Southwest Airlines overcharged you for baggage? Here’s what to do
Summary: Incorrect Southwest Airlines baggage fees — and fees for bags that were delayed or damaged — can be refunded when you dispute them with documentation.
Why Southwest Airlines overcharged you for baggage
- You were charged for a bag that should have been free under your fare or status.
- A bag was delayed, lost, or damaged.
- A duplicate or incorrect fee posted to your card.
Step by step: what to do
- Gather your boarding pass, baggage receipt, and the fare rules for your ticket.
- Call Southwest Airlines at 1-800-435-9792 and ask for the fee to be reviewed and refunded.
- For delayed or damaged bags, file the baggage claim within the airline’s deadline.
- If denied, dispute the charge with your card issuer.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Missing the short deadline to report a delayed or damaged bag.
- Not keeping the baggage receipt and tag numbers.
What to say when you call Southwest Airlines
- I was charged a baggage fee I don’t owe under my fare — please review and refund it.
Know your rights
When an airline cancels or significantly changes your flight, DOT rules entitle you to a cash refund to your original form of payment — not just a travel credit — if you choose not to rebook.
Regulator: the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). If the airline stalls, file a complaint with the DOT Office of Aviation Consumer Protection and dispute the charge with your card issuer.
Don’t want to make the call?
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Frequently asked questions
Can I get a Southwest Airlines baggage fee refunded?
Yes, when the fee was charged in error or your bag was delayed, lost, or damaged. Dispute it with documentation and escalate to a card chargeback if needed.