So you're flying Southwest and wondering how to pay for check in baggage Southwest style? I remember my first time – stood at the counter scrambling for my credit card while people behind me sighed. Total mess. Southwest's baggage policy is actually pretty traveler-friendly if you know the tricks. Let's break down everything from fees to payment hacks so you're not that person holding up the line.
Southwest Baggage Rules You Should Actually Care About
Southwest is the only major U.S. airline that still gives you free checked bags – seriously, two per person! But here's where things get tricky: Oversized or extra bags cost money. Last Thanksgiving, I saw a guy arguing about his surfboard case costing $75. Don't be that guy.
| Bag Type | Size/Weight Limits | Fee | Important Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| First & Second Bag | ≤ 62 inches (L+W+H), ≤ 50 lbs | FREE | Applies to all fare types (yes, even Wanna Get Away) |
| Third Bag | Same dimensions | $75 each way | Ouch. Pack light or share space with travel buddies |
| Overweight Bag | 51-100 lbs | $100 each way | Over 100 lbs? They won't take it. Seriously. |
| Oversized Bag | 63-80 inches (L+W+H) | $75 each way | Skis and golf bags usually exempt if under 80 inches |
Pro tip: Weigh your bags at home! Airport scales can be brutal. My neighbor saved $100 by removing two pairs of shoes when her bag hit 50.5 lbs.
Exactly How to Pay for Checked Baggage Southwest Style
Now the main event: how to pay for check in baggage Southwest passengers actually use. You've got three options, but some are way better than others.
Online Payment During Check-In (The Smart Way)
This is how savvy travelers pay for Southwest checked baggage. Starting 24 hours before departure:
- Log into your Southwest account online or via app
- During check-in, declare baggage
- Enter bag details (number, weight estimate)
- Pay with card (Visa/MC/Amex/Discover accepted)
- Get electronic tags – head straight to bag drop
Why I prefer this: Last-minute airport fees are higher, and the line at bag drop moves 3x faster when you prepay. My record? 90 seconds from curb to security.
Airport Counter/Kiosk Payment (The "Oops" Option)
Forgot to pay ahead? Here's how to pay for Southwest checked baggage at the airport:
- Self-service kiosk: Scan boarding pass, select bags, pay by card. Prints tags instantly.
- Ticket counter: Agent handles everything. Takes longer but good for complex items.
Fees jump $10 per bag at the airport! My coworker learned this the hard way – $175 vs $155 for three bags. Southwest gets you either way.
Over-the-Phone Payment (The Hidden Gem)
Few people know you can call 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792) to pay for checked baggage Southwest flights. Useful when:
- You need to pay for baggage days before check-in opens
- Managing group bookings with multiple bags
- Resolving payment errors (happened to me last summer)
Downside? Phone wait times can hit 45+ minutes during holidays. Set aside time.
| Payment Method | When to Pay | Bag Fees | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online/App | 24hr-pre-flight to 45min-pre-departure | $75 third bag $100 overweight $75 oversized |
Instant confirmation |
| Airport Kiosk | Day of flight | $85 third bag $110 overweight $85 oversized |
5-7 minutes per bag |
| Airport Counter | Day of flight | Same as kiosk | 10-15 minutes per bag |
| Phone | Any time after booking | Same as online | 15-45 min call time |
Insider Hack: Southwest credit cardholders get 20% back on in-flight purchases – but baggage fees count! I put my $75 third bag fee on my Southwest Priority Card and got $15 back as statement credit.
Southwest Baggage Payment Hacks That Actually Work
Want to slash baggage costs beyond how to pay for check in baggage Southwest basics? Try these real-world tricks:
- Share Your Free Allowance: Flying with family? Pool bags instead of paying for extra. Three people = six free bags!
- Military/Companion Perks: Active military get five free bags. Companion pass holders share your free baggage allowance.
- Ship Heavy Items: That $100 overweight fee? Often cheaper to UPS your books/tools to your hotel. Did this for a conference – saved $63.
- EarlyBird Check-In Isn't Magic: Paying $15-25 for EarlyBird? Doesn't increase baggage allowance. Better to buy Business Select if you need both early boarding and bags.
What Goes Wrong and How to Fix It
Even when you know how to pay for Southwest checked baggage properly, things blow up:
- "I paid online but no confirmation!" Check spam folder first. Still missing? Call 1-800-435-9792 with your confirmation code.
- Card declined at airport: Seriously stressful. Have backup payment ready – Southwest accepts Apple/Google Pay at kiosks.
- Overcharged? Snap photos of tagged bags showing weight/dimensions. Email [email protected] – I got a $75 refund when they misclassified my ski bag.
Southwest Baggage Payment Questions Real People Ask
Can I use cash to pay for Southwest baggage fees?
Not anywhere. Card only – online, kiosk, counter, everywhere. Southwest went cashless in 2019. I learned this the hard way in Vegas.
What if my bag is slightly over 50 lbs?
Zero wiggle room. 50.1 lbs = $100 fee. Remove items or pay – airport staff won't bend rules. Saw someone wearing three jackets to shed weight.
Do Southwest gift cards cover baggage fees?
Yes! Apply gift cards during online payment. At airport? Tell the agent before scanning payment cards.
Can I prepay baggage weeks before my flight?
Only via phone. Online baggage payment opens exactly 24 hours pre-departure. Hate this limitation – wish they'd change it.
What payment methods does Southwest accept?
All major cards (Visa, MC, Amex, Discover). Apple Pay/Google Pay at kiosks. No cash. No checks. No Venmo.
The Real Cost of Mishandling Baggage Payment
Beyond dollars, payment screw-ups waste precious time:
- Airport counter lines: 15-30 minutes during peak times
- Kiosk errors requiring agent help: Adds 10+ minutes
- Missed flights from baggage delays: Priceless (in a bad way)
My worst experience? Spent 28 minutes fixing an online payment glitch while TSA line ballooned. Nearly missed my flight to Cancun. Now I screenshot every transaction.
Final Thoughts on Paying for Southwest Bags
Knowing how to pay for check in baggage Southwest flights isn't rocket science, but details matter. Always prepay online to save $10 per bag. Weigh everything before leaving home. And for Pete's sake, don't show up with a 52-pound bag expecting mercy. Southwest's free bags are amazing – until you cross into fee territory. Pack smart, pay smarter, and your vacation starts without wallet shock at the airport.
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