When it comes to air travel, understanding baggage policies is crucial to ensure a smooth journey. Southwest Airlines, one of the leading airlines in the United States, has its own set of baggage policies, fees, and allowances. In this guide, we will delve into the Southwest Airlines Baggage Policy: Fees, Claim & Allowance, covering everything you need to know to navigate the process with ease.
Southwest Airlines Carry-On Baggage Policy
Southwest Airlines allows one carry-on bag and one personal item per passenger. The carry-on bag must not exceed 24 inches (L) x 16 inches (W) x 10 inches (H) and 50 pounds. The personal item must not exceed 18.5 inches (L) x 8.5 inches (W) x 13.5 inches.
What is Allowed in Carry-on Baggage Southwest Airlines?
Here are some of the items that are allowed in carry-on baggage on Southwest Airlines:
- Clothing
- Toiletries
- Electronics (laptops, tablets, cameras, etc.)
- Food and drinks (in disposable packaging)
- Books
- Medications
- Baby supplies
- Assistive/mobility devices
- Outer garments
- Walking canes or umbrellas
Here are some of the items that are not allowed in carry-on baggage on Southwest Airlines:
- Weapons
- Sharp objects
- Liquids, aerosols, gels, and creams over 3.4 ounces
- Hazardous materials
- Live animals (except service animals)
Southwest Airlines Checked Baggage Policy
Southwest Airlines allows two free checked bags per ticketed customer. The bags must not exceed 50 pounds each and 62 inches in size (length + width + height). Golf bags and skis can also be checked for free, but they count as one of your two free checked bags.
If you need to check more than two bags, each additional bag will cost $75 each way. Oversized bags (more than 62 inches but not more than 80 inches in size) will also incur a $75 fee each way. Overweight bags (more than 50 pounds) will also incur a $75 fee each way.
There are some exceptions to the checked baggage policy. For example, musical instruments and wheelchairs can be checked for free, but they must be declared at the ticket counter. You can also check up to two bags of golf clubs or skis for free if you are traveling to or from Hawaii.
Southwest Baggage Weight Limit & Overweight Bag Fee
Southwest Airlines allows two free checked bags per ticketed customer. The bags must not exceed 50 pounds each and 62 inches in size (length + width + height). Golf bags and skis can also be checked for free, but they count as one of your two free checked bags.
If you need to check more than two bags, each additional bag will cost $75 each way. Oversized bags (more than 62 inches but not more than 80 inches in size) will also incur a $75 fee each way. Overweight bags (more than 50 pounds) will also incur a $75 fee each way.
Here is a table of the Southwest baggage weight limit and overweight bag fee:
| Type of bag | Fee |
|---|---|
| First two checked bags | Free |
| Additional checked bags | $75 each way |
| Oversized bag (62-80 inches) | $75 each way |
| Overweight bag (51-100 pounds) | $100 each way |
| Overweight bag (101-150 pounds) | $125 each way |
There are some exceptions to the baggage weight limit and overweight bag fee. For example, musical instruments and wheelchairs can be checked for free, but they must be declared at the ticket counter. You can also check up to two bags of golf clubs or skis for free if you are traveling to or from Hawaii.
Here Are Some Other Southwest Fees
- Change/cancellation fees: Southwest does not charge change fees, but you will be charged a fare difference if your new flight’s price is higher than your original flight’s price. You can cancel your flight for free up to 10 minutes before departure.
- EarlyBird check-in fees: EarlyBird check-in allows you to choose your seat up to 120 days before your flight. The fee is $15 for Wanna Get Away fares and $30 for Anytime and Business Select fares.
- Upgraded boarding fees: Upgraded boarding allows you to board the plane sooner, giving you a better chance of getting a good seat. The fee is $30 for Wanna Get Away fares and $60 for Anytime and Business Select fares.
- Unaccompanied minor fees: The fee for an unaccompanied minor is $150 round-trip. The child must be at least 5 years old and cannot be older than 14 years old.
- Pet fees: The fee for a pet in the cabin is $125 round-trip. The pet must be in a carrier that fits under the seat in front of you. The fee for a pet in the cargo hold is $199 round-trip. The pet must be in a hard-sided carrier that meets Southwest’s specifications.
- In-flight fees: Southwest does not charge for food or drinks, but you can purchase snacks, drinks, and other items from the in-flight service. The prices vary depending on the item.
How to Claim Baggage on Southwest Airlines
Once you arrive at your destination, claiming your checked bags is a straightforward process with Southwest Airlines. Here’s what you need to know about the baggage claim process:
- After disembarking the plane, proceed to the baggage claim area of the airport.
- Locate the designated carousel for Southwest Airlines flights.
- Wait for your flight number and destination to appear on the baggage carousel display.
- Once your bags arrive, identify them using the baggage tags provided during check-in.
- Collect your bags from the carousel and ensure they match your belongings.
- If you notice any damage or missing items, immediately contact an airline representative or visit the airline’s baggage service office.
Southwest Airlines strives to make the baggage claim process as seamless as possible, ensuring your journey concludes on a positive note.
Southwest Airlines Baggage Summary
- Checked baggage: Southwest allows two free checked bags per ticketed customer. The bags must not exceed 50 pounds each and 62 inches in size (length + width + height). Golf bags and skis can also be checked for free, but they count as one of your two free checked bags.
- Oversized bags: Bags that are more than 62 inches but not more than 80 inches in size will incur a $75 fee each way.
- Overweight bags: Bags that are more than 50 pounds will incur a $75 fee each way.
- Carry-on baggage: Southwest allows one carry-on bag and one personal item per passenger. The carry-on bag must not exceed 24 inches (L) x 16 inches (W) x 10 inches (H) and 50 pounds. The personal item must not exceed 18.5 inches (L) x 8.5 inches (W) x 13.5 inches.
Here are some other things to keep in mind about Southwest Airlines’ baggage policy:
- All checked baggage must be tagged with a baggage claim tag.
- You can check your bags at the ticket counter, self-tagging kiosk, or curbside.
- Southwest does not accept checked baggage that is fragile, perishable, or hazardous.
- You can track your checked baggage online using Southwest’s Baggage Tracker.
Knowing the Southwest Airlines baggage policy, weight limit, Baggage claim & fees is essential for a hassle-free travel experience. Southwest provides a customer-friendly approach by allowing carry-on bags and personal items without additional fees and offering a generous baggage allowance for checked bags.
Remember to review the guidelines and restrictions before your trip, pack accordingly, and enjoy your flight with Southwest Airlines!
FAQs
Here are some of the items that are allowed in carry-on baggage on Southwest Airlines:
Clothing
Toiletries
Electronics (laptops, tablets, cameras, etc.)
Food and drinks (in disposable packaging)
Books
Medications
Baby supplies
Assistive/mobility devices
Outer garments
Walking canes or umbrellas
Here are some of the items that are not allowed in carry-on baggage on Southwest Airlines:
Weapons
Sharp objects
Liquids, aerosols, gels, and creams over 3.4 ounces
Hazardous materials
Live animals (except service animals)
You can check in your baggage online for Southwest Airlines up to 24 hours before your flight.
To do this, go to the Southwest Airlines website and log in to your account. Then, click on the “Baggage” tab and then click on “Check In Baggage”.
You will need to enter your flight information and the number of bags you are checking. You can also pay for any additional baggage fees at this time.
Southwest Airlines allows two free checked bags per ticketed customer. The bags must not exceed 50 pounds each and 62 inches in size (length + width + height). Golf bags and skis can also be checked for free, but they count as one of your two free checked bags.
If you need to check more than two bags, each additional bag will cost $75 each way. Oversized bags (more than 62 inches but not more than 80 inches in size) will also incur a $75 fee each way. Overweight bags (more than 50 pounds) will also incur a $75 fee each way.
Southwest Airlines does not charge for the first two checked bags per ticketed customer. However, they do charge for additional checked bags, oversized bags, and overweight bags.
Yes, you can pack liquor in your checked baggage on Southwest Airlines. However, you must follow the FAA regulations for transporting alcohol. This means that the alcohol must be in its original, unopened container and it must be packed in a checked bag that is not accessible to the passenger during the flight.
Yes, car seats count as checked baggage on Southwest Airlines. However, they can be checked for free if they are being used to transport a child under the age of 2. If the car seat is not being used to transport a child, it will count as one of your two free checked bags.
Southwest Airlines will pay up to $1,500 for lost baggage. However, you must file a baggage claim within 45 days of the date your baggage was lost.
To pack a car seat for checked baggage on Southwest Airlines, you should remove the harness and base. The car seat should then be placed in a sturdy box or container. The box or container should be clearly marked as containing a car seat.
Yes, you can pack wine in your checked baggage on Southwest Airlines. However, you must follow the FAA regulations for transporting alcohol. This means that the wine must be in its original, unopened container and it must be packed in a checked bag that is not accessible to the passenger during the flight.
Yes, you can put a laptop in your checked baggage on Southwest Airlines. However, you should pack it in a padded laptop sleeve or case to protect it from damage.
Southwest Airlines does not charge for the first two checked bags per ticketed customer.
