How many Bags can you Carry on Southwest Airlines for Free?

Packing for a trip always brings one big question. “How much can you bring without paying extra?” This is especially true for Southwest Airlines flyers. The good part? Southwest’s baggage rules are simpler than most other airlines. When you are wondering how to handle both a backpack & a carry-on, this guide clears it up for you. The Southwest Airlines baggage policy to what items are restricted, this is what you need to know before heading to the airport. HolidayGlobes brings you the latest, updated details! So, you can pack smart and avoid surprises at check-in.

What is the Southwest new Baggage Policy?

The Southwest Airlines baggage policy remains one of the most passenger-friendly in the US! Many airlines now charge for almost everything. But Southwest still allows every passenger 2 free checked bags. This is a quick breakdown:

Two free checked bags: Size & weight limits apply (up to 50 lbs & 62 linear inches per bag).

One carry-on bag: It could be a small suitcase/duffel bag. It must fit in the overhead bin.

One personal item: Think backpack, purse, laptop bag or briefcase. This has to go under the seat in front of you.

So yes, you can bring a backpack & a carry-on without paying extra! Just make sure both meet size rules.

Southwest does not charge for checked baggage unless you exceed the weight or size limits. Oversized or overweight bags will face extra fees.

How many bags can you take on Southwest Airlines for free?

The Southwest baggage policy is straightforward:

Two checked bags for free

This alone sets them apart from most other US carriers.

One carry-on bag

Overhead space gets tight on full flights, so early boarding can help secure bin space.

One personal item (like your backpack)

This stays with you under the seat.

You don’t need to choose between a backpack and a carry-on. You’re allowed both. Just remember that if your backpack is large & won’t fit under the seat, reconsider. Southwest may ask you to check it at the gate.

For flyers with sporting equipment, musical instruments, or special luggage: Extra allowances or charges may apply. Check their official site for specialty item rules.

Starting 28 May 2025, Southwest Airlines baggage policy has been revised. Passengers booking a ticket prior to this date were allowed 2 checked bags free of charge. Besides this, they were also permitted 2 carry-on items, which includes one personal item. Here are the changes made to baggage policy.

• Free checked bags only for passengers with Business Select tickets. - 1st and 2nd bags are free and 3rd bag onwards is chargeable.

• Free checked bags for Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred Members and passengers booked along with them - 1st and 2nd bags are free and 3rd bag onward is chargeable.

• Free checked bags for Rapid Rewards A-List Members - 1st checked is free for them, as well as the passengers booked along with them.

1st and 2nd checked bags were free for all passengers earlier. But after the changes to baggage policy of Southwest Airlines, this has been revoked. Our HolidayGlobes blog will take a deep dive into how the baggage policy has changed.

Do 2 Bags Still Fly Free on Southwest?

If your ticket was purchased before 28 May, 2025, you may be able to fly with 2 checked bags free of charge. But after this, you will be able to travel with free checked bags only if you booked a Business Select ticket. Up to 8 passengers booked in the same reservation of a frequent flyer may not have to pay Southwest Airlines baggage cost. Here are the relaxations which are still available.

• Hawaii residents (travelling interisland)- 1st and 2nd bag is free.

• Active-duty military customers of Southwest - Up to 2 bags are free.

Even if you are allowed a free bag, you will have to pay an overweight or oversized bag fee. You can visit or contact Southwest or HolidayGlobes on +1-800-435-9792 or +1-888-595-2181 for assistance with buying baggage.

Is There a Limit to how many Bags you can Check on Southwest?

Yes, there is a limit to the number of bags you can check on Southwest. Up to 20 bags can be checked. But if there is not enough space in the hold, your bags will be carried in a different flight. You must check with the customer care on the available space. If the bags are in your free baggage allowance, you will not be supposed to pay charges for them. Take a look at the passengers for whom there is a free baggage allowance.

• 2 bags for passengers with Business Select booking.

• 2 bags for a Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred Member and up to 8 passengers in the same reservation.

• 1 bag for a Rapid Rewards A-List Member and up to 8 passengers in the same reservation.

• 2 bags free for active-duty military customers

• 1 bag free for Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmember and up to 8 passengers in the same reservation.

Non-Hawaii residents travelling within Hawaii may not get a free bag apart from Southwest Airlines carry-on baggage. You can call the airline or HolidayGlobes on +1-800-435-9792 or +1-888-595-2181 for your baggage requirements if you are travelling interisland on Hawaii.