Southwest Airlines Baggage Policy: Check-in and Carry-on Bags
When you are flying with Southwest Airlines or any other airline, it’s relevant to understand the carry-on baggage, checked baggage policies, prohibited items and much more so that you can avoid last-minute hassle. Hence, In this blog, we will cover the details about Southwest Airlines baggage policy which will be regarding carry-on baggage, extra luggage, and more.
We will also discuss the additional charges levied by the airline for extra baggage. So, let’s get started.
What is Southwest Baggage Policy for Checked Bags?
According to Southwest airlines baggage policy, every passenger is permitted two free checked bags. Also the items mentioned below will also be considered free checked bags.
- Golf bags
- Skis
The above bags will be considered free checked bags if they come under the weight limit.Additionally, travelers cannot purchase extra bags after completing the Southwest Check-in process. Moreover, You can check the bags digitally online, at the airport, or can check them by utilizing the self-tagging kiosks.
According to Southwest Airlines checked baggage policy:
- The baggage should be up to 50 pounds.
- Moreover, Maximum dimension length + width + height = 62 inches.
- More than three bags will cost $125 per bag.
Guidelines for Overweight bags and oversized baggage
- $100 per bag for weight between 51 – 70 lbs and $125 per bag for weight between 71 – 100 lbs.
- Oversized items more than 62 inches but should not be more than 80 inches will be acceptable but for a charge of $125.
- Only a $125 charge is applicable if the piece is both overweight and oversized, but it should not exceed 100 lbs.
Note:
- A golf bag will be considered as one checked bag. The weight limit will be applicable to it.
- Snow ski equipment should consist of:
One pair of skis or one snowboard, one pair of ski/snowboard boots and a set of poles.
- Southwest Airlines permits only two checked bags for free.
How many total pieces of checked baggage can be allowed per flight?
A total number of 20 pieces of checked baggage are allowed per flight. This can consist of the Carrier’s Free Checked Baggage Allowance, and excess baggage charges will also be applied to excess baggage.
Southwest Baggage Policy for Military Members
The committed team of Southwest Airlines provides hospitality and assistance in every aspect of government travel. Moreover, The bags should not exceed 100 pounds in weight and 80 inches in size. Additionally, Military members must show their documentation which justifies that they are on active duty. Additionally, According to Southwest baggage policy, military passengers will get exempted from the two-piece baggage limit and they cannot be subjected to excess, overweight and oversized baggage fees.
Southwest Airlines Baggage Policy for Infants
Customers who are traveling with children are permitted to check one stroller, child restraint system, or car seat without any charge. Hence, This will be with the usual free baggage allowance. Also, there will be the availability of an optional branded reusable car seat/stroller bag for purchase in Southwest Airlines for a $17 fee. Also, The bags dimensions will be 42” X20.5X12.5” as per Southwest Baggage policy.
Southwest Airlines Carry-on Baggage and Personal Items
You can carry one bag and one personal item which will be free of charge.
This should be the size of a carry-on bag
- It will go in the overhead compartment
- Size limits: 24” (Length) + 16” (Width) + 10” (Height)
Personal item
- Will come under your seat
Fees for carry-on bags
| Fee for carry-on baggage | Cost |
| Carryon Bag | $0 per bag |
| Personal Item | $0 per bag |
Southwest Airlines Baggage Policy for Sports Equipment
Southwest Airlines permits its passengers to carry some special items. It permits sports equipment, which are listed below. Furthermore, The items listed below can be considered substituted for one piece of free checked baggage allowance, which will be free of charge. If the sports equipment item exceeds 50 pounds in weight or 62 inches in size., then remember that excess weight and size charges will be applicable. Here is the list of sports equipment that passengers can bring with them.
- Archery equipment
- Baseball and softball equipment
- Bicycle
- Bowling equipment
- Fishing tackle box and fishing
- Parachutes
- SCUBA equipment
- Skateboards and scooters (non-motorized only).
- Tennis equipment
- Boogie boards, kneeboards, boards, or waterboards
- Fencing equipment
- Golf equipment
- Hockey and/or lacrosse equipment
- Snow ski equipment.
- Water ski equipment.
Prohibited Items on Southwest Airlines
According to Southwest Airlines baggage policy, the following hazardous items are prohibit on the airlines.
If you bring those items on the plane, then there will be imprisonment of five years and there will be a penalty of $250,000 or more.
- Explosives
- Compressed gasses
- Flammable liquids and solids
- oxidizers
- Poisons
- corrosives
- radioactive materials
- Paints
- lighter fluid
- Fireworks
- tear gasses
- oxygen bottles
- Radio-pharmaceuticals
- Spare lithium batteries for portable electronic devices
- cigarette lighters
There are certain exceptions for medical and toilet items and some smoking materials in your luggage, one can carry them in small quantities, up to 70 ounces in total.
Southwest Airlines Baggage Policy for Missing, Delayed, or Damaged Baggage
- For missing, delayed, or lost baggage, you will have to make a report to the Baggage Service Office.
- Also, If you have left the airport, you should make a report online.
- The passengers must notify them of a claim no later than four hours after the alleged loss, damage, or delay occurs on the domestic flight or after the luggage is received, whichever is earlier.
- Moreover, The airline will not be accountable for Manufacturer defects or minor damage that occurred due to normal wear and tear, such as cuts, scratches, scuffs, stains, dents, punctures, marks, and dirt.
- Also, the airline will not be responsible for carry-on luggage or overstuffed bags.
- Additionally, In case of damage to baggage, The passenger should communicate not later than seven days for international itineraries and in case of delayed baggage, not later than twenty-one days.
Delayed baggage
You will get an update on your delayed baggage through text or through telephone. When the airline locates your bag, it will be sent to the contracted courier, you can also track the delivery online.
Lost baggage
If, after five days, your bag is not located, you can give away your claim to the Baggage Claim Web Portal. Moreover, To access the portal, you should use your incident number.
Damaged baggage
The Baggage Claim Web Portal is where you can submit your claim. Also, Accessing the portal requires your incident number.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ’s)
Q. How much checked baggage is allowed on Southwest Airlines?
Ans. There is a free check-in baggage allowance of two bags per passenger on Southwest Airlines.
Q. What should be the weight of checked baggage according to Southwest airline’s checked baggage policy?
Ans. The weight of checked baggage should be up to 50 pounds.
Q. What should be the dimension of checked baggage according to Southwest airline’s checked baggage policy?
Ans. The maximum dimension of checked baggage should be 62 inches.
Q. How much does one have to pay if there are more than three bags?
Ans. One has to pay $125 per bag if there are more than three checked bags.
Q. What is the total number of checked baggage permitted per flight?
Ans. 20 pieces of checked baggage are permitted per flight in Southwest Airlines.
Q. What should be the size of a carry-on bag in Southwest Airlines?
Ans. The size limits of carry-on bag should be: 24” (Length) + 16” (Width) + 10” (Height).
Q. How much carry-on baggage can we carry free of charge on Southwest Airlines?
Ans. One can carry one carry-on baggage item and one personal item and that will be free of charge.
Q. What is Southwest Airlines Baggage Policy for Military Members?
Ans. For military members The bags must not exceed 100 pounds in weight and 80 inches in size.
Q. What are the Prohibited items on Southwest Airlines?
Ans. The list of Prohibited items on Southwest airlines includes:
- Explosives
- Compressed gases
- Flammable liquids and solids
- oxidizers
- Poisons
- corrosives
- radioactive materials
- Paints
- lighter fluid
- Fireworks
- tear gases
- oxygen bottles
- Radio-pharmaceuticals
- Spare lithium batteries for portable electronic devices
- cigarette lighters
Q. What is the sports equipment that passengers can bring with them?
Ans. Here is the list of sports equipment that passengers can bring with them:
- Archery equipment
- Baseball and softball equipment
- Bicycle
- Bowling equipment
- Fishing tackle box and fishing
- Parachutes
- SCUBA equipment
- Skateboards and scooters (non-motorized only).
- Tennis equipment
- Boogie boards, kneeboards, boards, or waterboards
- Fencing equipment
- Golf equipment
- Hockey and/or lacrosse equipment
- Snow ski equipment.
- Water ski equipment.
Q. On how much weight will excess weight and size charges be applied on sports equipment?
Ans. If the sports equipment item exceeds more than 50 pounds and 62 inches in size, then airline will charge excess weight and size fees.
Q. How can we get an update about our Delayed baggage?
Ans. Through text or through telephone you will get an update about delayed baggage.
Q. How can we claim for Lost baggage?
Ans. If your bag is not located, you can hand out the claim to the Baggage Claim Web Portal.
Q. How can we claim for delayed baggage?
Ans. You can submit your claim at the baggage claim web portal.
Q. Will Southwest Airlines be accountable for manufacturing defects or any minor damage to the baggage?
Ans. No, southwest Airlines will not be responsible for Manufacturer defects or minor damage.