Information, not legal advice. RefundRules summarizes US DOT rules from 14 CFR Part 260. It does not know your ticket, the airline's records, or facts you leave out. Confirm with the airline and the DOT before relying on it.

Southwest Airlines delayed your bag? How to get your bag fee back

If Southwest Airlines delays your checked bag past the DOT time standard, you can ask for the bag fee back. Here is what the rule says.

Check your Southwest case in 30 seconds

Checked bag fee refunds

Bag fee refund is owed if a Mishandled Baggage Report is filed and the bag is not delivered within 12 hours (domestic), 15 hours (international, longest nonstop US segment 12 hours or less) or 30 hours (international, longest nonstop over 12 hours) of the last segment's arrival, or the bag is lost.

14 CFR 260.2 (Significantly delayed checked bag); 14 CFR 260.5

Refund deadline

7 business days for credit card purchases; 20 calendar days for cash, check, debit card and other forms of payment. Note: the DOT consumer page says 20 business days; the regulation text says 20 calendar days.

14 CFR 260.2 (Prompt refund); 14 CFR 374.3

What to do now with Southwest

1. Check the clock. A checked bag that is delayed more than the DOT standard (12 hours for domestic flights, 15 or 30 hours for international depending on flight length) can mean your bag fee comes back.
2. File a Mishandled Baggage Report with Southwest at the airport or as soon as possible. Keep the reference number.
3. Ask Southwest in writing to refund the checked bag fee to your original form of payment and cite 14 CFR 260.
4. Keep the date of your request. If it is not paid in time, file a DOT complaint.

Common questions

Does Southwest refund my checked bag fee if my bag is delayed?

Yes, when the bag is not delivered within the DOT time standard. The rule covers the bag fee, not other losses.

What do I need to claim a Southwest bag fee refund?

A Mishandled Baggage Report, your receipt or proof of the fee, and a written request to the airline.

How fast must Southwest pay the bag fee refund?

7 business days for credit card purchases and 20 calendar days for other payment types.

Does this cover lost or damaged bags on Southwest?

Lost or damaged luggage claims are separate from the bag fee refund. Use the checker for the fee and keep your claim paperwork for the rest.

Official sources: DOT refunds, DOT automatic refund rule, file a DOT complaint. This page is not affiliated with Southwest Airlines.