You may use the self-tagging kiosk to Southwest add baggage which has a standard weight and size. Bags weighing up to 50pounds and measuring 63inches may be added on the kiosks. Self-tagging kiosks will let you print your own bag tags before you drop them at the bag drop counter. Here are a few things to remember about adding an extra bag.
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You must drop off the extra bag up to 45 minutes or 60 minutes before departure for domestic and international flights respectively.
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Excess baggage charges will apply for bags which are overweight or oversized or both.
Passengers with Basic, Choice and Choice Preferred fare types will have to pay checked bag fee for adding 1st and 2nd bags if they booked a ticket after 28 May, 2025.
Two free checked bags may be added by flyers with Choice Extra fares.
You may be able to add up to 20 extra bags. The extra bags include the free baggage allowance. In this HolidayGlobes blog, we will share further details on how to add baggage on Southwest.
Can you Add Checked Baggage later in Southwest?
You can add checked baggage at an airport ticket counter later also. Southwest wants you to do this up to 45 minutes or 60 minutes before departure for domestic or international flights. Here are a few tips on checking bags later.
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Take the help of self-tagging kiosks - You will be able to print tags and pay for the bags at the kiosks.
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Southwest agents may assist you with checking baggage - Airport ticket counters are manned by agents.
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Pay the fee using a credit card – The airline will not accept tap to pay, contactless pay or mobile payments.
If you purchased a ticket with Basic, Choice or Choice Preferred fare before May 27, 2025, you may get 1st and 2nd bags free of charge. For details or assistance you can visit or contact HolidayGlobes.
Does Southwest Airlines Charge for Checked Bags?
The long-standing ‘bags fly free’ has been withdrawn by Southwest. Passengers booking tickets with Basic, Choice and Choice Preferred fares will have to pay charges of $35 and $45 for 1st and 2nd bags. You can add baggage to Southwest Airline flight without charge only if you belong to a few categories. Take a look at the exemptions on Southwest.
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Passengers with tickets booked with Choice Extra - 1st and 2nd bag is free.
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Rapid Rewards A-list Preferred members - 1st and 2nd checked bag is free.
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Rapid Rewards A-list members - 1st checked bag is free.
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Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers - 1st checked bag is free.
How can I Add Bags after Booking on Southwest?
You may add baggage to Southwest Airlines when you reach the airport. Agents at the ticket counter may help you. But there are self-tagging kiosks at the airport. Here are the key steps to follow to add your bags.
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During check-in you will see a prompt on adding bags - Select the number of bags you want.
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Print your tags - The kiosk will print your baggage claim tags.
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Bring the tagged bags at the bag drop counter - Pay for the bags with your physical credit card.
How much do Extra Bags Cost in Southwest Airlines?
Southwest Airlines charges $35 and $45 for the 1st and 2nd bags. The fees apply to passengers with Basic, Choice, and Choice Preferred fares purchased on or after May 28, 2025. Those who have purchased tickets before May 27, 2025 may not have to pay the charges for 1st and 2nd bag. But overweight and oversized bag fee may apply in addition to the Southwest Airlines extra baggage cost.
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Oversized (63inches to 80inches) - $35 plus the standard fee.
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Overweight bags (51pounds to 70pounds) - $35 plus the standard fee.
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Overweight bags (71pounds to 100pounds) - $70 plus the standard fee
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Oversized and overweight bags - $100 plus the standard fee
How to Get free Bags on Southwest Airlines?
Free bags are no longer given to passengers. Southwest has revoked the ‘bags fly free’ policy. Flyers booking tickets with all fare types except Choice Extra after 28 May, 2025 will have to pay Southwest Airlines extra baggage cost. Certain categories of passengers are still exempt from paying charges for bags. Here are a few tips on how to get free bags on Southwest.
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Upgrade your ticket to Choice Extra - Basic, Choice and Choice Preferred tickets holders will get 2 bags free after upgrading.
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Hawaiian residents traveling interisland - 1st and 2nd bag is free.
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Active duty military customers - 1st and 2nd bag is free.
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Up to 8 persons traveling with a Rapid Rewards creditcard member - 1st and 2nd bag is free.
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Up to 8 persons traveling with Rapid Rewards A-list member - 1st bag is free.
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Up to 8 persons traveling with Rapid Rewards A-list preferred member - 1st and 2nd bag is free.
You may not be able to add baggage using self-tagging kiosks on flights which are marketed by partner airlines of Southwest. For details and assistance, you may visit or contact HolidayGlobes.
