Southwest Baggage Policy | Carry-on, Checked bag, Liquid

If your baggage gets delayed, are airlines obligated to compensate you to some extent? Just make sure to hang on to your receipts!

Southwest Airlines stands out for its exceptional boarding process and baggage policy. Unlike most airlines, which charge fees based on weight or destination, this airline offers a free checked Southwest baggage allowance for the first two bags, with some size and weight restrictions.

Southwest Airlines is renowned for its customer-friendly baggage policies, making travel more accessible and affordable. Understanding these policies can help you prepare for your trip and avoid unexpected Southwest baggage fees or issues.

What is Southwest Airlines baggage policy?

Southwest baggage policy explains the rules for carrying bags on flights, including free checked bags, fees, size limits, and tracking. It helps travelers know what to expect when packing. Here's a quick analysis of the key points:

1. Passengers get Southwest-free checked baggage, i.e., 2 on most fares booked before May 28, 2025; fees apply after that.
2. Southwest checked bags should weigh 50 pounds or less and have a total size of up to 62 inches (length + width + height).
3. Carry-on allowance includes one bag plus one personal item, both with specific size limits for easy storage.
4. Fees apply for extra bags, overweight or oversized luggage, and vary by fare type and membership status.
5. Southwest Baggage tracking is available online to help passengers see when bags load, unload, or if lost or delayed.

What is allowed in carry-on baggage on Southwest Airlines?

Traveling can be stressful, but Southwest carry on policy makes packing easier. You're permitted one carry-on and one personal item that comply with size and safety rules. This helps you breeze through security and board relaxed, knowing your essentials are good to go.

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What is the Southwest Airlines carry-on weight limit?

Southwest Airlines carry-on weight limit does not have a specific weight restriction, but carry-on bags must fit size limits (24" x 16" x 10") and be safely stowed in overhead bins or under seats.

What is the Southwest Airlines carry-on size requirement?

Southwest allows one carry-on bag plus one personal item per passenger. The Southwest carry on size requirement limits bags to fit overhead bins, ensuring smooth boarding and comfort for all travelers.

Here's what you need to know:

• One carry-on bag allowed: Must fit in the overhead bin.
• Size limit for carry-on: Southwest Airlines carry on dimensions: 24 inches (L) x 16 inches (W) x 10 inches (H). This includes wheels, handles, and attachments.
• One personal item allowed: Should fit under the seat in front of you.
  Examples: purse, laptop case, backpack, briefcase.
• Special note: If traveling with a pet, the pet carrier counts as either a carry-on bag or a personal item.
• Why size matters: Following the Southwest carry on size limits requirement helps avoid delays and extra fees.

Also Read: Personal Item vs Carry-on: Understanding the Key Differences

What is Southwest Airlines checked baggage policy?

The Southwest checked bag policy lets most passengers check two bags free, but fees apply for Basic, Choice, and Choice Preferred fares booked after May 27, 2025. Each bag must meet the standard size limit of 62 inches (length + width + height) and a weight limit of 50 pounds.

Any additional bags or oversized and overweight items may incur extra Southwest baggage fees. If your checked bag exceeds the weight or size limitations, you will be charged additional fees.

What is the Southwest Airlines checked bag weight limit?

The Southwest Airlines checked bag weight limit is 50 pounds (23 kg) per bag. If your bag weighs more than this, you'll need to pay an overweight baggage fee.

What is the size limit for Southwest checked baggage?

The Southwest checked baggage size limit is 62 linear inches (length + width + height). This includes handles and wheels.

What is the maximum Southwest checked baggage dimensions allowed?

The maximum dimensions allowed are 62 inches (157 cm) total when you add the length, width, and height of the bag together.

Fond Tip: Always check the size of your luggage before heading to the airport. Using a soft-sided suitcase for your carry-on can give you some flexibility with Southwest baggage size restrictions.

Are there any baggage fees for Southwest Airlines?

While Southwest offers generous baggage allowances, there are fees for additional or Southwest oversized baggage fees.

Does Southwest charge for carry-on bags?

No, Southwest carry-on baggage fees do not apply to your first carry-on bag and one personal item; they are always free. You only pay fees for checked bags or extra luggage, making traveling easier without surprise costs for carry-ons.

How much is the Southwest checked baggage fees?

Southwest checked baggage fee depends on your fare and booking date. For most Basic, Choice, and Choice Preferred fares booked after May 27, 2025, the first checked bag costs $35, and the second is $45. Fees vary by fare and membership status.

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What is the Southwest Airlines fee for excess baggage?

Southwest Airlines charges fees for extra bags beyond two checked bags. The Southwest excess baggage fees start at $150 for the third bag. Oversized or overweight bags cost extra, with fees up to $200 plus the standard charge.

What is the Southwest Airlines fee for overweight baggage?

Southwest charges extra fees if your checked bag weighs over 50 pounds. The Southwest overweight bag fee depends on the weight: bags between 51-70 pounds cost $100 plus the standard fee, and bags 71-100 pounds cost $200 plus the standard fee.

What is the Southwest Airlines fee for oversize baggage?

If your checked bag is bigger than the standard size limit (62 inches total), Southwest charges extra. The Southwest baggage fees for oversize bags depend on the exact size, but always add a $200 charge plus the regular checked bag fee.

Is there a fee for special items or equipment on Southwest Airlines?

Yes, Southwest bag policy lets you bring special items like sports gear or equipment, but fees usually apply. Most special items count as standard checked bags, so regular baggage fees and sometimes extra charges for weight or size may apply. Here are some guidelines:

1. Southwest accepts special items like bicycles, sports gear, and golf clubs as checked bags.
2. Standard checked bag fees apply for these items.
3. Overweight or oversized fees may also apply depending on size and weight.
4. Southwest baggage restrictions accept some fragile or soft-sided gear with limited liability.
5. Certain items like surfboards or kayaks may have specific rules or waived fees (e.g., no fee for surfboards flying between Hawaiian islands).
6. Always pack equipment securely to avoid damage.

What are the restrictions for luggage on Southwest Airlines?

Certain things are restricted or prohibited in both Southwest carry-on restrictions

and checked baggage. These include but are not limited to the following:

• Explosives and Flammables: This includes fireworks, ammunition, and gasoline.
• Toxic and Poisonous Substances include bleach, pesticides, and other hazardous materials.
• Corrosive Materials: Acids, batteries with liquid spills, and other corrosive substances are not allowed.
• Lithium Batteries: Spare lithium batteries exceeding a specific watt-hour rating are prohibited.

Fond Tip: Always check the complete list of restricted items on the Southwest Airlines website to ensure compliance. Or you can contact +1-571-389-6426 for any kind of details related to your flights.

• Southwest Check-in Baggage Weight and Claim

When checking in your baggage, ensure it does not exceed the 50-lb limit. At your destination, you can claim your baggage at the designated baggage claim area. Southwest staff are available to help if you have questions or need assistance.

What you should do if your baggage is delayed

Southwest Airlines baggage policy provides several options to resolve the issue if your baggage is lost, delayed, or damaged.

• Report Immediately: If you don't receive your checked bag at the baggage claim, report it to a Southwest Airlines airport representative. They will initiate a lost baggage report and provide you with a reference number. You can even report online via the website.
• Track Your Bag: Southwest Airlines offers a baggage tracking system. You can check the status of your lost bag using your reference number.
• Compensation for Lost Bags: There is a policy for compensating passengers under Southwest damaged baggage and lost baggage. The compensation amount is determined by various factors, such as the value of your belongings and the airline's liability limits.

What is a delayed bag?

If your baggage does not reach the destination on the same flight as you, it is classified as delayed. Your luggage will only be considered lost if it cannot be found within a certain number of days specified by the airline, typically between 5-14 days after your flight.

How much will Southwest reimburse for damaged or lost luggage?

Southwest Airlines doesn't have a specific customer service guarantee regarding compensation for delayed luggage, but it is mentioned in its Contract of Carriage. Therefore, requesting reimbursement by filing a delayed baggage claim is advisable. Like other airlines, you will be required to provide receipts. Here are some essential details from Southwest's Contract of Carriage:

• Southwest will reimburse you for "reasonable, documented damage" resulting from a delayed bag.
• You are expected to make a reasonable effort to minimize the damage caused by the delay in getting your bag.
• If Southwest determines your bag is lost, it will reimburse the original purchase price minus any depreciation.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on Southwest Airlines' baggage policies, including reimbursement limits and procedures, contact us at +1-571-389-6426.

What is Southwest Airlines liquid policy?

The Southwest liquid policy follows the TSA's Liquids, Aerosols, and Gels Rule, which applies at airport security checkpoints. This rule is enforced at all U.S. airports, including those Southwest Airlines operates from, ensuring passengers comply when bringing liquids in carry-on luggage. For details, check their official website or TSA guidelines under "3-1-1 liquids rule."

What are Southwest liquid rules for carry-on baggage?

Southwest liquid rules for carry on baggage let you bring liquids, gels, and aerosols in containers of 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less. All liquids must be in a clear quart-sized bag to pass TSA screening; bigger containers belong in checked baggage.

According to this rule:

1. Southwest Carry On Liquid Size: All liquids, gels, creams, aerosols, and pastes must be stored in containers of 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or under.
2. Southwest Carry On Liquid Limit: All these items need to fit neatly inside one clear, quart-sized, resealable plastic bag.
3. Types of Liquids Allowed: This includes toiletries, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, toothpaste, and other similar products. Beverages, soups, or other consumable liquids must also adhere to these restrictions.
4. Screening Requirements: When passing through security, travelers must remove the quart-sized bag containing liquids from their carry-on for screening. This ensures all items meet the Southwest carry-on liquid limit.

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What are Southwest liquid rules for checked baggage?

Flying with liquids in your checked luggage? Knowing the rules for Southwest liquids in checked bag helps avoid delays and ensures safe travel. Southwest allows larger liquid containers in checked baggage with specific guidelines to follow.

Here's the critical point to remember:

• Checked Bags: There are no size restrictions for containers holding liquids in the Southwest checked baggage policy.

However, there is one exception to this rule:

• Proper Packaging Required: All liquids in checked bags should be securely sealed and packed in leak-proof containers or bags to prevent spills that could damage your belongings or other luggage.

However, there is one exception to this rule:

• Alcohol: Liquids containing alcohol fall under different regulations. For checked bags, the total quantity of alcoholic beverages you can pack cannot exceed 5 liters (1.3 gallons) per passenger. The alcohol content also needs to be less than 70% by volume.

Additional Considerations

• Medications and Baby Formula: Medications, baby formula, and breast milk are allowed reasonably above the 3.4-ounce limit but must be declared to security officers at the checkpoint for inspection.
• Duty-Free Items: If traveling internationally and carrying duty-free liquids, they must remain sealed in their tamper-evident bag with a receipt visible for security checks.
• Carry-On vs Checked Bag Difference: Southwest checked bag liquids allow larger quantities compared to carry-ons, where the TSA 3.4 oz rule strictly applies. For convenience, pack larger liquids in checked luggage whenever possible.

Adhering to these Southwest Airlines liquid restrictions can streamline your security experience and prevent items from being discarded.

Tips for Avoiding Baggage Issues

To experience a smooth journey with Southwest Airlines, consider these tips:

1. Pack smartly to stay within weight and size limits.
2. Label your bags with your contact information.
3. Arrive early to permit ample time for checking in bags.
4. Familiarize yourself with Southwest's baggage policies and guidelines.

These tips can help avoid unexpected fees and ensure your baggage arrives safely.

Southwest Airlines Baggage Policy Made Easy

UnderstandingSouthwest Airlines baggage policy can make your travel experience more enjoyable and hassle-free. With free checked bags and clear guidelines on carry-ons and unique items, Southwest remains a top choice for travelers. Plan, pack wisely, and enjoy your flight with Southwest Airlines.

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