Southwest now charges for checked bags on Basic, Choice and Choice Preferred fares — $45 for the first and $55 for the second, one way, on bookings from 9 April 2026 — while Choice Extra fares and A-List Preferred members still get two free. A carry-on and personal item stay free. Basic fares restrict changes versus higher brands. Seating products have evolved — confirm whether your ticket uses assigned seats. Pets may travel in cabin on selected routes — verify July 2026 rules.
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Key takeaways
- Southwest has dropped its famous two-free-bags policy on most fares, so price it like any other US carrier.
- Southwest typically allows one carry-on that fits the published sizer — commonly discussed around 24×16×10 inches including handles and wheels — plus a personal…
- On trips booked or changed from 9 April 2026, Southwest charges $45 for the first checked bag and $55 for the second, one way, on Basic, Choice and Choice Preferred…
- Southwest charges no traditional change fee, but its fare brands (Basic, Choice, Choice Preferred, Choice Extra) still decide whether you receive travel credit…
- Southwest seating has been evolving away from pure open boarding folklore — some tickets and products now involve assigned or earlier selection options with fees.
What are Southwest Airlines baggage and ticket policies in 2026?
Southwest has dropped its famous two-free-bags policy on most fares, so price it like any other US carrier. Fare brands still decide change flexibility, and seating products have been in transition — do not rely on decade-old open-seating folklore. Price the all-in total against JetBlue and the big three.
This page summarises Southwest (WN) bags, seats, changes and pets for July 2026 planning. The airline’s help centre and your confirmation beat any nostalgic forum thread.
Cross-check airline carry-on sizes 2026, airline baggage fees compared 2026, flight delay compensation rights, and compare WN with JetBlue on flight deals.
Figures below are illustrative planning bands as of July 2026. Fare families and Rapid Rewards status rewrite the numbers — confirm on the airline site for your PNR before you pay or pack.
What is the Southwest carry-on size and weight limit?
Southwest typically allows one carry-on that fits the published sizer — commonly discussed around 24×16×10 inches including handles and wheels — plus a personal item under the seat. Weight is rarely the drama on WN metal; bin space on full holiday flights still is. Soft bags that compress help.
If you connect onward to an international partner or a separate ticket the same day, pack for that carrier’s kilogram rule, not only Southwest’s sizer.
Keep medicines, devices and a change of clothes in the personal item so a voluntary gate-check cannot strand essentials when bins fill.
| Item | Typical WN rule (July 2026 planning) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Carry-on size | Often ~24 × 16 × 10 in published sizer | Includes handles/wheels |
| Personal item | Underseat bag/purse/laptop | Must fit under seat |
| Carry-on weight | Rarely weighed on WN metal | Still pack lift-able |
| Gate checking | Space-driven on full flights | Arrive / board on time |
| Connecting same day | Size for strictest carrier | International caps differ |
How much does Southwest charge for checked bags?
On trips booked or changed from 9 April 2026, Southwest charges $45 for the first checked bag and $55 for the second, one way, on Basic, Choice and Choice Preferred fares. Choice Extra fares and A-List Preferred members get two free bags; A-List members and Rapid Rewards cardmembers get the first bag free. Overweight, oversize and extra bags cost more.
The fees are on Southwest’s optional travel charges page, which also lists the earlier $35 and $45 rates for trips booked before 9 April 2026. The old two-free-bags advantage now applies only to Choice Extra fares and top-tier members, so price bags into every Southwest comparison.
Compare the all-in bag advantage against other US carriers on airline baggage fees compared 2026.
| Bag scenario | Typical planning band (July 2026) | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| 1st / 2nd checked bag | $45 / $55 one way (Basic, Choice, Choice Preferred) | Bookings from 9 Apr 2026; free on Choice Extra |
| Weight per bag | Often up to ~50 lb / 23 kg | Overweight fees apply |
| 3rd+ bag | Paid fee | Prepay if offered |
| Oversize / overweight | Significant surcharges | Avoid |
| Sports equipment | May count as a checked bag if within rules | Read sports page |
What are Southwest change and cancellation fees?
Southwest charges no traditional change fee, but its fare brands (Basic, Choice, Choice Preferred, Choice Extra) still decide whether you receive travel credit, refundability and how fare differences work. Same-day options and Rapid Rewards awards follow separate charts — read your brand.
Basic fares are the least flexible for cash refunds; Choice, Choice Preferred and Choice Extra are kinder, and changes on those fares cost only any fare difference. Airline-led cancellations open rebooking or refund pathways under Southwest policy.
If a delay hits a qualifying UK/EU routing on a codeshare or rare international scenario, map rights via flight delay compensation rights — most WN flying is domestic US.
| Fare posture | Change (typical) | Cancel for convenience (typical) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | Most restrictive; check fare rules at booking | Often credit, not cash |
| Higher flexible brands | Kinder refund / change path | Confirm brand name |
| WN disruption | Rebook or refund pathways | App notifications |
| Rapid Rewards awards | Award chart rules | Partner awards differ |
| Same-day options | Product-dependent | Confirm live |
How much does Southwest seat selection cost?
Southwest seating has been evolving away from pure open boarding folklore — some tickets and products now involve assigned or earlier selection options with fees. EarlyBird-style and business-select products historically bought priority. Confirm the live seat map for your PNR rather than assuming 2019 rules.
Families should treat seating certainty as a paid product when the fare brand does not include it. Illustrative EarlyBird or assigned-seat fees move by length of haul and demand.
If your confirmation still references boarding positions, screenshot it — operational transitions create mixed passenger expectations.
| Seat / boarding product | Typical fee posture (July 2026) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Basic and Choice fares | Limited free choice | Confirm assigned vs open |
| EarlyBird / priority-style | Paid upgrade band | Product names evolve |
| Business Select-style | Stronger priority / perks | Higher base fare |
| Assigned seat fees (if applicable) | Route/demand based | Verify live map |
| Groups / families | Plan for certainty products | Do not rely on folklore |
What is the Southwest pet policy?
Southwest generally allows small cats and dogs in the cabin on selected flights when the carrier fits under the seat and a pet fare is paid, with limits per flight. Checked pet travel is not the Southwest leisure model. Service animals follow a separate process.
Book pets early — space caps are real on dense California and Florida banks.
Destination hotel and local animal rules are still yours to clear even on a simple domestic hop.
| Animal type | Typical WN pathway | Key constraint |
|---|---|---|
| Small dog/cat in cabin | Pet fare + carrier limits | Space per flight |
| Checked pets | Not the standard WN product | Plan alternatives |
| Service animals | Separate process | Forms |
| ESA label | Not automatic rights | Follow current WN rules |
| Connecting itineraries | Confirm each segment | Avoid tight self-transfers |
What is the practical bottom line before you buy Southwest?
Start every comparison by adding Southwest’s checked-bag fees unless your fare or status includes them, then add any seating certainty product you will actually buy. Compare that honest number with JetBlue, Delta, United and American on the same dates — headline fares lie when bags matter.
Re-read seating rules for your exact PNR; do not trust decade-old open-seating advice blindly.
Disruption steps: Southwest app first, keep receipts if care applies, and use flight delay compensation rights only when a qualifying legal framework actually covers your routing.
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Frequently asked questions
- Does Southwest still include two free checked bags?
- Only on Choice Extra fares and for A-List Preferred members. Basic, Choice and Choice Preferred fares pay $45 for the first bag and $55 for the second on bookings from 9 April 2026.
- Is Southwest still open seating?
- Seating products have been changing — check your confirmation and seat map rather than assuming older boarding folklore.
- Can I change a Southwest Basic fare?
- Basic is Southwest’s most restrictive fare: check the change rules shown at booking. Choice, Choice Preferred and Choice Extra fares change for the fare difference only, and cash refunds remain limited on the lower brands.
- Does Southwest charge for carry-on bags?
- A standard carry-on plus personal item is typically allowed within the sizer — gate-checks happen when bins fill.
- Can my dog fly on Southwest?
- Small dogs and cats may travel in cabin on selected flights with a pet fare. Service animals differ.
- Is Southwest cheaper than JetBlue with bags?
- Often for two checked bags — run all-in maths including seats on both carriers before you decide.