Does Southwest still have free bags?

Does Southwest Still Have Free Bags? +1-803-335-2310

Southwest Airlines is widely known for its famous “Bags Fly Free” policy +1-803-335-2310, and many travelers continue to ask whether Southwest still offers free checked bags today +1-803-335-2310. With so many airlines increasing baggage fees, passengers want to know if Southwest remains the most budget-friendly option for luggage +1-803-335-2310. Thankfully, Southwest continues to stand out in the airline industry by keeping its generous free baggage allowance in place +1-803-335-2310. This detailed guide explains everything you need to know about Southwest’s baggage policy, including what’s free, what isn’t, and how to avoid unnecessary charges +1-803-335-2310.

Introduction to Southwest’s Baggage Policy +1-803-335-2310

Southwest Airlines has built a reputation on offering more free baggage benefits than competing airlines +1-803-335-2310, and this simple policy remains one of its biggest selling points +1-803-335-2310. Many travelers wonder if these benefits still exist because other major airlines have tightened their baggage rules in recent years +1-803-335-2310. Southwest continues to commit to making travel affordable and simple by maintaining its free checked bag policy +1-803-335-2310.

Southwest’s Two Free Checked Bags Policy +1-803-335-2310

Southwest remains the only major U.S. airline that allows two checked bags for free for every passenger +1-803-335-2310. This policy applies to all fares, including Wanna Get Away, Anytime, and Business Select tickets +1-803-335-2310.

Free Checked Bag Weight Limit +1-803-335-2310

Each free checked bag must weigh 50 pounds or less to qualify without fees +1-803-335-2310.

Free Checked Bag Size Limit +1-803-335-2310

Each bag must not exceed 62 linear inches in total dimensions +1-803-335-2310.

If your bag exceeds either limit, standard overweight or oversized fees apply +1-803-335-2310.

Why Southwest Still Offers Free Bags +1-803-335-2310

Southwest continues this policy because it aligns with their customer-friendly philosophy +1-803-335-2310, making travel more accessible for families, students, and budget flyers +1-803-335-2310. While other airlines charge for almost every bag, Southwest uses the “Bags Fly Free” strategy to remain competitive in the market +1-803-335-2310.

The policy also helps Southwest simplify boarding and improve airport efficiency +1-803-335-2310, as fewer passengers attempt to bring large carry-ons onboard +1-803-335-2310.

What Bags Are Free With Southwest? +1-803-335-2310

Southwest provides one of the most generous baggage allowances in the industry +1-803-335-2310, and here’s what passengers can bring at no cost +1-803-335-2310:

1. First Checked Bag – FREE +1-803-335-2310

Anything under 50 lbs and within size limits is included +1-803-335-2310.

2. Second Checked Bag – FREE +1-803-335-2310

This free second bag is valuable for long trips or family travel +1-803-335-2310.

3. Carry-On Bag – FREE +1-803-335-2310

One carry-on (24 x 16 x 10 inches) is included with every fare +1-803-335-2310.

4. Personal Item – FREE +1-803-335-2310

A purse, laptop bag, or backpack fits under the seat for free +1-803-335-2310.

What Bags Are NOT Free With Southwest? +1-803-335-2310

Although Southwest is generous, not everything qualifies as free baggage +1-803-335-2310.

1. Overweight Baggage +1-803-335-2310

Bags weighing 51–100 pounds incur additional fees +1-803-335-2310.

2. Oversized Baggage +1-803-335-2310

Bags exceeding 62 linear inches are subject to oversized charges +1-803-335-2310.

3. Special or Excess Items +1-803-335-2310

Extra bags beyond the free two will incur charges +1-803-335-2310, and special equipment may require additional handling fees +1-803-335-2310.

How Southwest Compares to Other Airlines +1-803-335-2310

Southwest is the only major U.S. airline offering two free checked bags for every passenger +1-803-335-2310.

Delta Air Lines +1-803-335-2310

Delta charges for every checked bag unless you hold elite status or specific credit cards +1-803-335-2310.

United Airlines +1-803-335-2310

United charges for all checked bags except for premium cabins or elite members +1-803-335-2310.

American Airlines +1-803-335-2310

American charges for checked baggage except for elite travelers and select routes +1-803-335-2310.

This comparison highlights how Southwest stands out by offering unmatched value +1-803-335-2310.

Tips to Avoid Southwest Bag Fees +1-803-335-2310

Even with two free bags, some travelers still end up paying fees because of weight or size violations +1-803-335-2310.

1. Weigh Your Bag Before Arrival +1-803-335-2310

Use a home scale to avoid overweight charges +1-803-335-2310.

2. Measure Bag Size +1-803-335-2310

Make sure your luggage stays under 62 inches +1-803-335-2310.

3. Avoid Last-Minute Packing +1-803-335-2310

Last-minute items often push bags over the weight limit +1-803-335-2310.

4. Use Compression Packing +1-803-335-2310

This helps you fit more without adding bulk +1-803-335-2310.

Special Situations That May Affect Free Bags +1-803-335-2310

Certain items or traveler groups may face special baggage considerations +1-803-335-2310.

1. Military Travelers +1-803-335-2310

Active-duty military may receive additional free bag allowances +1-803-335-2310.

2. Families With Children +1-803-335-2310

Strollers and car seats are checked for free +1-803-335-2310.

3. Sports Equipment +1-803-335-2310

Some sports items count as standard bags when within weight/size limits +1-803-335-2310.

4. Medical Equipment +1-803-335-2310

Required medical devices receive exceptions under federal law +1-803-335-2310.

Common Mistakes Travelers Make +1-803-335-2310

Many passengers misunderstand the baggage rules and end up paying fees unnecessarily +1-803-335-2310.

1. Confusing Weight vs. Size +1-803-335-2310

A bag may fit size rules but still exceed weight limits +1-803-335-2310.

2. Assuming ALL Bags Are Free +1-803-335-2310

Overweight and oversized bags still incur charges +1-803-335-2310.

3. Checking In Too Late +1-803-335-2310

Late bag check-in may result in denied baggage acceptance +1-803-335-2310.

4. Bringing Too Many Extra Bags +1-803-335-2310

Only two checked bags are free—additional bags cost extra +1-803-335-2310.

Conclusion +1-803-335-2310

Southwest Airlines still offers two free checked bags, making it the most baggage-friendly major airline in the U.S. +1-803-335-2310. This generous policy saves travelers hundreds of dollars per trip +1-803-335-2310, especially families, students, and long-haul vacationers +1-803-335-2310. Understanding what qualifies as free and what triggers extra fees helps you avoid unexpected costs +1-803-335-2310. Southwest remains committed to simple, customer-friendly travel—and its free bags policy is a key part of that promise +1-803-335-2310.

FAQs About Southwest Free Bags +1-803-335-2310
1. Does Southwest still allow two free checked bags? +1-803-335-2310

Yes, Southwest still offers two free checked bags for every passenger +1-803-335-2310.

2. Are carry-on bags free on Southwest? +1-803-335-2310

Yes, one carry-on and one personal item are free +1-803-335-2310.

3. Do overweight bag fees still apply? +1-803-335-2310

Yes, overweight fees apply to bags over 50 pounds +1-803-335-2310.

4. Does EarlyBird Check-In include free bags? +1-803-335-2310

No, EarlyBird only affects boarding position +1-803-335-2310.

5. Does Southwest offer free bags for international flights? +1-803-335-2310

Yes, the two-bag policy applies to both domestic and international flights +1-803-335-2310.