Southwest Baggage Policy

Southwest baggage policy has been made to keep travelers informed. Southwest Airlines is considered one of the low-carrier airlines and is traveled by passengers worldwide. To ensure that both passengers and the airline face no inconvenient situations, the policy with baggage rules has been formed. These rules also explain the items that are or are not allowed onboard. The policy has also defined the weight of bags that is agreeable. The rules relating to the Southwest baggage weight limit need to be met by every passenger.

Southwest Baggage Allowance Policy for Checked Luggage

Southwest Airlines is among those airlines that allow all customers to check their baggage for free. Southwest baggage allowance permits its customers to check up to two bags cost-free. However, the bags should not weigh more than 50 pounds. The total dimensions of the bags, which are the length, breadth, and height of the bags, cannot be more than 62 inches. 

However, according to Southwest baggage allowance policy, if you are carrying three or more bags as checked luggage, then additional charges may be required.

Guidelines for Excess Baggage of Southwest Airlines

Certain passengers may want to carry excess baggage while traveling with Southwest Airlines. The carrier has made some strict Southwest Airlines baggage rules for luggage that surpass the size, weight, and quantity restrictions.

• The weight of extra luggage is restricted up to 50 lbs or 23 kg apiece. 
• A bag weighing more than 100 lbs is not allowed by the airline. 
• You will not be able to take extra luggage for free on your flight. As per the Southwest Airlines baggage fees, extra charges will be applied in this case.

Oversized or Overweight Southwest Baggage Fees

Southwest extra baggage fees, based on different conditions, have been displayed below:

Southwest Security Rules of Carry-On Baggage Policy

As per the Southwest baggage policy, certain security rules for carry-on luggage are applicable. In these rules, what not to bring and what is allowed have been explained. The list of the items are as follows:

• Handbags
• Purses
• Baby food
• Baby cereals
• Blankets
• Wipes
• Pillow cases
• Shoes
• Clothes
• Certain medicines
• Perishable items
• Baby carrier
• Baby car seat
• Assistive devices
• Camera
• e-Cigarettes

• Through the control point, you are permitted to bring in your luggage and a fourth bag containing:
  • Fluids
  • Aerosols
  • Gels
  • Creams
  • Pastes 
• Liquid items being carried will require further screening during checking as expressed in the Southwest bag policy.
• An object that cannot be inspected is not allowed to be carried.
• The items being packed in the luggage should be above 3.4 oz or 100 ml.

Carrying Infants with Southwest Airlines

While a passenger carries an infant with him/her, these are the Southwest baggage policy rules that should be kept in mind:

• You can carry an infant who is at least 14 days old.
• For babies between 14 days to 2 years, any charges may not be applicable, as per Southwest baggage allowance policy.
• A boarding permit may not be required in the case of infants.
• While traveling from a domestic flight, a Boarding Verification Document for your baby will be needed.

Southwest Airlines Baggage Policy for Pets

The Southwest baggage allowance policy for pets is particularly important for certain passengers. The passengers may want to carry along their pets. In all cases, the size of the pets may not be small or may cause space problems onboard. Hence, the rules for carrying them have been made.

• Tiny and trained cats and dogs are allowed inside the cabin of Southwest.
• Pets need to be transported in a container. 
• The container for transporting the pets should have the following dimensions, as per the Southwest Airlines carry-on size:
  • Not more than 8.5 inches high
  • Not exceeding 18.5 inches in length
  • Only up to 13.5 inches in width
  • Only one pet carrier is permitted
  • Charges for pet containers will cost $95 for one-way.

Cargo Facilities for Pets

Southwest Airlines’ baggage policy provides cargo facilities and air cargo services. Passengers who want reliable and fast pet services can hold their pets in cargo.

Sporting and Music Equipment Accepted in Southwest Airlines

Athletes or sportsmen heading to tournaments, matches, etc., in far locations may want to take equipment when they fly with Southwest. The same can be true in the case of singers or musicians. Southwest baggage policy enables the passengers to carry only certain equipment including:

• Golf bags
• Non-motorized bicycles
• Kneeboard
• Baseball equipment
• Archery equipment
• Fishing tackle box
• Bowling bag
• Hockey sticks
• Tennis rackets
• Skateboard
• Water and snow ski equipment
• Surfboard
• Guitar
• Piano
• Violin
• Drum

Note: These sports items must be carried out keeping in mind Southwest Airlines carry-on size.

Prohibited Items in Southwest Airlines Baggage Policy

Southwest Airlines has a certain set of guidelines set for prohibited items on flights. These guidelines are made for the safety of the passengers. Items such as aerosols and electric lighters may cause a fire in the aircraft. Things such as knives, scissors, and other sharp objects may cause harm to the passengers or other essential items inside the bags. 

The items prohibited by Southwest Airlines baggage allowance policy are inclusive of:

• Lithium batteries
• Certain electronic gadgets
• Matchsticks
• Electric lighters
• Knives and sharp objects
• Electronic cigarettes and vape devices
• Aerosoles
• Plastic explosives

Southwest Baggage Policy and Locked Luggage

For keeping the items safely inside the bags, Southwest Airlines has provided the customers with the locking service. Locking the luggage can help the passengers to store valuable items inside their bags without the fear of getting them misplaced. These locked bags are screened under the TSA guidelines. The TSA or Transportation Security Administration is responsible for screening all the Southwest luggage inside the flight before being locked. 

If the bags are unlocked, the screening is done quickly and the customers do not have to wait at the screening queue. These unlocked bags are then sent for locking after gaining permission from the passenger. Southwest baggage fees would be applied if you want to go for the locking luggage facility. However, when the bags are found to be locked, they are then opened for security check and then sealed again.

Note: With respect to the Southwest Airlines checked baggage policy, the airline is not responsible for the damage caused to the locked items.

Southwest Lost and Found Policy

When the passengers fly to long and short-haul destinations, they sometimes forget their luggage inside the flights. Southwest Airlines has made guidelines for lost and found service in its baggage policy. The customers can find the items that are lost on their flights with these guidelines.

• This lost and found service is applicable for customers with some additional charges. 
• To raise a complaint regarding your lost item, you must inform the airline by contacting it.
• By contacting Southwest Airlines, the customer service or the cabin crew will guide you about what measures should be taken to proceed. 
• You should provide correct and detailed information on:
  • Where you were seated 
  • The attributes of your luggage
• By sending your email to the airline, you will get daily information on the status of your luggage. If not, then you can be contacted by Southwest Airlines via your mobile number when your item has been found.

How to Prevent Baggage Fees on Southwest Airlines

It can be critical to study the baggage size and weight restrictions before leaving or flying with Southwest Airlines. Southwest checked bags are limited to 50 pounds and 62 inches in length, breadth, and height. The bag will be recognized as oversized if it is more than 50 pounds, and you will be charged $75 for the same. You will have to transport it as air freight when it reaches more than 100 pounds. As a result, it is vital to consider the size and weight of your luggage before arriving at the airport.

Credit Cards that Compensate You for Checked Baggage Fees

Southwest baggage rules are strict, allowing two bags per passenger. These rules may not allow flyers to take more than two bags on the flight. However, in some cases, the passengers need some extra bags. 

These extra bags can cause you high Southwest baggage fees if you purchase them from the airport. Hence, when you are going on a long vacation and require more checked baggage, then VentureOne® Rewards Credit Card will help you save money on fees.

VentureOne® Rewards Credit Card from Capital One – This card has no annual fee and offers 20,000 extra miles after purchasing $500 in the first three months. As seen in the Southwest bag policy, you can redeem your miles to cover off your statement amount when you utilize your card for regular purchases.

In addition to the baggage policy of this airline, knowing its reviews can be helpful prior to make a flight reservation. Click here to go through these Southwest Airlines reviews.

Frequently Asked Questions