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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
M__Metcalf
Explorer C
This is the 1st time flying SWA and I am going to MSP from RSW for a quilting retreat and need to take my small Singer featherweight sewing machine it is within the dimensions of your carry ons and weighs less than 20 lbs. Is this going to be a problem as it is valuable and I don't want to check it. My sister says she takes hers all the time and has no problems carrying hers on but don't know what airlines she uses. I e-mailed TSA and they stated it was up to the airlines. I do not want a problem when I get to the airport with my baggage. Thank you for your help. M. Metcalf
unhappy_custome
Explorer C
I would like to complain about the check -in point guards at Manchester, NH. In the picture of "traveling with children", a mother is carrying her child through the metal detector, but when i did it, and it beeped, I was rudely told to walk in separately as if I should of known this already, without being asked to beforehand. I was treated humiliatingly with my 5year-old and talked to loudly in my face by a woman about a silver bracelet, and necklace:"what is this?!!!" All the while trying to keep calm and reassuring my child, when this should have been their job.
Anonymous3319
Explorer C
Diamonds4her... "My suitcase measures 10 x 21.5 x 30, not including the wheels or the handle. Will this size fit?" In the absence of an official response, I believe the current dimensions for Southwest carry-on baggage is 10X16X24.
blusk
Aviator C
Anonymous, yes that is correct 10x16x24
Anonymous1299
Explorer C
Can I have a wheeled cooler as one of my free checked bags as long as it meets the size and weight requirements?
Florida_bound
Explorer C
I want to bring golf clubs with me, they do not have a cover. What is the best way to secure them so that I don't lose any of them?
danonymous
Explorer C
can i use a cardboard box to travel instaed of luggage ?
Wendi
Explorer C
My four year old is used to having a noise maker to go to sleep. Is it ok to have a fan or air filter of some kind in my checked in bag? Also can you bring a pillow on the plane? Do i have to limit size of hair products if they are in my checked in bag? Thanks
blusk
Aviator C
Wendi yes yes (as long as it isn't the size of a bed) no (as long as they aren't over 50 pounds) Brian
Anonymous408
Explorer C
I keep seeing the same question without an exact answer. I too have a carry-on bag10x16x24, not including the wheels,and a larger check on at 62" also not including the wheels. Will these pass or not? Thank you .
Anonymous834
Explorer C
Can I pack my curling iron in my carry on baggage?
Anonymous2357
Explorer C
Dear Brian Lusk, Thank you for your patience with the repeated questions (how taxing it must be). Keep up the great work!!! In keeping with the apparent...What continent is Africa on? What is the gforce psi at take off? Why do you get dehydrated during flights? I have a baby kangaroo--can I put him in my carry-on and store him in the over-head???
jaan
Explorer C
i just booked a ticket to seattle with southwest and i was wondering how much luggage can i take with me? so its 2 bags of 50 lbs. each? and a carry on bag?
Anonymous3682
Explorer C
it would help if you gave what the specs mean on your carry on luggage. 10x16x24 means what? Assuming inches, is it 10" wide, deep, long, etc? 24" I would assume means length. But I shouldn't have to assume. Please clarify
lreynolds
Frequent Flyer A
Southwest Airlines limits carryon bag dimensions to 10x16x24 inches. For more travel tips please visit: http://www.southwest.com/travel_center/baggage.html Happy travels!
Kateee
Explorer C
for my carry on 10x16x24 is that depth x width x height??
Anonymous4430
Explorer C
I have kind of a silly question that I need an answer to. I know that, for the most part, toiletries are ok for checked baggage, but what about finger nail polish? It's flammable, under the right (wrong?) circumstances, and I think it may be classified as a paint. What are the restrictions, if any, on this particular item? Thank you in advance.
EMPERATRIZ
Explorer C
Michelle the manager of the fly attendant looks so professional and so beautyful!! she is very pretty. emperatriz
Sara3
Explorer C
I loved your video. I am the worst disorganized person when it comes to packing suitcases. I have learned quite a bit. THANK YOU!
Yomase
Explorer C
We love Southwest Airlines. It is one of the safest and the most reasonable tickets. In addition to that we can bring two bags. My family and I constantly fly in Southwest Airlines and your Customer Service has been outstanding. You are doing and awesome job! Thank you.
Anonymous2719
Explorer C
Can you pack wrapped presents in your checked in luggage?
Ming-Heng_Wang
Explorer C
I am going to take your flight from Kansas city to LAX and transfer to EVA airline to TPE. Do I need to pick up my baggages in LAX and check in again? Thanks Ming-Heng
lreynolds
Frequent Flyer A
Hi Ming-Heng Wang, Yes, if you are transferring to a different airline, you need to pick up your bags from Southwest's baggage claim and then check in with EVA airline. Happy travels!
Ellen_Silver-Ho
Explorer C
Hello. I wanted to thank you for the great packing tips. Like the "packing impaired" individual in the video, I tend to over pack (be prepared...!) and need all the help I can get. I wanted to share that TravelSmith.com has a number of downloadable Packing Tips that are presented in a step-wise fashion, as well as a detailed video. I have followed these and have found them very helpful. I will be traveling to FL & the Islands on New Years, so this will be the Acid Test for my newly aquired skills! A Safe and Happy Holiday Season to All.See you at Midway!! Ellen from Chi-Town
Billie1
Explorer C
I will be flying later this month. I have a metal rod and 11 metal pins in my right leg. Are there any special requirements for security, or will this be a problem for me?
blusk
Aviator C
Billie, I have a metal plate in my arm, and my surgeon gave me a card to show at the security checkpoint. You really don't have to have one, just tell the screener that you have metal medical devices. They will use the handheld magnetic wand to scan your body. Brian
Anonymous1258
Explorer C
Dear Southwest-- You are the only airline I fly! I am getting ready for a flight to Kansas City in a couple of days, and I am looking forward to another fantastic experience with Southwest. Just wanted you all to know that I talk you up every chance I get; and I love how you deal with customers. Keep up the great work! Dy
Linda_Newcomb
Explorer C
Mr. Newcomb, a spry 79 yr young gent will be off on the 20th to visit our vetrinarian son in San Diego area. He is a tall Texan and in hopes of doing the online boarding to get an "Exit seat". Sure hope some ole gal doesn't rush him at the line! I'll have him on the lookout . . . Better yet, she;ll keep an eye out, his ostritch boots jes might trip her up - accidentally of course. S W responders, y'all are sure patient. Some of the q's are sooo repetative! I have however, gotten good info to q's I had. Thank you! Happy sailing to all!
David2
Explorer C
We are taking our two bikes from Buffalo to Orlando late January and wonder how to package them for the trip? Together in a box - (do you have boxes? at the airport or plastic bags) should they be dismantled even with the peddles removed?
blusk
Aviator C
David the answer to your question can be found here at southwest.com: http://www.southwest.com/travel_center/sports_equipment.html: Non-motorized Bicycles, including Bike Friday and Co-Pilot, will be accepted in substitution of a free piece of checked baggage at no additional charge provided the bicycle is properly packaged and the box containing the bicycle fits within the 62-inch sizing limit and weighs 50 lbs or less . (Maximum weight is 50 pounds and maximum size is 62 inches (length + width + height) per checked piece of luggage). The handlebars, kickstand, and pedals must be removed and placed inside the box. A $50.00 each-way charge applies to bicycles that don’t meet the above criteria. Bicycles packaged in a cardboard box or soft-sided case will be transported as a conditionally accepted item.
Anonymous4168
Explorer C
Is A Garment Bag Considered a carry on?
blusk
Aviator C
Anonymous, Yes...if you carry it on with you
Anonymous1559
Explorer C
I enjoy flying Southwest. I have been flying with them since I was 13 and it was PSA. Flying in the 70's was pretty wild and colorful in California. I have flown 2-3 times a year since then and always enjoyed my flights. They have always been very reliable, friendly and enjoyable. I have always felt the people that work for Southwest are what makes the difference. Their customer service is always great! After so many years the company feels like family. Thank You for many wonderful years!
blusk
Aviator C
Anonymous, thanks for the comments, but one small correction Southwest and PSA wsere never affiliated. Southwest began operating in 1971, PSA in 1946. PSA merged into USAirways in the late 1980s. Brian
Greg_Leonard
Explorer C
Hello! My wife and daughter are traveling to DC early March. We usually travel with a medicinal water machine. Due to the nature of their trip, it is not possible. Can we pack a 5 gallon container of water as checked baggage? What are the packing requirements and labeling? Thank you! Greg Leonard
Anonymous2822
Explorer C
I assume that the maximum size of the suitcase allowed on board is meant for luggage to be stored in the overhead bin. What if you want to place a suitcase under the seat - would the same dimensions work there too? Is there an average height between the floor and the bottom of the seat to consider if you want to have ready access to it during the flight?
Pamela
Explorer C
My son loves the pizza from his hometown pizza place. Can I take a frozen one and pack it in my check in luggage? What about the shipping/packaging? Any special way to pack it: Pamela
Anonymous1020
Explorer C
It would be such a great service for SWA to have assigned seats. There have been so many comments provided that support this request on your blog, and other places. Just reading the comments today, so many of them address the stress of boading and seating. Why in the world would you think it ok for a parent not to sit next to their child, and unless they preboard for toddlers, it is just at the mercy of when you get to board. I stopped using SWA primarily because of the stress of seating. I fly cross country to pick up my grand daughter to stay with me several weeks each year and then fly back with her ( 3 round trip tickets). I only do that so she does not travel alone. I had 3 instances where no one would volunteer to change seats so I could sit next to her. The flight attendant could not insist either. One time my GD was only 7. Even when traveling with older persons, part of the joy of traveling is traveling "together" with the family or friend you travel with. For this reason, I do not use SWA. I will pay a little more to ensure this feature which is so important to me.
Kelly5
Explorer C
I will have a garment bag for my carry on. Can I then use a backpack for my personal item? If yes, what are there dimensions on how big the backpack (personal item) can be? Also, I have liquid foundation, so that would have to be in 3oz or less in a quart ziploc correct? What about liquid eyeliner & mascara? I am packing for a destination wedding & cruise so I need all the space I can get! Thanks for your help!
LaDona
Explorer C
I will flying with about 20 pieces of costume jewelry in a carry on. Is there a problem?
Raquel
Explorer C
Are uncooked meat products allowed in checked baggage? We are traveling from SAT to El Paso and would like to take our friends some vaccum packed meats. Can we check them in? Or carry them on?
Anonymous840
Explorer C
Hi I am planning on flying SW in June. I would like to know if I am able to take my make-up, shampoo, conditioner, lotion and other hygiene products with me?
blusk
Aviator C
LaDona, no problem Raquel, You may do either, as long as they are in leak-proof containers. Perishable items are checked at your own risk as far as spoilage goes. Anonymous 15:51, yes you may. You are able to check any size item, but for your carryons, no liquid or get container can exceed 3 ounces, and they must fit into one quart size zip-lock bag. Brian
Anonymous2274
Explorer C
My family is flying to Arizona for a golf trip. We will have 3 sets of clubs. Since clubs & golf bag packed in a case are well in excess of 62 total inches are they subject to the over size fee of $50?
Anonymous2342
Explorer C
Okay, I am flying for the first time ever. My boyfriend and I are going to Orlando. I am concerned about what I can bring with me. I need to bring my contact solution, toothpaste, hair gel, hair spray, hair dryer, Shampoo, etc. Are these things allowed. Do they need to be checked, or can they be carryon? If I check them, and my luggage gets lost, then Im out of them and have to wait. HELP ME......
Ben12
Explorer C
I recently flew with one checked bag (free of course). However, I have discovered the true cost of free baggage on Southwest. If your luggage has any zippers, any handles, any wheels or any protrusions of any kind, Southwest will take no responsibility for any damage. I had a nearly new suitcase with a zipper torn out -- reported it immediately on landing and was informed that the baggage agents at the airport cannot take any responsibility for such damage. Gave me the customer service address to write to. Got nowhere with customer service -- any handle, zipper, wheel, etc. are flown at your own liability according to the customer service folks. I cannot fly Southwest with any checked baggage in the future. I do not believe that they can simply deny responsibility, but it is not worth the $25 cost of repair to take them to court. Anyone want to try a class action suit?
Anonymous2421
Explorer C
I would like to know if crochet hooks are allowed on the plane with a carry on?
ms_fe
Explorer C
I will be flying for the first time being an adult in May. traveling with friends we had so many crazy questions like the main one " How will we know if our luggage weighs 50lbs more or less" so I called the 1-800 number, ask the rep had anyone ask or maybe had an answer to our question. She imformed me that yes other travelers had the question and also had an answer. weigh yourself and the weigh yourself WITH your bag and then subtract the difference it was such a simple process and such a crazy thing to do I had to let everyone know. Also I think it should be added to your What To Pack video, allow its not an exact science but it helped to ease my mine a little,( just enough to know I could do more shopping)!!!! Thanks for your help
Anonymous3425
Explorer C
If you have 2 checked bags, could you still bring on carry on bags?
blusk
Aviator C
Yes, you may have one carryon that fits inside our sizing box and a small personal item like a purse or camera bag.