When it comes to flying, it always comes with incomprehensible baggage rules and exorbitant charges. Lucky for passengers, Southwest Airlines does manage to surpass all of this with one of the most passenger-friendly baggage policies in the industry. If you understand Southwest Airlines Baggage Policy, whether you are a seasoned flyer or a first-time flyer, you will pack safely and avoid paying for extra expenses. 

Free Checked Bags - One of the Biggest Benefits 

Most famous among the benefits offered by the Southwest Airlines bag policy is the free checked bag policy. Unlike many airlines that charge every checked bag, Southwest lets every person check two free bags. Each bag has a maximum weight of 50 pounds and the dimensions can not exceed 62 inches (L+W+H). It helps the traveler pack virtually anything he/she would like to have in travel without needing to pay any additional fees as long as the luggage is compliant with the weight and size limits. 

Southwest has this for all fare classes and flights, making it a great choice for inexpensive travel with a little convenience for passengers who prefer checked luggage than managing them with carry-on facilities. 

Carry-On and Personal Items 

Besides the checked bags it allows travelers, Southwest have also provided an allowance for each traveler to add one carry-on bag and one personal item to his or her baggage for free. The carry-on bag must be stowed in an overhead compartment, and be no more than 10 x 16 x 24 inches. Personal items, such as a purse, laptop bag, and small backpack, must fit under your seat and be within the size limit of 18.5 x 8.5 x 13.5 inches. 

With these much liberal allowances of carry-on baggage, passengers can bring almost everything that they should need for the travel, snacks, electronics, or even spare clothing without paying an extra fee or worrying about adjusting space. 

Oversize and Overweight Baggage Fees 

Overweight and oversize bags mostly attract charges, although Southwest is very generous when it comes to ordinary checked bags. If a bag weighs between 50 and 100 pounds, an additional $75 is levied on it. Similarly, bags that are over 62 inches are charged the same $75. Bags weighing more than 100 pounds or measuring more than 80 inches shall not be accepted as check baggage but shall be forwarded through Southwest Cargo. 

Measurement and weighing of your luggage before going to the airport will save you from such costs. Thus, ensuring a bank vault would prevent you from being delayed during check-in and also facilitate more affordable travel. 

Special Items and Sports Equipment 

Southwest Airlines has excellent policies regarding checking special items, such as child strollers, car seats, bicycles, skis, and golf clubs. Most of these items can, in fact, be checked at no charge or can fall into the normal baggage allowance depending on their size and weight. Musical instruments that fit within both folds could either be carried as carry-on baggage or checked separately.  

Final Words 

Southwest Airlines' baggage policy centers around the traveler, allowing flexibility, value, and convenience. Two free checked bags, sensible rules regarding carry-on and special items, ensure hassle-free travel for passengers from check-in to destination. Check the official Southwest Airlines website before departure to keep abreast of current policies so that you are preparing yourself and remaining compliant with them.