Airline Baggage Rules Southwest

Southwest Airlines is well-known for its customer-friendly policies, and its baggage rules are no exception. Understanding these rules can save travelers time, money, and hassle. This comprehensive guide will explore the details of Southwest Airlines' baggage policies, including checked baggage, carry-on allowances, special items, fees, and tips to ensure a smooth travel experience.

Checked Baggage Allowance

One of the most attractive features of flying with Southwest Airlines is their generous checked baggage policy. Southwest allows each passenger to check up to two bags free of charge. This policy is a significant perk, especially for families or travelers with lots of luggage. Here are the key details:

• Weight Limit: Each checked bag can weigh up to 50 pounds (23 kg).
• Size Limit: The maximum dimensions for each checked bag are 62 inches (157 cm) when you add the length, width, and height.

If your bag exceeds these weight or size limits, additional fees will apply. Overweight bags (51-100 pounds or 24-45 kg) incur a fee of $75 per bag. Similarly, oversized bags (over 62 inches but under 80 inches) also have a $75 fee. Bags that are both oversized and overweight will incur both fees.

Carry-On Baggage Allowance

Southwest Airlines has a standard carry-on baggage policy, which allows each passenger to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item.

• Carry-On Bag: The carry-on bag must fit in the overhead bin and cannot exceed 10 x 16 x 24 inches (25 x 40 x 60 cm). This includes items like suitcases, backpacks, or duffel bags.
• Personal Item: The personal item should fit under the seat in front of you and can be a purse, laptop bag, or small backpack. It must be smaller than 18.5 x 8.5 x 13.5 inches (46 x 22 x 34 cm).

Both the carry-on bag and the personal item are included in the fare and do not incur additional fees.

Special Items and Sports Equipment

Southwest Airlines allows passengers to travel with a variety of special items and sports equipment. However, certain restrictions and fees may apply. Here are some of the commonly transported special items:

• Strollers and Car Seats: Southwest allows passengers to check one stroller and one car seat per child without any additional charges. These items can also be gate-checked if preferred.
• Sports Equipment: Items like golf clubs, skis, snowboards, and bicycles are accepted. Standard checked bag fees and size restrictions apply, but additional fees for overweight or oversized items might be charged.
• Musical Instruments: Musical instruments can be carried on if they fit in the overhead bin or under the seat. Larger instruments can be checked as baggage, subject to the usual size and weight restrictions.
• Medical Equipment: Necessary medical equipment, such as wheelchairs and CPAP machines, can be carried on without counting towards the carry-on limit. These items should be properly packed and meet the size requirements.

Prohibited Items

For safety and security reasons, Southwest Airlines prohibits certain items in both checked and carry-on baggage. These include:

• Explosives, fireworks, and flammable materials
• Compressed gases and toxic substances
• Sharp objects (knives, scissors with blades longer than 4 inches)
• Firearms and ammunition (unless declared and properly packed according to regulations)
• Lithium batteries exceeding specific watt-hour ratings

Passengers are advised to review the full list of prohibited items on Southwest's website or consult with a representative if unsure about a particular item.

Baggage Fees and Policies

While Southwest Airlines is notable for not charging for the first two checked bags, there are still some fees and policies to be aware of:

• Excess Baggage: Beyond the two free checked bags, any additional checked bags will incur a fee of $75 each.
• Overweight and Oversized Bags: As mentioned earlier, bags exceeding the weight or size limits will incur additional fees of $75 each.
• Lost or Damaged Baggage: Southwest Airlines strives to handle all baggage with care. However, in the event of lost or damaged baggage, passengers should report the issue to a Southwest representative immediately. Compensation and resolution will depend on the specifics of the situation and the value of the items.

Tips for Hassle-Free Baggage Handling

1. Label Your Bags: Ensure all your bags have a visible and durable tag with your contact information. This makes it easier to identify and return lost luggage.
2. Pack Smart: Avoid packing prohibited items, and be mindful of weight limits to avoid additional fees.
3. Use TSA-Approved Locks: If you choose to lock your bags, use TSA-approved locks to prevent damage during security inspections.
4. Arrive Early: Arriving at the airport early allows ample time for check-in and baggage drop-off, reducing the stress of last-minute rushes.
5. Consider Travel Insurance: For peace of mind, consider purchasing travel insurance that covers lost, stolen, or damaged baggage.

Additional Services

Southwest Airlines offers additional services to enhance the travel experience:

• EarlyBird Check-In: For a fee, passengers can opt for EarlyBird Check-In, which provides automatic check-in and an earlier boarding position. This can be particularly useful for securing overhead bin space for carry-on luggage.
• Priority Boarding: Southwest’s Business Select and A-List Preferred members receive priority boarding, which can help ensure space for carry-on items.
• Rapid Rewards: Southwest's loyalty program allows frequent flyers to earn points that can be redeemed for future travel, including free checked bags, priority boarding, and other perks.

Conclusion

Southwest Airlines’ baggage policies are designed to offer flexibility and convenience, making it an attractive choice for many travelers. By understanding the rules and planning accordingly, passengers can avoid unexpected fees and enjoy a smoother travel experience. Whether you're traveling for business, leisure, or with family, Southwest's customer-friendly baggage policies make it easier to focus on the journey ahead.