When booking group travel, one of the biggest concerns is baggage fees, as they can significantly impact overall costs. If you’re planning a trip with Southwest Group Airfare, you might be wondering whether free checked bags are included. Fortunately, Southwest Airlines offers one of the most generous baggage policies in the industry, making it an excellent choice for group travelers looking to save on additional costs.
In this blog, we’ll explore Southwest’s group airfare program, its baggage policy, and how your group can benefit from these offerings.
Understanding Southwest Group Airfare
Southwest Group Airfare is designed for groups of 10 or more passengers traveling together. This program is ideal for:
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Family reunions
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School trips
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Corporate travel
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Sports teams
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Church or mission trips
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Destination weddings
Booking through Southwest’s group travel program offers several benefits, including flexible payment options, no hidden fees, and dedicated customer support. But one of the standout features that sets Southwest apart from other airlines is its generous baggage policy.
Does Southwest Group Airfare Include Free Checked Bags?
Yes! Southwest Group Airfare includes free checked bags for every passenger. In fact, Southwest Airlines is one of the only major U.S. airlines that allows two free checked bags per passenger, even under its group airfare program. This means your group can pack without worrying about excessive baggage fees.
What Does Southwest’s Baggage Policy Cover?
Here’s what Southwest’s baggage policy includes for both individual and group bookings:
✅ Two free checked bags per passenger
✅ One carry-on bag and one personal item (such as a purse or backpack)
✅ No additional fees for standard baggage sizes
This is a major advantage compared to other airlines, where checked baggage fees typically start at $30 to $50 per bag, per flight.
What Are the Size and Weight Limits for Checked Bags?
While Southwest allows two free checked bags, there are still size and weight restrictions that travelers must follow:
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Weight limit: 50 pounds per checked bag
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Size limit: Maximum 62 linear inches (L + W + H)
If your bag exceeds these limits, Southwest does charge oversized and overweight baggage fees:
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Overweight bags (51-100 lbs): $75 per bag
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Oversized bags (over 62 inches): $75 per bag
By keeping your checked bags within these limits, your group can avoid unnecessary extra charges.
Benefits of Southwest’s Free Checked Bags for Group Travelers
1. Huge Cost Savings
For a group of 10 passengers, the ability to check two bags per person for free can save anywhere from $600 to $1,000 per flight, compared to airlines that charge for checked luggage. This makes Southwest an excellent budget-friendly choice for group travel.
2. Less Stress at the Airport
Many airlines require passengers to pay for checked baggage at the airport, leading to long lines and delays. With Southwest’s free checked baggage policy, your group can check bags hassle-free without worrying about extra costs or last-minute surprises.
3. More Packing Flexibility
Whether you’re traveling for a sports competition, a school event, or a destination wedding, you’ll likely need extra packing space for uniforms, equipment, or formal attire. With Southwest’s two free checked bags, you can bring everything you need without worrying about additional luggage fees.
4. Smooth Boarding Process
Since all group members have free checked baggage, they won’t need to struggle with oversized carry-ons, making the boarding process smoother. This is especially helpful for large groups who want to stay organized and avoid delays.
How to Book Southwest Group Airfare and Take Advantage of Free Bags
Booking Southwest Group Airfare is a simple process:
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Submit a Group Travel Request – You can do this online through Southwest’s Group Travel page or by calling their group booking department.
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Receive a Quote – Southwest will provide a customized quote based on your group size, travel dates, and destination.
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Confirm Your Booking – Unlike regular individual bookings, you don’t need to pay upfront. A deposit may be required, with full payment due closer to your travel date.
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Check Bags for Free – Once your group arrives at the airport, you can check two bags per passenger at no additional cost.
Other Perks of Southwest Group Airfare
In addition to free checked bags, Southwest offers other benefits for group travel, including:
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No change fees – If your plans change, you can modify your booking without paying a penalty.
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No blackout dates – Unlike some airlines, Southwest doesn’t impose blackout dates on group travel, making it easier to plan trips during peak seasons.
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Flexible payment options – You don’t need to pay for all tickets at the time of booking, giving your group more time to finalize travel details.
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Rapid Rewards Points – While individual travelers earn Rapid Rewards points, your group can still take advantage of Southwest’s rewards program for future travel discounts.
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Final Thoughts
If you’re planning a group trip and looking for an airline with affordable fares and flexible policies, Southwest Airlines is a top choice. Not only do you get competitive group rates, but you also enjoy the huge benefit of two free checked bags per person.
For large groups traveling with sports equipment, school materials, or extra luggage, this policy provides significant cost savings and convenience. With no baggage fees, no change fees, and excellent customer support, Southwest Airlines makes group travel stress-free and budget-friendly.
At Grouptripo, we specialize in helping travelers book the best group airfare deals. Contact us today to learn more about Southwest group airfare and secure the best rates for your next trip!
