2026 Southwest Baggage Allowance & Excess Baggage Fees

Send Your Luggage

Sending your luggage is a much easier way to get your things from A to B. It saves you having to drag everything behind you, and on and off conveyor belts and public transport. Plus, it allows you to have many more of your belongings at your destination than you could check onto a Southwest flight. Get your free quote now.

Southwest Carry-On Allowance:

One cabin bag; 10 x 16 x 24 in (25.4 x 40.64 x 60.96 cm), plus one personal item; 16.25 x 8.5 x 13.5 in (46 x 21 x 34 cm). There is no specified weight restriction for carry-on items.

Southwest Additional Carry-On Items

A number of personal items can be brought on board, in addition to the standard carry-on allowance. These are: umbrellas/ walking canes, outer garments, food for consumption during the flight in disposable packaging, assistive/ mobility devices, and a child restraint for a ticketed child or when a complimentary, available space exists.

Southwest Carry-On and Musical Instruments

Musical instruments can be brought on board if they fit under the seat in front or within the overhead locker. Larger instruments can be brought on board if you purchase a seat for them. Such instruments must fit within a seat (only one per seat), be secured with a seat belt, and must not block any aircraft signage.

Southwest Carry On and Bringing Pets On Board

Southwest allows small domesticated cats or dogs to be carried into the cabin on domestic flight, provided they are transported in a suitable carrier that measures no more than 8.5 inches high x 18.5 inches long x 13.5 inches wide (21.59 x 46.99 x 34.29 cm). A fee of $125, one way, is levied for each pet carrier. One pet carrier counts as one of the permitted carry-on items.

Pets cannot be checked into the hold with Southwest.

Southwest Carry On and Prohibited Items

Among those items not allowed within carry-on luggage are:

Hoverboards,

Lighter fluid,

Camp stoves using compressed gas,

Firearms,

Paintball guns.

Southwest Checked Baggage Fees and Allowance:

On standard fares, the first checked bag is $45 and the second checked bag is $55 each way. Each bag must weigh no more than 50 lbs (22.7 kg) and measure no more than 62 inches (157.5 cm) in total dimensions. If you wish to check a third bag (or any additional bags), you must pay an excess baggage charge of $150 per bag.

Passengers travelling with children may also check one pushchair and car seat, free of charge.

Southwest Excess Baggage Fees

Overweight items weighing 51 to 70 lbs (23 to 32 kg) are charged an additional $100 per item.

Overweight items weighing 71 to 100 lbs (32 to 45 kg) are charged an additional $200 per item

Military personnel on active duty or permanent change of station orders are exempt from the two-piece baggage limit and will not be subject to excess, oversize, or overweight baggage charges, providing no piece exceeds 100 lbs in weight or 80 inches in total dimensions.

Southwest Checked Baggage and Exceptional Items

Most exceptional items, such as sports equipment and musical instruments, may be checked in to the hold as one free item of hold luggage.

However, some larger items will incur a charge of $200, one way. These include bicycles larger than 62 inches in total dimensions, as well as surfboards.

Information correct as of 07/07/26.