAV). Anything oversized as well as heavy is not allowed at this place. Rather, fliers are only permitted to check 2 bags as per the Southwest Airlines international baggage allowance rules. Except for televisions and air conditioners that are still in their original packaging, boxes of any size are also not permitted. Further, when leaving or arriving at Tampa International Airport (TPA), travelers are required to take off their plastic-wrapped bags before check-in.
What are the Prohibited Items on Southwest Airlines?
| Bang snaps | Bear spray |
| Bear bangers | Blasting caps |
| Alcohol | Butane |
| Chlorine for spas and pools | CO2 Cartridge |
| Cooking spray | Dynamite |
| Engine-powered equipment (with residual fuel) | English christmas crackers |
| Fertilizer | Fire extinguisher |
Allowance for Sports Equipment on Southwest Airlines
On a one-item-per-bag basis, passengers can check any of the goods below in lieu of 1 piece of their free Southwest Airlines baggage allowance 2025 at no additional cost.
- Softball and baseball equipment
- Bowling equipment
- Parachutes
- Scooters and skateboards (non-motorized)
- Kneeboards, waterboards, boogie boards, or boards
- Golf equipment
- Snow ski equipment
- Archery equipment
- Bicycles
- Fishing rod and tackle box
- SCUBA equipment
- Tennis equipment
- Fencing equipment
- Lacrosse or/and hockey equipment
- Water ski equipment
Check Here: Southwest Airlines Cancellation Policy
Conclusion,
The Southwest Airlines baggage allowance 2025 is renowned for its transparency. Travelers benefit from more flexibility and financial savings with 2 complimentary checked bags and no additional costs. The airline’s dedication to customer pleasure is reflected in its bag policy. This can make it a popular option for many people. In addition, this air carrier provides great value for frequent travelers and those on a tight budget.
Frequently Asked Questions on Southwest Airlines Baggage Allowance 2025
Strollers, medications, books, wet wipes, baby diapers, baby car seats, etc., are allowed under Southwest Airline carry on baggage allowance policy.
Liquids cannot be more than 100 milliliters capacity on Southwest Airlines flights.
Usually, it is not allowed to bring ammunition in a carry-on bag on Southwest Airlines flights.
Yes, Southwest Airlines has baggage embargoes. It means oversized, overweight, and additional checked luggage are prohibited in various countries.
The largest size of a carry-on bag on Southwest Air is 24* 16* 10 inches.
1 carry-on bag (max 24 x 16 x 10 in) + 1 personal item (e.g., purse, laptop bag) allowed for all passengers.
2 free checked bags (max 50 lbs / 23 kg each, 62 in / 158 cm linear) – the most generous among U.S. airlines.
51–100 lbs: $100 per bag (must be under 100 lbs).
Oversized (63–80 in): $125 per bag.
Yes! Counts as a checked bag (free if within allowance; otherwise, standard fees apply).
Bicycles: $75 (must be under 50 lbs/80 in).
Small instruments (fit in overhead bin) are free. Larger items may require a seat purchase (call in advance).
1 stroller + 1 car seat per child fly free (can be checked at gate or counter).
Carry-on: ≤ 3.4 oz (100 ml) per container in 1-quart bag.
Checked bags: Larger quantities allowed (no hazardous materials).
3rd+ bag: $75 each (online/airport). No pre-purchase discounts.
No, but A-List®/A-List Preferred® members get priority baggage handling.
No weapons, explosives, hoverboards, or lithium batteries >160Wh.