Southwest Airlines announces new baggage policy
The free baggage allowance for each ticketed Customer will change from three to two bags. The first and second bag you check (up to 50lbs) are FREE. The third bag (also up to 50 lbs) will be $25.00. Oversized and overweight bags may be subject to extra charges. The maximum dimensions will remain the same, where the luggage should not exceed sixty-two (62) inches when you add the length + width + height. SWA does not accept items over 100lbs."Customers will still be permitted to substitute certain sporting equipment free of charge in place of one of the two free bags. For example, ski equipment can be used for a free bag, SWA allows up to two bags (containing one set of snow skis, ski poles, and ski boots) to count as one item, even if they are packed and tagged separately. (Overweight charges may still apply.)
"Customers may substitute up to two baby items, such as car seats and strollers, in exchange for one checked bag. In real-life terms, a family of four (including two small children over the age of two) may check two sets of golf clubs, two strollers, two car seats, and four pieces of luggage (under 50 pounds each) all for free."
So in case that isn't clear: you can now substitute a pair of skis for a baby stroller, which is something you should seriously consider the next time you fly Southwest with your kid. Would you rather have a munchkin that grows up to be a winter Olympic medal winner, or a lazy dolt that's used to being pushed around all day by his parents? I thought so. Thanks, Southwest!
Southwest Airlines Blog: New Baggage Policy
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Jan 31st 2008 @ 5:25PM
Blu-Sam said...
thank for update. I haven't been on Southwest for quiet long time. Just in case, I would know.
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Feb 1st 2008 @ 8:13PM
Djt said...
Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay!!!!! glad someone had the backbone to stop the stupidity.....
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Feb 1st 2008 @ 8:39PM
BRUCE said...
I CAN'T BELIEVE ANYONE FLYS ANYMORE. I KNOW I DON'T, AND I WAS AN AIRLINE PILOT.
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Feb 1st 2008 @ 8:52PM
Julie said...
I am just curious as too why you would not fly anymore? I hope you reply back. Thanks
Feb 1st 2008 @ 8:40PM
jane westlake said...
Great for sport and leisure fanatics but what about a guitar or instrument in place of a bag - and can it be taken on the plane instead of cargo ? These are expensive items to throw in cargo but some will fit overhead.
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Feb 1st 2008 @ 9:56PM
John said...
The airlines are making it less and less attractive to fly. You can't carry things on, now you can't check them without draconican charges. The TSA is a nightmare with houseplant IQ employees on a power trip and absolutely NO ability to actually stop an actual terrorist...but they can sure harass Grandma well! The flight attendants are also on major power trips, deciding about clothing, breast feeding and other things that should be left to the individual instead of these ego-trip tin gods. The seat space is fine...if you're 4 ft. tall and have no legs. Their aircraft are falling apart, the last few times I've flown they've been filthy, their idea of a "snack" is 1 ounce of stale pretzels and they make three people share a Coke. Is there ANY business in America (besides the phone companies and cable companies) that is ANY worse at pleasing customers or trying to retain them? My company has gone to tele-conferencing, driving, taking the train...ANYTHING to avoid flying. I hope that some of these people are punished by losing their jobs and the airlines by going out of business. It is time to say "enough is enough" to the airllines, our nanny and fascist government, and the rude and egotistical employees of these entities.
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Feb 2nd 2008 @ 12:34AM
RM said...
I hope that some of these people are punished by losing their jobs and the airlines by going out of business. It is time to say "enough is enough" to the airllines, our nanny and fascist government, and the rude and egotistical employees of these entities.
Hey John we were already "punished" REMEMBER 9/11
Feb 1st 2008 @ 10:37PM
Diana Bell said...
My friend is a flight attendant who has a blog http://www.wildflight.blogspot.com Read her take on some of these airline issues.
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Feb 1st 2008 @ 10:39PM
allison said...
John: AMEN
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Feb 1st 2008 @ 11:29PM
jim said...
It's only going to get worse. Not like gas is getting cheaper. Just wait until summer and gas hits $5.00/gallon.
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Feb 1st 2008 @ 11:53PM
Cat said...
Unless you have ever worked at the airport or have been a TSA screener, like I have, then you have no real facts to comment on. You are entitled to your narrow-minded opinions on TSA and airline employees. However, you probably know nothing about the security policies and procedures at the airport - you think we pick on people ( like "Grandmas") for no good reason. I have never had the IQ of a houseplant or come across as "egotistical" - passengers who refuse to accept airport procedures and cause problems make comments such as yours. Poor you. Your butt is safer because of airport employees like me. So don't fly - troublemakers like you make flying less enjoyable for everyone else anyway.
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Feb 1st 2008 @ 11:56PM
prete ryback said...
sealed it for me NO SOUTHWEST EVER.remember the 5 words--the customer is always right--without them they have nothing
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Feb 2nd 2008 @ 12:16AM
KARIN said...
Hey prete. Have you ever WORKED in customer service? You seem like one of those people who talks down to waitresses or salespeople like they're your slaves or personal servants. Also, keep in mind that unless you never travel anywhere further than 300 miles, what would we have without airlines? I'm going to enjoy flying Southwest all the more, knowing that I'll never end up flying with you.
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Feb 2nd 2008 @ 1:08AM
barbara said...
I don't fly Southwest. I want a seat reserved. I fllew over Christmas on another airline.I could not believe the crap people brought on the plane as "carry-on." They need to get tougher on those people. Even the flight attendent made a comment about it over the PA.
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Feb 2nd 2008 @ 1:09AM
KMC528 said...
"However, you probably know nothing about the security policies and procedures at the airport - you think we pick on people ( like "Grandmas") for no good reason"
I know that every time I fly out of here, TSA opens all my luggage and puts notes inside to let me know it was all opened. But when I fly out of anywhere else, it's not touched.
Gee, wouldn't happen to be because my ex-husband works at the airport here and has his buddies investigating whether I've packed for a romantic weekend or a business trip? Naaaaaaah, couldn't be; they wouldn't do a thing like that.
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Feb 2nd 2008 @ 1:39AM
Cat said...
You have had this happen multiple times - I assume you have reported this to a TSA supervisor or an airline supervisor. This is not normal, unless you cram your bag so full that they can't x-ray it properly. There is special circumstances involving additional screening of your bags but you should ask for an explanation from someone in charge.
Feb 2nd 2008 @ 1:53AM
HG said...
No offense, but I am curious...
How does your luggage being searched have anything to do with the changes of baggage allowance for this airline?
(And, personally, if I was in that situation, I'd make sure that I placed a few items in my baggage that would irritate my ex-husband every time I flew.)
Feb 2nd 2008 @ 2:10AM
chris said...
My main problem is my guitar. There is NO WAY I can trust the baggage handlers with my $1000 instrument, but I am not allowed to carry it on in most places.
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Feb 2nd 2008 @ 2:18AM
keith said...
We are not citizens, we are subjects, and its only going to get worse. Do you know every thing you are writing here, every phone call every e-mail you make is being monitored by the goverment. Freedom in the U.S. is a myth. Vote Ron Paul " Hope for America ". But even by some miracle he gets elected he will be assassinated.
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Feb 2nd 2008 @ 3:53AM
metrocop said...
Guy goes to Southwest check-in with two bags and a reservation for Los Angeles. Tells the agent "I want one bag sent to Seattle and one bag to Phoenix". Agent sez "We can't do that sir". Guy sez "WHY NOT, YOU DID ON MY LAST TRIP".
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