Ruth Haines
Southwest Airlines has specific guidelines for checking large bags at the airport gate. While the airline does not offer prepayment options for luggage, passengers can generally check their bags at the gate. However, gate-checked bags are sent to baggage claim, so passengers will need to collect them after the flight. Additionally, passengers with carry-on bags may be asked to volunteer to check their bags at the gate if the flight is full. Southwest Airlines also offers free checked bags for certain passengers, such as Business Select travelers, A-List elites, and co-branded cardholders. Weight and size limits apply, with additional charges for overweight or oversized items. It is recommended to check bags before going through security to avoid lugging them through the airport.
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What You'll Learn
Southwest Airlines' checked baggage policy
Southwest Airlines has specific guidelines regarding checked baggage, which passengers should be aware of to ensure a smooth travel experience. Firstly, it is important to note that Southwest Airlines does not allow passengers to prepay for luggage. Baggage fees must be paid for at the airport, and the cost varies depending on the number of checked bags. For most passengers, the first checked bag incurs a fee of $35, the second bag is $45, and the third bag is $150. However, Southwest offers free checked bags for certain categories of passengers, including Business Select travellers, A-List elites, and co-branded cardholders.
When checking bags, Southwest Airlines requires all luggage to be presented at the ticket counter or gate at least 45 minutes before the scheduled departure. Passengers should also ensure that their checked bags adhere to the specified weight and size restrictions. Each bag must not exceed a maximum weight of 50 pounds (23 kilograms) and maximum linear dimensions of 62 inches (158 centimeters). Overweight and oversized items may be subject to additional charges. For example, items weighing between 51 and 70 pounds will incur a fee of $100, while items over 70 pounds can cost up to $200. Similarly, oversized items exceeding 62 inches but not more than 80 inches will be charged an additional $200 per item, in addition to the standard baggage fee.
It is worth noting that Southwest Airlines has a limit of 20 pieces of checked baggage per flight, which includes any free checked baggage allowances. Excess baggage will be subject to applicable excess baggage charges. However, the airline does offer some flexibility for specific items. For instance, strollers and car seats can be checked at the curb, ticket counter, or gate free of charge. Additionally, Southwest Airlines accommodates sporting equipment, such as surfboards, kiteboards, and non-motorized bicycles, as standard baggage. Certain items, like surfboards when travelling between the islands of Hawaii, can be substituted for one checked bag.
Passengers should also be mindful of specific airport guidelines. For instance, when travelling through Tampa International Airport (TPA), checked bags must not be wrapped in plastic. Any plastic wrap should be removed before checking luggage. Furthermore, Southwest Airlines recommends passengers arrive at the airport well in advance of their scheduled departure, with suggested arrival times of up to 120 minutes for domestic and international flights. This allows adequate time for checking baggage and reaching the departure gates, which can sometimes involve a 20-minute walk from the ticket counter.
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Bag fees
Southwest Airlines has specific guidelines regarding bag fees and checked baggage. While the airline does not allow passengers to prepay for luggage, it offers certain exemptions from bag fees for specific categories of passengers.
Business Select travellers can avail of two free checked bags. Similarly, Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred members receive their first and second checked bags for free, while A-List members and Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers receive their first checked bag for free. Additionally, strollers and car seats can be checked at the curb, ticket counter, or gate free of charge.
For passengers who are not exempt from bag fees, Southwest Airlines outlines specific charges. The first checked bag typically incurs a fee of $35, the second bag is $45, and the third bag is $150. Overweight items ranging from 51-70 pounds will be charged $150, while items weighing 71-100 pounds will cost $200. Oversized items exceeding 62 inches but not more than 80 inches will be charged $200 per item. It's important to note that only one $200 charge is applied if the piece is both oversized and overweight, provided it does not exceed 100 pounds.
To avoid unnecessary delays, Southwest Airlines recommends ensuring that the name on your booking matches your passport exactly. Additionally, the airline specifies that all bags must be checked 45 minutes prior to the scheduled departure.
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Baggage weight and size limits
Southwest Airlines has specific guidelines for baggage weight and size limits. All bags must be checked 45 minutes prior to the scheduled departure. The airline recommends planning for a 20-minute walk from the ticket counter to the departure gates.
For baggage weight, Southwest Airlines has a standard limit of 50 pounds or 23 kilograms. Bags exceeding the standard weight will incur additional charges. For bags weighing between 51 to 100 pounds (24 to 46 kilograms), a fee of $75 USD per bag will be charged. It's important to note that bags exceeding 100 pounds or 46 kilograms will not be accepted as checked baggage or hold luggage.
In terms of baggage size, Southwest Airlines has a maximum linear dimension limit. Bags should not exceed 62 inches or 158 centimeters in total dimensions. If your bag surpasses these dimensions, an additional fee of $75 USD will be applied. Similarly, bags exceeding 115 linear inches or 292 centimeters will not be accepted as checked baggage.
Southwest Airlines also accepts sports equipment within its size and weight limits. Items such as skis, golf bags, fishing equipment, and sports gear like hockey and lacrosse equipment are included. These items will count as one checked bag or hold bag.
It's important to note that Southwest Airlines does not offer prepayment options for luggage. Baggage fees must be paid at the airport, either at the ticketing counter or the gate. Business Select travelers and certain cardholders may be exempt from some of these charges.
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Gate-checking a bag
Southwest Airlines has specific guidelines for checked baggage. Each passenger is limited to checking up to 20 pieces of baggage per flight, and these bags must adhere to weight and size restrictions. The maximum weight allowed is 50 pounds (23 kilograms), and the linear dimensions should not exceed 62 inches (158 centimeters). Any bags exceeding these limits will be subject to additional fees.
When gate-checking a bag, it's important to follow the airline's procedures. At Southwest Airlines, passengers with carry-on bags that need to be gate-checked are usually asked to do so voluntarily when flights are full. You can also request assistance from a flight attendant or another passenger to place your bag in the overhead bin if needed. However, they have the right to refuse, and it is not their responsibility to do so.
It is worth noting that certain items, such as strollers, car seats, and assistive devices, can be checked at the gate free of charge. Additionally, passengers with specific memberships or fare types, such as Business Select, A-List, or Rapid Rewards Credit Cardholders, may be exempt from checked bag fees. It is recommended to check the airline's website for the most up-to-date information on checked baggage policies and any applicable fees.
To save time and ensure a smooth process, it is advisable to arrive at the airport early and allow enough time for checking your bags. At Southwest Airlines, the ticket counter is usually open 90 to 120 minutes before the first departing flight, and all bags must be checked 45 minutes prior to the scheduled departure. By planning ahead and familiarizing yourself with the baggage policies, you can have a stress-free travel experience.
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Collecting checked baggage
When travelling with Southwest Airlines, it is important to ensure that the name on your booking matches your passport to prevent delays with your bags. You should also arrive at the airport in good time. The ticket counter is open from 90 minutes to 180 minutes before the first departing flight, depending on the airport. All bags must be checked 45 minutes prior to the scheduled departure.
After landing, if you have checked baggage to collect, you will need to head to the baggage claim area, which is usually located on a separate level of the airport from the arrivals area. At Chicago Midway International Airport, for example, passengers should go down to the lower level to reach the baggage claim and baggage service office.
At the baggage claim, you will see a display showing the flight number and/or destination of the arriving flight. You can then wait for your flight to be shown and collect your bag from the reclaim belt. If you are unable to locate your bag, you should proceed to the nearby baggage service office for assistance.
When collecting your checked baggage, you may be required to present your passport and boarding pass to verify your identity and ensure that the bag belongs to you. It is important to ensure that your checked bag is not wrapped in plastic, as some airports, such as TPA, do not accept checked luggage wrapped in plastic.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can generally check a bag at the gate unless you've already checked two. However, gate-checked bags go to the baggage carousel, so you'll have to wait for it anyway.
Yes, all checked bags must adhere to a maximum weight of 50 pounds (23 kilograms) and maximum linear dimensions of 62 inches (158 centimeters).
Bag fees apply to Basic, Choice, and Choice Preferred fares. Most passengers will pay $35 for the first checked bag, $45 for the second, and $150 for the third bag. However, there are certain exceptions for members with specific memberships and fare types.
