Ruth Haines
Southwest Airlines states that checked baggage will be accepted at the airport ticket counter or curbside check-in locations (where available) as early as four hours ahead of the flight's scheduled departure time. However, some sources suggest that the minimum check-in time for bags is 60 minutes before departure for domestic flights, and 90 minutes for international flights. It is recommended that passengers arrive at the airport at least two hours before their departure time to allow for the check-in process, security, and boarding.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How early can you check bags at the airport? | 4 hours before the scheduled departure time |
| How late can you check bags at the airport? | 45 minutes before the scheduled departure time |
| How early should you arrive at the airport? | 2 hours before the scheduled departure time |
| How early should you be checked in at the airport? | 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time |
| How early should you be at the boarding gate? | 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time |
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What You'll Learn
Southwest Airlines' baggage policy
Southwest Airlines has a comprehensive baggage policy that covers checked and carry-on baggage, as well as any associated fees for excess or oversized luggage. Firstly, it is recommended that passengers arrive at the airport with adequate time to allow for any necessary check-in procedures and baggage drop-off. The ticket counters at the airport are open from 90 minutes to 180 minutes before the first departing flight, depending on the day of the week. All bags must be checked 45 minutes prior to the scheduled departure.
In terms of baggage allowances, Southwest Airlines permits each customer to check up to 20 pieces of baggage per flight, including any applicable free checked baggage allowance. This allowance also includes sporting equipment, which must adhere to specific guidelines. For example, surfboards and windsurfing boards are permitted, but length and width restrictions may apply, and keels and fins must be removed and placed in carry-on baggage. Other accepted sporting equipment includes kiteboards, vaulting poles, non-motorized bicycles (62 inches or less and less than 50 pounds), life rafts, javelins, and kayaks.
Southwest Airlines also imposes restrictions on excess and oversized baggage. From November 15 to January 15, customers are only allowed two checked bags when travelling to SJO. At other times, overweight baggage fees apply to bags weighing 50 pounds or more, with varying fees depending on the weight. For example, bags weighing 51-70 pounds incur a fee of $100 or $150, while bags weighing 71-100 pounds will cost $200. Oversized items exceeding 62 inches but not more than 80 inches will be accepted for a charge, with fees ranging from $35 to $200, depending on the weight category. It is important to note that these charges are in addition to the standard baggage fee.
To ensure a smooth travel experience, passengers are advised to review Southwest Airlines' baggage policies and guidelines before their trip. This includes ensuring that the name on their booking matches their passport to prevent any delays with their baggage. By familiarizing themselves with the baggage allowances and restrictions, passengers can confidently prepare for their journey and enjoy a hassle-free travel experience with Southwest Airlines.
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Checking bags 4 hours early
Checking in bags four hours before a flight is a common practice for many airlines, and while Southwest Airlines does allow for this, there are some important factors to consider. Firstly, it is essential to check the specific guidelines for your departure airport, as not all airports offer early bag check services. Some airports, like PWM, do not provide this service. However, other airports, like Denver International Airport, offer bag storage services for a fee, allowing you to explore the city without your luggage.
When checking bags four hours early, it is important to be aware of potential challenges. One issue is the lack of dedicated carts for flights during this early check-in period. This can lead to bags being placed to the side and potentially forgotten or overlooked during shift changes. Additionally, there are security concerns associated with early bag checks. All bags undergo a screening process, including bomb-sniffing procedures, and checking bags too early can pose security risks.
To ensure a smooth experience, it is recommended to arrive at the airport with ample time. The Southwest Airlines website provides suggested arrival times for domestic and international flights, which are typically 60 minutes and 90 minutes, respectively. Ticket counters also have specified operating hours, usually opening 90 minutes before the first departing flight, and bags must be checked 45 minutes prior to the scheduled departure.
While checking bags four hours early may not always be feasible, Southwest Airlines offers various amenities at the airport, such as WiFi, priority lanes, and self-tagging options, to enhance your travel experience. Additionally, for international travel to certain destinations like Aruba, specific requirements, such as filling out an immigration form and receiving a QR code, must be completed before departure.
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Domestic vs. international flights
Southwest Airlines recommends that passengers arrive at the airport at least 60 minutes before the scheduled departure time for domestic flights and 90 minutes for international flights. The ticket counter opens 90 minutes before the first departing flight, and all bags must be checked 45 minutes prior to scheduled departure.
Southwest Airlines, which was previously a domestic carrier, expanded to include international flights in 2014. The airline now offers flights to international destinations such as Aruba, Jamaica, the Bahamas, and Mexico. These international flights provide opportunities for passengers to explore new cultures, experience the beauty of ancient civilizations, and enjoy tropical vacations.
When travelling on international flights, it is important to be aware of country-specific travel policies and restrictions. These policies may include documentation requirements, such as passport details and visas, as well as additional fees, such as sustainability charges. Passengers should also note that free live TV may not be available on WiFi-enabled international flights due to licensing restrictions.
In addition to international flights, Southwest Airlines continues to offer a wide range of domestic flights across the United States. Passengers on domestic flights can take advantage of the airline's convenient services, such as optimal airport arrival times, TSA wait times, and airport amenities.
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Airport-specific rules
Southwest Airlines recommends passengers arrive at the airport at least 60 minutes before their domestic flight and 120 minutes before their international flight. However, the specific rules and recommendations for checking in bags may vary across different airports. Here are some airport-specific rules for checking bags with Southwest Airlines:
Chicago Midway International Airport
The ticket counter is open from Monday to Sunday, 4:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and is located in Terminal 5 on the Upper Level at 5B. The counter opens 90 minutes before the first departing flight, and all bags must be checked 45 minutes prior to the scheduled departure. The suggested arrival time for both domestic and international flights is 120 minutes.
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport
The ticket counter opens 90 minutes before the first departing flight, and all bags must be checked 45 minutes before the scheduled departure. The suggested arrival time for domestic flights is 60 minutes, while for international flights, it is 90 minutes.
Gerald R. Ford International Airport
The suggested arrival times for this airport are the same as for Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.
Juan Santamaria International Airport
The ticket office is open from Monday to Sunday, 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The ticket counter opens 180 minutes before the first departing flight. The suggested arrival time for international flights is 120 minutes.
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
The ticket office is open from Monday to Sunday, 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The ticket counter opens 180 minutes before the first departing flight. The suggested arrival time for international flights is 120 minutes.
San Francisco International Airport
The ticket counter opens 180 minutes before the first departing flight. The suggested arrival time for international flights is 120 minutes.
Denver International Airport
The ticket counter opens 90 minutes before the first departing flight, and all bags must be checked 45 minutes before the scheduled departure. The suggested arrival time for domestic flights is 90 minutes, while for international flights, it is 120 minutes.
It is important to note that these rules and recommendations may change, and construction or other factors may affect the check-in process. Always check the latest information on the Southwest Airlines website or with the specific airport for the most up-to-date guidelines.
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Late check-in
Southwest Airlines recommends that passengers arrive at the airport with plenty of time to spare to ensure a smooth travel experience. The airline provides information on optimal arrival times, as well as TSA wait times and airport amenities, on its website.
The ticket counter for Southwest Airlines is open from Monday to Sunday, typically 90 minutes before the first departing flight of the day. However, there may be slight variations, with some sources stating the ticket counter opens 70 or 180 minutes before the first departure. It's important to note that all bags must be checked 45 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time.
While it is recommended to adhere to these guidelines, there have been instances of passengers checking in their luggage later than the suggested timeframe. In one case, a passenger dropped off their bag 35 minutes before departure at MDW, and their bag made the flight without any issues. Another passenger shared a similar experience, checking in their bag 44 minutes before departure and receiving a "tag of shame," indicating that their bag would be prioritised.
If you anticipate arriving at the airport close to the departure time, it is advisable to familiarise yourself with the airport's layout and services. Some airports offer luggage storage services for a fee, allowing you to explore the area without carrying your bags. Additionally, services are available in certain locations, such as Denver, that will pick up and store your luggage for a specified period.
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Frequently asked questions
Southwest Airlines accepts checked baggage at the ticket counter or curbside check-in locations as early as four hours ahead of the flight's departure time.
Yes, all bags must be checked 45 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time. Bags checked in 45 minutes or less before the scheduled departure time are considered "Late Check".
It is recommended that you arrive at the airport at least two hours before your departure time to complete the check-in process, go through security, and arrive at your gate.
Yes, mornings, evenings, and holidays are typically busy, so it's a good idea to plan for extra time to avoid long lines. Additionally, make sure that the name on your booking matches your passport exactly to prevent any delays with your bags.
