Demystifying Southwest Airlines Baggage Allowances: Your Ultimate Guide
Planning a trip with Southwest Airlines and wondering about baggage allowances, especially in ounces? You've come to the right place! While airlines typically measure luggage in pounds or kilograms, understanding the equivalents, especially for liquids, is crucial for a smooth journey. This comprehensive guide will break down Southwest's baggage policies, including those often-confusing liquid restrictions, to ensure you're packing smart and stress-free.
So, are you ready to pack like a pro and avoid any unexpected fees or airport hiccups? Let's dive in!
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| How Many Ounces Does Southwest Airlines Allow |
Step 1: Grasping the Basics of Baggage Categories
Before we delve into specific measurements, it's vital to understand the three main categories of baggage Southwest Airlines recognizes:
Personal Item: This is your smallest bag, designed to fit under the seat in front of you. Think of it as your essential "grab-and-go" bag for items you need during the flight.
Carry-On Bag: This is a larger bag that goes into the overhead bin. It's typically a small suitcase or a larger backpack.
Checked Baggage: These are the bags that are not brought into the cabin with you. They are checked at the ticket counter or curb and travel in the cargo hold of the aircraft.
Understanding these distinctions is the first step to knowing how much you can bring and where it needs to go.
Step 2: Unpacking Personal Item Allowances (No Weight Limit Specified, but Size Matters!)
Southwest Airlines is quite generous with personal items, but the key is size, not weight. While they don't specify a weight limit in ounces or pounds for your personal item, it must fit under the seat in front of you.
Sub-heading: Personal Item Dimensions to Remember
Southwest generally advises that your personal item should not exceed 18.5 inches (L) x 8.5 inches (W) x 13.5 inches (H).
Common examples of personal items include: a purse, a briefcase, a laptop bag, a small backpack, or a camera bag.
Pro Tip: Even though there's no stated weight limit, ensure your personal item isn't so heavy that it's difficult to lift or could pose a hazard. Think practical!
Step 3: Decoding Carry-On Bag Allowances (No Weight Limit, But Strict Dimensions!)
Tip: Summarize the post in one sentence.
Similar to personal items, Southwest Airlines does not specify a weight limit for carry-on bags. This is excellent news for travelers who pack denser items! However, there are strict dimension requirements that must be adhered to.
Sub-heading: Carry-On Bag Dimensions for Overhead Bins
Your carry-on bag, including wheels and handles, must not exceed 24 inches (L) x 16 inches (W) x 10 inches (H).
It's crucial that your bag fits into the overhead sizing bin at the airport. If it doesn't, it might need to be gate-checked, which could incur fees depending on your fare type and status (more on that in the next section).
Remember: You must be able to lift your carry-on bag into the overhead bin without assistance.
Step 4: Delving into Checked Baggage Allowances (Where Ounces Convert to Pounds!)
This is where the concept of "ounces" becomes more relevant, as checked baggage has specific weight limits in pounds, which can be converted to ounces.
Sub-heading: Standard Checked Bag Limits (Before Fees!)
Southwest Airlines' standard allowance for checked bags (for most fares booked on or after May 28, 2025) is:
Weight Limit: Each checked bag must weigh 50 pounds (lbs) or less.
Conversion to Ounces: For those who love details, 50 lbs is equivalent to 800 ounces (50 lbs * 16 oz/lb).
Size Limit: The total linear dimensions (length + width + height) of each checked bag must not exceed 62 inches. This includes handles and wheels.
Sub-heading: Navigating Checked Bag Fees (Changes Effective May 28, 2025!)
It's important to note a significant change regarding Southwest's checked baggage policy for flights booked on or after May 28, 2025.
Previously: Southwest was famous for its "Bags Fly Free" policy, allowing two free checked bags for all passengers.
Now (for most passengers): For flights booked on or after May 28, 2025, most passengers will need to pay for checked bags.
Exceptions:
Business Select and A-List Preferred members: Still receive two free checked bags.
A-List members and Rapid Rewards credit cardholders: May receive one free bag or a bag credit.
It's highly recommended to check the most current "Optional Travel Charges" on the Southwest Airlines website for the exact fees applicable to your specific fare and status.
Sub-heading: Overweight and Oversized Checked Baggage (When Ounces Cost You!)
QuickTip: Look for lists — they simplify complex points.
If your checked bag exceeds the standard 50 lbs (800 ounces) weight limit or the 62 linear inches size limit, you will incur additional fees.
Overweight Fees:
For bags weighing 51-70 lbs (816-1120 ounces), there will be an additional charge.
For bags weighing 71-100 lbs (1136-1600 ounces), there will be an even higher additional charge.
Bags exceeding 100 lbs (1600 ounces) are generally NOT accepted as checked baggage and may need to be shipped via Southwest Cargo if you are a "Known Shipper."
Oversized Fees:
For bags exceeding 62 linear inches but not more than 80 linear inches, an additional charge applies.
If a bag is both overweight and oversized, generally only one of the highest applicable fees will be charged, provided it doesn't exceed 100 lbs.
Active-duty military personnel with valid ID are generally exempt from excess, oversize, or overweight baggage charges, provided bags don't exceed 100 lbs and 80 inches.
Step 5: Understanding Liquid Allowances (The 3-1-1 Rule in Ounces!)
This is where the "ounces" measurement is most commonly and strictly applied by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and therefore by Southwest Airlines.
Sub-heading: The TSA's 3-1-1 Rule for Carry-On Liquids
The 3-1-1 rule is a mandatory guideline for all liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes in your carry-on bag.
3: Containers must be 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or smaller.
1: All containers must fit into one (1) quart-sized clear, plastic, zip-top bag.
1: Each passenger is limited to one (1) quart-sized bag.
Sub-heading: What Does This Mean for Your Toiletries?
Any liquid, gel, aerosol, cream, or paste you wish to bring in your carry-on, such as shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, lotion, perfume, or hairspray, must adhere to the 3.4-ounce limit per container.
Medications and infant/child nourishments (like breast milk or formula) are generally exempt from the 3-1-1 rule, but you should declare them to TSA officers for inspection.
For larger containers of liquids, simply pack them in your checked baggage (where the 3-1-1 rule does not apply).
Step 6: Special Items and Exceptions (Beyond the Ounce)
Southwest also has policies for various special items. While not directly related to ounces, knowing these can prevent surprises.
Sporting Equipment: Many types of sporting equipment (like golf clubs, skis, surfboards) can be checked, often counting as one of your checked bags. Additional fees or specific requirements may apply if they exceed standard weight or size limits.
Musical Instruments: Small instruments may be carried on, while larger ones may need to be checked or require the purchase of an additional seat.
Medical Devices & Assistive Aids: Items like walkers, canes, crutches, and CPAP machines can typically be brought on board in addition to your carry-on and personal item, and generally do not count towards your baggage allowance.
Pets: Small cats and dogs can travel in the cabin with you for a fee, and their carrier counts as either your personal item or carry-on bag. Advance reservations are required, and limits apply per flight.
By following these steps, you'll be well-equipped to manage your baggage when flying with Southwest Airlines, avoiding any last-minute stress or unexpected charges!
10 Related FAQ Questions
QuickTip: Re-reading helps retention.
How to calculate the linear inches of my bag?
To calculate linear inches, simply add the length, width, and height of your bag together (L + W + H).
How to pack liquids in my carry-on bag according to the 3-1-1 rule?
Place all your 3.4-ounce (or smaller) liquid containers into one clear, quart-sized, zip-top bag. Each passenger is allowed one such bag.
How to avoid overweight baggage fees on Southwest Airlines?
Ensure your checked bags weigh 50 lbs (800 ounces) or less. Use a luggage scale at home before heading to the airport. Consider distributing weight across multiple bags if you have the allowance, or ship heavier items separately.
How to determine if my personal item will fit under the seat?
While dimensions are provided (18.5" x 8.5" x 13.5"), the best way is to try it out with your specific bag. Most standard backpacks, laptop bags, and purses designed for travel usually fit.
How to know if my fare type includes free checked bags on Southwest Airlines after May 28, 2025?
Tip: Focus more on ideas, less on words.
Check your booking confirmation or log into your Rapid Rewards account. Passengers with Business Select fares, A-List Preferred status, or A-List status, or those with a Rapid Rewards credit card, may still have free checked bag allowances.
How to gate-check a bag if my carry-on is too big?
If your carry-on exceeds the dimensions, Southwest staff at the gate may offer to gate-check it for you. Depending on your fare type and status, fees may apply.
How to travel with medications that are liquids and exceed 3.4 ounces?
Liquid medications are exempt from the 3-1-1 rule. You should declare them to the TSA officer at the security checkpoint for inspection.
How to check sporting equipment with Southwest Airlines?
Contact Southwest Airlines directly or check their "Special Baggage" policy on their website. Many standard sporting items are accepted as checked baggage, but may have specific packing requirements or incur additional fees if oversized/overweight.
How to add an extra checked bag to my Southwest flight?
You can typically add and pay for extra checked bags during online check-in or at the airport ticket counter/curbside check-in. Fees will apply for each additional bag beyond your allowance.
How to handle an oversized checked bag that is also overweight?
Southwest typically charges only one fee, the higher of the two (oversized or overweight), if the bag is both. However, the bag still cannot exceed 100 lbs or 80 linear inches. Always verify current fees on their official website.
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