Southwest Airlines Baggage Policy: A Quick Overview – Baggage Fees, Weight Restrictions, And More

Last updated on October 10th, 2022 at 12:28 pm

Airlines present baggage policies to the customers for their convenience and to make them aware of what baggage they can and cannot carry for their flight Southwest Airlines Baggage Policy helps people find their lost luggage and explains how to do so. Take a look at the following policy details –

Southwest Airlines’ baggage policy is very straightforward, two checked bags are free for passengers. Carry-on bags cannot exceed 24″ (length) + 16″ (width) + 10″ (height). Make sure to understand all of Southwest Airlines’ baggage policies so you know what you can and cannot bring on board.

Checked Baggage Rules and Guidelines

Passengers do not have to pay any fees for the first two bags if they do not fall under overweight and oversized baggage categories. The checked baggage can weigh 50 pounds or less and be 62 inches in length, width, and height. Additional bags cost $75 each way unless they weigh less than 50 pounds and are 62 inches (length + weight + height). If the passenger has more than one bag, he or she will have to pay an excess baggage charge as well as the oversize and overweight fees. Air Cargo must be used to ship baggage that weighs over 100 pounds and exceeds 80 inches.

Southwest Carry-On Luggage Restrictions and What You Need to Know Before your Next Flight

In accordance with TSA regulations, you are limited to carrying only one bag and one small personal item in your carry-on bag. If you are traveling with a pet, your carry-on bag cannot exceed the following dimensions: 24″ (L) by 16″ (W) by 10″. As the carry-on luggage must be kept in the overhead bins, it makes it easier for the airlines to process the check-in process. If the luggage has to be checked at the gate, remove any items such as e-cigarettes, medication, spare batteries, and keys.

personal items allowed on board

• Purses, briefcases, cameras, food containers, or laptops (with case) considers being as personal items.

Sports equipment passengers can take along –

• Archery equipment
  • Baseball and softball equipment
  • Boogie or kneeboard
  • Bowling equipment
  • Bicycles
  • Fishing tackle box and fishing rod
  • Golf equipment
  • Hockey and lacrosse equipment
  • Blades
  • Parachutes
  • Scuba equipment
  • Skateboards
  • Snow ski equipment
  • Surfing equipment
  • Water ski equipment

• Specialized Sports Equipment –
  • Bicycles
  • Javelins
  • Kayak
  • Kiteboard
  • Life Raft Cartridges
  • Surfboard Bag
  • Vaulting Poles
  • Wind Surfing Board

Baggage Embargo

The baggage embargo restricts oversized, overweight, and additional checked bags for selected international destinations. Some of the destinations only have restrictions while summer or when traveling comes to a peak.

Best Strategies to Avoid Southwest Baggage Fees

Southwest Airlines is known for its no fees for essential luggage. There is no charge for taking two checked bags, and passengers are allowed to bring one carry-on and one personal item for free. Southwest Airlines’ baggage policy is an added benefit to customers who rely on the airline for their luggage. Customers don’t have to pay any extra fees to carry their luggage.

A passenger should take care of their luggage dimensions. They should not exceed the dimensions specified in the airline’s policy. They should also be aware of what personal items they can carry.

How to Get an Extra Baggage Allowance?

Southwest Airlines charges $75 per additional bag each way for additional baggage you add when booking your flight or once your flight has been booked. You can also purchase additional baggage through the airline’s app by clicking on “Manage My Booking ” once your flight is booked. Additional baggage is always subject to oversize and overweight restrictions.

The cost of an additional bag is $75 each way except if it exceeds 50 pounds or less in weight and 62 inches in length, weight, and height. In case of an excess bag, the passenger will have to pay an excess baggage charge in addition to any oversize or overweight charges.

Frequently Asked Questions