Does Southwest Airlines Baggage Policy Save You Money?

To exceed the baggage limit, you don't have to visit the airport or wait on hold phone lines. You just have to learn the online process. Southwest airlines baggage policy is simple, and it keeps the regulations simple, so the passengers don’t have to worry about the charges and regulations. There are some restrictions to ensure the safety of the passengers. 

Read the baggage policy regulations in detail and know about the charges and procedure. There are other regulations that are mentioned in detail. 

What is the Rulebook of Southwest Airlines Baggage Policy? 

The rules book covers all the regulations, so you don’t feel that you don’t know things. The Southwest Airlines baggage policy regulations are designed based on the fare option only. The allowances vary based on cabin option, and so do the charges. Read the regulations and fare-based regulations: 

• As many as 20 bags can be accommodated in the luggage compartment for a passenger. 
• No extra fees are charged on the plane for two bags carried in the cabin.
• The allowances may be extra if you have purchased a higher fare option. 
• Military members and Rapid Rewards members receive extra allowances without any charges. 
• As per the carry-on bag rules Southwest, if it exceeds the size, it will be carried as a checked bag. 
• Passengers can exceed the baggage limit while booking or after booking. 
• Passengers traveling with checked bags have to check in through the ticket counter. 
• Charges are applied for extra bags, oversized, and overweight bags. 

Fare-based Regulations: 

Here are the baggage rules for different Southwest fares: 

• Passengers who are traveling wth basic fare, choice fare, or choice preferred fare are allowed to take 2 cabin bags without any fees. 
• The rapid rewards A-list and credit card members can bring 2 cabin bags and 1 checked bag. 
• Choice extra fare passengers, Rapid Reward A-list preferred members can take 2 cabin bags and 2 checked bags without paying extra charges. 

How to Exceed Baggage Limit? 

Passengers can add the baggage limit through online and offline modes for Southwest Airlines. Read the detailed steps: 

Online Process: 

1. Passengers can visit the app or the website. 
2. Then enter the confirmation number and last name. 
3. Then access the reservation. 
4. Follow the prompt. 
5. Then confirm after checking the details. 
6. Complete the fee transaction. 
7. You’ll receive an email with the updated details. 

Offline Process: 

Here are the offline modes to exceed Southwest Airlines' carry-on weight limit. Passengers can add bags by calling the airlines, visiting the ticket counter. These are the steps: 

• Contact the representative. 
• Then provide the ticket 
• They will add a baggage limit. 
• Complete the payment. 
• And receive the ticket. 

What are the Permitted Dimensions for Different Bags? 

Personal Item: 

• Airlines have not specified any dimensions for the personal bags, 
• The bag will be kept below the front seat. 
• The bags 

Carry-On Bag:

As per the Southwest carry-on rules: 

• Maximum size: 24 x 16 x 10 inches 
• The wheel and handles must remain within these dimensions. 
• Must fit in the overhead bin
• Examples: small suitcase, roller bag, duffel bag

Checked Bag: 

Checked baggage rules of southwest state:

• Maximum size: 62 linear inches
• Maximum weight: 50 pounds

• Oversize range: 63–80 linear inches

• Overweight range: 51–100 pounds 
• These dimensions include the wheel and handle sizes. 

Baggage over these limits is not allowed on the flight. 

What is the Baggage Fees? 

Read the charges details provided in the Baggage allowance in Southwest Airlines: 

What are the Regulations for the Military Discount? 

With Southwest, military personnel can carry two extra checked bags then the allowance. No matter which fare option you choose, you can take 2 checked bags extra inside the flight. Here are the regulations: 

• They don’t have to pay oversized and overweight bag fees. 
• The passengers have to take their active duty ID. 
• The bag can be of 80 linear inches in size 
• And 100 lbs in weight, 
• Bags above these regulations are not allowed in checked items; you can transport them with cargo. 
• For verification, provide a valid identification card, which verifies uniformed active duty status. 

Do Airlines Provide Regulations for Specific Items? 

These items are allowed under the Southwest Airlines packing rules; however, the regulations are different for every specific item. Check the official site for rules: 

Items Allowed in Cabin: 

Small musical instruments, tennis racquets, fishing rods, skateboards, and non-motorized scooters can be taken in case they can be placed under the seat or in the overhead bin. Parachutes are also allowed to be taken in the cabin with passengers. These pieces are meant to be treated as carry-on items and thus are allowed to get into the cabin as long as there is space for them.

Items Allowed in the Cabin or Checked: 

There are some things that one can either bring along in the cabin or check in, but the decision is based on their size. Small sizes will be placed in the cabin and larger ones in the checked bag compartment. These items follow the same size-based placement rules. 

Items like musical instruments, fishing equipment, skateboards, and scooters.

Sports Equipment in the luggage compartment: 

Most sports equipment must be checked in because of its size or shape. This category consists of archery gear, baseball and softball, bowling, fencing, golf, hockey and lacrosse, SCUBA, skiing and snowboarding, water skiing, and tennis, all being accepted as standard checked luggage.

Large or Specialized Sports Equipment: 

Oversized or specialized items that have to be checked will be compensated for with limited liability. All these goods have the same handling and packaging prerequisites.

This list comprises bicycles, surfboards, windsurfing boards, kiteboards, kayaks, vaulting poles, javelins, and life rafts.

Restricted Items: 

• These items are never allowed inside the cabin. 
• Firearms, BB guns, and paintball guns are only allowed in checked baggage, 
• along with airsoft guns, ammo, and self-defense sprays that are approved. 

What If you Lost the Bag? 

These are the Southwest Airlines baggage rules.: 

If you have lost the item: 

• Inside the flight: file a complaint with the airlines. 
• At the airport: report to the security team. 

If your bag is not found at baggage claim:

• Then you can contact the airport team.
• Or you can call the airlines, 
• File a report. 
• The team will find your bag and revert. 
• They will compensate if they miss the bag. 

If your bags are damaged: 

• You can file a complaint in both cases. 
• Airlines will provide compensation in this case. 
• The bags were damaged before, and no compensation was provided. 
• If any fragile item has been packed and it has been affected airlines is not responsible for it. 

Conclusion 

If you conclude the Southwest Airlines checked baggage policy in simple words, this policy regulations are decided based on the fare option passengers have booked. The allowances can be exceeded with the online and offline processes. The passengers can carry extra baggage without paying if they are miles member or military personnel. Must visit the item regulations once if you are carrying a specific item with you. Please be careful while packing about the dimensions, and you can remove all the airport hassles. 

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