Ready to streamline your airport experience? Printing your baggage tags for Southwest Airlines beforehand can save you precious time and reduce pre-flight stress. While Southwest doesn't typically allow printing of baggage tags at home in the conventional sense (where you print a sticky label and attach it), they offer a highly efficient self-tagging process at the airport. This guide will walk you through exactly how to navigate Southwest's baggage check-in, ensuring a smooth journey from curb to gate!
Understanding Southwest's Baggage Policy
Before we dive into the "how-to," it's crucial to understand Southwest's generous baggage policy. This knowledge will help you prepare your bags and avoid any surprises at the airport.
Two Free Checked Bags: Southwest Airlines is famously known for its "Bags Fly Free" policy, allowing every ticketed customer to check two bags free of charge. This is a significant advantage compared to many other airlines.
Size and Weight Limits: Each checked bag must not exceed 50 lbs (23 kg) in weight and 62 inches (length + width + height) in overall dimensions.
Overweight and Oversized Bags: If your bag exceeds these limits, additional fees will apply. For bags between 51-100 lbs (23-45 kg) or 63-80 inches, a fee of $100-$125 per bag (as of current information) typically applies. Bags over 100 lbs or 80 inches are generally not accepted as checked baggage.
Carry-on and Personal Item: In addition to your checked bags, you are allowed one carry-on bag and one personal item (like a purse, laptop bag, or small backpack) onboard, free of charge. Ensure these fit within the specified dimensions for overhead bins and under the seat.
The Self-Tagging Process: Your Step-by-Step Guide
Southwest Airlines primarily utilizes self-service kiosks at the airport for baggage tagging. This system is designed to expedite your check-in. While you can't print the physical sticky tags at home, you can complete the initial check-in process online or via the mobile app, which then facilitates the quick printing of your tags at the airport kiosks.
Step 1: Engage with Online/Mobile Check-in (Highly Recommended!)
Are you ready to get a head start on your travel day? This first step is all about convenience and setting yourself up for a speedy experience at the airport.
When to Check-In: Southwest's online and mobile check-in opens 24 hours prior to your scheduled departure time. It's highly recommended to check in as soon as this window opens. Why? Because Southwest has an open seating policy, and earlier check-in generally translates to a better boarding position.
Accessing Check-in:
Southwest Airlines Website: Visit
southwest.comand navigate to the "Check In" section.Southwest Airlines Mobile App: Download and open the official Southwest Airlines app on your smartphone (available for iOS and Android).
Information Needed: You'll typically need your confirmation number (a six-character alphanumeric code) and your last name to retrieve your reservation.
Confirming Baggage: During the online or app check-in process, you'll be asked if you have any bags to check. Indicate the number of bags you intend to check. This step is crucial as it pre-populates your baggage information for the airport kiosks.
Obtain Your Boarding Pass: After completing the check-in, you'll receive your boarding pass. You can:
Download a Mobile Boarding Pass: Save it to your phone's digital wallet (Apple Wallet, Google Pay) for easy access.
Print Your Boarding Pass at Home: While not the baggage tag, having your boarding pass printed can also streamline the kiosk process.
Step 2: Arriving at the Airport and Locating Self-Service Kiosks
You've checked in online, now let's get those bags tagged!
Airport Arrival Time: Plan to arrive at the airport with ample time, especially if you're checking bags.
For domestic flights, aim for at least 2 hours before departure.
For international flights, aim for at least 3 hours before departure.
Remember: All passengers must complete check-in and bag drop at least 30 minutes before domestic flights and 60 minutes before international departures.
Finding the Kiosks: Upon arrival at the Southwest Airlines check-in area, look for the designated self-service kiosks. These are typically clearly marked and often located near the main ticket counters.
Identifying Self-Tagging Kiosks: Most Southwest-served airports have self-tagging kiosks available. If you're unsure, look for signage indicating "Self-Tagging" or ask a Southwest employee for assistance.
Step 3: Printing Your Baggage Tags at the Kiosk
This is where your online prep pays off!
Initiate the Process: At the self-service kiosk, you'll typically be prompted to:
Enter your confirmation number.
Enter your Rapid Rewards number.
Swipe a major credit card with your name on it (this is for identification, not necessarily for payment if your bags are free).
Retrieve Your Reservation: The kiosk will pull up your reservation.
Confirm Baggage Details: The system will confirm the number of bags you indicated during your online/mobile check-in. If you need to add or remove bags, you can typically do so here.
Pay Applicable Fees (If Any): If you have more than two checked bags, or if your bags are overweight/oversized, the kiosk will prompt you to pay any applicable charges with a credit card.
Print Your Tags: Once confirmed, the kiosk will print your baggage claim tag(s).
Important Note: The tags will come out on a roll. Wait until all your tags have printed before tearing them off.
Boarding Pass (Optional): You can also print your boarding pass from the kiosk if you haven't already.
Step 4: Attaching Your Baggage Tags
This step is simple but crucial for your bag's journey!
Follow Kiosk Instructions: The kiosk will display and print instructions on how to properly attach the tag.
Peel and Secure:
Locate the adhesive ends on the tag.
Carefully peel back the indicated area on the back of the tag.
Thread the tag through the handle of your bag.
Match the adhesive ends together firmly, ensuring the tag is securely wrapped around the handle and cannot easily come off.
Double-Check: Briefly inspect the tag to ensure it's firmly attached and the barcode is clearly visible and not obscured.
Step 5: Proceeding to the Bag Drop Area
Almost there! Your bags are now ready for their flight.
Locate the Bag Drop: After tagging your bags, follow the signs to the designated bag drop area. This is typically a separate counter or a specific section of the main check-in counter where Southwest employees accept self-tagged luggage.
Quick Verification: A Southwest employee will quickly scan your baggage tag and may ask for your ID to verify your identity. This is a swift process designed to get you on your way quickly.
Keep Your Receipt: The employee will provide you with a baggage claim receipt. Keep this receipt in a safe place (e.g., your wallet, purse, or with your other travel documents) as it contains tracking information for your bags.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common questions about printing Southwest baggage tags, with quick answers:
How to print Southwest baggage tags at home?
You cannot print actual sticky baggage tags at home for Southwest Airlines. Baggage tags must be printed at the airport using self-service kiosks.
How to use Southwest self-service kiosks for baggage?
At the airport kiosk, enter your confirmation or Rapid Rewards number, select the number of bags, pay any fees, and the kiosk will print your tags for you to attach.
How to add checked bags after online check-in with Southwest?
If you've already checked in online and need to add bags, simply proceed to a self-service kiosk at the airport, retrieve your reservation, and follow the prompts to add and pay for your additional bags.
How to ensure my Southwest baggage tag is secure?
After printing and threading the tag through your bag's handle, firmly press the adhesive ends together to create a secure loop. Ensure the barcode is visible.
How to track my checked baggage with Southwest Airlines?
You can track your checked bag online on the Southwest Airlines website or via their mobile app using the baggage claim receipt number provided to you at bag drop.
How to handle oversized or overweight bags with Southwest?
If your bag exceeds 50 lbs or 62 inches, you'll pay an overweight/oversize fee at the self-service kiosk or ticket counter. Be aware of the maximum limits accepted.
How to check bags for international Southwest flights?
For international flights, you must check luggage at the ticket counter, not just the self-service kiosks, as additional documentation may be required.
How to get a better boarding position on Southwest related to bag drop?
While bag drop doesn't directly affect your boarding position, checking in online exactly 24 hours before your flight does, as boarding positions are assigned based on check-in time.
How to know if my airport has Southwest self-tagging kiosks?
Most major airports served by Southwest Airlines have self-tagging kiosks. You can usually find this information on the Southwest Airlines website's airport information page or by asking an airport employee.
How to get assistance if I have trouble with self-tagging at Southwest?
If you encounter any issues with the self-service kiosks, simply proceed to the full-service Southwest Airlines ticket counter, and a customer service agent will be happy to assist you.
