Free Guide to Southwest Airlines for Travelers

Understanding Southwest Airlines' Baggage Policy

Southwest Airlines stands out among major U.S. carriers for its baggage allowance. Unlike many competitors that charge for checked bags, Southwest includes two free checked bags for all passengers on standard tickets. This policy applies whether you're flying across the country or taking a short regional flight. The first checked bag can weigh up to 50 pounds and measure 62 inches (length plus width plus height). The second checked bag follows the same weight and size restrictions.

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Carry-on baggage rules at Southwest permit one personal item and one carry-on bag at no charge. Your personal item might be a purse, laptop bag, or small backpack that fits under the seat in front of you. The carry-on bag must fit in the overhead bin and cannot exceed 24 inches long, 16 inches wide, and 10 inches high. These dimensions are smaller than some airlines allow, so measuring your bag before travel prevents problems at the gate.

Additional checked bags beyond the first two incur fees. A third checked bag costs $35, and each subsequent bag costs $45. Overweight bags—those exceeding 50 pounds but not exceeding 100 pounds—cost $100 per bag. Items over 100 pounds cannot be checked. Sports equipment like golf clubs, skis, and bicycles count as checked bags and may require additional fees depending on Southwest's current pricing.

The airline permits certain items to be brought onboard without counting toward bag limits. These include car seats, strollers, and wheelchairs. Passengers traveling with infants should know that car seats are permitted in the cabin if you've purchased a seat for your child; otherwise, the car seat must be checked.

Practical takeaway: Pack strategically by using Southwest's two free checked bags fully and keeping carry-on items within size limits. Weigh bags at home before arriving at the airport to avoid last-minute fee surprises. Many travelers save money by checking bags rather than paying fees at other airlines.

How Southwest's Boarding Process Works

Southwest uses open seating, meaning the airline doesn't assign specific seats before boarding. Instead, passengers board in groups and choose available seats when they enter the plane. This system differs substantially from reserved seating at other major carriers. Understanding how boarding groups function helps you position yourself for better seat options.

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Boarding groups are labeled A, B, and C, with numbers 1 through 60 within each group. Your boarding position appears on your boarding pass. Group A passengers board first and have the widest selection of available seats. Group B boards second, followed by Group C. Within each group, passengers with lower numbers board before those with higher numbers. The airline calls each group in order, allowing people to form a line and board sequentially.

Your boarding position depends on when you check in. Online check-in opens exactly 24 hours before your scheduled departure time. Checking in at that moment typically results in an A-group position. Checking in later moves you into B or C groups. If you don't check in before arriving at the airport, you receive a C-group position. Mobile check-in through Southwest's app works the same way and offers convenience for travelers with phones.

Several circumstances grant earlier boarding positions. Southwest's premium credit card holders receive automatic A-group boarding. Rapid Rewards members at the A-List tier and above also receive A-group boarding. Passengers purchasing Business Select fares receive boarding position A1-15. Families with children under six can request boarding with Group A families, positioned between A groups and B groups. Passengers needing wheelchair assistance or those traveling with service animals receive priority boarding before Group A.

Early bird check-in is a paid option where Southwest checks you in automatically 36 hours before departure for a fee of $15 per flight or $70 for round-trip travel. This service typically places you in the A group, though the exact position depends on how many other passengers purchased early bird check-in. For frequent travelers, this option sometimes makes financial sense compared to missing ideal seat selections multiple times yearly.

Practical takeaway: Set a phone alarm for 24 hours before departure to check in online immediately for the best boarding position. If early morning boarding positions matter for your travel style, consider whether the early bird check-in fee justifies the expense over your annual travel patterns.

Southwest Fares and Pricing Structures

Southwest offers three main fare types: Wanna Get Away, Anytime, and Business Select. Each tier provides different benefits and price points. Wanna Get Away represents the lowest base fare and appeals to budget-conscious travelers willing to accept restrictions. These tickets typically cannot be changed without paying a change fee, though Southwest allows one free checked bag even at this lowest tier, distinguishing it from competitors' basic economy fares.

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Anytime fares cost more than Wanna Get Away but provide flexibility. Anytime tickets allow free changes, meaning you can modify your flight without penalty fees. You still receive two free checked bags and can earn Rapid Rewards points. This flexibility has value for travelers whose plans might shift, such as business travelers or those with unpredictable schedules.

Business Select is the premium fare option, costing considerably more than other tiers. Business Select includes priority boarding (A1-15 positions), free drinks and snacks during flight, priority boarding for checked bags, and the ability to change your ticket free. These passengers also earn double Rapid Rewards points on their purchase. Business Select appeals to frequent or business travelers wanting premium perks without purchasing separate upgrades.

Pricing varies significantly by route, day of week, and how far in advance you book. Popular routes during peak travel seasons cost substantially more than off-peak flights. Tuesday and Wednesday flights typically offer lower fares than weekend flights. Booking 1-3 weeks before travel often yields better prices than last-minute bookings, though Southwest's fares sometimes increase as departure approaches if demand is high.

The Rapid Rewards program tracks every dollar spent on Southwest flights and partner purchases. Points accumulate and convert to free flights once you reach point thresholds. One free flight typically requires between 6,000 and 16,000 points depending on the route and how far ahead you redeem. Credit card bonuses can provide 50,000+ points, equivalent to several free flights for new cardholders.

Practical takeaway: Compare your travel frequency and flexibility needs to determine which fare type offers the best value. Budget travelers who don't change flights should choose Wanna Get Away. Frequent flyers or those needing flexibility should consider Anytime or Business Select, or evaluate whether a Southwest credit card's annual benefits justify the cost.

Preparing for Your Southwest Flight

Successful Southwest travel begins with preparation before arriving at the airport. Online check-in through Southwest's website or mobile app opens exactly 24 hours before your scheduled departure. Checking in immediately provides the best boarding positions, particularly important if you prefer window or aisle seats. Set a reminder on your phone so you don't miss the 24-hour window.

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Before check-in, verify your reservation details. Ensure your name matches your government-issued ID exactly—first name, middle name, and last name must correspond precisely. Any discrepancy causes problems at the airport and potentially prevents boarding. Confirm your flight date, time, and airports. Double-check that you've selected the correct date if booking multiple flights, as mistakes are surprisingly common.

Review what items you're bringing and their dimensions. Measure oversized carry-on items against Southwest's size requirements (24 x 16 x 10 inches). Pack prohibited items in checked luggage rather than carry-on bags. Southwest prohibits weapons, explosives, and certain sharp objects in the cabin. Lithium batteries, commonly found in electronics, have specific rules—spare batteries must be in carry-on bags, not checked bags, due to fire risk.

Arrive at the airport with sufficient time before departure. Southwest recommends arriving two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights. This timeframe allows for parking, getting to the gate, and handling unexpected delays. Having time reduces stress and prevents missing your flight. Check your airline confirmation for the specific departure time and gate information, though gates sometimes change, so monitor airport displays.

Download or screenshot your boarding pass on your phone or print a physical copy. Your boarding pass contains your confirmation number and boarding group position. Some airports now use mobile-only boarding, making a digital copy essential. If your phone battery dies, having a printed copy prevents problems.

Practical takeaway: