Flight Booking Tip
While booking tickets for Southwest Airlines, there are a few things which people must know. If you have prior knowledge on all the aspects of bookings, it saves your time. You need not wander to know about baggage fees or other policies and can plan your tickets accordingly. Considering this as a necessity, we have brought you some knowledgeable stuff. When it comes to Southwest Airlines Baggage fees, you need not worry much.
Rather we would suggest going through its policies and having sufficient knowledge on baggage weight and measurement to avoid hassle at the last moment. In order to help you out with the same, we are here with all the information on baggage fees and policy!
Also Read: Cancel Southwest Airlines Flight
Southwest Airlines Baggage Policy
Like other airlines, Southwest also has its own baggage policy and functions accordingly. As per the Southwest Airlines baggage policy, you can carry up to 2 standard bags and maximum up to 10 bags. In addition to this, the maximum size is 62 inches and weight is 50 pounds.
Passengers who carry baggage more than the mentioned one, they need to pay additional fees. Usually, the first two checked bags are free. But if you are a military personnel or dependent, your additional checked bags will not cost you anything.
Talking about the Southwest Airlines baggage fees, Southwest Airlines charges $75 per bag for additional bags. This fee is applicable for bags that are between 51 to 100 pounds. Also, those which are more than 100 pounds will not be considered as checked bags.
Interestingly, for bags that are more than 63 to 115 linear inches, passengers need to pay $75 per bag. Also, bags more than 115 linear inches will not be categorized under any kind of bag or hold luggage.
Other Southwest Fees Apart From Southwest Airlines Baggage Fees 2024
Apart from the baggage fee, passengers are bound to pay some other fees as well if applicable. This fee structure is not included in Southwest Airlines Baggage fees.
- Cancellation Fee: if you plan to change your trip or cancel it for any reason, it’s not going to cost you bucks. On top of this, if there’s a difference in the fare, you’ll get it refunded in the form of credits. So, there’s nothing you need to pay.
- Earlybird check-in fee: due to certain advanced features of the system, Southwest passengers can check in 24 hours before the departure of their flight. Through this, they can simply avoid the long queues and save their time. To avail this feature, they just need to pay a fee of $15, $20, or $ 25.
- Upgrading Boarding fee: not always available but when possible, passengers can pay $30 to $80 per flight to secure their position in the A1-A15 group. Since it’s not possible to get such seats while making bookings, you can use this method to upgrade your ticket and get a seat of your choice.
- Unaccompanied Minor Fee: if you have a kid who is of about 5-11 years, then better be prepared to pay $50 per child as an additional fee.
- Pet Fees:you can enjoy your ride with your furry friend as well but for that be prepared to pay $95 per pet carrier.
- In-flight Fees: if you wish to enjoy a quick drink or some snack before you reach your destination, expect to pay $6-$7 per serving of wine, beer, or liquor. In addition to this, $8 is for wi-fi access.
How to Avoid Southwest Airlines Baggage Fees?
Luckily, there are a few ways to avoid baggage fees. But before we proceed it’s better to pack your stuff in a manner so that all your stuff gets packed within them. That’s because if you carry a third bag, you’ll be supposed to pay an additional fee.
Also, the weight of your bags also matters so if you keep the weight and size of your bags within the prescribed limit, you will not end up making extra payments. Apart from this, if you hold Southwest Elite Status or Southwest Credit Card, you can get the relaxation of carrying one extra bag.
In case you are required to pay an additional fee due to oversize, overweight, or sports equipment, you can use a few travel reward cards to make payment. This payment is done through annual statement credits. Interestingly, you can also use Chase Sapphire Reserve to make any travel-related purchase which obviously includes baggage fees.
Final Words
All in all, Southwest Airlines baggage policy includes additional charges for weight, size, or number of bags increase. But most travellers don’t pay extra because they travel with a maximum of 2 bags and keep them within the prescribed size and weight. However, if you need to carry another bag due to some reason, better to keep $75 ready with you.
For any query, you can easily call the customer care number or even check out the Southwest website which guides you on all aspects related to travelling. Also, it’s advisable to go through Southwest Airlines baggage policy before you proceed with booking your tickets. This will surely avoid last moment doubt and hassle.
FAQs
1. Are sports equipment allowed as per Southwest Airlines baggage policy?
Yes, some sports items like skis, golf bags, fishing equipment, hockey, and lacrosse equipment are allowed within the accepted size and weight limit.
2. Are carry-on bags free on Southwest?
As per the Southwest airlines baggage policy, one carry-on bag and one small personal item is free and anything beyond that requires additional fees. Interestingly, the personal items should be small enough to fit under the seat.
3. Can I bring food on Southwest Airlines?
Yes, if you pass the food item through a security check, you can easily take the food item with you. In case you prefer Southwest food, you get complimentary snacks as well.
4. How can I travel without paying for a checked bag?
If you don’t want to pay for a checked bag, better not to exceed the number of bags.
5. How to avoid baggage charges?
To avoid baggage charges, you can upgrade your ticket or book your ticket using a travel card.
