What two bags are free with Southwest?

Southwest will accept the first two checked bags for free provided that the bags do not exceed 50 lbs and 62 inches (L+W+H). Overweight items from 51-70 pounds will cost $100. Overweight items 71-100 pounds will cost $125.



Southwest Airlines is famous for its "Bags Fly Free" policy, which allows every passenger to check two bags for free, provided they meet weight and size requirements. Each checked bag must weigh 50 pounds (22.6 kg) or less and have a maximum physical size of 62 inches (length + width + height combined). This policy applies to all fare classes, including "Wanna Get Away." In addition to these two checked bags, you are also allowed one carry-on bag for the overhead bin and one personal item (like a purse or laptop bag) to stow under the seat in front of you. This means you can technically travel with four pieces of luggage without paying a single baggage fee. For 2026, Southwest remains the only major U.S. carrier to offer two free checked bags as a standard feature, though fees still apply for bags that are overweight (51-100 lbs) or oversized (exceeding 62 inches).

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While this can be confusing, most popular airlines allow you to bring a carry-on and personal item, such as a backpack or purse. In general, your personal item should be smaller than your carry-on and under the specific airline's carry-on dimensions, allowing it to fit under the seat in front of you.

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Firearms, ammunition, and fireworks are prohibited, as are all knives and safety razors (including pocket knives and Swiss Army knives). Straight razors and replacement blades for straight razors are also not allowed. Most tools also cannot be packed in carry-on luggage, as they have the potential to cause harm.

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Sharp, heavy, and other dangerous items are restricted on all commercial airline flights, including Southwest. Items such as sharp knives, bats, clubs, ski-poles, snow globes and most tools and weapons must be checked rather than packed in a carry-on. Explosives and fuels may not be carried by air at all.

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Solid food items (not liquids or gels) can be transported in either your carry-on or checked baggage. TSA officers may instruct travelers to separate items from carry-on bags such as foods, powders, and any materials that can clutter bags and obstruct clear images on the X-ray machine.

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Re: Carry on pillow No since it will be held and will not go in storage overhead or under the seat in front of the passenger.

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Is toothpaste considered a liquid by the TSA? Yes, toothpaste must adhere to the 3-1-1 rule for liquids and gels. Toothpaste can be brought through TSA security in your carry-on as long as it is 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less and placed in a 1-quart bag.

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Solid food items (not liquids or gels) can be transported in either your carry-on or checked baggage. TSA officers may instruct travelers to separate items from carry-on bags such as foods, powders, and any materials that can clutter bags and obstruct clear images on the X-ray machine.

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You now know more about what you can and can't pack in a carry-on, but what about items you definitely should pack in your carry-on? First, we'd recommend packing a change of clothes, any medication you need to take with you, and any valuable items, just in case your checked luggage is lost by the airline.

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Toothpaste is considered a liquid by the TSA (Transport Security Agency), even though it's technically a paste. In fact, all pastes, gels, waxes, and lotions are also classified as liquids. And even today, these substances are still restricted by the 3-1-1 rule in hand luggage due to safety threats.

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You are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes through the checkpoint. These are limited to 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item. This is also known as the 3-1-1 liquids rule.

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Most airlines allow backpacks as carry-ons, but size and weight restrictions vary depending on the carrier. Typically, the bag must be within the cabin baggage dimensions of around 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 22 cm), commonly considered the standard size for carry-on.

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Usually, many airlines won't check every carry-on but will instead go for ones that look oversized. If your luggage does not fit in the sizer, you might have to pay a checked bag fee along with the gate checking fee and have your bag transferred to the airplane's cargo.

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Most airlines allow passengers to bring on both a carry-on and a personal item like a backpack, laptop bag, purse, briefcase, shopping bag, etc. The general rule of thumb is that your personal item is smaller in dimension than your carry-on bag and it can fit underneath the seat in front of you.

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If EarlyBird Check-In® is available, we'll automatically check you in and assign your boarding position within 36 hours of your flight's departure - that's 12 hours before general boarding positions become available.

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Yes, as a Southwest passenger, you are allowed one carry-on bag and one personal item. Per the Southwest.com FAQs, TSA regulations allow a backpack as a personal item when dimensions are 18.5 x 8.5 x 13.5 inches. You are smart to check because some airlines severely limit carry-ons.

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