Have you contacted Southwest customer service or written to this airline.

Their address is

Southwest Airlines
PO Box 36647-1CR
Dallas, TX 75235-1647

In your letter, I would cite your flight and go through Southwest's "Customer Service Commitment" which is available at southwest.com under their "Contact Us" tab. Dallas needs to know that their people at ISP
didn't meet Southwest's Customer Service Commitment is writing.
I hope the ISP station manager is monitering this blog and has something
to say as well.

IT WOULD BE NICE INSTEAD OF JUST SAY A FLIGHT IS DELAYED-THAT YOU GIVE SOME SORT OF TIME FRAME AS TO THE LENGTH TIME OF THE DELAY EVEN A LITTLE HELP IS BETTER HAVING NO IDEA OF THE DELAY

I LOVE SWA. I WILL FLY NO OTHER. THE STAFF IS FRIENDLY AND I GET TO TALK TO THE PILOT OFTEN. I DO MISS THE EXPRESS FLIGHT FROM KCI TO GREEN IN RI BUT I HAVE HANDI CAP SERVICE AT EVERY AIR PORT ALONG THE WAY. THERE IS NO FIRST CLASS OR COACH AND THIS ALLOWS ME TO SIT WHERE I WANT EVERY TIME.WE NO LONGER GETGOOD SNACKS BUT I CAN BRING MY OWN FAVORITE WITH ME. I HAVE BEEN FLYING FOR 14 YEARS NOW AFTER HAVING FEAR OF HEIGHTS SINCE MY YOUTH.
TOPEKA, KS 6/1/08

You may bring onboard any snack with the exception that you can't take liquids or gels through security, except in small quantities in original containers holding less than 3 ounces, and these must be carried in a quart clear ziplock bag. However, you can bring onboard any liquids purchased afrer security. As to the iPods, they are welcome, but you can't play them any time the aircraft is below 10,000 feet. Our Flight Attendants will make announcements about their use. Saturday is a busy travel day, so you might encounter a line at security, but most of the time, these move quickly.

just watched the video about "What Not to Pack".
Could you answer me one "tongue in cheek question...
Why did the woman need a passport to fly to Denver?
:-)

Wow, Deb, three children all age 10! Online checkin begins 24 hours before departure time. The earlier you check in, the better chance you have for an A Boarding Pass, which will place you in the first group to board the aircraft.
Brian

In reference to Joseph Messina, Jr.'s complaint to the employee at the gate check-in, I would think twice about patronizing a company who wouldn't take my complaints seriously. I think it is abominable that he made fun of Mr. Messina's concern no matter what his personal opinions of him were. What he did was the height of unprofessionalism. A joke at any person's expense shows a lack of respect and compassion for travelers in a time of high stress. Quality of customer service is more important to those who are unhappy than it is for those who are happy. It's easy to give QUALITY OF SERVICE to those who think the way we do. The challenge and the higher professionalism comes from giving excellence to those who DON'T appreciate it. The gentleman at the gate had an opportunity to be cream and rise to the top. Instead, he soured and may possibly turn away business from people like me who don't tolerate incompetence.

Mr. Nakamoto,
When someone contacts our Curstomer Relations Department with a complaint similar to Mr. Messina's, our folks research it thoroughly and provide a personal, detailed response. Keep in mind that you only read one side of an event that happend six months ago. I'm not sure if Mr. Messina contacted us or not, but if he had and Customer Relations had responded, under normal conditions, we wouldn't make that public as a matter of privacy.
Brian

Dr. Lola,
I'm very sorry that you were unaware that Customers traveling on group tickets are unable to check in online. We are working on a system that will provide Ticketless Travel for groups, which currently are issued paper tickets. I’d be happy to discuss other options that would help make your group’s checkin process much easier if you would contact me directly through our Customer Relations/Rapid Rewards number at 214-792-4223.

Can I really check two bags per person without a fee (providing, of course that each is under 50 pounds)? I'm flying out in a couple of days and I really don't want to have to go out and purchase a larger suitcase. If I can check two, that would be great!

I have recently discovered that the tickets for my flight from St. Louis to Tampa DONOT qualify for the early online boarding passes. I will be traveling with my husband and our 6 and 14 year old children. I am very concerned that we will not be able to sit together for the flight there and back. Being stressed over seating on the plane should not be the way to begin our vacation.

Can I bring my small suitcase on as carry-on. I have done in the past. It is roughly 9x14x22.Thanks we fly out of msy.

Ive heard many different stories and read the policies but im still unclear as to if i can bring beer on the plane (in my checked bags) and if so how much. I know your allowed to bring it but i dont know how much. Im getting ready to fly and i put them in my check bags with each bottle in a freezer bag and wrapped them in my clothes. Does anyone know if thats acceptable?

Gee, Mr. Messina, feeling a little oversensitive and taking everything a little too seriously? I'm curious to know how far back in line the woman should have been. I'm also curious to know exactly what your tone was in addressing the Gate Agent (maybe you were using that charming New York attitude the City is so famous for?). Maybe you should take a lesson from him, who chose to keep the situation light-hearted rather than let it turn nasty. There was certainly nothing he could do at that point to make the woman wait her turn (run down the jetway and drag her back up?), and I really, really doubt he was making fun of you personally (even if you deserved it for being so bent out of shape about something so petty). There are always people who are unclear on the concept of waiting their turn, and I'm guessing that maybe the Gate Agents are told or have learned that you can't teach some people to do it right during the time that they are in a Southwest line, so as long as they are in the right boarding group, it's better to let them go rather make a big deal out of it and hold everything up even more. My advice would be to lighten up. You can't control how other people act, but you can control how you re-act.

I will be traveling in a week with a toddler and a car seat. Does the carseat count as a carry on?
What suggestions can you offer to help make the 3 hour trip more enjoyable for all aboard?
Can we pack a juice box and snacks?
Can we bring a small portable DVD player?
Thank you in advance for your answers.

Hi Heather,

I was a professional musician for a large part of my life, and I understand your concern about your instrument. What instrument do you play and what are the dimensions of it's case?

Hi, I was curious about taking hair products in a checked in bag. I use professional grade hair products and they do not come in 3oz sizes (aerosol hairspray specifically). What do you recommend I do?

Dear Bob,

I have a question about instruments, too, and you sound like the guy I need to talk to.

I am a professional musician traveling from Austin to shows in Washington State and Oregon. I have had varying success with carrying my guitar on flights on other airlines; last time I checked my guitar at the gate, I got it back with a huge gash in the case and a hairline crack at the base of the headstock. This happened on the first leg of a return journey with another airline; the break was discovered when I received my guitar at the gate.

This didn't happen in Austin-- the baggage handlers here have been worth their weight in gold-- I'm convinced that a good number of them have to be musicians, too; I've had the same experience with the Nashville baggage handlers. It's just everywhere else that makes me nervous.

I have a dreadnought size acoustic guitar in a standard hard shell case which will definitely fit in the overhead compartment of a 737, which is the kind of plane I'll be flying on tomorrow. This guitar was handmade by a luthier from Illinois. He replaced the neck a month ago and the glue has not had time to fully cure. I would have bought a flight case for it, but the repair itself was so costly that I'm broke now. Also, I am unsure that a flight case would prevent potential harm from heat, cold, and dramatic changes in pressurization. And a flight case would definitely not fit in the overhead compartment.

My boarding number is B06. If there is still room in the overhead compartment when I board, is it possible to store it there? If not, may I stow it in a closet area? This guitar is very important to me because playing music is my only means to support myself and my daughter.

Thanks for your help,
Idgy

it has very good tips and rules you need to have more information and have more videos for example "what a child needs to pack when flying solo." good job though!!!!!!!! = )

I have to give a praise report to the flight attendants. Of the Early morning Flight from New Orleans to LAX @ 6:30 AM on Friday July 18th 2008.

I would respectfully request that the gate agents not allow passengers exceeding the carry on limits or the blood alcohol limits on board the planes. They are a danger to them selves and to others safety. Once aboard, the elderly black man was loud and obnoxious. He kept touching passengers and female flight crew members and did not follow the flight crews instructions about stowing his stuff and putting the seat in its upright position for landing and keeping he feet out of the isles. In fact he kept talking to every one who would be unfortunate to look in his direction.

Claiming he was sick, citing neuropathy in his feet and he coughed. I was across the isle from him; I could hear the mucous in his lungs rattling over the sounds of the jet engines. One attendant asked him not to throw trash at her. He then went on to claim she mistreated him. The gate agent who boarded as we stopped in Texas asked him if he would be willing to sit in the rear of the plane where he can have the whole row to himself. He declined the offer making spurious claims about the black flight crewmember that was more than respectful to him.

Bringing on sickness that can infect the children and elderly is just as much as a risk to every one as are the chemicals screened for at TSA. In this case it is a biological threat.

Again the crew did every thing they could to mitigate the damage this man could have caused. I think they deserve and at a boy. Please, in the future, adhere to your policies and procedures regarding every ones safety.

Respectfully Submitted,

Robert L Krieger Jr.

My daughter and I will be traveling soon with my mother who will require wheelchair service at airports. How do we assure that this service will be there for her at both airports when we depart and arrive, and again on the return trip? Also, she will no doubt be given priority early boarding because of her needs. Will my daughter and I still be able to sit with her, if we are in another boarding group? Thanks for your reply.

Jack, the dimensions can't be added, but from your description, I don't think you will have any problem as long as your duffel can be compressed.
Brian

Dee,
the hand held battery fan should be fine. As to the cottage cheese and fruit, you don't mention what kind of fruit or if it is fresh. Most fresh fruit should be fine. The cottage cheese might be a problem. It's not really a liquid or a gel, but it could be considered that. I'm not sure which airport you are using, but there are only a few on our system that require two-hour checkin time anymore. Heres a link to a chart with all that info: http://www.southwest.com/travel_center/suggested_arrival.html
Brian

Would a small back pack be considered as the free carry on ??? i.e. purse, breifcase etc...

I have been flying with Southwest for years now and no other airline compares to great service and friendly flight attendants. I always feel safe when I fly with Southwest and I don't think I have ever had any problems with them. My only concern is with the rolling of the clothes. As this is a great idea for packing light, what if you were going somewhere exceptionally nice right after you arrive at the airport and don't have time to iron? Your clothes will get wrinkled. Other than that, these tips are great! I love Southwest and I will continue flying with them. Thanks Southwest!

My question relates to infant/child car seats. I'm traveling with 3 children (3 months, age 4, age 6). Does Southwest have a special "bag" or something that car seats are placed in when those items are checked? If not, is there a recommended manner to wrap or protect these items in flight?

Thank you!

Hi, everyone.

I am traveling from Chicago to New Haven, CT. I'm going to college and have a LOT to pack. Is it OK to have 2 backpacks as carryons and 2 checked pieces of luggage without any charge?

Thanks.

WHEN I PRINT MY BOARDING PASS ONLINE.....WILL I BE GAURANTEED THAT I WILL BE SEATED ACCORDING TO THE NUMBER ON MY PASS? AND DOES THE SAME APPLY WHEN I CHANGE PLANES? IS THERE A WAY TO MAKE SURE I CAN HAVE A WINDOW SEAT....THIS WILL BE MY SECOND TIME TO FLY......I AM SO LOOKING FOWARD TO THIS.....

In reference to Mr Messina's problem with a line-jumper. "GET A LIFE". It isn't that important. People have a tendency to worry about unimportant issues and beat themselves up over them. Get over the "I", "ME" issues that you obviously have. Relax. Fire up and forget it. Jeeez.

Can I check in a medium -sized box instead of a luggage?

I am flying to Harlingen for a wedding this week and need to tale a suit in a suitbag on
the plane with me.Is there a place on board to hang them ,or do they have to be folded up un the overhead compartment? Thanks

Does Southwest serve any type of food? I will be flying this Sat to PVD (layover at Midway) and I've heard you get starved. If that's the case, I'll take a snack myself but then if there's nothing to drink can you take bottled water?

Regarding the question on weekly pill boxes for medications. Will weekly pill boxes fly? The liquid prescription I will be taking is in a 5 oz bottle. Will I need to go back to the drug store and have them place it in smaller containers.
Thanks

Hi, My Husband and i are flying from Tampa fl to Norfolk Va, to visit our son and his family, they are in the Navy . I havn't flown since 1993 and i am a bit nervous, i hope the flight attendent,will be patient with people like me.? i will be taking a med that is supoosed to help. i know we can't pick our seats, so how do i go about having a outside seat. that way i won't feel closed in? i like being near the front so i can get on & off pretty easy. everyone is saying i will be ok. we leave in the evening:-) so ,that helps but coming back it's a morning flight :-(. can i bring a 3 oz unopened water on the plane?.was gonna bring our dvd player but people said to leave it home, to much hassel at security. hope you can answer these questions for me. i will be reading that should help .
Sincerly
Micki

Donna,
This is what our web site says about carryon bogs:

Carryon Baggage
Per TSA regulations, carryon items are limited to one bag plus one smaller, personal-type item.

Personal-type items include purses, briefcases, cameras, food containers, or laptops (case included).
Southwest Airlines limits carryon bag dimensions to 10x16x24 inches.
All Customers and Employees and their items are subject to a thorough, physical search.
The following items are not considered carryon bags or personal-type items and are not counted against the “one-bag plus one personal-type item” limit:
A child restraint device for a child who has been ticketed, who has a seat reserved, or for which complimentary, available space exists.
Assistive/mobility devices for individuals with a disability. There is no limit to the number of assistive/mobility devices a Customer can bring onboard the aircraft.
Outer garments or other wearable articles of clothing.
Food for consumption during flight contained in disposable packaging.
Walking canes or umbrellas.

Yes, a backpack can be used as a carryon. Visit http://www.southwest.com/travel_center/baggage.html for all of the details or see below:

Per TSA regulations, carryon items are limited to one bag plus one smaller, personal-type item.

Personal-type items include purses, briefcases, cameras, food containers, or laptops (case included).
Southwest Airlines limits carryon bag dimensions to 10x16x24 inches.
All Customers and Employees and their items are subject to a thorough, physical search.
The following items are not considered carryon bags or personal-type items and are not counted against the “one-bag plus one personal-type item” limit:
A child restraint device for a child who has been ticketed, who has a seat reserved, or for which complimentary, available space exists.
Assistive/mobility devices for individuals with a disability. There is no limit to the number of assistive/mobility devices a Customer can bring onboard the aircraft.
Outer garments or other wearable articles of clothing.
Food for consumption during flight contained in disposable packaging.
Walking canes or umbrellas.
Please see the TSA's web site for a list of allowable carryon items.

I'm flying to New Orleans in February to get married. I just called the airline and it doesn't seem like there is any way to travel with my wedding dress. Checking it isn't an option and it won't fit in a bag that would fit in the overhead bin. Is there no where to hang or lay the dress? Will the airline simply not accomodate me at all?

Penny - Congratulations on your engagement! A New Orleans wedding sounds fabulous!

While we don't have anywhere onboard for you to hang your dress, we should be able to secure your dress in one of the overhead bins. My advice would be to try to secure an A boarding pass by either purchasing the Business Select upgrade or checking in online 24 hours prior to boarding. When you board the aircraft, notify the Flight Attendnant in the front of the plane that you are traveling to your wedding, and see if they can help you secure a bin of your own. If needed, we can usually convince a few Customers to let us move thier bags around in order to accomodate a bride. If not, laying the dress on top of a couple of bags and closing the bin, should help keep it in place.

Again, congratulations and best of luck to you and your future spouse!

Paula Berg
Southwest Airlines

My son (he's 10) and I will be traveling close to Christmas. I have concerns about our seating arrangment. I see that I could check in online & get a lower numberd boarding pass 24 hrs before our flight leaves - except, I dont have a way to print out the boarding pass. My question is- Can I go to the airport 24hrs before our departure & use a kiosk to print out our boarding passes? We live very close to the airport & it seems worth it to me to make the trip. Is this allowed?
Teresa

Hello all,

I will be flying from SMF to LAX soon, and it will be my first time flying. I'm curious as to how the online check-in works. I just booked my flight last night and received the Ticketless Confirmation email. Few questions I'd love to have answered, if possible, please:

1. What do I do with the confirmation number I received in my email at this moment? I know I can print my boarding pass online, and I should 24 hours before my flight, but I just keep it in my email and wait until the day before my flight, correct?

2. Check-in online, does this mean if I print my boarding pass I can check-in my luggage and go directly straight to my gate and wait? I've never been in an airport and this is my first flight, so I'm kind of foggy on the process of this all. I'd hate to get lost, or print the ticket thinking I checked in and all, only to have it really mean that's just printing the ticket!

Also, does anybody have any tips as far as the weather in Los Angeles during mid-January? I'd love to get an idea now in case I have to purchase anything.

Thanks!

I bought 2 tickets at the same time. When I check in online do I have to do two seperate check ins (one for me, one for my husband)? Or will our confirmation number check both of us in?

I will be traveling soon and was wondering if I may pack wrapped Christmas gifts in my checked in luggage?

my 16 yr old daughter is traveling with me . Does she need a Photo ID Card ? If she does can it be her high school photo id? Or does it have to be from the DMV?

I read a question about backpacks, however i am not clear on the answer. In my case I have a carry on bag that meets your size and weight requirements, as for my personal item bag, in which I would like to carry; a camera, a portable cd player, some cd's, a small bottle of water, and a couple of snacks, would a small backpack be ok ?
Thanks for your forum, and thanks for a great airline.

James Jenkins

Hello!
I will be traveling on Southwest in a few days from Kansas City to LAX....including a connecting flight in Albuquerque. I am traveling to participate in an Honor Band and obviously need to bring my instrument. It is a bass clarinet in a case that measures 38in long by 6 inches wide and 9inches tall. Unfortunately this doesn't fall under the carry on specifics... I am worried about the safety of my instrument! Is there any chance that I could carry it on? Or what else could I do? Thanks!

I love Southwest Airline.
You guys rule.
Fred

Hi James, my husband and i will be flying sat Jan 3rd . we are going to our sons and we have to carry our garment bag on plane cause we are going to a Navy gala. and can't have our outfits wrinkled. can the flight attendent hang it up for us on the plane?. Sincerly Micki

What is the policy with golf bags I know the limit is fifty pounds but what about height and width I have a Club Glove bag and was curious if I could take it without penalty. Thanks

I am requesting clarification of the golf bag question asked twice already without a reply. Since SW's website is ambiguous I read your contract of carriage. Articles 60 and 65 seem like an infinite loop in reference to golf equipment and do not give what I would call a definitive answer to the question. It should be easy since the contract of carriage states it may be charged for based on weight or size. All golf travel bags are oversized if they actually hold golf clubs. Would you please answer whether your policy is to charge or not to charge for golf bags. Thank you.

Dear Anonymous (the most recent one)
Congratulations on your daughter's graduation, and we all salute her. On Southwest, each Customer's first two checked bags are free as long as the bag doesn't weigh over 50 pounds. A third bag costs $25. Also for the free allowance, no bag can exceed 62 inches in dimension (height+width+length). For more info see http://www.southwest.com/travel_center/baggage.html

Hi, and thanks for providing this forum for asking questions.

We'll be flying from Philly to Tampa at the end of February, and we're big on fishing. We're planning to take some of our fishing rods so we can get in some surf fishing and on the Sunshine Skyway bridge. I see where we can purchase a fishing pole container for $10 - but are the chances good that they will have them at the airport when we arrive there with our poles? Should we call ahead and try to find out if they have them? We don't want to assume that they will have them and show up with our poles only to find out that they don't have them and we have no way to transport them. (The poles are somewhat expensive and we don't want to have to scramble around trying to find a way not to have to abandon them or miss our flight.)

What do you think?

Thanks!

I am from the UK and so am not used to flying internal US flights. I am flying southwest next month Florida to Arizona and want to know if i can check in online if i am checking in suitcases? I get panic attacks and need a window seat when flying so have read the best way to ensure this is to check in online and get a low boarding pass to board first, will i need to print out a pass and can i then go and check in suitcaes when i get to the airport?

first time flying and i am bringing a bag with me and a purse do you go threw secerity then you bring these with you onto the plane?

I am traveling for the first time with my daughter (4 months old) and have a question regarding formula. I generally fill the bottles with water and take the powder in a different container pre-measured. I understand that water cannot be taken through security, but how about the formula powder? Will this cause a problem and do you have any solutions if it does?
Thank you.

We posted a question here almost a month ago and have not had a response.

We'll be flying from Philly to Tampa at the end of February, and we are planning to take some of our fishing rods. I saw where they say we can purchase a fishing pole container for $10 - but are the chances good that they will have them at the airport when we arrive there with our poles? We don't want to get stuck at the airport with our polesw and have nothing to put them in.

We leave in 2 weeks - is there a better place for us to get an answer? We need one soon!

Thank you.

Deb & Scott

I have not flown in a while; Is it recommended to leave locks off your luggage that you are checking in?

Can I take a two-pound box of wrapped See's chocolates through the screening process. I'm taking a special box to my mom. (I get the candy for a discounted price at work)

Hello. I'll be flying in June (two day conference) and wish to just carry on my items. The laptop is a 17" monitor and I would love to be able to bring my hair "stuff" as well as special liquid soap. Question are:

May I carry a beach bag or backpack with everything in it onto the plane?
May I place the liquid soap in those 3 OZ containers you get at the drug store?
May I carry my hair gel and spray on board?

Thank you for all your support. Ruth

I noticed a lot of questions about medications, and since I'm a diabetic with chronic pain and take a lot of meds - plus I fly on Southwest a lot, I thought I'd chip in for those who might read this page... The TSA and Southwest really has no restrictions on medications - even the 3oz liquid limit doesn't apply to carry on's if it is a prescribed medication or something you MUST have due to a medical condition... you just must declare the items to security before going through so you can show them... they can't touch them (for obvious reasons!). Pills don't have to be in the original container - weekly pill-boxes are fine and you can carry your syringes, insulin, pain-pills, what-have-you, in your carry on so you don't have to worry about any theft of checked baggage! The TSA has a great website where everything is spelled out clearly and they are very, very understanding and flexible when it comes to medicine - it would be discriminatory otherwise! Southwest is, as always, great! I've flown them since they first started service in Albuquerque (I flew Texas International before that - remember them???) and never have I met friendlier or more professional people - or felt safer on an airline than I do on SWA!

Here's info copied from the Transportation Security Administration's website about medical liquids:

###Additionally, we are continuing to permit prescription liquid medications and other liquids needed by persons with disabilities and medical conditions. This includes:

* All prescription and over-the-counter medications (liquids, gels, and aerosols) including KY jelly, eye drops, and saline solution for medical purposes;
* Liquids including water, juice, or liquid nutrition or gels for passengers with a disability or medical condition;
* Life-support and life-sustaining liquids such as bone marrow, blood products, and transplant organs;
* Items used to augment the body for medical or cosmetic reasons such as mastectomy products, prosthetic breasts, bras or shells containing gels, saline solution, or other liquids; and,
* Gels or frozen liquids needed to cool disability or medically related items used by persons with disabilities or medical conditions.

However, if the liquid medications are in volumes larger than 3 ozs each, they may not be placed in the quart-size bag and must be declared to the Transportation Security Officer. A declaration can be made verbally, in writing, or by a person's companion, caregiver, interpreter, or family member.

Declared liquid medications and other liquids for disabilities and medical conditions must be kept separate from all other property submitted for x-ray screening.
###

I hope this info helps and have a happy flight!

Hi Southwest Airlines. i was wondering if i am allowed to bring a bottle of perfume on the plane with me? as well as different cosmetics , hairspray, ect. i will be flying to miami to take a carribean cruise in april. am i also allowed to bring my purse separate from my carry on bag or is there an extra charge for it??? thankyou for the info. i dont want any surprises nor do i want to have to throw anything out! :-)

Our folks will transfer your bags from one flight to another in Albuquerque. Just make sure that when you check your bags in Midland, you receive claim checks showing that your bags have been checked through to Las Vegas.

Enjoy your trip.
Brian

Hi, this will be my first time flying. I'm going to las vegas in july me and some fiends and I wanted to know what to pack for the trip. Thanks

Question to SWA personnel re: two following statements from baggage policies.

"..Effective March 1, 2005, overweight items from 51 to 70 pounds will be accepted for a charge of $25.00 per item. Items weighing from 71 to 100 pounds and oversized items in excess of 62 inches but not more than 80 inches (i.e., surfboards, bicycles, vaulting poles) will be accepted for a charge of $50.00 per item..."

"...When substituting ski equipment for a free bag, Southwest Airlines 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.)..."

Do one ski bag w/ skis and poles, and a separate boot bag fly with no charge if they weigh less than 51#, or do the skis incur the $50 excess length charge? Would appreciate clarification of this

Hi

I like to pack alot but I looked at your video of how to save space and they rolled
everything up. I think everything would get wrinkled I don't think that is a good idea.

can i bring full size toiletries in my checked bag. I want to make sure i can have my deoderant and hair setting spray.

When you talk about the dimensions of the carry-on bag does that include the outside or the inside?

I'm going to be traveling from BWI to DAL on May 19 2009 and wonderning if I can bring me my foam in Carryon or will I have to check my luggage. I'm traveling at 7:10 A.M. on May 19, 2009 when does the Check in counter at BWI Airport open.

Did anyone ever answer the question on whether a 3 year old needs to be in a booster seat? My daughter is very tall, but I wanted to know if this was mandatory like it is for automobiles? Leaving in 5 days, please help!

Children old enough to sit up on their own are not required to have carseats. Carseats are a good idea because they are safer, but I do not know that a booster seat would be helpful. The seatbelt is a lap belt so a booster seat would not be required to make a seatbelt fit.

I fly SWA a few time per year (would be more is not such a hassel). Let me explain. Baggage I am a bowler and have to creatively pack to get under the wieght limt. A 3 ball bag (the most popular) with 16lbs balls weighs 54 lbs. So now we put 2 balls in the bag designed for bowling balls and pack the 3rd loose in a clothing bag. Most bowlers traveling to a tournament take 3 to 12 balls with them. This weekends event I would like to take 10 but trying be creative packing and will take what I can.

SW used to allow an extra bag for sporting goods and the weight limit was 70lbs for all bags. This gave bowlers the ability to pack normally and put balls in containers designed to carry them. Unfortunately SW is the best option giving us no other options. However some help would be appreciated.

You should be able to bring the dectector with you, but it obviously can't be used during flight.

Anonymous, the best way to get the bewst seats is to check in online, and you can do this 24 hours before departure time. Yes the kids can bring their video games onboard, they just can't play them anytime the aircraft is below 10,000 feet. The Flight Attendants will let you know when electronic devices can be used. While we do serve free peanuts or pretzels, and on longer nonstop flights free Nabisco snacks, we don't serve meals, but you are more than welcome to bring your own food onboard. When you checkin online or in person, you will receive a boarding group of A,B, or C, and a position number. A group boards first, followed by B then C. Within each group is a position number like A-32. The boarding area has stanchions that will allow you to sort out your position. It is a lot easier than it sounds.

Nilo,
We don't have assigned seating so anyone who meets the requirements may sit in the overwing emergency exit rows. We use boarding groups and position numbers. See my response just above your question.
Brian

Im trying to find out the size of the carry-on luggage not to hard but just cant seem to find IT. Not check in but carry on just the size of the bag
DOES ANYONE NO

I am flying for the first time and we are going to Las Vegas, I am wondering if you serve alcohol on the flight?

Per your Baggage webpage effective June 17th

"Weight and Size Allowance: Maximum weight is 50 pounds and maximum size is 62 inches (length + width + height) per checked piece of luggage. Effective June 17, 2009, overweight items from 51 to 100 pounds and oversized items in excess of 62 inches but not more than 80 inches will be accepted for a charge of $50 per item."

My second bad most of the time is a golf bag that most would consider normal in size for a golf bag or a curling bag that also will not meet the new(?) 62 inch requirement.( both are conservatively around 70 inches each).

I'm not sure what previous restrictions you may have had but I have traveled with both on seperate occasions before without comment. Having to pay $50 after buying a ticket is not what I look for in this airline. Is this something that I will have to consider adding to the price?

Whatever happened to your no charge for a second bag policy. If this is a price increase you should ask the question before checkout.

I am flying for the 1st time, and would like to know the rules on
bringing my laptop.... Can I take it onboard as a carryon in its own
case? How many carryons can I take on with me? Will it count as
a carryon?
Please email me
Thanks

My 14 year old daughter is flying alone for the first time. Does she need a photo ID? If so, what would be acceptable? Thanks!

Hi,

I would like to know is it okay to pack my clothes in a air tight bag so that I could carry all
my clothes and shoes in one bag.

My 14 yr old daughter is flying out on Saturday--June 13th---Does she need a photo ID? She has a temporary state ID until the photo one arrives, in 3 more weeks! Will that do, with her school photo ID & birth certificate? I'd really appreciate an answer---the airport is 2 hours away, really don't want to be turned away after that long drive! Thanks :-)

I will be traveling with my husband and 8 yr old and we havnt flown for at least a few years and I know things have changed. When going through security, do we have to take out the plastic ziplock containing toiletries *sorry for misspell* from our carry on? Can my husband have a carry on AND laptop? Also my laptop needs a separate disk reader...does that have to be taken out as well as the laptop for security? I as because Id really hate to be that uninformed family that holds up the line. Thank you so much!!

I bought a luggage set that came with 5 pieces of luggage. The largest piece measures 30 x 20 x 12 inches. This is exactly the 62 in. limite for checked baggage. However this does not include the wheels on the bottom or handle on top of the luggage. So my question is will this bag exceed the 62 in. limit because of the wheels and handle on top? Thanks!

I'm traveling to see my family for a week on Southwest before flying out of Seattle to my job in Asia. I'm taking everything that I own so I've got some baggage questions.

Esentially I would like to check one large suitcase that weighs about 65 lbs, one duffel that is under 50 , one medium sized suitcase that weighs about 50 lbs and my guitar. Then I'd like to carry on my messenger bag and a purse.

Will I be charged a fee for the bags being overweight as well as over the #of free bags? What will the total fees be? I'm calculating $100 for the guitar and the heavy suitcase. Is that correct?

Also I'd like to know if it would be better for me to just ship these items.

Thanks for your response I love flying Southwest. The flight attendants are the best, the booking staff is polite, the website is easy to use. I just messed up my dates on accident and was able to fix my flight without any hassle at all! I always book my own Southwest flight to whatever major hub my international flight is departing from and save a bunch.

In concern to swa boarding procedure,I always thought that family can sit with each other,on
any Air travel,I have booked two tickets a month in advance,An i've just come to find out that you
can't arrange for family members to sit with each other,Could someone at SW AIRLINES confirm
if this is true or false,Thank you much, kirk

I'm hesitant to book another trip on SWA because the last trip was quite unenjoyable for the following reasons: 1) my husband and I were unable to sit together during at least one leg of a lengthy multi-leg trip; 2) I was forced to sit in the middle seat with an extremely large gentleman who was sitting in my seat as much as in his own; 3) we weren't allowed to disembarc the plane during a "layover" so I wasn't able to eat for about 9 hours (our flight left so early from MCO that nothing was open at the airport concessions). How should I handle these issues should they re-occur? Checking in online 24 hours ahead isn't always available while traveling - will SWA ever allow auto check in to insure priority boarding?

I am flying to Austin, Texas on June 30th 2009 for a week and I have perscribed medications, I for simpicity and less space I put them in weekly pill holders and put them in my checked baggage is this ok? Also I have a small 4oz. plastic bottle of hemp lotion is that not ok in my purse or do I need to put it in checked luggage cause I am reading 3 0z is the limit put in a plastic bag to go through security is that correct?

Thanks for a promt answer so I am clear on both issues as I am packing today.

Thanks, Nancy

I have to use a cPAP machine at night and need to take it with me on my trip to Arizona. I was wondering if it counts as a carry on and/or check in baggage or is it accepted as a personal item. I will being carrying my purse also.

Thanks. ~Tina in CMH

Chris,
You can find out the suggested arrival times for your airport here: http://www.southwest.com/travel_center/suggested_arrival.html

You won't have a paper ticket, you are flying Ticketless. You checkin by referencing your reservation (it helps if you know the Confirmation Number that is printed on your receipt). You may checkin online 24 hours prior to departure at http://www.southwest.com/content/travel_center/retrieveCheckinDoc.html?r...

Your state id is fine.

I did not see an answer for question about bringing small container of perfume or cologne?
Also I checked on TSA and could not find an answer to bringing Mascara? Should it be in 1 quart bag? Thank you.

I am looking forward to my first flight ever!!! However, I am confused on two things. It's unclear what the 10x16x24 dimensions apply to. Does this apply to LxWxH or HxWxL, etc.? What's considered height (suitcase standing up on legs/rollers or laying flat on it's back? see my point. Also, I received my tickets by mail from the SWA Vacations Online site. I did not see an option for ticketless travel or I would have selected one. Can I still check in online? I will be flying from DAL to MDW, thursday around 7 am and feel very encouraged by ALL the comments I've read. Hopefully, I can get a quick response.

How about skateboards are they allowed on the plane?

My daughter is traveling from ALA. to CALIF. How should the wedding dress go with her? We do not want it in cargo, we want it carry on but it is not a thin dress and has a large train on a mermaid style dress. Is there room in a closet inside or should she mail it to the destination?
Her flight is the day before the wedding. Thank you, we love Southwest

i'll be traveling from san antonio to slc in sept 2009 with 3 other adults a 11yr old, 3yr old, and a 18month old. i was told that the 18mo old did not need a ticket since he's under 2yrs old. is this true? will he have to sit in one of our laps or will he have a seat of his own? also, will we be allowed to sit together?

I am a former Motor Coach Driver for Omega Charters and I did an awful lot of fight cancelations for Southwest Airlines during the first five years of the twenty first century. The business with Southwest included the black out in the wonder City of Detroit, Michigan in 2004.
By being in the transportation business myself, with the exception of flights coinciding with bus connections I have not flown much since the 1960's. I am proud of the work I experienced with Southwest Airlines and now proud to sit back and relax.
REW

Hi..This is my first time flying with Southwest. I just read on this website that carry on baggage has to be 10 x 16 x 24. What parts of the bag do I measure to see if my carry on is the correct size of 10 inches x 16 inches x 24 inches? I fly tomorrow and I have a bag with wheels and I want to measure it to may sure I can take it on as a carry on. Is 24 inches how tall the bag is when standing? Also does Southwest have gate check?
Thank you
Janet LaLone

Tanya, your IP should make no difference, so you should be able to check in online.

Janet, it doesn't matter which side you measure as long as one side is 24" or less, another is 16" or less, and the third is 10" or less.

Angela G, yes you would.

were flying tomorrow ... Just wonderin if I can bring Perfume??some colognes?? and Liquid powder??
Im with an infant ,like 7 months old... Can i bring Diaper bag?? plus my shoulder bag?? 2 baggage like 10 and 20 lbs. and 1 box weighing about 30lbs??? can i bring these??? thanks

My suitcase measures 10 x 21.5 x 30, not including the wheels or the handle. Will this size fit? Or do we have to include the wheels and handles? Flying in a couples of weeks. Would appreciate fast reply, cause I'm afraid I need to buy more luggage. We used this pc of luggage 10 yrs ago to fly to Hawaii. Did luggage dimension restrictions change since then? Have been afraid to use and and get told too late at check in that it was oversize. Thanks.

There is no charge for the golf bag as long as it is your first or second bag and as long as it doesn't weigh over 50 lbs.

Hi! I have a couple of "baby" related questions. My 1 year old daughter will be traveling with me (on my lap) and I was wondering if her diaper bag could be considered as the "personal" carryon item or does it have to count as my one carryon. Also, I understand that I can check two baby items for one of my two checked bags. I also read however that strollers can be checked in addition to these items with no fee. "Customers traveling with infants will be allowed to check one stroller per infant without charge (this is in addition to the regular free baggage allowance)" So I can check a pack n play, her car seat, AND her stroller for no additional fee, right? Does the stroller need to fall within the size and weight specs?

Also, am I able to bring juice in a sippy cup for her? I think I read that it was allowed?

Thanks for all your help!

I would like to complain about the check -in point guards at Manchester, NH. In the picture of "traveling with children", a mother is carrying her child through the metal detector, but when i did it, and it beeped, I was rudely told to walk in separately as if I should of known this already, without being asked to beforehand. I was treated humiliatingly with my 5year-old and talked to loudly in my face by a woman about a silver bracelet, and necklace:"what is this?!!!"
All the while trying to keep calm and reassuring my child, when this should have been their job.

Anonymous, yes that is correct 10x16x24

I want to bring golf clubs with me, they do not have a cover. What is the best way to secure them so that I don't lose any of them?

My four year old is used to having a noise maker to go to sleep. Is it ok to have a fan or air filter of some kind in my checked in bag? Also can you bring a pillow on the plane? Do i have to limit size of hair products if they are in my checked in bag? Thanks

I keep seeing the same question without an exact answer. I too have a carry-on bag10x16x24, not including the wheels,and a larger check on at 62" also not including the wheels. Will these pass or not? Thank you .

Dear Brian Lusk, Thank you for your patience with the repeated questions (how taxing it must be). Keep up the great work!!! In keeping with the apparent...What continent is Africa on? What is the gforce psi at take off? Why do you get dehydrated during flights? I have a baby kangaroo--can I put him in my carry-on and store him in the over-head???

it would help if you gave what the specs mean on your carry on luggage. 10x16x24 means what? Assuming inches, is it 10" wide, deep, long, etc? 24" I would assume means length. But I shouldn't have to assume.

Please clarify

for my carry on 10x16x24 is that depth x width x height??