Southwest Baggage Fees 2026: $45 First Bag and Who Pays $0

Airline Fees · Updated October 2026 · 7 min read

Cuban-American Southwest agent at the Chicago Midway counter talking to a woman lifting a burgundy suitcase onto the scale, beside a sign showing the first bag $45 and second bag $55 — Southwest used to let two bags fly free. Since April 9, 2026 the first checked bag is $45 on most fares.

Southwest charges $45 for the first checked bag and $55 for the second on Basic, Choice and Choice Preferred fares booked and ticketed on or after April 9, 2026. A third bag is $150. Choice Extra fares, A-List Preferred members and active-duty military check two bags free.

$45

first checked bag, Basic / Choice / Choice Preferred

$55

second checked bag

$150

third and each further bag

50 lb

weight limit, 62 in total size

🔄 What changed on April 9, 2026

Southwest raised the price of the first and second bag for U.S. mainland travel booked and ticketed on or after April 9, 2026. Tickets bought before that date keep the old price.

Who pays	Before April 9, 2026	From April 9, 2026
Basic, Choice, Choice Preferred	1st bag $35 2nd bag $45	1st bag $45 2nd bag $55
Rapid Rewards credit card	1st bag free 2nd bag $45	1st bag free 2nd bag $55
A-List	1st bag free 2nd bag $35	1st bag free 2nd bag $35 (unchanged)
3rd bag and more	$150	$150 (unchanged)

🆓 Who checks bags for $0

Southwest does not make bags free for everyone any more, but four groups still skip the fee.

Group	1st bag	2nd bag
Choice Extra fare	Free	Free
A-List Preferred member	Free	Free
A-List member	Free	$35
Rapid Rewards credit cardmember	Free	$55
Active-duty military	Free	Free

Father and teenage son at a Southwest kiosk in Oakland Terminal 2 whose screen shows A-List first bag free and second bag $35 — A-List members get the first bag free and pay $35 for the second.

⚖️ Overweight and oversize fees stack on top

Southwest adds the overweight or oversize charge to the normal bag fee. The limits are 50 lb and 62 inches (length + width + height, wheels and handles included).

Bag	Extra fee on top of the bag fee
51 to 70 lb	$100
71 to 100 lb	$200
63 to 80 inches	$200

Three worked examples

Basic fare, two bags, the second weighs 58 lb: $45 + $55 + $100 = $200.
A-List member, two bags, the second is 64 inches: $0 + $35 + $200 = $235.
Choice Extra fare, one bag, 75 lb: $0 bag fee + $200 overweight = $200.

Woman at the Southwest counter in Houston Hobby lifting a heavy red bag onto the scale showing 58 lb while the agent points to a card with the $100 and $200 overweight fees — A suitcase over 50 lb adds $100 on top of the bag fee.

💡

Flying inside Hawaii? Interisland bag fees are lower, from $15 to $40 for the first bag and $20 to $40 for the second depending on date and your tier or residency. Check southwest.com for your exact booking.

Bags can be checked digitally up to 24 hours before departure. Want to see the carry-on and baggage allowance for Southwest next to other airlines? Open the Southwest baggage allowance page.

❓ Quick answers

Does Southwest charge for checked bags?

Yes, on Basic, Choice and Choice Preferred fares: $45 for the first and $55 for the second on U.S. mainland tickets booked and ticketed on or after April 9, 2026. Choice Extra fares and some members are free.

How much is a third checked bag on Southwest?

$150 each, on top of the first two bags.

Do Southwest credit cardholders still get a free bag?

The first checked bag is free. The second is $55 on tickets from April 9, 2026.

Is a military bag free on Southwest?

Yes, active-duty military check two bags free.

What is the heaviest bag Southwest takes?

Up to 100 lb with the $200 overweight fee. The standard limit is 50 lb.

Before you fly — checklist

Look at your fare name: Choice Extra includes two checked bags, the others do not.

Check your ticketing date. Before April 9, 2026 the old $35 and $45 prices apply.

Weigh each bag. Keep it at 50 lb or less, and 62 inches or less in total size.

Add up the fees for a second bag, an overweight bag and a third bag before you pack.

If you hold a Rapid Rewards card or A-List status, make sure it is on the reservation.

Comparing airlines? See American Airlines baggage fees and Delta baggage fees.

Fees change and the airline has the final say. Prices shown are for checked bags on U.S. domestic flights unless the table says otherwise; confirm the price for your own ticket with the airline before you fly.

🔗 Useful sources

Southwest — Optional travel charges Southwest — Checked baggage policy