Baggage fees can add up to a considerable amount on the fare of a trip when one is air traveling. However, Southwest Airlines has earned a sterling name with its liberal baggage policies. For one, unlike several other carriers that charge for every checked or extra bag, South West allows two checked-in bags free of charge for each of its passengers At least that considerably reduces the travel cost, especially for families or frequent flyers. If you are traveling Southwest, there are no surprise baggage fees at all as long as your bags comply with their weight and dimension limits; otherwise, for any extra charges, it would fall under the extra category. If the checked-in bag exceeds 50 lbs or 62 inches overall (length + width + height) you would need to pay either overweight or oversized fee, which varies from 75 to 125 dollars per bag depending on how much each of those limits has been exceeded. Otherwise, Southwest remains one of the most luggage-friendly airlines.
Carry-On Baggage Rules Explained
Aside from free checked bags, each passenger of Southwest also receives a free carry-on bag and a personal item, both at no added cost. Carry-on bags must fit in either the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you. Acceptable personal items include purses, briefcases, laptop bags, and small backpacks. Southwest Airlines enforces these regulations not just for their own sake, but to provide safety and comfort within the cabin. Items that exceed the size limits for carry-ons must be checked at the gate, usually free of charge, but could be subject to additional or oversized baggage fees upon checking it as cargo.
Size Limits You Need to Know
To avoid facing any disappointments at the airport, any passenger should keep in mind the size restrictions for carry-on and checked baggage. Maximum dimensions for carry-ons are 24 inches long, 16 inches wide, and 10 inches tall. This includes wheels and handles, so make sure to measure your bag accordingly before your trip. Personal items must be small enough to fit under the seat in front of you and typically should not exceed 18.5 x 13.5 x 8.5 inches. Checked bags, as mentioned, should weigh not more than 50 pounds and should not exceed 62 inches in total. If your luggage goes beyond these size limits, you may need to pay half the amount you saved with Southwest's otherwise generous baggage policy.
Final Thoughts
Southwest's Airlines baggage policies are some of the most traveler-friendly in the U.S. airline industry. With two free checked bags, free carry-ons, and easy and clear size and weight guidelines, Southwest has made it easy for travel-folk to embark on a guiltless quest. Southwest has put their foot down when it comes to their own straightforward guidelines concerning carry-ons and checked baggage, so travelers with Southwest have an uncomplicated way to travel. With all their regulatory humor out of the way, carry-on rules, and size limits should make your plan more foolproof, giving you added confidence for whatever lies ahead, whether it be a birthright travel spree or the next-family-oriented getaway.
