Southwest Airlines Baggage Policy

The largest low-cost airline in the world, Southwest Airlines Co., is a significant American airline. Its headquarters are in Dallas, Texas, and it offers scheduled service to 121 U.S. cities and ten other international locations. According to passengers flown, it is now the third-largest airline in North America. While booking or cancelling your flight with Southwest Airlines, if you face any issues or if you need any assistance related to Southwest Airlines Baggage Policy, then you can contact Southwest Airlines’ customer support at 1-888-341-5975 or 1-800-435-9792. Tell them all the issues that you have, and they will do their best to assist you and will provide the best solutions accordingly.

Southwest Airlines Carry-On Baggage Rules

Before planning your trip with Southwest Airlines, read Southwest Airlines Baggage Policy before you pack your baggage. Please read the following points to know more about the Airlines Baggage Policy:

  1. Southwest Airlines allows each passenger to bring one carry-on bag. It can be a briefcase, laptop bag, or pocketbook. 
  2. The luggage you carry must be up to 61 cm by 41 cm by 28 cm; the bag's handle and wheels are included in this measurement.
  3.  Carry-on luggage must fit in the overhead bin or beneath the passenger's seat in front of them. 
  4. Pets are considered personal items if they are transported in checked baggage.
  5. If your bag exceeds the limit or dimensions as per the airlines' rules, then you must pay the fees according to the Southwest Airlines Baggage Policy.

To learn more information regarding the airline’s policy, you can contact the airline’s customer support at 1-888-341-5975 or 1-800-435-9792. They will be glad to assist you.

Southwest Airlines Checked Baggage Policy

Please read the Southwest Airlines Checked Baggage Policy before you plan your travel with the airline. To know more, please read the following points carefully:

  1. As the TSA requires, checked bags will undergo physical examination and screening. Customers might need to provide proof of identity.
  2. Ensure you obtain a separate claim check for each piece of luggage you checked once you've checked your bags. 
  3. Southwest allows each booked passenger to check a maximum of two luggage items. 
  4. Per checked piece of luggage, the maximum weight is 50 pounds, and the maximum dimension is 62 inches (length + width + height). 
  5. Over 100 pounds must be sent as air cargo for any item.
  6. Within four hours after the customer arrives at the place of arrival, damaged or misplaced luggage must be reported in person.

Southwest Airlines Excess Baggage Fees

There are no carry-on luggage costs on Southwest. Bringing your first and second carry-on bag (a personal item) onboard a Southwest Airlines trip costs you zero dollars. You will be charged $75 for any bag that is declared overweight (weighing between 50 and 100 pounds) or oversize (measuring between 62 and 80 inches).

The two-bag restriction does not apply to military personnel travelling on active duty or under orders for a permanent change of station, and they are also entitled to free overweight and oversized baggage checks. Make sure you read Southwest Airlines Baggage Policy before you plan your trip with the airline.

Special Items and Oversized Baggage

For a fee of $125 per item, oversized goods that are longer than 62 inches but not longer than 80 inches will be accepted. If the item is enormous and overweight, just one $125 fee will be assessed, regardless of weight, as long as it does not exceed 100 lbs. Make sure you read Southwest Airlines Baggage Policy before you plan your trip with the airline.

Southwest Airlines Lost or Damaged Baggage

Please read the points mentioned below to know more about what to do if your baggage is lost or damaged at Southwest Airlines:

  1. As soon as you learn that your luggage is delayed or lost, kindly report it in person to the baggage service office. The office will either be at the ticket window or close to the baggage claim area.
  2. Please file a report online, send an email to the airlines, or call them at 1-888-341-5975 or 1-800-435-9792 if you've already left the airport.
  3. Customers must inform the airlines of their claim for domestic routes no later than four hours following either (a) the arrival of the flight on which the loss, damage, or delay is alleged to have happened or (b) the delivery of the luggage, as appropriate.
  4. The airlines will not be responsible for manufacturing defects or for minor damage caused by ordinary wear and tear, including cuts, scratches, scuffs, stains, dents, punctures, markings, and dirt, for your domestic flights.

How do I talk to a person at Southwest Airlines?

If you are facing any trouble while booking or cancelling your flight with Southwest, you can contact the airlines via their different channels. To know more, please read the following information carefully:

Via customer support:

  1. Dial 1-888-341-5975 or 1-800-435-9792 to get connected with Southwest Airlines Customer Service.
  2. Follow the IVR instructions carefully.
  3. To find out more about the status of your flight, press 1.
  4. To change any already-purchased tickets, press 2.
  5. If you have any questions about your luggage, press 3.
  6. To speak with an airline representative, press 4.
  7. To return to the main menu, press *.
  8. To end the call, enter the number #.

Via airport:

  1. Visit the airport at least 4 to 5 hours before your scheduled flight.
  2. Visit the airline’s ticket counter and ask for help.
  3. They will assign an agent to you.
  4. Tell them all the issues that you have, and they will do their best to assist you.

Via email address:

In case you want to file a written complaint to the airline, then you can write an email to Southwest Airlines customer service at 1-888-341-5975 or 1-800-435-9792. Ensure you include all the issues you have in a single email and send it with a valid email ID so that you can expect a reply from the airlines. Please be patient as you wait for the airlines to reply, as it might take 7 to 8 days for them to review and reply to your complaint. They will do their best to assist you.

Via social media:

You can contact Southwest Airlines customer service via their social media handle as well. You can send them a message on their Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter handles. Tell them all the issues that you have, and they will do their best to assist you.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SouthwestAir 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/southwestair 

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/profile.php 

How do you talk to Southwest Airlines customer service?

There are many ways by which you can contact Southwest Airlines customer service. You can contact them via their official contact number, as mentioned above. You can send them an email, get in touch via their social media accounts, or you can directly visit them at the airport regarding your complaints. They will do their best to assist you.

Conclusion

Make sure you read all the terms and conditions provided by the airlines on their official website. Before you pack your bag for your upcoming flight, make sure you read Southwest Airlines Baggage Policy. For further information, don’t hesitate to contact the airlines’ customer support at their official contact number.

Also Read: DELTA AIRLINES REBOOKING POLICY

Thank you 

Have a safe flight

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can I check my baggage for free on Southwest Airlines?

Ans. Southwest Airlines allows the first two checked bags for no additional charge if they do not weigh more than 50 lbs. and measure more than 62 inches (L+W+H). Items above 51 pounds in weight will cost you $100. Items over 70 pounds in weight will cost you $125.

Q. How much does Southwest Airlines charge for excess baggage?

Ans. Items above 51 pounds in weight will cost $100. Items over 70 pounds in weight will cost $125.

Q. Can I carry sports equipment or musical instruments on Southwest Airlines flights?

Ans. Yes, as part of their checked luggage allowance, passengers can bring a musical instrument and sporting equipment, including skis, golf clubs, and snowboards.

Q. What are the size and weight limits for checked baggage on Southwest Airlines?

Ans. Per checked luggage, the maximum weight is 50 pounds, and the maximum dimension is 62 inches (length + width + height).