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Southwest Airlines Community

Holiday Travel Tips - The Video

blusk
Aviator C

(If you need a captioned version of this video, please click here.)

In addition to Ming’s post below, we have this video starring some Southwest Airlines Employees (with fellow blogger Bob Hurst behind the camera) to help you with your packing. Clayton and Michelle are the Flight Attendants in the video, but my office neighbor, Katie Coldwell, plays the somewhat confused but soon to be enlightened packer. And, her friends, Ashley and Christi are just down the hall in our office. (My Christmas gift is to work with these three ladies!)
300 Comments
Anonymous436
Explorer C
Brian, Thank you for the reply and clarification on your golf bag policy. Chuck B.
Deb___Scott
Explorer C
Hi, and thanks for providing this forum for asking questions. We'll be flying from Philly to Tampa at the end of February, and we're big on fishing. We're planning to take some of our fishing rods so we can get in some surf fishing and on the Sunshine Skyway bridge. I see where we can purchase a fishing pole container for $10 - but are the chances good that they will have them at the airport when we arrive there with our poles? Should we call ahead and try to find out if they have them? We don't want to assume that they will have them and show up with our poles only to find out that they don't have them and we have no way to transport them. (The poles are somewhat expensive and we don't want to have to scramble around trying to find a way not to have to abandon them or miss our flight.) What do you think? Thanks!
Christina
Explorer C
Hi, just a question regarding booster seats-are my three children, ages 4, 6 and 7, required to use booster seats on the aircraft? Are there any age/weight policies regarding booster/carseats? Thanks in advance for your help!
Emma
Explorer C
I am from the UK and so am not used to flying internal US flights. I am flying southwest next month Florida to Arizona and want to know if i can check in online if i am checking in suitcases? I get panic attacks and need a window seat when flying so have read the best way to ensure this is to check in online and get a low boarding pass to board first, will i need to print out a pass and can i then go and check in suitcaes when i get to the airport?
Anonymous746
Explorer C
its my first time flying and do you know if after the security would i be able to bring my bag so i could put my bag above me?
ck
Explorer C
first time flying and i am bringing a bag with me and a purse do you go threw secerity then you bring these with you onto the plane?
Snowboarder
Explorer C
Hello, I am wondering if I will have to pay extra to check my snowboarding bag if it is my only checked piece. The bag is technically 166 in., however my board is only 150, so I'm thinking I could fold my bag over and tape it if you think I will be charged. Thank you!
Anonymous4314
Explorer C
I am traveling for the first time with my daughter (4 months old) and have a question regarding formula. I generally fill the bottles with water and take the powder in a different container pre-measured. I understand that water cannot be taken through security, but how about the formula powder? Will this cause a problem and do you have any solutions if it does? Thank you.
blusk
Aviator C
The formula powder should be fine.
Deb___Scott
Explorer C
We posted a question here almost a month ago and have not had a response. We'll be flying from Philly to Tampa at the end of February, and we are planning to take some of our fishing rods. I saw where they say we can purchase a fishing pole container for $10 - but are the chances good that they will have them at the airport when we arrive there with our poles? We don't want to get stuck at the airport with our polesw and have nothing to put them in. We leave in 2 weeks - is there a better place for us to get an answer? We need one soon! Thank you. Deb & Scott
blusk
Aviator C
Deb and Scott let me check with our Philadelphia Station on Monday. Brian
Anonymous2077
Explorer C
I have not flown in a while; Is it recommended to leave locks off your luggage that you are checking in?
Bruce1
Explorer C
I bring on a carryon bag which meets southwest requirements. how come others passengers bringing carryon are way larger than my pass the requirement? thanks
deedee
Explorer C
Can I take a two-pound box of wrapped See's chocolates through the screening process. I'm taking a special box to my mom. (I get the candy for a discounted price at work)
blusk
Aviator C
deedee, sure you can but only if you ship a box to our Blog Team. Seriously, it shouldn't be a problem. However, I wouldn't gift wrap it until you get to your destination. The TSA may have to see (no pun) what is inside.
Ruth2
Explorer C
Hello. I'll be flying in June (two day conference) and wish to just carry on my items. The laptop is a 17" monitor and I would love to be able to bring my hair "stuff" as well as special liquid soap. Question are: May I carry a beach bag or backpack with everything in it onto the plane? May I place the liquid soap in those 3 OZ containers you get at the drug store? May I carry my hair gel and spray on board? Thank you for all your support. Ruth
blusk
Aviator C
Hi Ruth, Those are a lot of questions. The lap top is fine, but the TSA will want you to run it through the x-ray by itself. A beach bag, as long as it fits inside our carryon box size limit of 10"x16"x24" is fine. You can bring liquid soap, hair spray, etc onboard, but they all have to be in containers holding three ounces or less, and you have to place all of these items inside a clear one-quart size plastic zip bag. This quart bag can fit in your beach bag, but along with your laptop, you will need to pull it out of the bag for screening. All of this may seem difficult, but it really isn't. If you have any questions, the TSA screeners at the front of the lines can help you. Brian
Ty_Chamberlain
Explorer C
I noticed a lot of questions about medications, and since I'm a diabetic with chronic pain and take a lot of meds - plus I fly on Southwest a lot, I thought I'd chip in for those who might read this page... The TSA and Southwest really has no restrictions on medications - even the 3oz liquid limit doesn't apply to carry on's if it is a prescribed medication or something you MUST have due to a medical condition... you just must declare the items to security before going through so you can show them... they can't touch them (for obvious reasons!). Pills don't have to be in the original container - weekly pill-boxes are fine and you can carry your syringes, insulin, pain-pills, what-have-you, in your carry on so you don't have to worry about any theft of checked baggage! The TSA has a great website where everything is spelled out clearly and they are very, very understanding and flexible when it comes to medicine - it would be discriminatory otherwise! Southwest is, as always, great! I've flown them since they first started service in Albuquerque (I flew Texas International before that - remember them???) and never have I met friendlier or more professional people - or felt safer on an airline than I do on SWA! Here's info copied from the Transportation Security Administration's website about medical liquids: ###Additionally, we are continuing to permit prescription liquid medications and other liquids needed by persons with disabilities and medical conditions. This includes: * All prescription and over-the-counter medications (liquids, gels, and aerosols) including KY jelly, eye drops, and saline solution for medical purposes; * Liquids including water, juice, or liquid nutrition or gels for passengers with a disability or medical condition; * Life-support and life-sustaining liquids such as bone marrow, blood products, and transplant organs; * Items used to augment the body for medical or cosmetic reasons such as mastectomy products, prosthetic breasts, bras or shells containing gels, saline solution, or other liquids; and, * Gels or frozen liquids needed to cool disability or medically related items used by persons with disabilities or medical conditions. However, if the liquid medications are in volumes larger than 3 ozs each, they may not be placed in the quart-size bag and must be declared to the Transportation Security Officer. A declaration can be made verbally, in writing, or by a person's companion, caregiver, interpreter, or family member. Declared liquid medications and other liquids for disabilities and medical conditions must be kept separate from all other property submitted for x-ray screening. ### I hope this info helps and have a happy flight!
gabrielle
Explorer C
thanks that was so helpful, i hve never flown with southwest before, only ever with Delta. My dad usually books the flights but since i am going to cali to see a friend she booked the flight for me and it was southwest. I absolutely love the southern accents too, i miss hearing them. thanks for taking time to create this 😄
Latoya_p_
Explorer C
Hi Southwest Airlines. i was wondering if i am allowed to bring a bottle of perfume on the plane with me? as well as different cosmetics , hairspray, ect. i will be flying to miami to take a carribean cruise in april. am i also allowed to bring my purse separate from my carry on bag or is there an extra charge for it??? thankyou for the info. i dont want any surprises nor do i want to have to throw anything out! 🙂
Anonymous3660
Explorer C
I am flying from Midland to las vegas on Friday with a stop in Alb. NM. My question is do I have to pick up my bags and recheck them in or will the crew chck them from one plane to the other at the stop in Ablquerque? Thank you
blusk
Aviator C
Our folks will transfer your bags from one flight to another in Albuquerque. Just make sure that when you check your bags in Midland, you receive claim checks showing that your bags have been checked through to Las Vegas. Enjoy your trip. Brian
Marty_Richardso
Explorer C
I have a piece of luggage that is exactly 10x16x24 dimensions. However, do you add on the little rollers on the bottom of the luggage or the pull-out handle at the top because if you did, then that would make it go over those dimensions.
cynthia
Explorer C
Hi, this will be my first time flying. I'm going to las vegas in july me and some fiends and I wanted to know what to pack for the trip. Thanks
Anonymous1910
Explorer C
In my carryon, is it ok to take a 1.7oz bottle of cologne, 3 oz of shampoo, and 3 oz of hair gel in the quart sized zip lock bag? Also, can a can of shaving cream go in the carry on or does it need to go in the checked baggage? Thanks.
Anonymous1942
Explorer C
Question to SWA personnel re: two following statements from baggage policies. "..Effective March 1, 2005, overweight items from 51 to 70 pounds will be accepted for a charge of $25.00 per item. Items weighing from 71 to 100 pounds and oversized items in excess of 62 inches but not more than 80 inches (i.e., surfboards, bicycles, vaulting poles) will be accepted for a charge of $50.00 per item..." "...When substituting ski equipment for a free bag, Southwest Airlines allows up to two bags (containing one set of snow skis, ski poles, and ski boots) to count as one item, even if they are packed and tagged separately. (overweight charges may still apply.)..." Do one ski bag w/ skis and poles, and a separate boot bag fly with no charge if they weigh less than 51#, or do the skis incur the $50 excess length charge? Would appreciate clarification of this
Sissy
Explorer C
I'm flying to Southern California (Bubank) from Sacramento next week. I've been craving these potato balls from a bakery in Burbank/Glendale (PortosBakery.com), can I bring a box of them on the plane with me when I fly back? They're just tiny little baked balls with mashed potatoes and ground beef inside. If so, is there a certain size of box/amount I can bring?
Anonymous3348
Explorer C
Hi I like to pack alot but I looked at your video of how to save space and they rolled everything up. I think everything would get wrinkled I don't think that is a good idea.
Anonymous3358
Explorer C
My daughter's "carry on" luggage has the dimensions of 21x14x8.5 is that still within the 10x16x24?
Anonymous2409
Explorer C
can i bring full size toiletries in my checked bag. I want to make sure i can have my deoderant and hair setting spray.
Anonymous2409
Explorer C
can i bring full size toiletries in my checked bag. I want to make sure i can have my deo. and hair setting spray.
darlene821
Explorer C
When you talk about the dimensions of the carry-on bag does that include the outside or the inside?
darlene821
Explorer C
I have a piece of luggage that is exactly 10x16x24 dimensions. However, do you add on the little rollers on the bottom of the luggage or the pull-out handle at the top because if you did, then that would make it go over those dimensions. What is the proper way to measure the carry-on luggage size?
Going_to_travel
Explorer C
I'm going to be traveling from BWI to DAL on May 19 2009 and wonderning if I can bring me my foam in Carryon or will I have to check my luggage. I'm traveling at 7:10 A.M. on May 19, 2009 when does the Check in counter at BWI Airport open.
AMelanie
Explorer C
Regarding rolled clothing in packing. I've done this for years and if you smoothe and roll there should be no wrinkles. It's also easier to see and remove garments. 🙂 We love SWA!!!!!
Gina3
Explorer C
Did anyone ever answer the question on whether a 3 year old needs to be in a booster seat? My daughter is very tall, but I wanted to know if this was mandatory like it is for automobiles? Leaving in 5 days, please help!
Anonymous1959
Explorer C
My daughter's "carry on" luggage has the dimensions of 21x14x8.5 is that still within the 10x16x24? Anonymous — Wed, 04/15/2009 - 17:17 Turn your daughter's carry on on its side and it will be 8.5 x 14 x 21 , which is within the limit.
Anonymous841
Explorer C
Children old enough to sit up on their own are not required to have carseats. Carseats are a good idea because they are safer, but I do not know that a booster seat would be helpful. The seatbelt is a lap belt so a booster seat would not be required to make a seatbelt fit.
Mary41
Explorer C
I want to bring my bicycle from chicago to SanFrancisco. I know how to pack a bike in a box, but I'm worried about getting a box for my return trip. Are bicycle boxes available at the San francisco airport?
CARiess
Explorer C
I fly SWA a few time per year (would be more is not such a hassel). Let me explain. Baggage I am a bowler and have to creatively pack to get under the wieght limt. A 3 ball bag (the most popular) with 16lbs balls weighs 54 lbs. So now we put 2 balls in the bag designed for bowling balls and pack the 3rd loose in a clothing bag. Most bowlers traveling to a tournament take 3 to 12 balls with them. This weekends event I would like to take 10 but trying be creative packing and will take what I can. SW used to allow an extra bag for sporting goods and the weight limit was 70lbs for all bags. This gave bowlers the ability to pack normally and put balls in containers designed to carry them. Unfortunately SW is the best option giving us no other options. However some help would be appreciated.
eflyboy
Explorer C
Can I carry a Radar Detector in a carry-on bag? I'm flying to Denver to pick up a car I bought and would feel naked driving without my detector all the way home. It is clearly electronic like a laptop, but not nearly as common on aircraft.
blusk
Aviator C
You should be able to bring the dectector with you, but it obviously can't be used during flight.
Anonymous2265
Explorer C
we will be flying from okc to pittsburgh this summer with my husband and 2 children ( 8 and 10) none of them have flown except myself in almost 10 yrs . how can we make sure that each child is sitting with one of us(parents) ? or a window seat? could you take me thru a normal check in? also are the kids allowed to take their video games aboard the plane for entertainment? what about flight meals?
blusk
Aviator C
Anonymous, the best way to get the bewst seats is to check in online, and you can do this 24 hours before departure time. Yes the kids can bring their video games onboard, they just can't play them anytime the aircraft is below 10,000 feet. The Flight Attendants will let you know when electronic devices can be used. While we do serve free peanuts or pretzels, and on longer nonstop flights free Nabisco snacks, we don't serve meals, but you are more than welcome to bring your own food onboard. When you checkin online or in person, you will receive a boarding group of A,B, or C, and a position number. A group boards first, followed by B then C. Within each group is a position number like A-32. The boarding area has stanchions that will allow you to sort out your position. It is a lot easier than it sounds.
nilo_m__alcorez
Explorer C
can we avail of the emergency exits seats on our way to phoenix ..my flight sched is wed may 20, 2009 flight number 311 depart los angeles at 11:35 am. salamat
blusk
Aviator C
Nilo, We don't have assigned seating so anyone who meets the requirements may sit in the overwing emergency exit rows. We use boarding groups and position numbers. See my response just above your question. Brian
Wynona
Explorer C
Do prescription medicines need to be in the original prescription bottle? I can't get an answer from TSA.
Anonymous2971
Explorer C
Im trying to find out the size of the carry-on luggage not to hard but just cant seem to find IT. Not check in but carry on just the size of the bag DOES ANYONE NO
Karen_G_1
Explorer C
My grandson & I are flying from Columbus, Oh. to Houston, Tx. on June 6th then he is flying from there on to Phoenix 2 weeks later. We just need to know if he can carry his skate board as a carry on. We are afraid to pack it in the suitcase in case it might get broke. I am returning to Columbus on the 20th of June and plan on bringing a motorized wheelchair with me, how will they store that. Do I use one of the available wheelchairs there and have it stored as check-in? I can walk, but not for long distances at all because of breathing problems.
Kara
Explorer C
I am flying for the first time and we are going to Las Vegas, I am wondering if you serve alcohol on the flight?