Optional Travel Charges | Southwest Airlines (2024)

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Help Center / Optional Travel Fees

Optional Travel Charges
**All fees are represented for one-way travel**

FEECOST
Baggage
1st Carryon Bag$0 per bag
2nd Carryon Bag (Personal Item)$0 per bag
1st Checked Bag$0 per bag
2nd Checked Bag$0 per bag
3rd + Checked Bags$125 per bag
Military traveling on active duty or permanent change of station orders4$0 per bag
Large Media Camera Equipment$75 per item
Overweight Checked Bag1Overweight Bags:
  • $100 per bag (51-70 lbs.)
  • OR
  • $125 per bag (71-100 lbs.)
Military traveling on active duty or permanent change of station orders4$0 per bag
Large Media Camera Equipment$0 per item
Oversize Checked Bag1$125 per bag larger than 62 inches up to 80 inches
Military traveling on active duty or permanent change of station orders4$0 per bag
Large Media Camera Equipment$0 per item
Sporting Equipment2$75 per bag
Other Fees
Change Fee5$0
Cancellation Fee$0
EarlyBird Check-In®$15-$25 one-way, per Customer
Phone Reservation Fee$0
Upgraded Boarding$30-$80 per segment, per Customer
Unaccompanied Minor (UM)$100 one-way per UM (ages 5 - 11)
Items for Purchase at the Ticket Counter
Tote Bag (one time charge)$25 per bag
Wax Box (one time charge)$10 per box
Wine/Beer Bag (one time charge)$5 per bag
Pet Carrier$58 per carrier
Car Seat/Stroller Bag (one time charge)$17 per bag
Pets: One-way Carryon Pet Charge5
U.S. Mainland$125 per Pet carrier
Between Hawaiian Islands$35 per Pet carrier
Inflight
WiFi Internet Access6,7$8
TV6,9$0
Movies6,9$0
Texting6,8$0
Music6,9$0
Complimentary Beverages$0
Beer$7
Wine$8
Hard Seltzer and Ready to Drink co*cktails$9
Liquor$9

Notes

Southwest reserves the right to amend pricing listed above at any time.

  1. Southwest will accept the first two checked bags for free provided that the bags do not exceed 50 lbs and 62 inches (L+W+H). Overweight items from 51-70 pounds will cost $100. Overweight items 71-100 pounds will cost $125. Oversized items in excess of 62 inches but not more than 80 inches will be accepted for a charge of $125 per item. Only one $125 charge applies if the piece is both oversized and overweight, regardless of the weight as long as it does not exceed 100 lbs.Excess baggage which is also overweight or oversized will be charged excess baggage plus the applicable oversize or overweight charge.
    In total, aCustomeris limitedto check20 pieces of checked baggage per flight. This limitation includes Carrier’s Free Checked Baggage Allowance and excess baggage would be subject to applicable excess baggage charges.
  2. Sporting Equipment includes windsurfing/surfboards**, vaulting poles, non-motorized bicycles (62 inches or less and less than 50 pounds), life rafts, javelin, kayak
  3. Active duty military Customers must have their current, valid military ID to receive the exemption. Non-active military Customers must have their orders to receive the exception.
  4. Fare difference may apply when making a change
  5. Southwest Airlines accepts small vaccinated domestic cats and dogs to travel as pets. All in-cabin pets must be carried in an appropriate carrier. Each pet carrier counts as a carryon or personal item. Pet Fare is subject to change at anytime.
  6. Where available. Available only on WiFi-enabled aircraft. Limited-time offer.
  7. Internet access for $8 per device from takeoff to landing. Price is subject to change. May not be available for the full duration of flight. In order to provide a top-notch Internet experience, we prohibit access to certain high-bandwidth applications and websites. We also prohibit access to certain obscene or offensive content.
  8. Texting only allows access to iMessage and WhatsApp (which must be downloaded and activated before connecting to SouthwestWiFi).
  9. Due to licensing restrictions, on WiFi-enabled international flights, free live TV and iHeartRadio may not be available for the full duration of flight.

** Surfboard bag containing a surfboard(s) when traveling on flights between the islands of Hawaii can be substituted for one checked bag. Keels and fins must be removed and placed in carryon or checked baggage. If the surfboard bag exceeds 50 pounds in weight, the surfboard bag will be accepted for an overweight baggage fee of $75 per item each way. Length and width restrictions do not apply. May be subject to a limited release of liability as outlined in the Contract of Carriage.

Optional Travel Charges | Southwest Airlines (2024)

FAQs

Is Southwest 2 free checked bags per person? ›

Each Customer is allowed two free checked bags 1. Golf bags 2 and skis 3 count toward your free checked bag if they are within the weight limit. Check your bags digitally ahead of time, or, at the airport, check your bags using our self-tagging kiosks (where available) or with a friendly Southwest ® agent.

How much do you have to pay for an overweight bag at Southwest? ›

Southwest will accept the first two checked bags for free provided that the bags do not exceed 50 lbs and 62 inches (L+W+H). Overweight items from 51-70 pounds will cost $100. Overweight items 71-100 pounds will cost $125.

Does Southwest allow carry-on for free? ›

You may bring one carryon bag and one personal item without charge (subject to the limitations below). The bag should be stowed in the overhead compartment, and your small personal item should be stowed under your seat.

Does a backpack count as a personal item? ›

The short answer: Yes, a backpack is generally considered a personal item if it fits under the seat in front of you. Most airlines offer a few examples of things that fit into the “personal item” category, such as a purse, laptop bag, or a briefcase, but they don't usually include “backpack” on those lists.

Does Southwest let you carry-on 2 bags? ›

Southwest Airlines doesn't charge fees for standard checked and carry-on luggage. You will get to bring 2 checked bags, 1 carry-on bag and 1 personal item for free! What you should remember is the size they allow. For checked ones, they can't exceed 62” in size (the total length, width and height).

What not to pack when flying southwest? ›

You certainly don't want your bags to end up in the wrong city! Put cosmetics, shoe polish, nail enamel, perfume, and anything else that might spill, break, and stain your clothing into resealable plastic bags or unbreakable containers. Hazardous materials are not allowed onboard.

What if my luggage is a little overweight? ›

For example, if an extra piece of baggage exceeds the weight and size limits, it will be subject to three fees: one for the extra bag, one for exceeding the weight limit and one for going over the size restriction. Fees are charged for each additional bag, each way.

How much can a suitcase weigh before you have to pay extra? ›

The checked luggage weight limit for international flights is usually the same as for domestic flights: 50 lbs. Most airlines set 50 lbs as their weight limit to reduce the risk of injury to baggage handlers.

Can I take food on a Southwest flight? ›

Can I bring my own food on the plane? You're welcome to bring your own food onboard.

Does toothpaste count as a liquid? ›

Each passenger is limited to one quart-size bag of liquids, gels and aerosols. Common travel items that must comply with the 3-1-1 liquids rule include toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, mouthwash and lotion.

How strict is Southwest with carry-on? ›

Your carryon can be no bigger than 24” (L) + 16” (W) + 10” (H). If it's bigger than those dimensions, it will need to be checked.

Are checked bags per person or per booking? ›

All bag fees are non-refundable and apply per person, each way, even if you buy or get an upgrade that includes free checked bags.

How strict is Southwest about checked baggage size? ›

Each checked bag can weigh 50 pounds or less and be 62 inches in size (length + width + height).

Did Southwest change their bag policy? ›

This week, Southwest Airlines implemented a new baggage policy. I just wanted to make sure all the Passengers of Southwest Airlines knew about this one. The free baggage allowance for each ticketed Customer will change from three to two bags. The first and second bag you check (up to 50lbs) are FREE.

Is a backpack a personal item in Southwest? ›

Yes, your backpack will be considered a personal item and fits the size constraints. It should be placed under the seat in front of you. Since it is right on the limit for size, I wouldn't overpack it as it must fit completely under the seat.

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