SWA and baggage charge

[llb]

We, a family of four are traveling SWA. I packed four bags/suitcases. I wasn't concerned because there are four of us. I just read the SWA ticket confirmation page and I am allowed three bags to check in. Any bags after that will be a charge. Does anyone know the fee associated with an extra bag charge. Thanks

 

[disneyldwjr]

We, a family of four are traveling SWA. I packed four bags/suitcases. I wasn't concerned because there are four of us. I just read the SWA ticket confirmation page and I am allowed three bags to check in. Any bags after that will be a charge. Does anyone know the fee associated with an extra bag charge. Thanks

That is three bags per ticketed customer. The rest of the information can be found here:
http://www.southwest.com/travel_center/baggage.html

 

[llb]

thanks so much for the quick info, the ticketless info did not use the wording "per customer". I really appreciate the link

 

[NotUrsula]

Go back and re-read a bit more carefully. With a party of 4 ticketed passengers, you have a total allowance of 12 checked bags; it is 3 per passenger, not 3 per party.

Baggage Allowance: For each ticketed Customer, Southwest allows three (3) checked pieces with size limitations for each individual piece.

... And from the same page:

Excess Baggage: Excess baggage will be charged at the rate of $50.00 for the first (1st) through the ninth (9th) extra bag and $110.00 for each piece checked thereafter.

Those bags 4-9 and above refer to per ticketed passenger. Essentially, it is $50 per bag for an individual's 4th - 9th bag, and $110 per bag if that one passenger is such a packrat that she actually needs to bring more that 12 checked bags. Actually, the only time that $110 penalty normally gets charged is in situations where someone is actually moving, and is therefore attempting to check every single thing he/she owns.

 

[jjan]

And make sure that you weigh them, because they really seem to check now.

 

[disneyldwjr]

And make sure that you weigh them, because they really seem to check now

that is exactly why I use the sky cap.

 

[disneyldwjr]

thanks so much for the quick info, the ticketless info did not use the wording "per customer". I really appreciate the link

You are most welcome. You sounded kind upset.

 

[lawgs]

why would one use the skycap to get around SWA regulations concerning weight restrictions?

would seem it is sorta like "lieing" with a wink and a nod and a Tip to boot

nothing wrong with using skycaps, but to use them to "bend" the rules or an excuse to bend the rules seems odd

 

[Lewisc]

Assume a couple has 3 suitcases. One weights 53 pounds, another 40 and the third 45. Let's further assume the couple has no way to accurately weight the luggage before they get to the airport.

Option one is to use a skycap, tip and not worry about it. Option two is to check in at the counter and re-arrange the contents of the bag as required.

In this case the couple isn't using the skycap to bend the rules so much as to save time.

I'd certainly agree it's wrong to have 3 65 lb bags per passenger and expect that a tip to the skycap will be enough to break the rules.

In many cases the longer line inside moves much quicker than the skycap line outside. I'd never want to put myself in the position of having to use a skycap.

Since many of the older, well made, suitcases weight 15-20 lbs empty it's a good idea to bring an extra dufle bag in case you have to re-arrange some of the items.

why would one use the skycap to get around SWA regulations concerning weight restrictions?

would seem it is sorta like "lieing" with a wink and a nod and a Tip to boot

nothing wrong with using skycaps, but to use them to "bend" the rules or an excuse to bend the rules seems odd

 

[OzFan]

Last year my suitcase was like 3 lbs shy of being too heavy, the ticketing agent suggested that when I repack to even it out more. I actually had drink boxes, powdered drink mixes, and snacks in my bag so that was most of the extra weight, and I always pack a smaller suitcase in a larger one just for those extra goodies we bring back. I learned my lesson the year I had to buy a $50.00 bag just to get the stuff I bought home.

 

[lawgs]

good analogies lewisc

as i was responding to "what seemed to be a way around" weight restrictions with no explanations such as you just gave, it just seemed to me it was a way of bending the rules, much like the "blue" sleeve and extended family pre boarding that occurs quite often on SWA

 

[Lewisc]

good analogies lewisc

as i was responding to "what seemed to be a way around" weight restrictions with no explanations such as you just gave, it just seemed to me it was a way of bending the rules, much like the "blue" sleeve and extended family pre boarding that occurs quite often on SWA

SW still allows 3 bags checked bags plus carry on. A couple that requires more than 300 pounds of checked luggage and another 75 pounds of carry on luggage has some serious packing issues to address.

A tipped skycap is much more likely overlook a few pounds, help you re-arrange the contents of your bags or even give you an extra box or bag so you can check an additional item than the clerk inside the airport.

 

[safetymom]

A tipped skycap may let an overweight bag pass but if you have to go inside for any reason you will be charged. There are times that you have to check in at the airlines counter so I wouldn't plan on having overweight bags.

 

[DisneyTeacher]

A couple of weeks ago we checked our bags in with the SWA Sky Cap and in the 10 minutes we were in there I saw him send 2 different families inside because he looked at their bags and knew they were too heavy. He put them on the scale to prove it to them and sent them in to the counter. These people weren't even up to the front of the line yet, he had to walk by them to get something and as he was walking by he stopped to talk to them.

 

[disneyldwjr]

why would one use the skycap to get around SWA regulations concerning weight restrictions?

would seem it is sorta like "lieing" with a wink and a nod and a Tip to boot

nothing wrong with using skycaps, but to use them to "bend" the rules or an excuse to bend the rules seems odd

Well pehaps it is. But, everything has it's price.

 

[ExPirateShopGirl]

Southwest used to allow 70 lbs per bag without additional charge. A few airlines still allow it. The cost of fuel is such now that evevery pound counts, and airlines are really clamping down on those who try and get around the weight limit without paying. Fuel costs are the second biggest expense an airline has, and you can bet your booty they are looking to reduce those costs, or offset them with additional fees.

Like Lewis said, anyone with that much luggage has some serious baggage

 

[lawgs]

by DIsneyTeacher

A couple of weeks ago we checked our bags in with the SWA Sky Cap and in the 10 minutes we were in there I saw him send 2 different families inside because he looked at their bags and knew they were too heavy. He put them on the scale to prove it to them and sent them in to the counter. These people weren't even up to the front of the line yet, he had to walk by them to get something and as he was walking by he stopped to talk to them.

now that is refreshing to hear

maybe they will do the same with the pre boarders who abuse the system at the "gate" too, with a bit more scrutiny

one thing that SWA has implemented with regards to "pre boarders" ,supposedly if you pre board now you are not allowed to sit in the exit row, that was not a problem with families but there were some who worked the system to pre board and then took seats in the 'exit" rows


looks like the playing field may be leveling out on SWA if they are now applying their rules and regulations fairly

 

[disneyldwjr]

now that is refreshing to hear

maybe they will do the same with the pre boarders who abuse the system at the "gate" too, with a bit more scrutiny

one thing that SWA has implemented with regards to "pre boarders" ,supposedly if you pre board now you are not allowed to sit in the exit row, that was not a problem with families but there were some who worked the system to pre board and then took seats in the 'exit" rows


looks like the playing field may be leveling out on SWA if they are now applying their rules and regulations fairly

That preboarding exit row rule has been in effect for years. Happily, they are now enforcing it more stridently.
The unfortunate thing about someone using the system by saying they are disabled (and aren't really) in some way is that it is illegal in the US to make someone prove it.
I am happy that I am able to stand in line and feel it is bad karma to say I am something I am not.