Navigating airline baggage policies can feel like trying to solve a complex puzzle, especially when you're excitedly planning a trip! Southwest Airlines is known for its relatively generous baggage policy, but even with their "Bags Fly Free®" perk, there are still important size and weight limits to be aware of. Knowing these limits beforehand can save you from unexpected fees and airport stress.
So, you're wondering, "How big of a box can I take on Southwest Airlines?" Let's break it down step-by-step to ensure your travels are as smooth as possible.
Step 1: Engage with Your Travel Needs – What Are You Packing?
Before we dive into the specific dimensions, take a moment to visualize what you actually need to pack. Are you heading for a weekend getaway, a week-long family vacation, or perhaps relocating and shipping personal belongings? The type and quantity of your items will dictate whether you'll be relying on carry-on, checked bags, or even considering cargo options.
Consider these questions:
Are you carrying essentials only, or are there special items like sporting equipment or a musical instrument?
How many people are traveling with you, and can you consolidate luggage?
Do you have any loyalty status or credit cards that might offer additional baggage benefits?
Answering these will help you strategically plan your packing and determine which baggage category applies to your "box."
Step 2: Understanding Southwest's Baggage Categories
Southwest Airlines categorizes luggage into three main types, each with its own size and weight restrictions:
Sub-heading: Carry-on Bags
Your carry-on is the bag you bring with you onto the plane and store in the overhead bin.
Maximum Dimensions: 24 inches (L) x 16 inches (W) x 10 inches (H).
Important Note: These dimensions include wheels, handles, and any attachments. While there's no stated weight limit for carry-on bags, it must be light enough for you to lift into the overhead bin unaided.
Sub-heading: Personal Items
In addition to your carry-on, you're allowed one personal item. This is typically a smaller bag that fits under the seat in front of you.
Maximum Dimensions: Approximately 18.5 inches (L) x 13.5 inches (W) x 8.5 inches (H).
Examples: A purse, briefcase, laptop bag, small backpack, or even a pet carrier (which counts as your personal item or carry-on).
Sub-heading: Checked Bags
These are the bags you check at the ticket counter, and they travel in the cargo hold of the plane. Southwest is famous for allowing two checked bags for free for every ticketed customer.
Maximum Dimensions (Linear): 62 inches (length + width + height).
Maximum Weight: 50 pounds (23 kg) per checked piece of luggage.
Step 3: Measuring Your Box: The Crucial Calculation
This is where the rubber meets the road, or rather, where your box meets the measuring tape! For checked bags, Southwest uses the "linear dimensions" method.
Sub-heading: How to Measure Your Box for Checked Baggage
Find the Longest Side (Length): Lay your box flat. Measure the longest side from one end to the other.
Find the Second Longest Side (Width): Measure the next longest side.
Find the Shortest Side (Height/Depth): Measure the remaining side.
Add Them Up: Add the length, width, and height measurements together. This sum is your "linear dimension."
Example: If your box is 20 inches long, 20 inches wide, and 20 inches high, its linear dimension is inches. This would be well within the 62-inch limit for a standard checked bag.
Sub-heading: Measuring for Carry-on or Personal Item
For carry-on and personal items, you simply need to ensure each individual dimension (length, width, and height) does not exceed the specified limits. Again, remember to include any wheels and handles!
Step 4: Understanding Oversized and Overweight Baggage
What happens if your "box" exceeds the standard limits? Southwest has specific policies and fees for oversized and overweight baggage.
Sub-heading: Oversized Baggage
If the sum of your box's length, width, and height (linear dimensions) is greater than 62 inches but not exceeding 80 inches, it will be considered oversized.
Fee: An additional fee of $75 per item (as of current policies, always check Southwest's official website for the latest fees as they can change).
Maximum Limit: Southwest generally will not accept any item as checked baggage if its linear dimensions exceed 80 inches. Such items might need to be shipped via cargo.
Sub-heading: Overweight Baggage
If your box weighs more than 50 pounds but not exceeding 100 pounds, it will be considered overweight.
Fee: An additional fee of $75 per item for bags weighing between 51 and 100 pounds.
Maximum Limit: Items weighing over 100 pounds will not be accepted as checked baggage and must be shipped as air cargo.
Sub-heading: Combined Oversize and Overweight
If your box is both oversized and overweight (but within the 80-inch and 100-pound limits), generally only one $75 fee applies. Always confirm this with Southwest or at the airport, as policies can sometimes vary.
Step 5: Special Considerations for Different Types of "Boxes"
Not all "boxes" are created equal! Southwest has specific guidelines for certain items that might be considered oversized but have different handling rules.
Sub-heading: Musical Instruments
Carry-on: Smaller instruments (e.g., violins, guitars) may be carried on if they fit in the overhead bin or under a seat and comply with carry-on dimensions.
Purchasing a Seat: Larger instruments that don't fit in the overhead bin may be carried onboard if you purchase an additional seat for them. They must be secured with a seatbelt and not block aircraft signage.
Checked Baggage: Instruments exceeding carry-on requirements can be checked. If they are between 62 and 150 linear inches and between 51 and 165 pounds, oversized/overweight fees may apply. Instruments over 150 linear inches or 165 pounds generally won't be accepted.
Sub-heading: Sporting Equipment
Many types of sporting equipment (e.g., golf bags, skis, snowboards, bicycles, surfboards) are accepted as checked baggage.
They usually count as one of your two free checked bags if they meet the standard 50 lbs and 62 linear inch limits.
Oversized fees ($75) often apply for items between 62 and 80 linear inches.
Overweight fees ($75) apply for items between 51 and 100 lbs.
Some items, like surfboards, have specific fees ($75) and size allowances that waive the linear dimension rule but still apply weight restrictions. Always check Southwest's website for specific sporting equipment policies.
Step 6: Tips for Packing Your Box Efficiently
To maximize space and avoid unwanted fees, consider these packing strategies:
Sub-heading: Utilize Packing Cubes
These zippered fabric containers help compress clothes and organize items, making it easier to fit more into your box and keep it tidy.
Sub-heading: Roll, Don't Fold
Rolling clothes can often save space and reduce wrinkles compared to traditional folding methods.
Sub-heading: Wear Your Heaviest Items
If you have bulky shoes or a heavy jacket, consider wearing them on the plane rather than packing them to save weight in your bag.
Sub-heading: Consolidate
Traveling with others? Distribute heavier items among multiple bags to ensure no single bag exceeds the weight limit.
Sub-heading: Travel-Sized Toiletries
Adhere to the TSA's 3-1-1 rule for liquids in your carry-on (3.4 ounces or less per container, in one quart-sized bag, one bag per passenger) and use travel-sized versions for checked luggage to save space and weight.
Step 7: Final Checks Before You Go
Sub-heading: Weigh and Measure at Home
Invest in a luggage scale and a tape measure. This small investment can save you significant money and stress at the airport. Weigh and measure your packed box before you leave to ensure it complies with Southwest's guidelines.
Sub-heading: Check Southwest's Official Website
Baggage policies can change, so always refer to the most up-to-date information directly on the Southwest Airlines official website before your trip. This ensures you have the latest details on fees and restrictions.
Sub-heading: Arrive Early
If you anticipate your box might be close to the limit, or if you're checking special items, arrive at the airport with ample time. This allows for any necessary adjustments or payment of fees without rushing.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to measure linear dimensions of my luggage?
To measure the linear dimensions, simply add the length, width, and height of your bag or box (Length + Width + Height = Linear Inches). Make sure to include any wheels or handles in your measurements.
How to avoid oversized baggage fees on Southwest?
To avoid oversized fees, ensure the sum of your bag's length, width, and height does not exceed 62 linear inches for checked bags. Pack efficiently and consider using smaller bags if necessary.
How to avoid overweight baggage fees on Southwest?
Keep your checked bag's weight under 50 pounds. Use a luggage scale at home, distribute items across multiple bags if traveling with others, or consider shipping heavier items separately.
How to pack a musical instrument for Southwest Airlines?
For smaller instruments, pack them in a hard case and ensure they fit within carry-on dimensions (24" x 16" x 10"). For larger instruments, you might need to purchase an additional seat or check them as baggage, adhering to specific size and weight limits for instruments.
How to check sporting equipment on Southwest Airlines?
Sporting equipment usually counts towards your two free checked bags if it meets standard size and weight limits. Oversized or overweight fees may apply, so check Southwest's specific policy for your type of equipment (e.g., golf clubs, skis, surfboards).
How to know if my carry-on bag is too big for Southwest?
Measure your carry-on bag, including wheels and handles. It should not exceed 24 inches (L) x 16 inches (W) x 10 inches (H). If it looks bulky, it might be too large for the overhead bin.
How to manage multiple bags on Southwest?
Southwest allows two free checked bags per passenger. If you have more than two, a fee of $75 per additional bag will apply. Consider shipping excess luggage or consolidating items to stay within the free allowance.
How to handle items weighing over 100 pounds on Southwest?
Items weighing over 100 pounds (or exceeding 80 linear inches for general baggage, 150 for instruments) cannot be checked as baggage on Southwest Airlines. You will need to ship these items via Southwest Cargo or another freight service.
How to get the most accurate baggage measurements?
Use a sturdy tape measure and measure your bag when it is packed, as overstuffing can expand dimensions. Always include any protruding parts like wheels and handles in your measurements.
How to find the latest Southwest Airlines baggage policy?
Always visit the official Southwest Airlines website (southwest.com) and navigate to their "Bags" or "Checked Baggage Policy" section for the most current and detailed information on dimensions, weight limits, and fees.
