Southwest Airlines: Bags Fly Free Guide 2026
Southwest Airlines is the only major US carrier that does not charge for checked bags. Their famous "Bags Fly Free®" policy gives every passenger two free checked bags — a benefit that can save a family of four $280 or more per round trip compared to competitors. Here is everything you need to know about the policy in 2026.
The Bags Fly Free Policy
Southwest's checked bag policy is remarkably simple: every passenger is allowed two free checked bags. There are no fare class restrictions — whether you book Wanna Get Away, Anytime, or Business Select, you get the same free bag allowance.
Key Policy Details
- Number of free bags: 2 per passenger
- Max weight per bag: 50 lbs (23 kg)
- Max dimensions: 62 linear inches (length + width + height)
- Overweight fee (51–100 lbs): $75–$125 per bag
- Oversized fee (63–80 inches): $75–$125 per bag
- Third checked bag: $150 per bag
Southwest also does not charge change fees — another major advantage over legacy carriers. If your plans change, you can rebook without paying a penalty (you may owe the fare difference).
Carry-On & Personal Item Policy
In addition to free checked bags, Southwest allows one carry-on bag (24″ × 16″ × 10″) and one personal item (18.5″ × 13.5″ × 8.5″) per passenger — both free of charge. That means you can technically bringfour bags total (2 checked, 1 carry-on, 1 personal item) without paying a dime in baggage fees.
Note: Southwest boards in groups (A, B, C) and does not assign seats. Carry-on space is first-come, first-served, so if you are in boarding group C, your carry-on may need to be gate-checked — but gate-checked bags are still free.
A-List & A-List Preferred Benefits
Southwest's elite status program offers additional baggage benefits:
- A-List: 25 qualifying one-way flights or 35,000 tier qualifying points per year. Includes priority boarding (boarding group A) and same-day standby.
- A-List Preferred: 50 qualifying one-way flights or 70,000 tier qualifying points. Same benefits as A-List plus a 20% bonus on Rapid Rewards points earned from flights.
Both tiers include free unlimited same-day changes and priority check-in. While there are no additional checked bags beyond the standard two, elite members enjoy earlier boarding and better access to overhead bin space.
Companion Pass — The Ultimate Perk
The Southwest Companion Pass is one of the most valuable travel perks in the industry. After earning 135,000 Rapid Rewards points in a calendar year, you can designate one person to fly with you forfree (plus taxes and fees of about $5.60 per leg) on any Southwest flight. Your companion also gets the same two free checked bags.
For a couple traveling together, the Companion Pass effectively cuts all flight and baggage costs in half. The pass is valid for the rest of the year you earned it plus the entire following year.
Southwest Credit Cards
Southwest offers two personal credit cards through Chase. While neither card adds extra checked bags (since bags are already free), they are the fastest way to earn a Companion Pass:
Southwest Rapid Rewards Cards
- Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority — $149 annual fee. 7,500 anniversary points, 4 upgraded boardings per year, $75 travel credit.
- Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier — $99 annual fee. 6,000 anniversary points, 3,000 points per year after spending $10,000.
- Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus — $69 annual fee. 3,000 anniversary points, 3,000 points per year after spending $10,000.
The standard sign-up bonus on these cards is typically 30,000–50,000 points after meeting a spending requirement. Combined with the base points from regular spending, the Companion Pass is achievable for many travelers. Compare all airline credit cards →
Who Should Fly Southwest?
Southwest is an excellent choice if:
- You are checking bags — especially for a family or group trip
- You need flexibility (no change fees, no cancellation fees — just travel credits)
- You travel frequently on short-to-medium-haul domestic routes
- You want to earn and burn Rapid Rewards points (among the most valuable in the industry)
- You do not mind unassigned seating and boarding group system
Southwest's route network is entirely domestic (plus Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean). For international travel or long-haul premium cabins, you will need another airline. View Southwest's fees and details →
The Bottom Line
Southwest's "Bags Fly Free" policy is the best checked bag deal in the US airline industry. Two free bags per passenger, no fare class restrictions, and no change fees make Southwest our top recommendation for anyone checking luggage — especially families. The trade-offs (no assigned seats, limited international routes) are worth it for most domestic travelers. Compare Southwest against all airlines →