Weight limits strict on Southwest?

[lazydazy8]

I actually packed a second duffle to bring home dirty laundry. We did fine both ways!

SW was WAY more strict in NH than in Orlando! Our attendant in Orlando didn't even weigh our bags.

This was my first trip with kids, so I did over pack some. I didn't do too badly, though. I had two to three extra outfits for the kids that we didn't use. Had we made it back to our hotel before all our dinners, I would have changed them. Next time, I hope we're in the DVC, so I'll have easy access to washer/dryers.

We ended up with a heat wave the first two days (over 80 and humid), so I ended up using clothes I didn't think I'd even need.

BTW, we are looking into new luggage. Our huge ones are too heavy on their own.

 

[DonnaL]

Personally, I think the biggest weight culprits are full size toiletries, shoes, and jeans. At this time of year you do need to take warmer clothes with you, but, I will choose fleece items over jeans simply because of the weight issue. I may sometimes wear jeans, but, will not pack them. And a full size bottle of shampoo, conditioner, shaving cream, etc. can eat up a lot of weight. As far as shoes go, I try to take lightweight footwear and if possible, wear the heaviest pair I'm taking (I usually only take two pair anyway.....shoes at this time of year, sandals in warmer weather and sneakers).

 

[bavaria]

BTW, we are looking into new luggage. Our huge ones are too heavy on their own.

Great idea! there is lots of lightweight luggage out there now, and you should be able to find 25 inch suitcases for around 10 lbs or so. Prices vary greatly based on durability; even if you are a once a year traveller you may not want to buy the absolute cheapest suitcase.

I spent 6 months looking before I bought from the Samsonite X'ion line; my recommendation is that you go to ebags.com and look for luggage and read the reviews as well as look at weight etc.

Then check out your local dept stores for sales - I got mine at a small regional chain for 60% off - usually Kohls, Macy's, etc will have sales of 40-60% off most sale weekends. ebags.com does do free shipping quite often if you are ok with buying on line, and mousesavers.com used to have a discount code for them (don't know if it still exists)

Have fun looking!

 

[bavaria]

I actually packed a second duffle to bring home dirty laundry. We did fine both ways!

I ALWAYS have a tote's duffle in my suitcase for just this reason; in fact, I keep giving mine away to relatives, colleagues, etc and have to keep buying a new one. It's the smart way to go - just remember to even distribute the weight if you buy souvenirs, etc.

 

[bfosbenner]

I just flew Southwest from Philly to MCO and back. In Philly the curb side checkin let me slide on one at 51lbs and I had to shift around stuff from the 56lb bag. We had 6 total bags, 2 large heavy and 4 small 25-30lbs. We were a family of 4, inculding one 14month lap child.

On the way back, one was 56 lbs and she let me go.

 

[PatsMom]

All our bags were weighed in NH last week. Even the little one that I don't know how you could get 50 lbs of stuff into! in MCO the family in front of us was re-arranging stuff among their bags trying to make the weight limit. Took forever which did not amuse us as we waited to check our bags.