Flying with your snowboard on Southwest Airlines can be a fantastic way to hit the slopes without the hassle of renting gear. But before you get too excited about fresh powder, it's crucial to understand their baggage policies and associated costs. Unlike some airlines, Southwest has a pretty generous initial baggage allowance, which can be a huge win for winter sports enthusiasts. However, there are still rules to follow, and exceeding limits can lead to unexpected fees.
Ready to demystify the process and ensure your snowboard travels smoothly and affordably? Let's break it down!
Step 1: Engage with Southwest's Baggage Philosophy – The "Two Bags Fly Free" Mantra
First things first, let's talk about Southwest's generally awesome baggage policy. Did you know Southwest is famous for allowing two checked bags for free for every passenger? This is a significant advantage compared to many other airlines that charge for even your first checked bag. For snowboarders, this means your board (and often your boots!) can potentially count as one of these free bags. This is where the savings truly begin!
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| How Much Is It To Check A Snowboard On Southwest Airlines |
Step 2: Understanding the Standard Checked Baggage Rules
Even though your first two bags are free, there are crucial size and weight limitations that apply to all checked baggage, including your snowboard. Adhering to these limits is key to avoiding additional charges.
Sub-heading: Size Matters: The 62-Inch Rule
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Your checked bag, including your snowboard bag, must not exceed 62 linear inches (length + width + height). This measurement includes wheels and handles.
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For snowboards, this can be tricky. Many snowboard bags will exceed 62 linear inches in length. Don't panic just yet, but be aware that this is the standard.
Sub-heading: Weight Watchers: The 50-Pound Limit
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Each checked bag, including your snowboard bag, has a maximum weight limit of 50 pounds (23 kg).
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It's a good idea to weigh your snowboard bag at home before heading to the airport. Invest in a small luggage scale – it's a lifesaver for avoiding last-minute scrambling and potential fees.
Step 3: Navigating Snowboard-Specific Allowances & Fees
Tip: Slow down when you hit important details.
This is where it gets a bit more specific for snowboards. While the general rules apply, Southwest offers a special consideration for sporting equipment.
Sub-heading: Snowboard as a Standard Bag – The Best-Case Scenario
Southwest treats snowboards as sporting equipment, and often, they can substitute one of your two free checked bags. Here's what they generally accept:
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One snowboard, one set of poles (if applicable), and one pair of snowboard boots may count as one item.
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Crucially, Southwest often allows up to two bags (e.g., your snowboard in one bag and your boots in a separate boot bag) to count as one item, provided they contain only the specified equipment. This is a fantastic perk!
Sub-heading: When Does It Get Expensive? Overweight and Oversized Fees
Even with the sporting equipment allowance, if your snowboard bag exceeds the standard weight or size, you'll incur additional charges.
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Overweight Baggage (51-100 lbs):
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If your snowboard bag weighs between 51 and 70 pounds, there's typically a fee of $150 per item, each way.
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If it weighs between 71 and 100 pounds, the fee increases to $200 per item, each way.
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Any item weighing over 100 pounds will generally not be accepted as checked baggage and must be shipped as air cargo (which is a whole different ballgame and usually more expensive).
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Oversized Baggage (beyond 62 linear inches):
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Here's the good news for snowboards: While the general oversized baggage fee for items between 63 and 80 inches is usually $200, snow ski equipment (which includes snowboards) is often exempt from excess size charges. This means the length of your snowboard bag, even if it exceeds 62 inches, might not incur an additional oversized fee as long as it only contains your snowboard equipment.
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However, if the bag exceeds 80 inches, it might not be accepted as checked baggage. Always double-check with Southwest directly for extreme lengths.
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Combining Fees: If your snowboard bag is both overweight and oversized (within the acceptable limits for sporting equipment), only one fee applies, typically the higher of the two, and generally limited to the overweight fee if it doesn't exceed 100 lbs. So, you won't be double-charged for both.
Sub-heading: The Third Bag (or more) Scenario
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If your snowboard, with its boot bag, counts as your first free checked bag, and you have another standard suitcase that counts as your second free checked bag, then any additional bags (a third, fourth, etc.) will incur a fee.
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The fee for a third checked bag (and beyond) is typically $150 per bag, each way.
Step 4: Packing Your Snowboard for Travel – Smart Strategies
Proper packing is essential to protect your snowboard and avoid issues at the airport.
QuickTip: Don’t ignore the small print.
Sub-heading: Invest in a Quality Snowboard Bag
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A padded snowboard bag is a non-negotiable. Look for bags with ample padding, internal straps to secure your board, and even separate compartments for boots or outerwear.
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Wheelie bags are a lifesaver for navigating airports, especially with a heavy snowboard.
Sub-heading: Maximize Space & Stay Under Weight
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Consolidate: Pack your snowboard, bindings (consider detaching them for a flatter profile and to protect your board's insert areas), boots, and even some outerwear (jacket, pants, gloves) within the snowboard bag. This helps to utilize the space efficiently and often keeps you within the "one item" allowance for sporting equipment.
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Protect Edges and Base: Use soft materials (old towels, bubble wrap, dedicated edge protectors) to cushion the edges and base of your snowboard.
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Remove Fins/Keels: If your snowboard has removable fins, take them off and pack them securely to prevent damage.
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Weight Distribution: Try to distribute the weight evenly within the bag.
Step 5: Arriving at the Airport & Checking In
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Allow Extra Time: Because sporting equipment often requires special handling, it's wise to arrive at the airport earlier than usual. This gives you ample time for check-in and ensures you don't feel rushed.
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Self-Tagging (Where Available): At some airports, you can self-tag your bags at a kiosk. However, for a snowboard, you might still need to go to the baggage drop-off counter for special handling.
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Oversized Baggage Drop-Off: Be prepared to take your snowboard to a designated "oversized baggage" or "special baggage" counter. These are often separate from the regular check-in lines.
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Communicate Clearly: Inform the Southwest agent that you are checking a snowboard. They are familiar with the procedures for sporting equipment.
Step 6: Post-Flight: Retrieving Your Snowboard
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Special Baggage Claim: Your snowboard might not come out on the regular baggage carousel. Many airports have a designated oversized baggage claim area. Look for signs or ask an airport attendant if you're unsure.
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Inspect Your Gear: Once you retrieve your snowboard, quickly inspect it for any signs of damage. If you notice anything, report it to a Southwest Airlines baggage agent immediately before leaving the airport. There are strict time limits for filing damage claims.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to calculate the linear inches of my snowboard bag?
To calculate linear inches, measure the length, width, and height of your snowboard bag (including any wheels or handles), then add those three measurements together. For example, if your bag is 60" long, 12" wide, and 6" high, its linear inches would be inches.
Tip: Break long posts into short reading sessions.
How to pack bindings to save space and protect my snowboard?
You can often unmount your bindings from the snowboard to make the package flatter and more compact. Place soft padding (like clothing or bubble wrap) between the bindings and the board, or consider putting them in a separate boot bag if Southwest's policy allows it to count as one item with your board.
How to ensure my snowboard counts as one of the two free bags?
To maximize your chances, pack your snowboard, boots, and poles (if applicable) all within one bag. If you use a separate boot bag, ensure it contains only boots and potentially a helmet, as Southwest often considers a snowboard bag plus a boot bag containing only equipment as a single item.
How to avoid overweight baggage fees for my snowboard?
Weigh your snowboard bag at home with a luggage scale. If it's over 50 lbs, remove any non-essential items, especially heavy ones like tools or extra clothing, and consider moving them to a carry-on or another checked bag if you have allowance.
How to find the oversized baggage drop-off at the airport?
Upon arrival at the airport, look for signs indicating "Oversized Baggage," "Special Baggage," or "Sports Equipment." If you can't find it, ask a Southwest Airlines check-in agent, and they will direct you.
How to report damage to my snowboard after a flight?
Tip: Focus on clarity, not speed.
If you discover damage to your snowboard or bag, locate a Southwest Airlines baggage claim representative at the airport before leaving the airport. They will guide you through the process of filing a claim. Document the damage with photos immediately.
How to check if my specific snowboard length will be accepted?
While Southwest generally doesn't charge excess size fees for snow ski equipment, extremely long boards might pose an issue. It's best to check Southwest's official "Special Baggage" or "Sports Equipment" section on their website, or contact their customer service if your board is exceptionally long (e.g., over 80 inches).
How to travel with multiple snowboards on Southwest?
Each snowboard (with its accompanying boot bag, if applicable) counts towards your checked baggage allowance. If you have two snowboards, and they both fit the size/weight criteria, they could potentially count as your two free checked bags. For three or more, standard excess baggage fees would apply for the third bag onward.
How to get military exceptions for snowboard baggage fees on Southwest?
Active-duty military passengers with a valid military ID typically receive exemptions from excess, oversize, or overweight baggage charges, provided individual pieces don't exceed 100 pounds and 80 inches in size. Always confirm the most current military policy directly with Southwest.
How to check for the most up-to-date baggage policies before my flight?
Always visit the official Southwest Airlines website (southwest.com) and navigate to their "Baggage" or "Optional Travel Charges" section for the most current and accurate information, as policies can sometimes change.
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