What checked-baggage rules may apply on an itinerary with Southwest Airlines

Why must I read both Southwest's checked-bag rule and fee table?

Southwest publishes checked-baggage rules separately from its fee table, so the traveler must verify both for the exact trip.

Confirm before booking

• Confirm for this trip: Checked-bag rule.

Checked againstSouthwest baggage help pathwaySouthwest checked baggage policySouthwest optional travel chargesSouthwest contract of carriage

Which Southwest fare, date or benefit can change the result?

The current checked-bag result can change with fare product, loyalty or card benefit, trip, ticketing or change date, and bag size or weight.

Confirm before booking

• Confirm for this trip: Fee table.

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Can airport acceptance rules override an otherwise eligible Southwest bag?

Yes. Southwest's contract includes an airport acceptance deadline and permits refusal of baggage that is unsuitable by size, weight, contents or condition.

Confirm before booking

• Confirm for this trip: Bag suitability.

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Which Southwest fare or traveler benefits include checked bags, and what should I check for a partner-carrier itinerary?

Southwest's published checked-bag allowance can depend on both the fare and the traveler. Its current fare-benefits page says bag fees may apply to Basic, Choice, and Choice Preferred fares; Choice Extra and A-List Preferred members receive two free checked bags; and A-List members and Rapid Rewards credit-card members receive a first checked bag free. Size and weight limits still apply, and additional exceptions or allowances may apply. Do not assume the benefit applies to a partner-carrier booking: Southwest says its checked-bag benefits do not apply on flights booked with a partner carrier. That statement does not establish the baggage rules for every partner-operated or codeshare itinerary. Before paying or traveling, check the fare shown on the ticket, the member/card benefit attached to the traveler, the booking channel, and the operating airline for each segment. Then confirm the current bag count and fee for the exact itinerary in Southwest's booking or baggage tools. This summary is not a trip-specific allowance or fee quote. Southwest can change its fare benefits, and partner airlines may apply different rules.

What this depends on

• Size and weight limits still apply, and additional exceptions or allowances may apply.
• The partner-carrier exclusion is stated for flights booked with a partner carrier; it does not establish the baggage rules for every partner-operated or codeshare itinerary.

Confirm before booking

• The exact bag count and fee for a particular itinerary are not determined by this summary.
• Partner-airline rules may differ.

What to do next

1. Before paying or traveling, check the fare shown on the ticket, the member/card benefit attached to the traveler, the booking channel, and the operating airline for each segment.
2. Confirm the current bag count and fee for the exact itinerary in Southwest's booking or baggage tools.

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