Southwest Airlines provides luxurious baggage policies that customers continually acknowledge. Learning Southwest Airlines’ policies ahead of time will provide you with enhanced flight enjoyment and cut down the possibility of hidden fees. The guide presents complete information about Southwest’s policy terms for baggage by explaining what you can bring and how big it can be along with details on excess Southwest Airlines baggage policy costs and helpful bag-packing strategies.

Carry-On Southwest Airlines Baggage Policy

Southwest Airlines guests are allowed to take free of charge two items per person, including one personal item, together with one standard carry-on bag.

➱ Carry-On Bag:

• Size restrictions: The allowed size for a carry-on bag extends to 24 inches in length, 16 inches in width, and 10 inches in height when including both wheels, handles, and accessories.
• Storage: Travel baggage must easily accommodate itself within an aircraft overhead storage compartment.
• Examples: Roller bags, small suitcases.

➱ Personal Item:

• Size Restrictions: You can carry your item if it measures 23.8 cm in length, 12.7 cm in width, and 2.54 cm in height. In short, it should be able to fit under the seat in front of you.
• Examples: Purses, briefcases, laptop bags, backpacks, pillows, blankets, small cameras.

The stowed item size constraints should dictate the treatment of pet carriers when passengers decide to travel with pets since these carriers qualify either as personal belongings or as carry-on items.

See More Also>>> Why Is Southwest Cancelling Flights Today in the USA?

Checked Southwest Airlines Baggage Policy

Southwest Airlines allows passengers to enjoy a great checked baggage policy, among other notable features.

• Allowance: Free of charge, Southwest Airlines lets each passenger submit two pieces of checked baggage.
• Size Limit: Each checked suitcase must comply with the maximum dimensions of 62 linear inches when calculated from length to width to height.
• Weight Limit: Each bag must weigh 50 pounds or less before checking it.

Southwest Airlines offers travelers the advantage of free baggage checking which enables them to pack heavier luggage without paying extra fees, thus benefitting those who need multiple items for their extended travels.

Excess Southwest Airlines Baggage Policy Fees

Excessive items beyond Southwest’s baggage policy may lead to supplementary fees for passengers. Here is the overview of such charges.

➱Overweight Bags

• Extra weight between 51 and 100 pounds leads to the payment of $75 for each piece.
• Bags weighing more than 100 pounds cannot be checked despite the weight regulations.

➱Oversized Bags

• The fee for each bag between 63 to 80 linear inches amounts to $75.
• All checked bags that exceed 80 linear inches will not be accepted for transportation by Southwest Airlines.

➱Additional Bags

• Southwest passengers need to pay $75 per bag starting from the third checked bag onward because of the two-bag free allowance.

Travelers should stick to restricted sizes and weights and restrict themselves to two items for checked baggage to prevent such charges. Otherwise, charges will be applicable.

Southwest Airlines Baggage Policy Special Items and Exceptions

Various special items are permitted by Southwest Airlines, although this acceptance comes with certain specific guidelines.

• Sports Equipment: Sporting gear, including skis together with golf bags and bicycles, are accepted as checked baggage yet will count against your two permitted bags. Excess charges, known as oversize and overweight fees, will be imposed when items surpass normal dimensions.

• Musical Instruments: The airline accepts small musical instruments when they fit comfortably inside the overhead storage space or underneath the seat. The airline requires checking of large instruments that follow size and weight restrictions.

• Assistive Devices: The airline touches all costs to carry no-cost mobility aids, providing accessibility to passengers who need them. Therefore, no charges are applicable in these cases.

Prohibited Items

Both carry-on and checked baggage possess restrictions on safety-related items according to security policies.

1. Carry-On Restrictions: The Transportation Security Administration dictates that all liquids in your carry-on must be stored in 3.4-ounce (100-milliliter) containers or smaller, which you put in one single see-through resealable bag measuring one quart. Every form of baggage must exclude sharp objects together with firearms as well as flammable materials.

2. Checked Baggage Restrictions: Explosives together with flammable liquids and perishable items, must not be placed inside checked baggage. Passengers can bring firearms by declaration but they need to stay unloaded and get packed in locked solid containers.

Passengers must review the guidelines of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Southwest’s specific policies before packing to ensure compliance.

Tips for Southwest Airlines Baggage Policy Efficient Packing

These tips will help maximize Southwest’s baggage regulations while ensuring travel convenience:

1. Weigh Your Bags: You should use a luggage scale to measure your bags at home before airport departure to prevent overweight fees.
2. Measure Your Luggage: Double-check that your bags meet both the restrictions for allowed dimensions as carry-on items and for mandatory checked-bag measurements.
3. Pack Strategically: The bottom of your checked suitcase should contain heavy objects, while you should pack everything inside the shoes to achieve maximum packing organization.
4. Use Packing Cubes: The strategy of packing cubes safely organizes and compresses clothing to minimize space taken.
5. Keep Essentials Accessible: Place essential travel components such as medication, important paperwork, and valuable possessions inside your hand-carry or personal items.

Conclusion

Southwest Airlines baggage policy combines flexible patient rights with cost-effective options for its traveling customers. Your packing experience will become effortless when you understand all the regulations and costs that come with your Southwest Airlines flight. Review the latest guidelines before your departure since policies might change. Safe travels!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the free limit on bags to carry on Southwest Airlines?

Passengers are allowed to take two checked bags for free on the flight. Also, there are some conditions on size and weight which must be met.

Is a backpack considered a personal item in Southwest Airlines?

Yes, a backpack is considered a personal item if it comfortably fits underneath the seat in front of you.

Which items are not allowed to carry on Southwest Airlines?

Items that are prohibited as per their conditions and explosives are not allowed to carry on.

Is toothpaste considered a liquid item?

Yes, toothpaste is considered a liquid item under TSA’s rule no. 3-1-1.

Is 2 free checked bag facility accessible to business class only?

No, every passenger can get this 2 free checked bags facility.