Southwest Airlines 2025 Baggage Allowance & Excess Fees
Carry-On Baggage (Free)
• Allowance: 1 cabin bag + 1 personal item
• Cabin Bag Size Limit:
o 10 x 16 x 24 inches (25.4 x 40.64 x 60.96 cm)
• Personal Item Size Limit:
o 16.25 x 8.5 x 13.5 inches (41 x 21 x 34 cm)
• Weight Limit: No official weight limit for carry-on bags
Additional Free Carry-On Items Include:
• Outer garments (jackets, coats)
• Umbrellas or walking canes
• Food for consumption (in disposable packaging)
• Mobility aids (e.g., crutches, walkers)
• Child restraint systems (when traveling with a child)
Musical Instruments in the Cabin
• Small instruments: Allowed if they fit in the overhead bin or under the seat
• Large instruments: Can be carried onboard if you purchase an extra seat
o Must not exceed the size of a seat
o Must be secured with a seat belt
o Must not block signage or exits
Pet Policy – Cabin Only
• Only small domesticated cats or dogs are allowed in the cabin
• Must be transported in a carrier no larger than:
o 8.5” H x 18.5” L x 13.5” W (21.59 x 46.99 x 34.29 cm)
• Fee: $125 one-way, per carrier
• Carrier counts as one carry-on item
• Note: Pets are not permitted in the aircraft hold
Prohibited Items in Carry-On Baggage
Some items cannot be brought onboard, including:
• Hoverboards
• Lighter fluid
• Camp stoves that use compressed gas
• Firearms and paintball guns
• Explosives or hazardous chemicals
Checked Baggage Policy
Free Checked Bags:
• 2 pieces per passenger at no additional charge
• Size Limit (per bag): Up to 62 linear inches (157.5 cm)
• Weight Limit (per bag): Up to 50 lbs (22.7 kg)
Additional Checked Bag Fees:
• 3rd bag and beyond: $75 per item
Oversize & Overweight Bag Charges:
• Overweight (51–100 lbs or 23–45 kg): $200 per item
• Oversized (63–80 inches in total dimensions): $200 per item
o Items over 80 inches are not accepted
Military Baggage Allowance:
• Active duty personnel or those with Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders:
o No limit on the number of checked bags
o No oversize/overweight charges (as long as no bag exceeds 100 lbs or 80 inches)
Special Items (Sports & Musical Equipment)
• Most sports gear and musical instruments may count as one free checked bag
• Oversized items like bicycles and surfboards incur a $200 one-way fee if over 62 inches
Why You Should Ship Your Luggage Instead
Flying with Southwest may seem generous at first, but extra fees can add up fast—especially for larger items or if you’re relocating or traveling long-term.