Q: Does Southwest charge to fly with checked baggage?

Your first two checked bags fly free ® at Southwest (weight and size limits apply). This includes skis 1 and golf bags 2 . And surfboards fly free in Hawaii 3 . Each additional bag and any oversized bag (more than 50 pounds or larger than 62 inches) is $75 per item, one-way. Some countries have embargoes on extra baggage. We'll notify you if you are flying to a destination impacted by an embargo. 1 Snow ski equipment includes: one pair of skis or one snowboard, one set of poles, and one pair of ski/snowboard boots encased in a container(s) acceptable to Carrier. When submitting ski equipment for one free bag, Southwest Airlines allows up to two bags (containing one set of snow skis, ski poles, and snow boots) to count as one item, even if they are packed and tagged separately. 2 A golf bag can be substituted for one checked bag. Weight limits apply. 3 Surfboard bag containing a surfboard(s) when traveling on flights between the islands of Hawaii can be substituted for one checked bag. Weight limits apply.

Question 1

Does Southwest charge to fly with checked baggage?

Accepted Answer

Your first two checked bags fly free® at Southwest (weight and size limits apply). This includes skis¹ and golf bags². And surfboards fly free in Hawaii³. Each additional bag and any oversized bag (more than 50 pounds or larger than 62 inches) is $75 per item, one-way.

Some countries have embargoes on extra baggage. We'll notify you if you are flying to a destination impacted by an embargo.

¹Snow ski equipment includes: one pair of skis or one snowboard, one set of poles, and one pair of ski/snowboard boots encased in a container(s) acceptable to Carrier. When submitting ski equipment for one free bag, Southwest Airlines allows up to two bags (containing one set of snow skis, ski poles, and snow boots) to count as one item, even if they are packed and tagged separately.
²A golf bag can be substituted for one checked bag. Weight limits apply.
³Surfboard bag containing a surfboard(s) when traveling on flights between the islands of Hawaii can be substituted for one checked bag. Weight limits apply.

Question 2

What are the weight and size restrictions for checked baggage?

Accepted Answer

The maximum weight is 50 pounds, and the maximum size is 62 inches (length + width + height) per checked bag.

Overweight items from 51 to 100 pounds and oversized items in excess of 62 inches but not more than 80 inches will be accepted for a fee of $75 per item.

Question 3

Should I lock my luggage?

Accepted Answer

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screens all checked baggage for your security. Unlocked bags can be examined quickly. Locked bags will be opened if necessary, then resealed.

Neither Southwest Airlines nor the TSA is liable for damage caused to locked bags that must be opened for security purposes. (We highly recommend that you do not pack the following items in your checked baggage: cash, jewelry, electronics, laptop computers, fragile items, medications, car keys, and important documents.)

Question 4

How should I pack sharp objects, like medication syringes?

Accepted Answer

Please make sure that any sharp objects (especially needles, syringes, and other items needed for medication) are properly covered and secured to prevent injury to yourself and our Employees who care for your bags.

Question 5

Am I required to add a personal luggage tag to my checked bag?

Accepted Answer

While not required, we highly encourage you to tag each checked bag with your personal information. This will help us return the bag to you in case it gets lost. Personal luggage tags should include the owner's full name, phone number, and email address. Learn more about our policies for lost or damaged baggage.

Question 6

What will happen if I check my baggage within 45 minutes of my departure time?

Accepted Answer

Please see an Agent if you need to check a bag less than 45 minutes before the scheduled departure time. We'll make every effort to get late checked baggage on your flight. But if the late checked baggage does not arrive with you at your destination, Southwest will not pay for delivery charges to get it to you.

Checked Baggage