Learn about Southwest's baggage requirements.
Southwest Airlines is one U.S. airlines that does not charge for first checked bags for domestic travel, as of November 2010. Many airlines limit the size, weight and number of pieces of baggage passengers may carry on and check. A few allow a certain number of pieces of free checked baggage, whereas others have fees for each piece of checked baggage.
Checked Baggage
Southwest allows each ticketed customer to check two pieces of baggage free. Each additional bag up to the ninth will cost $50 per bag. The 10th bag and any bag thereafter costs $110 per bag. You can also check one stroller and one car seat for each ticketed child and these do not count towards the two allowed pieces of checked baggage. Customers with children can check these items at the curb, ticket counter or gate. Southwest recommends putting strollers and car seats in a plastic bag and labeling them.
Baggage Requirements
Each bag can weigh no more than 50 lbs. and be 62 inches linear (length + width + height). Bags weighing from 51 to 100 lbs. and those bigger than 62 inches (but less than 80 inches) will cost $50 per bag. Southwest requires bags weighing more than 100 lbs. to be shipped as Air Cargo. You should place your name on the outside of the bag. Southwest also recommends placing identification on the inside of each bag.
Carry-on
Customers can bring one bag and one small, personal item into the cabin. Carry-on bags can be no more than 10-by-16-by-24 (50 linear) inches. Personal items are things such as purses, briefcases, cameras, food and laptops in their cases. Southwest accepts small, vaccinated dogs and cats, which must be in a pet carrier with the customer in the cabin. Pet carriers count as a customer's carry-on bag. Customers with pets will pay an additional $75 pet fare each way and can only make reservations for their pets by phone.
Exemptions
You can bring some items on board without them counting towards the baggage limits. Exempt items include a child seat for a ticketed child, assistive devices for people with a disability, outer clothing such as coats and hats, walking canes, umbrellas and food that will be eaten on the flight.
Tags: more than, than inches, Baggage Requirements, checked baggage, Customers with
