Skip to main content

Southwest Airlines Community

New Baggage Policy

mchan
Explorer A
This week, Southwest Airlines implemented a new baggage policy. I just wanted to make sure all the Passengers of Southwest Airlines knew about this one. The free baggage allowance for each ticketed Customer will change from three to two bags. The first and second bag you check (up to 50lbs) are FREE. The third bag (also up to 50 lbs) will be $25.00. Oversized and overweight bags may be subject to extra charges. The maximum dimensions will remain the same, where the luggage should not exceed sixty-two (62) inches when you add the length + width + height. SWA does not accept items over 100lbs. Customers will still be permitted to substitute certain sporting equipment free of charge in place of one of the two free bags. For example, ski equipment can be used for a free bag, SWA 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.) Customers may substitute up to two baby items, such as car seats and strollers, in exchange for one checked bag. In real-life terms, a family of four (including two small children over the age of two) may check two sets of golf clubs, two strollers, two car seats, and four pieces of luggage (under 50 pounds each) all for free.
73 Comments
Starla_Allen
Explorer C
I agree with Amy Jo. I'm a new mother and have to do a lot of traveling with my young child. Most of the time I DO NOT have someone else there to help me out. It's hard enough knowing what I can and can not pack in my child's diaper bag now, which I know content rules are the same for all airlines, but to know be told I can only have one bag for the two of us make things really tough. As a parent with a small child we are required by law to have a car seat for that child. Have you ever tried carrying a car seat through out the airport with out a stroller? It isn't very fun and it isn't very easy either. Mothers may be able to go without the stroller but not with out the car seat and not without a second suitcase either. I love traveling SWA and I really don't want to travel the other airlines. But if I can't get my second bag without having to pay even more money for it, then I just may have to look into other airlines. Please reconsider the new rule about the car seat/stroller!
MHTflyer
Explorer C
Wow. I didn't know you could even have 3 bags in the first place. I thought 2 was maximum. And $25 for the third is still quite reasonable! United charges $25 for the SECOND BAG now! Go Southwest!
Merri
Explorer C
I'm disappointed in the new baggage regs. I travel to see my daughter and granddaughter in FL frequently. I liked SW because I could bring all the gifts and not have to ship them. I am one of those who do 3 bags more then 1/2 the time I travel. Most time the bags wt. was about 35-45lbs, because it was easier for me to handle as I usually fly alone. PLEASE reconsider. I fly SWA exclusivly if SWA goes there. The rates are up but Ding and specials still beat the otherr carriers. I still LUV SWA.
Rob17
Explorer C
Southwest was the only airline that allowed three bags for customers, which was a real nice policy, up until now. When myself and my staff travel, we generally have a bag of personal items, a bag of business related items, and many times a small display. The display is very light, but counts as one bag. I understand the extra cost of fuel, but is it really worth the hassle and extra cost (in people actually promoting this change) to irritate those few passengers who take advantage of the former policy. Very disspointing and inconvenient.
Shaun3
Explorer C
Folks, The baggage policy used to be up to each individual airline on its enforcement. This was done by those checking ID's when you came through security. This was actually taken over by the TSA. It is their rule now. However, the airlines will still try and enforce it at the gate if necessary. The TSA is so concerned with security that less attention is now being paid to how many or what size. This has also lead to more people coming through with 3 carry-ons or two large bags instead of one carry-on and one personal item. The policy is still very reasonable. Like mentioned above if you are not a frequent flyer with United you will be charged for anything more than one.
blusk
Aviator C
Shaun31, unlike United or now USAirways, the second checked bag on SWA is still free--for all Customers. Brian
Aguinaldo_L__Ev
Explorer C
I personally believe that United and US Airways have sneaked in the back door to raise airfares,using baggage increases that will send consumers to Southwest et al.
Robert21
Explorer C
from fll to jax. 2 bags. first 1 , 52 lbs was told to take stiff out for carry-on.so i took stiff out , new weight 48 lbs . the attentant tags it put it on the belt & it disappears . 2nd bag 51lbs , was told to take more stiff out. is this how u train your staff?? coming back to seattle from fll to mco & no mention of a stop in mci on our reservations. what up with that?? we just made the chance off flights at mco , but as you would know it our luggage didn't make it.hey, we were on time for our unknown stop at mci. in seattle no luggage, so swa said they will courier it yvr. this took a week, our cigs in the luggage didn't make it . most have left luggage dept 4 message , not 1 returned. our luggage didn' t clear canadian customs , so we had to pick-it up. the delivery slip with ups HAD TO WRONG PHONE # & THE WRONG ADDRESS. HOW WAS IT EVER GOING TO MAKE IT TO US. GREAT JOB , TIME TO FIND ANOTHER AIRLINE
Mary_Jean1
Explorer C
My parents, two sisters, sister-in-law and I always fly Southwest between Manchester, NH; Baltimore, MD; and Ft. Myers, FL. Last year, we all became involved in a charitable organization based in NH that sends clothing and other goods to Mother Teresa's 9 children's missions in Haiti. We often sew or buy the clothing in Maryland or Florida and then have to get it up to New Hampshire for the shipment to Haiti. We have been using the second and third bags that Southwest allows for this purpose. Now we will have to pay an extra $25. to transport the third bag. This negates the good buys we often get on buying or sewing the clothes. Right now, I have 75 little hospital gowns and 35 burial gowns which my mother and I (in MD) have made, plus 150 children's clothing items which we bought for the children in Haiti. My sisiter (in FL) has more than that! Now we're wondering how many trips it will take before we will be able to get them to New Hampshire! I really wish that Southwest would consider allowing a third bag for transporting items for a charity. Documents regarding the charity could be provided at the check-in desk. I'd appreciate a change in the "no third bag ruling" for this purpose.
Marianne_Green
Explorer C
I have (1) the ashes in crematorium container, the urn, the flag, a death certificate, a metal table-top easel which will not fold completely flat, and my clothing for the service in the correct size carry-on luggage and (2)a couple of framed photo mementoes which fit into my large purse to put under the seat in front of me. Please advise about avoiding hassle when I need to get these items past check-in, for it is important to keep a grip on the essentials for the memorial service April 4 (flight out of Jacksonville, FL) I will check 1 bag for routine handling. May I get permission for the carry-on bag with memorial service items to be a last-in item and first-out at plane-side if carrying this on board is refused? I have carried the purse previously.
John_Campbell
Explorer C
I wish southwest would assure that all check-in attendants are aware that skis and boots are not considered seperate check in items when bagged seperately. I recently had to argue with attendant in Denver of all places that skis and boots are considered one bag under the new baggage restrictions
maria_g__cuevas
Explorer C
we are traveling "international" from Ontario,cali to San Juan Puerto Rico: how many bags are we aloud????will be gone for 2weeks!!! please answerd me??or do we need to look for another way to get theire!!!
Ron4
Explorer C
Regarding the reduction of checked baggage from three to two: my only issue is that when my wife and I travel together we often do so on two separate itineraries becuase she uses our Rapid Rewards Awards to travel and I buy a ticket to get more RR credits. We used to be able to check all three bags, hers, mine and my golf clubs under one confirmation number, now we must stop and check the third bag separately under the second confirmation number, which slows the cehck-in process down. Thoughts?
Anonymous2477
Explorer C
Southwest's baggage policy is the best I have found, if anyone knows any differently I would welcome the advice. Their staff have always been friendly and actually have a sense humor unlike United who are so mean and rude, no wonder a bunch of them got laid off. I'm open to any input or corrections to what I have said, BUT in my experience and I travel often...they are GREAT!!! and to the original question - statistically it's safer to be on a plane than drive on a freeway 🙂
Anonymous1434
Explorer C
I am traveling on Aug. 26, from Alb, NM to Seattle, WA to visit my son that just returned from a tour to Afganistan. I purchased a coffe pot that I wanted to give him as a welcome home gift. The box it came in weighs approximately 25 lbs. and approximately 20 ins. square. I was wondering if that box would be considered part of my two pieces of luggage? I need to have an answer to this questions ASAP. So if I can that it on my visit I can get it ready. I appreciate your answer soon. I am looking forward to traveling on your airline. Isabel F. Lujan a
blusk
Aviator C
Yes, you could count that as part of your two free checked bag allowance. Brian
Anonymous2928
Explorer C
Can I check 2 bags now (12-08) free of charge? I'm flying Southwest tomorrow -- so please let me know today -- thanks -- Maurine Fronckowiak
blusk
Aviator C
Maurine, There is no charge for the first two bags under 50 pounds. However, you can only check bags withing four hours of departure.
Anonymous3475
Explorer C
All I have to say is THANK GOD southwest isn't charging for the 1st bag!! USAirways has always had me as a valued customer because I worked there until 9-11-01. We have 3 small children and this new rule of their's to pay $15 for the first bag has me RUNNING to another airline...and SW seems to be the place! Thank you SW for keeping some sanity in the families across the USA.
Cameron11
Explorer C
why dont yall quit griping and go with the rules a regulations. thay have to make money too. no offense sw.
KenSATX
Explorer C
Very helpful post from SWA. Thank You
Anonymous406
Explorer C
thanx alot this page didnt help the slightest on my homework paper due tommorrow you should just take it down because it gets people confused
Anonymous2429
Explorer C
are any of these 2 free bags carry on ones and does a purse count as a bag.