2026 checked bag fees
Southwest Airlines baggage fees
On flights within the U.S. mainland, the first checked bag on Southwest costs $45 and the second $55.
Verified Oct 17, 2026By Steven MoHow we check Report a correction
Same price at the airport
Same price at the airport
Up to 62 in (158 cm) in total
Basic: $45 for the first
Quick answer
On flights within the U.S. mainland, the first checked bag on Southwest costs $45 and the second $55. A carry-on and personal item are free on every Southwest fare.
- 1st checked bag
- $45 (Same price at the airport)
- 2nd checked bag
- $55 (Same price at the airport)
- Weight limit
- 50 lb (Up to 62 in (158 cm) in total)
- Cheapest fare
- No free bags (Basic: $45 for the first)
What will my bags cost on Southwest?
- 1st bag on Choice$45
- Each way, per traveler$45
Southwest checked bag fees
Prices one way, per traveler, on flights within the U.S. mainland.
On Choice
| Bag | Paid online | At the airport |
|---|---|---|
| 1st bag | $45 | $45 |
| 2nd bag | $55 | $55 |
| 3rd bag and up | $150 | $150 |
Free checked bags by fare
- BasicNone
- ChoiceNone
- Choice PreferredNone
- Choice Extra2 bags
Each bag up to 50 lb (23 kg) and 62 in (158 cm) in total.
Overweight and oversize bags
Charged per bag, each way; a bag that's both pays only the higher fee.
- Overweight: 51–70 lb$100
- Overweight: 71–100 lb$200
- Oversize: 63–80 in (length + width + height)$200
How to avoid Southwest bag fees
Who checks bags free
- Choice Extra fares: 2 free bags
- A-List Preferred members: 2 free bags; A-List: 1
- Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cardmembers: 1 free bag
Ways to pay less
- • Pay ahead online when the airline charges more at the airport.
- • Weigh your bag at home: going over 50 lb can cost more than a second bag.
- • Travel carry-on only: check the Southwest carry-on size.
Southwest vs. other U.S. airlines
On regular economy fares, one way, in U.S. dollars.
| Airline | 1st bag | 2nd bag | Free bags (regular fare) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southwest Airlines | $45 | $55 | NoneChoice |
| American Airlines | $45 | $55 | NoneMain Cabin |
| Delta Air Lines | $45 | $55 | NoneMain |
| United Airlines | $45 | $55 | NoneEconomy |
| Alaska Airlines | $45 | $55 | NoneMain |
| JetBlue | $39–$49 | $59–$69 | NoneMain (formerly Blue) |
| Hawaiian Airlines | $45 | $55 | NoneMain Cabin |
| Frontier Airlines | $29–$63 | $59–$86 | NoneStandard fare |
| Allegiant Air | $20–$50 | $20–$50 | NoneStandard fare |
| Sun Country Airlines | $34–$45 | $40–$45 | NoneStandard fare |
| Breeze Airways | $35–$41 | $45 | NoneNice (standard fare) |
| Avelo Airlines | $40–$45 | $40–$45 | NoneStandard fare |
- Southwest Airlines
- 1st bag
- $45
- 2nd bag
- $55
- Free bags
- None · Choice
- American Airlines
- 1st bag
- $45
- 2nd bag
- $55
- Free bags
- None · Main Cabin
- Delta Air Lines
- 1st bag
- $45
- 2nd bag
- $55
- Free bags
- None · Main
- United Airlines
- 1st bag
- $45
- 2nd bag
- $55
- Free bags
- None · Economy
- Alaska Airlines
- 1st bag
- $45
- 2nd bag
- $55
- Free bags
- None · Main
- JetBlue
- 1st bag
- $39–$49
- 2nd bag
- $59–$69
- Free bags
- None · Main (formerly Blue)
- Hawaiian Airlines
- 1st bag
- $45
- 2nd bag
- $55
- Free bags
- None · Main Cabin
- Frontier Airlines
- 1st bag
- $29–$63
- 2nd bag
- $59–$86
- Free bags
- None · Standard fare
- Allegiant Air
- 1st bag
- $20–$50
- 2nd bag
- $20–$50
- Free bags
- None · Standard fare
- Sun Country Airlines
- 1st bag
- $34–$45
- 2nd bag
- $40–$45
- Free bags
- None · Standard fare
- Breeze Airways
- 1st bag
- $35–$41
- 2nd bag
- $45
- Free bags
- None · Nice (standard fare)
- Avelo Airlines
- 1st bag
- $40–$45
- 2nd bag
- $40–$45
- Free bags
- None · Standard fare
Compare Southwest with another airline
Southwest baggage FAQ
On flights within the U.S. mainland, the first checked bag on Southwest costs $45 and the second $55.
Airports Southwest flies from
Airport guides with transit, terminals, lounges and parking.
Sources
Last verified Oct 17, 2026. Fees as published for tickets bought from April 9, 2026. Airlines change bag fees often, so confirm the price for your trip when you book.
- Southwest Airlines: official baggage information
- CNBC: Delta and Southwest raise checked bag fees $10 (Apr 7, 2026)
- Upgraded Points: Southwest baggage fees (updated Jun 10, 2026)
Read how we collect and check this data, or tell us if something's out of date.
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