Checked baggage size

[amberche]

hi I'm flying southwest and received a new set of luggage for Christmas. The size of the larger bag is 29 in which may make it over the size southwest has on their website by a couple inches. Do they enforce this policy like they do weight?

 

[NotUrsula]

IME, they enforce it more readily, because it is a sure moneymaker. You cannot reduce the size of the bag simply by taking something out of it (well, unless all the excess size is the result of overstuffed outer pockets).

Normally a 29" case will just make it under the limit, unless it is too thick. Carefully measure the case yourself; don't depend on what is on the label. You want to go no higher than 62" total, including wheels and retracted handle.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

Yes, it is enforced. Use a bag well within size limits. Oversized fees are killers.

 

[Vijoge]

I have a 29" hard sided suitcase with wheels that flies Southwest just fine.

 

[ibob52]

My experience the only issue I have with my larger suitcase is keeping the

weight under 50 pounds (49.8 is acceptable) I've never had a tape measure incident

and I've been a tad over 62 inches once or twice.

 

[stitchlovestink]

My experience the only issue I have with my larger suitcase is keeping the

weight under 50 pounds (49.8 is acceptable) I've never had a tape measure incident

and I've been a tad over 62 inches once or twice.

I agree! Fly SW Tons and never ever once have they measured my suitcase. I have even had where they let my bag slide at 51 lbs (a handful of different times) and once at 52.5 lbs. I started out at 68 lbs and started taking things out and moving them elsewhere and tossing a few inexpensive items (we were on our way home). The clerk working the counter said it was close enough when I got it down to 52.5 lbs. I think she just wanted to get rid of us so she could take her dinner break!

 

[ibob52]

I have a light weight duffle bag ready to use for my 3-4 pounds over weight stuff.

I can transfer fairly quickly. In the past I would weigh my bag at home.

Now I just bring the spare duffle bag. My bathroom scale was pretty dog-gone

accurate (within a pound of the SWA checked luggage scale)