Buy Extra Baggage
Updated Jul 4, 2026
Steps
- Go to Southwest Manage Reservation at southwest.com/air/manage-reservation/ or open the Southwest app.
- Enter your confirmation number and passenger name to retrieve your booking.
- Check in for your flight (available 24 hours before scheduled departure).
- During check-in, select the number of bags you want to check and pay applicable fees.
- Alternatively, use self-tagging kiosks at the airport (where available) to check bags and pay fees.
- If checking bags at the airport ticket counter, overweight/oversized fees must be paid with a physical credit card (no tap/contactless/mobile payments).
Prices
Extra checked bags
Fees apply per bag, one-way. Pricing depends on fare type. Choice Extra includes 2 free checked bags. A-List Preferred, A-List, and Credit Cardmembers receive free 1st bag.
| Label | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1st checked bag (Basic, Choice, Choice Preferred) | $45 |
|
| 2nd checked bag (Basic, Choice, Choice Preferred) | $55 |
|
| 3rd+ checked bag | $150 |
|
Overweight bags
Bags exceeding 50 lbs are subject to additional fees in addition to the standard bag fee.
| Label | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 51-70 lbs | $100 + Standard Fee |
|
| 71-100 lbs | $200 + Standard Fee |
|
Oversized bags
Bags exceeding 62 linear inches (length + width + height, including wheels and handles) are subject to additional fees.
- 63-80 linear inches$200 + Standard Fee
- For U.S. Mainland travel. Added to the applicable checked bag fee.
- If both oversized and overweight, only one $200 charge applies (plus standard fee).
- Interisland Hawaii: $35 + Standard Fee.
FAQ
Can I buy extra baggage online after booking?
Yes. Bags can be checked digitally during online check-in starting 24 hours before scheduled departure, or through Manage Reservation.
Where do I check bags?
Check bags digitally during online check-in (24 hours before flight), at self-tagging kiosks at the airport (where available), or at the airport ticket counter with a Southwest Agent.
What are the checked baggage limits?
Standard size limit: 62 linear inches (length + width + height, including wheels and handles). Standard weight limit: 50 lbs per bag. Maximum 20 checked bags per passenger per flight.
When should I check bags?
Bags can be checked digitally during online check-in, which opens 24 hours before scheduled departure.
How does Southwest charge for checked bags?
Pricing is fare-dependent. Basic, Choice, and Choice Preferred fares: 1st bag $45, 2nd bag $55 (one-way). Choice Extra includes 2 free checked bags. Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred Members receive 2 free checked bags; A-List Members receive 1st bag free. Credit Cardmembers receive 1st bag free. 3rd+ checked bags are $150 each.
What are the overweight and oversized baggage rules?
Bags 51-70 lbs: $100 additional fee. Bags 71-100 lbs: $200 additional fee. Oversized bags (63-80 linear inches): $200 additional fee. If a bag is both oversized and overweight, a single $200 charge applies plus the standard bag fee. All overweight/oversized fees must be paid at the airport ticket counter with a physical credit card.
Is it cheaper to buy extra baggage online vs at the airport?
Checked bag fees are the same whether paid during online check-in or at the airport. Overweight/oversized fees must be paid at the airport ticket counter with a physical credit card.
How do I pay for checked bags?
Online check-in accepts standard card payments. At the airport ticket counter, overweight/oversized fees require a physical credit card (no tap/contactless/mobile payments).
Are there any important exceptions?
Baggage embargoes apply for some countries (restrictions on oversized, overweight, and extra checked bags). Partner itineraries may have different baggage policies. Interisland Hawaii travel has different fee structure. Active-duty military customers receive free checked bags.