01-28-2024
10:27 AM
01-28-2024
10:27 AM
@floridaguy wrote:
"sit together" issue become a major legal issue for Southwest.
A major legal issue? I don't think so. Simply not true.
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I don't think this is something that needs to be arranged. I would just show up (not during the busy morning flights) and ask.
However...the agents at the check-in desk will not inspect it (other than looking at it) or approve it. The final call on whether it flies onboard with you will be at the gate and will be up to that person. Most likely, it will depend on its size, how much room it requires for onboard storage, and whether it can be stored safely. A polite conversation at the gate desk may move you in the right direction.
Without disclosing your disability, it would be helpful to know what this mobility device is...and, perhaps, better advice can be given.
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Thank you so much for posting this!
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I have also done it.
I manage my parents' affairs. My dad passed. The SW RR credit card was in his name and I immediately closed his credit card account. His RR account, with over 100,000 points, continued and continues to be active. I constantly use it to book my mom tickets when she wants to travel. Once his RR account hits a zero balance, I will notify SWA to cancel it.
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Either a mistake was made when you checked in by an unknowledgeable agent or the written policy is incorrectly worded. I believe you are due a refund of those charges based on the description below and would take this up with SWA. Click on the blue Contact Us button at the bottom of the Discussion Forum screen and include their wording.
https://www.southwest.com/help/baggage/special-baggage-sports-equipment:
Any of the items listed below may be checked in substitution of one piece of the free checked baggage allowance for you at no charge on a one-item-for-one-bag basis. If the item of sporting equipment exceeds 50 pounds in weight, excess weight charges will apply. If the item of sporting equipment exceeds 62 inches in size (outside length plus height plus width), excess size charges will not apply.
Snow ski equipment.
Snow ski equipment, including skis or snowboards, ski boots, and ski poles are allowed, including one pair of skis or one snowboard, one set of poles, and one pair of ski/snowboard boots packed in a container(s) acceptable to Carrier. When substituting ski equipment for a free bag, we allow 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. Snow ski equipment packed in a plastic bag will be transported only with a limited release of liability.
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01-19-2024
03:56 PM
01-19-2024
03:56 PM
@Andysouthwest said "This most definitely is a prime example of someone abusing the system."
Not so fast, Andy. Perhaps her disability was not mobility-related???
Most folks think "disability" = "wheelchair." But there are so many more. Think blindness or arm amputees...disabilities that you may notice. And don't forget about persons with hidden disabilities (ulcerative colitis with the need to be near a lav, the pain of independent walking with ankylosing spondylitis, severe claustrophobia necessitating a bulkhead aisle seat, etc.). No one should judge.
That being said, yes, there are also many who will abuse the system. Not my business...I just don't concern myself with them.
I hope you and your wife had a safe flight.
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01-13-2024
09:11 AM
01-13-2024
09:11 AM
I truly doubt that you'll have a problem...they're not going to measure your luggage if it's, indeed, that close to the 62 linear inch maximum. I occasionally use a piece where the case part hits 62", with the wheels adding another 2 inches, and have never had a problem with an extra charge.
But don't go over the 50 pound limit!! It's really easy to do with larger pieces of luggage. And that weight number is right there for all to see.
Safe travels!
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Why would you post this question on a message board for Southwest Airlines?
I suggest you contact American Airlines...
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If you remove the cup holder on the side (which I believe is removable), this seat should measure 16" or less in width and should fit SWA seats without the arm rest needing to be raised.
Safe travels!
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You can bring this cushion as a "free" item.
Per SWA, you have the right to travel with an assistive device.
The U.S. Department of Transportation* defines an assistive device as "any piece of equipment that assists a passenger with a disability in coping with the effects of his or her disability."
You have a disability. This cushion helps you cope, relieving pain or allowing you to be more mobile when you get up. You do not need to explain your disability but, as mentioned upstream, I would clear it with the gate agent just so you don't get pulled out of the boarding line to answer questions...and possibly lose your boarding place.
So, you should be able to take the following on board: 1. Carry-on bag: Place above seat
2. Personal Item: Must fit under the seat in front of you. I would place your medications in this smaller personal item bag...just in case your carry-on bag needs to be gate checked.
3. Assistive Cushion
Safe travels!
*Source: https://www.transportation.gov/individuals/aviation-consumer-protection/wheelchairs-and-other-assistive-devices
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@floridaguy and @kingsmatt80
I really don't understand the point of your snarky comments. They're not helpful and contribute nothing to the conversation. Moreover, your comments are neither respectful nor courteous, as per the user guidelines* to which you agreed.
To be honest, it's verbal bullying...and says a lot about you.
*Be respectful and courteous.
We want you, and all Members, to feel comfortable sharing thoughts and ideas. We ask that you follow the Golden Rule and treat other Community Members the way you would like to be treated. Keep your tone positive and your comments constructive. Participating Southwest Employees are reminded to also follow Southwest’s Policies including but not limited to the Social Media Policy.
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When extended, that particular duffle bag measures 36" x 16" x 15".
A checked bag on SWA must measure 62 linear inches or less. Linear inches are calculated as L + W + H. Your bag (36 + 16 + 15) is 67 inches...so it would be too large as free check baggage and subject to an additional charge.
As you look for something a bit smaller, consider the 50 pound weight limit as well. Often times, these larger bags are over packed and, thus, over the weight limit. An additional overweight charge could apply to this too.
Safe travels!
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@JH_Hammond I'm curious about your statement, "Herb would not have allowed this to happen."
Yes, the child with 3 accompanying adults sounds like rules possibly weren't followed...unless all 3 adults were legitimate pre-boarders and the child was with them. You simply don't know their situation.
As for the other 23 pre-boarders...there's not a thing Herb could have done about it. It's federal law.
So, I ask, what do you think Herb would have done?
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Before you lash out at SWA regarding their lack of senior discounts, you should be aware that senior fares are almost nonexistent on all domestic airlines.
Yes, you **may** find them on very specific routes (Honduras comes to mind) or with very complicated rules or with a limited time promotion.
But, hey, search away...
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10-12-2023
07:50 AM
Unfortunately, your charge was accurate. Your case must meet the dimension test of 62 inches or less. Your hard case totaled 78 inches, resulting in an excessive size charge. The fact that you have never been charged for the past 30+ years is irrelevant...you may have been lucky or the policy changed. On any airline, always check before you fly.
From SWA's website:
Any of the items listed below may be checked in substitution of one piece of the free checked baggage allowance for you at no charge on a one-item-for-one-bag basis. If the item of sporting equipment exceeds 50 pounds in weight or 62 inches in size (outside length plus height plus width), excess weight and size charges may apply.
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10-12-2023
07:47 AM
10-12-2023
07:47 AM
Unfortunately, your charge was accurate. Your case must meet the dimension test of 62 inches or less. Your hard case totaled 78 inches, resulting in an excessive size charge. The fact that you have never been charged for the past 30+ years is irrelevant...you may have been lucky or the policy changed. On any airline, always check before you fly.
From SWA's website:
Any of the items listed below may be checked in substitution of one piece of the free checked baggage allowance for you at no charge on a one-item-for-one-bag basis. If the item of sporting equipment exceeds 50 pounds in weight or 62 inches in size (outside length plus height plus width), excess weight and size charges may apply.
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10-12-2023
07:44 AM
Unfortunately, your charge was accurate. Your case must meet the dimension test of 62 inches or less. Your hard case totaled 78 inches, resulting in an excessive size charge. The fact that you have never been charged for the past 30+ years is irrelevant...you may have been lucky or the policy changed. On any airline, always check before you fly.
From SWA's website:
Any of the items listed below may be checked in substitution of one piece of the free checked baggage allowance for you at no charge on a one-item-for-one-bag basis. If the item of sporting equipment exceeds 50 pounds in weight or 62 inches in size (outside length plus height plus width), excess weight and size charges may apply.
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You are asking a question on SWA's community forum and, most likely, will not receive an answer from SWA.
The pet carrier that you are considering is a bit risky to me, especially with the height. It must completely fit under the seat in front of you.
SWA allows pet carriers that have maximum dimensions of 18.5" (L) x 13.5" (W) x 9.5" (H).
Yours has dimensions of 19.5" (L) x 12" (W) x 12" (H)...exceeding both the length and height maximums. Officially, it's too large. Will they be that picky at the gate? Can you mash down on the height with Fido inside? YMMV and it will all depend on the staff that day...and on your return trip.
Remember, your dog/cat must be completely inside the pet carrier and be able to stand up and move around the carrier with ease. Yesterday, I actually saw the gate agent confirm that the dog has enough space in the carrier. I had never seen that checked before.
IMHO, I wouldn't risk being turned away with a pet carrier that exceeded SWA's dimension limits. Either purchase the one the SWA sells or find one that's a bit smaller.
Good luck!
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I'm sorry for the loss of your mother.
Unfortunately, only dogs and cats are allowed in the cabin, in a pet carrier, on SWA. Even though your tortoise provides emotional support, she will not be allowed onboard.
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08-28-2023
02:04 PM
08-28-2023
02:04 PM
"I, too, am a GOLD member..."
You're a GOLD member? 🤣
It takes away from the legitimacy of your post if you truly have status, yet don't know what that status is.
"...people who were 20 years younger than me, with no physical or mental issues."
Fact: Age has nothing to do with the need to pre-board.
Fact: Many disabilities are hidden.
"When I mention this to SW staff, they do absolutely nothing. To be fair, there's probably nothing they CAN do since it's a systemic problem."
Fact: The Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) is a law that makes it illegal for airlines to discriminate against passengers because of their disability. The Department of Transportation is responsible for enforcing the ACAA. SWA staff "do absolutely nothing" because they are enforcing the ACAA. It's not a systemic problem. It is federal law.
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DancingDavidE said: "so I’m here in a middle seat now..."
Why, DancingDavidE, why??? I'm sad for you...😥
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Your personal item that goes under the seat in front of you has dimension restrictions of 16.25" x 13.5" x 8". The item must fit, entirely, under the seat in front of you for safety reasons. Even if you choose a middle seat, which often times has larger under-seat space, I don't think it would fit. And I have a hunch they may say something if you attempted to carry it on with your duffle bag.
An easy solution would be to just check your duffle bag (it's free!) and bring your gig bag onboard as your one free carry on bag. Carry on dimensions are 24" x 16" x 10" and it looks like it fits those dimensions. Place it in the overhead carry on bin.
Have a great flight!
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Nope...the bag size limits remain the same.
However, you can simply wear your winter coat when boarding and remove it if you get too warm. It can serve as a "blanket" if needed. If you don't need it in flight and don't want to store it on the dirty floor under the seat in front of you, you can bring a dry cleaning bag to put it in first and them simply stuff it under the seat. Or if there's room in the overhead after everyone has stored their carry-ons, you can place it there.
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07-08-2023
01:45 PM
"Turning a 90 min flight into an 8 hour flight is not acceptable and to boot no compensation..."
@Captleem ,
I completely understand your frustration at the situation. I think it happens, at least once, to everyone who flies frequently.
But...you need to remember that you (or whoever purchased the tickets) agreed to these terms, outlined in the Contract of Carriage, when the tickets were purchased. I now purchase refundable tickets when my situation dictates it or purchase travel insurance with trip cancellation/delay coverage when I suspect there might be a problem. Given the extremely busy summer travel season we are experiencing right now, the trip cancellation/delay coverage option may have benefitted you and allowed you to continue flying on another carrier.
I'm also pretty confident that there are metrics in play when particular passengers are bumped, such as last checked-in/first bumped, status in frequent flyer programs, cost of ticket, etc. Also, those who don't fly frequently can find themselves in this situation and aren't aware of how to "fix" the problem quickly (checking to see if they have credit card coverage, immediately getting on the phone/app to customer service to re-book instead of waiting in a line, going online to find other connections that you can suggest, etc.) or know their rights when there are delays. Unfortunately, it's a steep learning curve.
I hope they eventually made it to their destination and are now having a happy vacation.
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As you are aware, personal items need to fit under the seat in front of you, with the set dimensions of 16.25" x 13.5" x 8". You will not be allowed to simply hold in your lap, as all items of this size must be stowed/secured for take-off and landing.
I suspect it won't be questioned. But, once you have it packed, will it squish down to 16"? If so, you'll be fine. Maybe make this your packing goal. If you can squish it into the personal item sizer, then it will be able to squish under the seat.
Have a enjoyable flight!!
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It was a very bright spring chinook salmon caught in the Columbia River! 😀
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Do it exactly as @dfwskier wrote...
No more phone calls. Easy-peasy!!
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Yes!! Pack that purse into your personal item carry-on (the backpack)! It then only counts as 1 item. I do that all the time. In fact, they encourage you to do that!!
FYI: I bring a small purse that will serve my needs during my trip. It easily fits into my personal item (backpack) or my carry-on luggage.
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Two points to consider:
Be sure your family member differentiates between the need to "self-transfer" with a sliding board or "assistance to transfer" with a hoist. Notify SWA of this need in advance and as soon as you get to the airport.
A small wheelchair that can fit down the aircraft aisle is available at the gate and can be used if you need help getting into your seat. Each gate is also equipped with a Passenger Transfer Kit (PTK), which contains a slide board for "self-transfer" and a transfer sling for "assistance to transfer". The sling is used to lift a customer requiring this type of assistance safely from their wheelchair into the smaller aisle wheelchair and then into the aircraft seat. To make this transfer easier, at least the first one or two rows on most Southwest aircraft are equipped with movable aisle armrests.
Also, consider the length of the flight and the need to use the bathroom. While there is often an in-flight collapsable aisle wheelchair available, you will need to be able to make the transfer in the very small bathroom by yourself or with the help of your own assistant. It is a challenging situation and needs to be considered beforehand. Most fliers with mobility disabilities limit their consumption of fluids beforehand, and use the bathroom immediately before pre-boarding. Disposables and catheters can also come into play if necessary.
Wishing you a comfortable and seamless flight!
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