Checked baggage will be accepted at the airport no earlier than 4 hours ahead of your flight’s scheduled departure time.

Domestic Itineraries

Bags checked less than 45 minutes before scheduled departure may not be accepted. If late-checked baggage is accepted, it may not arrive on your flight or arrive when you do. If late-checked baggage does not arrive with you at your destination, Southwest doesn't pay for delivery charges to get it to you.

International Itineraries

If any portion of your itinerary contains an international flight, you must check luggage at the ticket counter. Baggage for international flights will not be accepted if presented less than 60 minutes prior to scheduled departure. For flights departing Aruba (AUA), baggage will not be accepted if presented less than 75 minutes prior to scheduled departure. You can’t voluntarily separate (i.e., voluntarily change your flight after checking luggage on a different flight) from luggage on international flights. Therefore, if you miss the checked baggage cut-off, you will need to rebook on a future flight, and fare differences may apply.

Traveling on an itinerary involving a partner airline? Keep in mind that the partner airline may have different guidelines.