Southwest allowing 3 checked bags????

[madelinesmum]

Does this sound right, Southwest now allowing 3 checked bags per person?
I could have sworn it was 2 in December.
I'm trying to finish packing tonight and I don't want to end up with a $50 charge per extra suitcase.
I'm going to miss you guys next week!

 

[rie'smom]

This is from Southwest:
Carryon Baggage
In keeping with new security directives from the TSA, strict limitations are being imposed on carryon items.

Airline passengers may now carry only one bag plus one smaller, personal-type item onboard the airplane.

Personal-type items include purses, briefcases, cameras, food containers, or laptops (case included).
Southwest Airlines limits carryon bag dimensions to 10x16x24 inches.

 

[simzac]

This is from Southwest:
Carryon Baggage
In keeping with new security directives from the TSA, strict limitations are being imposed on carryon items.

Airline passengers may now carry only one bag plus one smaller, personal-type item onboard the airplane.

Personal-type items include purses, briefcases, cameras, food containers, or laptops (case included).
Southwest Airlines limits carryon bag dimensions to 10x16x24 inches.

The OP's question was about checked bags, not carryons, and yes, I believe you can check up to 3 bags per person with SW.

 

[Nite0wl71]

Yes you can have 3 checked baggage per person. Each piece must not be over 50 pounds.

 

[Vickie46]

I just wanted to tell you they will weigh those checked baggages... they have done us this way 3 time and 2 of those times we had to switch our stuff around so each case was only 50 pounds..

 

[rie'smom]

The OP's question was about checked bags, not carryons, and yes, I believe you can check up to 3 bags per person with SW.

OOPs,sorry!

 

[karrit2000]

This isn't new. They have allowed 3 checked bags per person as long as I have been flying with them and I sure even before that.

 

[clkelley]

I checked 3 49.5 pound containers last December with Southwest. I also had a carryon and a personal item.

Absolutely no problems!!

(Except, I had my carryon carefully packed and compressed so it would fit in the overhead, but TSA went through that bag and I didn't have time to repack it as carefully, so they gate checked the bag for me.)

 

[NotUrsula]

A tip if you are concerned about going a little bit overweight and needing to shift items between bags: you can go up to any empty agent station (one where no one is working) and use the scale before you get in the checkin line.

The scales are always powered up, so it's a good way to check the weight first without worrying about holding up the checkin line. Checking before arriving at the airport is great, but if you can't do that, this is the next best thing.

 

[Lewisc]

It's a good idea to pack an empty duffle bag. You can use it to re-arrange stuff if you're overweight. You can use it for your dirty laundry going home, giving you room in your suitcases for souvenirs. If you're overweight moving you extra shoes to you carryon bag may be the quickest solution.

The industry norm seems to be 2 50lb bags. Jet Blue just went from 70 to 50 lbs.

Closer to your flight double check the baggage limits on SW.com I'll speculate that SW will lower the bagge allowance to 2 bags at some time in the future.

 

[clkelley]

I honestly agree with them lowering the weight limits to 50 lbs. Can you imagine working as a baggage handler moving luggage at the speed they require and the weight involved. This is to protect their backs (literally!)

 

[dudspizza]

If you're overweight moving you extra shoes to you carryon bag may be the quickest solution.

Happened to DW on our trip home this week. Her bag weighed in at 54.5 pounds. She took out a book and her tennis shoes and wow, the bag was down to 49.5... good to go. Airtran put a heavy tag on it, but did not charge us anything as it was under the 50...

Duds