If you’re planning a trip with Southwest Airlines, It’s important to understand the Southwest Baggage Allowance policy.
Knowing how much luggage you can bring and what the restrictions are will help you pack efficiently and avoid any surprises at the airport.
In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the details of Southwest’s baggage allowance, including the weight and size restrictions, additional fees, and tips for maximizing your baggage allowance. Let’s get started.
What is Southwest Airlines Baggage Policy?
Southwest Airlines has a straightforward baggage policy that allows passengers to bring both carry-on and checked bags. Here are the details of Southwest baggage policy:
Carry-on baggage:
- Unrestricted use of one personal item (size 16.5 x 8 x 13 inches) that can fit under the front seat.
- One standard carry-on item (24 x 16 x 10 inches) is allowed free of charge.
- The maximum size for a carry-on bag, including handles and wheels, is 50 linear inches (24 x 16 x 10 in) or 127 centimeters (61 x 41 x 28 cm).
- Southwest Airlines adheres to TSA regulations, so your carry-on luggage allowance is one personal bag (16.5 x 8.5 x 13.5 inches). Your personal bag must fit under the front seat.
Checked baggage:
- Two checked pieces of baggage are allowed free of charge per ticketed customer, provided the bags don’t exceed 50 lbs and 62 inches (L+W+H).
- All checked bags must adhere to a max weight of 50 pounds (23 kg) and must adhere to max linear dimensions of 62 inches (158 cm).
- Southwest Airlines accepts checked baggage with a total length of 62 inches (158 cm).
- A $75 charge per item (one-way) can be paid for luggage that is overweight from 51 to 100 pounds and oversized items in excess of 62 inches (but not more than 80 inches).
- Southwest is the only airline that provides 2 FREE CHECKED BAGS for all fares.
Other restrictions:
- Passengers are not allowed to bring hazardous materials onboard.
- Passengers are not allowed to bring firearms or ammunition onboard.
- Passengers are not allowed to bring hoverboards, self-balancing boards, or any lithium battery-powered transportation devices onboard.
Knowing Southwest Baggage Policy will help you pack efficiently and avoid any surprises at the airport.
What is allowed in carry-on Baggage Southwest Airlines?
Southwest Airlines allows one carry-on bag and one personal item per passenger. Carry-on bags must not exceed 24″ x 16″ x 10″, While personal items cannot exceed 18″ x 14″ x 8″.
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 (non-alcoholic only)
- Medications
- Baby items (diapers, formula, etc.)
- Assistive devices
Here are some of the items that are not allowed in carry-on baggage on Southwest Airlines:
- Weapons
- Sharp objects
- Flammable liquids
- Explosives
- Hazardous materials
- Live animals (except service animals)
For a comprehensive list of prohibited items, please visit Southwest Airlines website.
Southwest Baggage Weight Limit
Southwest Airlines has a straightforward baggage policy that allows passengers to bring both carry-on and checked bags. Here are the details of Southwest’s baggage policy:
Carry-on baggage:
- One personal item (16.25 x 8.5 x 13.5 inches) that fits under the front seat is allowed free of charge.
- One standard carry-on item (24 x 16 x 10 inches) is allowed free of charge.
- The maximum size for a carry-on bag, including handles and wheels, is 50 linear inches (24 x 16 x 10 in) or 127 centimeters (61 x 41 x 28 cm).
- Southwest Airlines adheres to TSA regulations, so your carry-on luggage allowance is one personal bag (16.5 x 8.5 x 13.5 inches). Your personal bag must fit under the front seat.
- There is no specified item restriction for the Southwest Carry-on weight limit.
Checked baggage:
- Two checked pieces of baggage are allowed free of charge per ticketed customer, provided the bags don’t exceed 50 lbs and 62 inches (L+W+H).
- All checked bags must adhere to a max weight of 50 pounds (23 kg) and must adhere to max linear dimensions of 62 inches (158 cm).
- Southwest Airlines accepts checked baggage with a total length of 62 inches (158 cm).
- A $75 charge per item (one-way) can be paid for luggage that is overweight from 51 to 100 pounds and oversized items in excess of 62 inches (but not more than 80 inches).
- Southwest is the only airline that provides 2 FREE CHECKED BAGS for all fares.
Southwest Checked Baggage Size
Here is a table summarizing Southwest’s checked baggage size and weight restrictions:
| Checked Baggage Policy | Southwest Airlines |
|---|---|
| Maximum weight per bag | 50 pounds (23 kg) |
| Maximum linear dimensions per bag | 62 inches (158 cm) |
| Maximum length per bag | 62 inches (158 cm) |
| Number of free checked bags | 2 |
| Additional checked bags | $75 each way (max 50 lbs and 62 inches) |
Southwest Carry on size:
- One personal item (16.5 x 8.5 x 13.5 inches) that fits under the front seat is allowed free of charge.
- One standard carry-on item (24 x 16 x 10 inches) is allowed free of charge.
- The maximum size for a carry-on bag, including handles and wheels, is 50 linear inches (24 x 16 x 10 in) or 127 centimeters (61 x 41 x 28 cm).
- Southwest Airlines adheres to TSA regulations, so your carry-on luggage allowance is one personal bag (16.5 x 8.5 x 13.5 inches). Your personal bag must fit under the front seat.
- The personal item must not exceed 16.25 x 13.5 x 8.5 inches.
- The carry-on bag dimensions are limited to 10 x 16 x 24 inches.
- Southwest Airlines allows each passenger to bring one carry-on and one personal item.
- There is no specified weight restriction for carry-on items.
- If your carry-on bag is bigger than those dimensions, it will need to be checked.
What are the Southwest Baggage Fees and Allowances?
Southwest Airlines offers two free checked bags for all passengers, regardless of fare class. This is a great perk that sets Southwest apart from other airlines. However, there are certain restrictions regarding the size and weight of checked bags.
Checked Baggage Allowance
- 2 free checked bags per passenger, up to 50 pounds each, and 62 inches in total dimensions (length + width + height).
- Skis and golf bags count as one checked bag.
- Surfboards fly free in Hawaii.
- Overweight bags (50-100 pounds) are $75 each way.
- Oversized bags (62-80 inches) are $75 each way.
- Any item weighing more than 100 pounds and exceeding 80 inches in size must be shipped as Air Cargo.
Carry-On Baggage Allowance
- 1 carry-on bag and 1 personal item per passenger.
- Carry-on bags must fit within the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.
- Personal items must fit under the seat in front of you.
Southwest Carry-on Baggage Fees
- Each additional checked bag is $75 each way.
- Carry-on bags or personal items do not incur fees or extra charges when traveling by air.
Baggage Embargo
- Southwest Airlines has baggage embargoes in place for some countries. This means that there are
- restrictions on oversized, overweight, and extra-checked bags. You can check the Southwest website to see if
- your destination is impacted by an embargo.
Tips for Avoiding Baggage Fees
- Pack light. Lighter bags cost you less in baggage fees.
- Pack your carry-on bag as fully as possible. This will free up space in your checked bags.
- Pack your checked bags carefully. Be sure that your bags are well-packed, with contents unlikely to break, before taking them with you to the airport.
- Weighing your luggage beforehand will help eliminate unpleasant surprises at the check-in counter.
Southwest Baggage Allowance Domestic
Southwest Airlines has a simple and generous baggage policy for domestic flights. Here is more information about Southwest’s baggage policy:
Carry-on baggage:
- Any personal item ( 16.5 inches x 8.5 inches x 13.5 inches ) Which fits under the front seat is allowed free of charge.
- One standard carry-on item (24 x 16 x 10 inches) is allowed free of charge.
- The maximum size for a carry-on bag, including handles and wheels, is 50 linear inches (24 x 16 x 10 in) or 127 centimeters (61 x 41 x 28 cm).
- There is no specified weight restriction for carry-on items.
- Southwest Airlines adheres to TSA regulations, so your carry-on luggage allowance is one personal bag (16.5 x 8.5 x 13.5 inches). Your personal bag must fit under the front seat.
Checked baggage:
- Two checked pieces of baggage are allowed free of charge per ticketed customer, provided the bags don’t exceed 50 lbs and 62 inches (L+W+H).
- All checked bags must adhere to a max weight of 50 pounds (23 kg) and must adhere to max linear dimensions of 62 inches (158 cm).
- Southwest Airlines accepts checked baggage with a total length of 62 inches (158 cm).
- A $75 charge per item (one-way) can be paid for luggage that is overweight from 51 to 100 pounds and oversized items in excess of 62 inches (but not more than 80 inches).
- Southwest is the only airline that provides 2 FREE CHECKED BAGS for all fares.
Additional information:
- Southwest Airlines allows small domesticated cats and Dogs to be carried into the cabin on domestic flights as long as they are transported in an approved carrier, No larger than 8.5 inches high by 18.5 inches long by 13.5 inches wide (21.59 x 46.99 cm).
- A fee of $95, one way, is levied for each pet carrier. One pet carrier counts as one of the permitted carry-on items. Pets cannot be checked into the hold with Southwest.
- Customers traveling with children will be allowed to check one stroller and one Child Restraint System (CRS) or car seat per child without charge. This is in addition to the regular free baggage allowance.
Southwest Airlines adheres to TSA regulations, so your carry-on luggage allowance is one personal bag (16.5 x 8.5 x 13.5 inches).
Your personal bag must fit under the front seat. Southwest Airlines allows two checked pieces of baggage free of charge per ticketed Customer, provided the bags don’t exceed 50 lbs.
Southwest Liquid Rules for Checked Baggage
Southwest Airlines does not impose restrictions on the amount or types of liquids you can pack in your checked baggage, But certain kinds are restricted; For instance, you cannot transport flammable liquids, hazardous materials, or products forbidden by Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
Here is a list of some of the liquids you should pack in your checked baggage:
- Water
- Juice
- Soda
- Milk
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Body lotion
- Sunscreen
- Hairspray
- Perfume
- Aftershave
Here is a list of some of the liquids that you cannot pack in your checked baggage:
- Gasoline
- Kerosene
- Diesel fuel
- Motor oil
- Brake fluid
- Transmission fluid
- Aerosols
- Flammable liquids
- Hazardous materials
If you are uncertain if any liquid can be packed in your checked baggage, contact the TSA immediately for guidance.
Southwest Customer Service
Southwest Airlines has a reputation for providing excellent customer service. You can contact them in a number of ways, including:
- Phone Number: 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792)
- Flight Information: 1-888-792-8747
- Cargo: 1-800-533-1222
- Chat: Available on the Southwest website
- Social media: Southwest is active on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram
- Airport: You can also contact customer service at the airport at any Southwest ticket counter
Customer service representatives are available 24-7 to assist with various issues, such as:
- Reserving Space: Scheduling or Modifying Reservations
- Flight status: Checking flight status
- Baggage: Reporting lost or damaged baggage
- Payments: Making or changing payments
- Complaints: Filing a complaint
Conclusion
Understanding the Southwest Baggage Allowance policy is essential for a stress-free travel experience with Southwest Airlines. By adhering to the weight and size limits, packing strategically, and knowing the guidelines for special items, you can make the most of your baggage allowance.
Remember to review Southwest’s official website or contact their customer service for the most accurate and updated information. Happy travels!
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Southwest Baggage Allowance FAQs
You can carry one personal item and one standard piece of carry-on on Southwest Airlines. The personal item must not exceed 16.25 x 13.5 x 8.5 inches and the carry-on item 24 x 16 x 10 inches.
Southwest Airlines allows two checked pieces of baggage free of charge per ticketed customer, provided the bags don’t exceed 50 lbs and 62 inches (L+W+H).
A $75 charge per item (one-way) can be paid for luggage that is overweight from 51 to 100 pounds and oversized items in excess of 62 inches (but not more than 80 inches).
Southwest Airlines allows one personal item and one standard carry-on item free of charge.
No, Southwest Airlines does not charge for the first two checked bags.
Yes, customers traveling with children will be allowed to check one stroller and one Child Restraint System (CRS) or car seat per child without charge. This is in addition to the regular free baggage allowance.
A $75 charge per item (one-way) can be paid for luggage that is overweight from 51 to 100 pounds and oversized items in excess of 62 inches (but not more than 80 inches).
Yes, musical instruments can be carried on or checked as baggage, provided they meet size and weight requirements.
Passengers can book 3+ bags for $75 apiece.
Southwest Airlines checked bags can weigh up to 50 pounds each.
Yes, skateboards can be carried on or checked as baggage, provided they meet size and weight requirements.
Southwest Airlines allows one personal item and one standard carry-on item free of charge.