Traveling can be stressful, especially when it comes to understanding airline baggage rules. Southwest Airlines has designed a baggage policy to make your journey smoother and more affordable. This comprehensive guide will explain everything you need about Southwest Airlines’ checked baggage policy.
Southwest Airlines Allowance For Checked Baggage
It seems that Southwest Airlines has reinvented the travel experience by simply changing the baggage policy to amazingly generous. In a field of most airlines charge premium sums to check in, Southwest can get away with letting its customers carry out two bags completely free. That unique offering creates new flexibility for travelers to pack more comfortably and economically and forget about the constant accumulation of additional fees.
It is an actual promise of satisfaction by the customer, rather than a marketing ploy, by removing baggage charges, that Southwest equips its customers with the comfort to carry every item needed without monetary limits. Of course, with such liberal baggage rules, comes a specific limitation on bag size and weight that would be very strictly adhered to, to ensure enjoying this premium service to its fullest potential. Knowing the detailed nuances allows for easy hassle-free, cost-effective travel.
How Many Checked Bags Can You Carry As Per Southwest’s Checked Baggage Policy?
According to Southwest Airlines checked baggage policy, you can carry two checked bags weighing a maximum of 50 pounds, and not exceeding 62 inches in dimensions. When carrying three bags or more the charges that will be incurred include $150 for each bag.
Overweight bags weighing 51 to 70 lbs will be charged $150 each. Bags weighing between 71 and 100 lbs will be charged $200 for each bag. Oversized bags with a maximum dimension of 80 inches will be charged $200 per bag.
Southwest Airlines Checked Baggage Policy for Weight Limit
Understanding the specific requirements is a way of avoiding unexpected fees. Southwest has clear and precise guidelines for checked baggage. The defined specifications include the following:
Dimensional Restrictions:
- Total dimension: 62 inches by adding length + width + height
- Weight limit: 50 pounds per bag
The passengers need to be very careful in their luggage packing. Otherwise, the surcharges for bags will be high. They have to pay a significant amount of money if the baggage is more than the specified limits. For example, even one inch more or one pound overweight can incur a fee of $150-$200.
Baggage exceeding 100 pounds can’t go as checked baggage they will have to be transported in the cargo.
Southwest Airlines Baggage Fees for Checked and Carry-on Bags
Southwest has a clear and structured approach to additional baggage fees:
| Item Description | Fee |
|---|---|
| 1st Carryon Bag | $0 per bag |
| 2nd Carryon Bag (Personal Item) | $0 per bag |
| 1st Checked Bag | $0 per bag |
| 2nd Checked Bag | $0 per bag |
| 3rd + Checked Bags | $150 per bag |
| Military (Active Duty/Permanent Change of Station) | $0 per bag |
| Large Media Camera Equipment | $75 per item |
| Overweight Checked Bag (51-70 lbs) | $150 per bag |
| Overweight Checked Bag (71-100 lbs) | $200 per bag |
| Military Overweight Bag | $0 per bag |
| Oversize Checked Bag (Larger than 62 inches up to 80 inches) | $200 per bag |
| Military Oversize Bag | $0 per bag |
| Sporting Equipment | $75 per bag |
Sports Equipment
Frontier Airlines allows various sporting equipment and other items to be checked in under their baggage policy. Here are the main details:
General Policy
- Free Checked Baggage: A passenger is allowed to check one item of sporting equipment as a replacement for one of his free checked baggage allowance free of charge.
- Weight Limit: If the items weigh more than 50 pounds, they will be charged excess weight.
- Size Limit: Anything that measures more than 62 linear inches in length plus width plus height is subject to excess size charges.
Specific Items Permitted
- Archery Equipment: Bow, arrows, and average-size target, packed.
- Baseball/Softball Equipment: One bag containing four bats, a helmet, cleats, a uniform, a glove, and batting gloves (one pair).
- Bicycles: Non-motorized, packed in hard case, pedals and handlebars removed.
- Bowling Gear: A bowling bag, designed to carry bowling balls and shoes.
- Fishing Tackle: One fishing rod in a sturdy container and one tackle box counts as one checked item.
- Parachutes: Allowed in checked or carry-on baggage but cannot be worn during flight.
- SCUBA Gear: Must be packed in a sturdy container; air tanks must be empty of the compressed air; the accessories included in the scuba gear are a weight belt, a regulator, a tank pressure gauge, a tank harness, a mask, a snorkel, a knife, two fins, and a safety vest; you either keep the skateboards, and scooters inside a bag or clever the wheels with a plastic bag to prevent damage.
- Skateboards/Scooters: Non-motorized only; if they fit under the seat, they do not need to be checked.
- Tennis Equipment: One bag containing racquets and balls.
Extra Items
- Boogie Boards/Wakeboards: Recommended to carry in a bag to avoid damage.
- Fencing Equipment: Foils permitted only as checked baggage
- Golf Equipment: Must carry in a hard travel case and it may include shoes, clubs, and balls.
- Hockey/Lacrosse Equipment: Two sticks packed together and one equipment bag are allowed as one item.
- Snow Ski Equipment: Skis/snowboards, poles, and boots in an acceptable container are permitted
- Water Ski Equipment: Packed in a hard case with one pair of skis.
- Javelins: They should be in one bag irrespective of how many of them are encased together.
- Kayak: You can carry any kind of kayak except a sea kayak. The paddles should be secured.
- Kiteboard: When carrying kiteboards along, ensure to remove the fins, and keels, before you include them in your cabin or checked baggage.
- Life raft: When carrying a life raft then the cartridges associated with the same have to be removed. They aren’t permitted in checked and carry-on bags.
- Vaulting poles: Irrespective of the number of poles you bring, you must carry them in one bag.
- Windsurfing board: When carrying a windsurfing board, ensure you remove the keels, sail, and boom, and place them in your checked baggage so that the other baggage isn’t damaged.
Liability
Most items shipped are subject to a limited release of liability, meaning passengers are not entitled to compensation for damage under certain conditions.
For more information about fees and policies, refer to Frontier’s website or customer service.
Musical Instrument
You are allowed to carry a musical instrument as a carry-on if it is within the size of 24″ (L) + 16″ (W) + 10″ (H). If it is larger, it can still be carried onboard if it fits in an overhead bin or under a seat, provided there is space available.
Buying a Seat for an Instrument
If your instrument will not fit in an overhead bin or under a seat, you can pay to put it in a seat. The instrument must: Be placed in the first row, closer to the window than any passenger. Fit securely in the seat and be restrained with a seatbelt. Not obstruct aircraft signage.
Some larger instruments (e.g., double bass, cello) must be checked and cannot fit in a seat. Additional fees may be charged in cases of oversized or overweight instruments.
Checking a Musical Instrument
You can check any musical instrument in your baggage allowance. Conditions apply Oversized fee will incur if the size is between 62 and 150 inches or weights from 51 to 165 pounds. Instruments with linear dimensions more than 150 inches, and weight over 165 pounds will not be accepted in the Southwest flights. Items within soft-sided cases will be susceptible to damage during handling and only partially covered by the airline’s liability for damage.
Other Items to Carry In Your Checked Baggage According to Southwest Airlines Checked Baggage Policy
- Alcohol – You may carry alcohol in your checked baggage provided it is in its original container, unopened. Each customer can carry no more than 5 liters of liquor. If you are carrying alcohol in your checked baggage, package them securely to avoid any leakage. A leak-proof bag with proper packaging will protect the bottle from breakage and leakage. Southwest Airlines ticket counter sales wine packaging for $5 for each unit. Even if your packaging is purchased from Southwest, the authorities aren’t liable for any breakage in the bottles or fragile items.
- Dry cell batteries – They may go in as checked or carry-on baggage. The batteries should be protected securely so that they do not create any sparks.
- Fuel cells – They are used to power portable electronic devices like cellular phones, cameras, etc. You can carry them only in carry-on bags.
- Hoverboard batteries – You cannot bring them in checked or hand baggage.
- Sharp objects – Cutting instruments or sharp objects like knives or axes should only go as checked baggage. The blades should be covered.
- Flammable liquids – You cannot bring them in carry-on or checked bags.
- Internal combustion engines – Southwest doesn’t permit them in checked or carry-on luggage.
- Fluids and motor oil – You cannot carry them in checked or carry-on baggage as they may cause damage if spilled.
- Sprays – Self-defense sprays such as pepper sprays aren’t allowed on Southwest flights – neither as checked baggage nor as a carry-on.
- Airsoft guns and Paintball – You can carry them as checked baggage but you have to declare them first.
- Cremated Remains – Human or pet cremated remains may go in as a carry-on but aren’t allowed in the checked baggage.
Southwest Airlines Military and Professional Traveler Exemptions
Southwest is very cognizant of the service members and professionals. The airline shows the following exemptions to active military travelers who are on permanent change of station orders: baggage fees. Large media camera equipment also gets special baggage handling, showing that the company cares about professional needs across the board.
Digital Check-in and Baggage Management
Southwest embraces innovation when it comes to digital tools used to manage baggage. Passengers can:
- Check into baggage digitally
- Self-tagging kiosks at airports
- Digital tracing of their bags in real-time
These technological features provide travelers with the ability to handle their luggage more efficiently with more peace of mind.
Overall Recommendations for Baggage Identification As Per Southwest Airlines Baggage Policy
Southwest strongly emphasizes the labeling of bags. They encourage people to place name tags inside and outside the luggage. They also encourage the use of full name, address, and contact number. Tags are available at ticket counters, and this simple procedure can be the difference in retrieving lost bags.
Total Baggage Limitations and Considerations
Not included among Southwest’s policy details are the overall baggage limits. Travelers can only have 20 bags checked in per flight. These 20 include the free as well as extra, where extra bags come at an additional cost to the customer.
Conclusion
Southwest Airlines has established a baggage policy that reconciles customer convenience with operational efficiency. Understanding and preparing by these guidelines, the traveler will approach his or her journey with confidence in the knowledge of having a clear roadmap for managing their luggage.
Preparation, understanding, and adherence to these very detailed guidelines are the keys to a stress-free travel experience. Southwest’s approach takes much of the anxiety away that comes with airline baggage policies, so passengers can concentrate on the excitement of their next adventure.
You Can Read More: Philippines Airlines Baggage Policy
Frequently Asked Questions
Southwest allows two free checked bags per passenger, with each bag limited to 50 pounds and 62 total inches in dimensions. Additional bags incur fees, with third and subsequent bags costing $150, and overweight or oversized bags are charged extra.
Yes, Southwest allows two free checked bags for each passenger. These must not weigh more than 50 pounds and not measure more than 62 total inches in dimensions. Other equipment such as golf bags and ski gear can also be free checked items, provided they meet the weight, and dimension limits.
Southwest doesn’t allow passengers to carry hazardous materials, explosives, flammable items, compressed gases, toxic substances, and electronics with lithium batteries. Valuables, medications, and personal documents considered of great importance are not allowed in checked bags.
According to Southwest Airlines’ checked baggage policy, some items cannot be carried as checked baggage. These include arms declared improperly, explosives, combustible material, radioactive materials, corrosive substances, pressed gas, and any articles that might deteriorate other luggage or expose people to danger by way of transport.
