This week, Southwest Airlines implemented a new baggage policy. I just wanted to make sure all the Passengers of Southwest Airlines knew about this one. 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.
Comments
My guess is most people don't travel with more than two checked bags anyways since Southwest doesn't fly Internationally. I just went on a 7 day cruise and had one checked bag and a carry-on. I do want to complain about the 50lb. limit though. The 29" bag had just clothes in it and was 63lbs. so I had to pay the fee for being overweight. Southwest and other airlines really need to reconsider the weight limit on this. It wouldn't be so bad if they said one checked bag weight limit is 75lbs. and two checked bags, weight limit for both bags combined was 100lbs.
Steve,
You are right about people checking the third bag. Our research showed that of all the Customers who checked baggage, less than two percent of them had more than two bags.
As to the weight, 50 pounds usually provides enough "cushin" for most everyone's needs. The overweight fee is in place for two reasons. The biggest one is that it prevents injuries to our Ramp Agents. As a former ramper, I can tell you that it is no big deal lifting one or two bags a day that weigh over 50 pounds. However if you are continually lifting this amount (in the quick manner of our folks), it will start to tear up your back.
The other reason is that it costs extra fuel and extra money to move the extra weight
Since less 2% of your passengers check three bags, is it really worth all the extra effort to change this policy? Press releases, employee education, literature, etc. all take time and money to implement. It looks pretty silly to make a change that is passenger negative, especially since the actual number of passengers affected is so small. And, for the record, I've never checked three bags on SWA.
1.) I think that change in your baggage policy is very smart and fare
2.) You should reconsider your bag weight limit, Virgin America allows one bag of 75lbs. Yes, I can do math 2 x 50 =100. I have witnessed other passengers and also personally been forced to waste your employee's time and other passenger's time shuffling things between bags at check in to avoid a $25 fee for a bag that weighs 52 lbs when my other bag weighs 48 lbs.
What I would propose is a per pound fee, at your current rate that would be $1.25/lb. So instead of people sitting there shuffling between two bags or taking things out to carry on, they could just pay $2.50 and be on their way.
You could also institute a "flex" policy where if someone does have two bags you allow a weight tolerance in the bags (less than 5lbs to protect your rampers) as long as the total is less than or equal to 100 lbs. So if a guy shows up with a bag that is 45 lbs and a bag that is 55 lbs it is "thank you enjoy your flight," not "I have to charge you a fee..." Let's be honest every time you go to charge an extra fee it adds a lot of time to the check in process and time is also money.
I have never checked three bags, but I have started packing a small duffel in my suitcase just in case my bag weighs 52 lbs on the airport scale when it weighed 48 on mine.
I would also like to add one caveat. I find in my travels on every airline, that the FAA regulations for carry on bags are slightly enforced. Traveling between Northern and Southern California, overhead bin space is always tight, and there is always someone trying to put a bag in there that takes up more space than your policy allows. I'm not sure if there is a good way to solve that problem and it is one that EVERY airline has. I guess people don't trust baggage handlers. Personally, I trust yours more than anyone else.
OK
Brian,
I would also wonder the same question, about changing the baggage policy. If this policy will affect so few passengers, why would it even be changed?
Even though, I have not checked three bags; it was also good to know that, unlike many other carriers, SWA would allow me to check three bags without an extra charge.
Thank you.
Personally, I would rather pay an extra fee to check my third bag than have the old policy, which might have been reflected in a fare hike. With fuel costs as high as they are, I can't blame Southwest for trying to find a way to decrease weight. In fact, I commend them for it.
I think that the new policy as good... No matter where I travel, I always only carry one bag, never more than than about 15 lbs. Has everything that I need and then some, plus I carry my Laptop. My bag is the same exact size as a crew member bag and fits perfect in the over head. I personally do not understand how some people pack so heavily. I am actually a Mechanic at another airline, but have help the Baggage (smashers as we call them) Handlers move the Luggage, and what some people pack is beyond understanding.
Another thing that I do not understand is carrying the LARGEST, and HEAVIST baby carriage that sometimes barely seems to fit in the cargo door. Geez. If you are going to travel, go get the smaller one. These big ones are NOT made for airplanes.
Everyone one can travel light, and carry everything that you need. Most hotels have complimentary lotions, shampoo, conditioner, soap... TSA limits and gets very picky about wanting to see these tubes and bottles. Best advice. LEAVE THEM AT HOME.... YOU DO NOT NEED THEM. For what time you are out of town... Usually 2 weeks at a time, you can buy your special stuff in smaller qty's once you get there, or just tough it out. A few days will not hurt without your special flavor.
I know there are some ladies out there fussing at me as they read this... But pack light. Try it.. It does not hurt... As a matter of fact, when you get off an airplane after being on it for 4 to 6 or maybe more hours.. You will appreaciate a light load when picking up your back at Baggage claim.
appears SW has now started to nickel and dime Re baggage restrictions and fees. I just got caught while traveling with ski and boot bag.
ah well, fly united I guess.....
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