How many bags can you take on Southwest Airlines for free? 

Two bags are allowed for each Southwest Airlines passenger, provided they are not over the set limit of 50 pounds or 62 inches - length, width, and height wise.  Passengers on Southwest Airlines are permitted to bring one luggage and one personal item. Additionally, you should place your small personal item under your designated seat only and correctly stow your bag in the overhead compartment. Be aware that the maximum dimensions for the carry-on bags are 24" (L) + 16" (W) + 10" (H), which includes handles, wheels, and any additional attachments.  

Can I take a backpack and a carry-on Southwest?

Yes. Passengers can take both carry-on and backpacks on Southwest Airlines as long as both the bags qualify for the size requirements for a personal and a carry-on bag, respectively.

Can you check two bags and have a carry-on with Southwest?

As long as the bags fit within the weight and size restrictions, you can check two bags and bring a personal item.  

How strict is Southwest with carry-on size?

According to Southwest baggage policy makes sure that the carry-on bags are within the permitted dimensions. And one can take both a backpack and a carry-on as a carry-on in your flight with Southwest Airlines. 

Normal Size Restrictions

• The bag should be 62 inches long, wide, and tall. 

• When measuring, wheels and handles should be taken into account.

• Normal Weight Limit

• As much as 50 pounds each.

What are the new rules for carry-on luggage?

For reservations made and ticketed or amended on or before May 27, 2025, Southwest Airlines will not charge standard checked baggage costs for your first or second checked bag, regardless of your travel date (weight and size limits apply).

There will be checked luggage costs for bookings made, ticketed, or altered on or after May 28, 2025. According to the Rapid Rewards, A-List Preferred Members and Business Select Customers will receive two complimentary checked bags, while A-List Members and other select customers will receive one complimentary checked bag. 

Members of the Rapid Rewards Credit Card will receive credit for their first checked bag from Southwest. There are weight and size restrictions.

Note: The existing checked baggage regulations are applicable to customers who have reservations and tickets purchased before May 28, 2025.

Why is Southwest charging for bags?

For the flight reservations that are booked or, say, have changed on or after 28th May 2025, the checked baggage fees will be applied. The airlines will offer two free checked bags to the Rapid Rewards A List Preferred Members and Business Select Customers. Also, one free A list members and to other selected customers. Members of the Rapid Rewards Credit Card will receive credit for their first checked bag from Southwest. There are weight and size restrictions.

For more information, visit the website of the airlines https://support.southwest.com/helpcenter/s/article/policy-changes?clk=HC_Bags_P1370_Changes
  

Conclusion 

Southwest Airlines's baggage policy has some new regulations to adhere to. However, there are no big changes that have been made. Refer to the above-mentioned details to be well prepared for your upcoming journey with Southwest Airlines.