Southwest Airlines allows one carry-on bag and one personal item per passenger free of charge. Checked baggage fees apply after the first two bags.
Southwest Airlines has a straightforward baggage policy. Each passenger can bring one carry-on bag and one personal item onboard without additional fees. The carry-on bag must fit in the overhead bin, while the personal item must fit under the seat in front of you.
For checked baggage, the first two checked bags are included for free if you have a Southwest credit card or are a member of the Southwest Rapid Rewards program. Otherwise, checked baggage fees start at $30 for the first bag and $40 for the second.
Southwest Airlines allows various types of luggage, including:
Many travelers confuse Southwest's baggage policy with other airlines. For instance, some assume that Southwest charges for carry-on bags, but this is not true. Southwest allows one carry-on and one personal item for free, unlike some budget airlines that charge for carry-ons.
Another common mistake is assuming that all checked bags are free. While the first two checked bags are free for Southwest credit card holders and Rapid Rewards members, non-members pay fees for checked baggage.
Let's say you're planning a trip with Southwest Airlines. You want to bring a carry-on suitcase, a backpack, and a checked bag. According to Southwest's policy, you can bring the carry-on and backpack for free. However, if you check a bag and don't have a Southwest credit card or Rapid Rewards membership, you'll pay a fee for the checked bag.
To avoid fees, consider packing only essentials in your carry-on and personal item. If you need to check a bag, book it in advance to save on fees.
When traveling with Southwest Airlines, it's essential to pack efficiently. Use packing cubes to organize your carry-on and personal item, ensuring they fit within the size limits., weigh your checked bags before arriving at the airport to avoid overweight baggage fees.
By understanding Southwest's baggage policy, you can pack efficiently and avoid unnecessary fees. Happy travels!