Carry-On Baggage

Southwest Airlines allows each passenger to bring:

• One carry-on bag
• One personal item

Carry-on bag size limits:

• Maximum dimensions: 10 x 16 x 24 inches (25 x 41 x 61 cm)
• Must fit in the overhead bin

Personal item size limits:

• Maximum dimensions: 18.5 x 8.5 x 13.5 inches (47 x 22 x 34 cm)
• Must fit under the seat in front of you

Examples of personal items:

• Backpack
• Laptop bag
• Purse
• Briefcase

Free Checked Bags

One of Southwest’s most attractive perks is its “bags fly free” policy.

Checked bag allowance:

• First and second checked bags: Free
• Third and additional bags: $125 per bag

Size and weight limits:

• Maximum weight per bag: 50 lbs (23 kg)
• Maximum size: 62 inches (157 cm) (length + width + height combined)

Overweight and Oversized Bags

Overweight fees:

• Bags weighing 51–100 lbs (23–45 kg): $125 per bag

Oversized fees:

• Bags exceeding 62 inches but up to 80 inches: $125 per bag

Prohibited:

• Bags over 100 lbs or 80 inches are not accepted as checked luggage.

Special Items and Sporting Equipment

Southwest accommodates a variety of special items and sports equipment, but some restrictions apply.

Examples:

• Skis and snowboards: Accepted, counted as one of your free checked bags if within weight and size limits.
• Golf bags: Count as one free checked bag.
• Bicycles: Accepted as checked baggage if properly packed in a hard-sided case or box, oversized charges may apply.
• Musical instruments: Can be carried onboard if they fit in an overhead bin or may be checked as a free bag.

 Unaccompanied Minor Policy: Caring for Young Travelers

Southwest Airlines offers a dedicated unaccompanied minor service to ensure children traveling alone are safe and comfortable.

Who Qualifies?

• Mandatory for children aged 5 to 11 traveling alone.
• Children under 5 are not permitted to travel alone.
• Children aged 12 to 17 can travel alone without using the unaccompanied minor service, but parents may still opt for it if desired.

Restrictions

• Only available on nonstop and direct flights (no connecting itineraries).
• Not available on international flights or itineraries involving codeshare partners.

Fees

• $50 each way per child in addition to the cost of the ticket.

Services Provided

• Supervision by Southwest staff throughout the journey.
• Pre-boarding and assistance with seating.
• Escort to the arrival gate and release to an authorized adult.

Check-In Process for Minors

Parents or guardians must:

• Arrive at least 90 minutes before departure.
• Provide valid government-issued ID.
• Complete the required unaccompanied minor paperwork.
• Wait at the gate until the flight departs.

 Cancellation and Refund Policy: Flexible and Customer-Friendly

Southwest Airlines offers one of the most flexible cancellation and refund policies among U.S. carriers.

Wanna Get Away Fares

• Non-refundable, but funds can be used toward future travel for the same passenger within one year of the original purchase date.
• No change or cancellation fees.

Anytime and Business Select Fares

• Fully refundable.
• Can be canceled anytime for a full refund to the original form of payment or converted to travel funds.

Same-Day Changes and Cancellations

• Free to cancel or change up to 10 minutes before scheduled departure.
• If you cancel after that, funds will be forfeited.

No-Show Policy

• If a Wanna Get Away fare is not canceled at least 10 minutes before departure, funds are forfeited.
• Anytime and Business Select fares will convert to reusable travel funds if not canceled in time.

How to Cancel

Cancellations can be made:

• Online via the Southwest Airlines website.
• Using the mobile app.
• By calling customer service.

Refunds

• Refunds for refundable fares are processed to the original payment method.
• Travel funds can be used by the original passenger only and must be used within 12 months of the purchase date.

 Date Change Policy: No Fees, Full Flexibility

Southwest is known for not charging change fees, making it an attractive choice for flexible travelers.

Changing Flights

• No fee to change your flight.
• You simply pay any difference in fare if the new flight costs more.
• If the new flight is less expensive, you receive a credit or travel funds.

Same-Day Standby

• Passengers can request standby on an earlier flight on the same day at no additional cost.
• Must be done at the airport on the day of travel.

Fare Adjustments

If a lower fare becomes available after booking, passengers can rebook at the lower price and receive a credit for the difference.

 Check-In Policy: Easy and Fast

Online and Mobile Check-In

• Opens 24 hours before departure.
• EarlyBird Check-In (paid option) automatically checks you in 36 hours before departure and assigns a boarding position.

Airport Check-In

• Recommended arrival time: At least 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights.
• Check-in closes 30 minutes before domestic flights and 60 minutes before international flights.

Boarding Process

Southwest uses an open-seating policy:

• No assigned seats.
• Boarding order is based on the group (A, B, or C) and number (1–60).
• Your boarding group and number are determined by your check-in time (or EarlyBird status).

 Seat Selection and Upgrades

Open Seating Policy

• Seats are not assigned.
• Choose any available seat when you board.

Upgraded Boarding

• Purchase upgraded boarding positions (A1–A15) at the gate (subject to availability).
• Prices range from $30 to $80 depending on the flight.

EarlyBird Check-In

• Automatically checks you in 36 hours before your flight.
• Increases chances of a better boarding position.
• Costs $15–$25 per direction per passenger.

Pet Policy

Southwest allows small pets to travel in-cabin but does not accept pets as checked baggage or cargo.

In-Cabin Pets

• Cats and dogs only.
• Carrier must fit under the seat and count as your carry-on item.
• Combined weight of pet and carrier should not exceed 20 lbs (9 kg).

Fees

• $95 each way per pet.

Restrictions

• Pets are not allowed on international flights.
• Limit of six pets per flight; reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis.

Carrier Requirements

• Soft-sided or hard-sided carriers must not exceed 18.5 x 8.5 x 13.5 inches (47 x 22 x 34 cm).

 Special Assistance Services

Southwest provides a range of services for passengers needing additional assistance.

Wheelchair and Mobility Assistance

• Available from curb to aircraft seat.
• Can be requested during booking or at the airport.

Preboarding for Passengers with Disabilities

• Passengers who need extra time or assistance can request preboarding at the gate.

Service Animals

• Only trained service dogs are accepted.
• Emotional support animals are no longer accepted per recent policy changes.

Portable Oxygen Concentrators and Medical Devices

• Approved devices can be used onboard but must meet FAA requirements.
• Advance notice recommended.

 Traveling with Children and Infants

Southwest aims to make family travel straightforward and stress-free.

Lap Infants

• Children under 2 can travel for free on a parent’s lap.
• Must be accompanied by a fare-paying adult (at least 12 years old).
• Proof of age (birth certificate or passport) required at check-in.

Child Fare

• Discounted child fares available but often more expensive than standard Wanna Get Away fares.
• Must call to book.

Car Seats and Strollers

• Approved car seats allowed in cabin if a seat is purchased for the child.
• Strollers and car seats checked free of charge at the ticket counter or gate.

Family Boarding

• Families with children under 6 are invited to board after group A and before group B.

 Onboard Services and Amenities

Food and Beverages

• Complimentary non-alcoholic beverages and snacks.
• Alcoholic beverages available for purchase ($6–$7 per drink).
• No full meal service on any Southwest flight.

Wi-Fi and Entertainment

• Wi-Fi available for $8 per device per flight.
• Free onboard entertainment (movies, TV shows, music) accessible via your own device.
• Free messaging on iMessage and WhatsApp.

Power Outlets

• Southwest planes do not have in-seat power outlets, so charge devices before boarding.

 Contract of Carriage and Passenger Rights

Southwest’s Contract of Carriage outlines passenger rights and responsibilities.

Overbooking and Denied Boarding

• Compensation provided in line with U.S. Department of Transportation guidelines.
• Volunteers sought first before involuntary denial.

Delays and Cancellations

• Southwest rebooks passengers on the next available flight at no additional charge.
• No hotel accommodations provided for weather-related delays (only if airline-related).

Tarmac Delays

• Passengers provided food, water, and access to restrooms during delays.
• Deplaning allowed if delay exceeds three hours (domestic) or four hours (international).

 Rapid Rewards Loyalty Program

Southwest’s loyalty program offers perks to frequent flyers.

Earning Points

• Points earned based on fare type and ticket cost (not distance flown).
• Higher fare classes (Business Select and Anytime) earn more points per dollar.

Tier Status

• A-List: Priority boarding, same-day standby benefits.
• A-List Preferred: Additional bonus points, free in-flight Wi-Fi.
• Companion Pass: Allows a companion to fly free with you for the rest of the year and all of the next year once you qualify.

Redeeming Points

• Points can be used for flights with no blackout dates.
• Taxes and fees (as low as $5.60) still apply.

 Prohibited and Restricted Items

Southwest adheres to TSA regulations.

Prohibited Items

• Firearms and explosives (unless properly declared and packed in checked luggage).
• Flammable materials.
• Large lithium batteries outside of permitted devices.

Restricted Items

• Liquids over 3.4 ounces (100 ml) in carry-on bags.
• Sporting goods (must be checked if sharp or large).

 Final Tips for Traveling with Southwest Airlines

• Check in exactly 24 hours in advance to secure a better boarding group.
• Consider EarlyBird Check-In for a small fee if you want a guaranteed early boarding position without worrying about manual check-in.
• Pack efficiently, as your first two checked bags are free.
• Bring a fully charged device, as there are no in-seat power outlets.
• Download the Southwest app to manage boarding passes, check in, and watch free entertainment.
• Book directly through Southwest, as their flights are not listed on third-party travel booking sites.
• Know your boarding group and position, as this determines your seat choice onboard.

Understand fare types, especially if you want the flexibility of refundability.