Planning a trip somewhere this year? We give you Southwest airlines carry on rules, to help you with any kind of baggage issues on board the plane. Educate yourself and others on what you need to know when it comes to the dos and don’ts of carry on luggage…
Southwest Airlines Co. is an affordable American airline, with its headquarters in Dallas Love Field, Texas. It is the largest airline in the world, with regard to its number of frequent passengers. It handles more than 3,200 flights everyday, and carries the most number of passengers than any other US-based airline, availing both international and domestic travel.
The Boeing 737 makes it majorly convenient for passengers to fly within the country, or away from it. Every airline company has their own set of rules when it comes to flying. Airline travel restrictions are what many of us are familiarized with, and which we further delve into here.
Carry on Rules for on board Luggage
Carry on luggage is what you can take with you when one steps into the plane, with certain carry on restrictions. These can either be handbags, duffel bags or mini trolley suitcases, but nothing larger than these.
Shoes
At the security checks, your shoes will be inspected before you can fly. It is advisable to wear flip-flops/slip on shoes to avoid having to create a hassle in removing them and then placing them back on.
Luggage Durability
When buying luggage, make sure that what you decide to bring on board the aircraft isn’t heavy and is compact in size, due to the restrictions as per the airlines. The material should also be able to withstand any contents from spilling from within your luggage (most airlines do not allow liquids to be carried on board, but advise passengers to put them in suitcases meant for cargo hold), to avoid it from creating a mess in the overhead luggage storage compartment.
Medication
It can be carried in carry on luggage, as long as you have it in its original packaging. It is best to carry a doctor’s written prescription as well for what the medicines are for, to avoid security from confiscating these items.
Items That You Can/Cannot Carry
Jewelry, money, tickets, eyeglasses, passports, medicines and gadgets can be included in carry on luggage. Items that you cannot carry on board, are – creams, scissors, toiletries, flammable sources, liquids or anything that security may find dangerous or not advisable to carry on the plane.
Children Traveling
Children can bring snacks, games or books if they require them on board. Follow the rules for infants on board for safety measures and care. Depending on your child’s age, there are certain guidelines that you need to follow.
Labels on Luggage
Label your luggage with your name and address, which is advisable in case of loss of luggage, or misplacement of it in the airport. It is easier for the security to find it – also putting identification on the inside would prove to be helpful.
Metal Detectors
When coming through security checks, it is advisable to avoid having anything metallic in nature except for your cell phone and watch. Wear a belt without a metal clasp, or keep it aside in your handbag, and put it on once you’re on the plane. Keep anything else that is metallic in nature in your handbag instead.
Old Tags on Luggage
Get rid of old tags attached to your luggage, since security will need to know which city you are heading to, without being misguided by your previous trip’s tag. Also check tags once you arrive at the airport to confirm if it is your luggage that you are taking with you from the conveyor belt.
Foods and Perishable Items
It is advisable to put these in suitcases that will go into the cargo hold, to avoid security from confiscating items that they may find suspicious. Things like canned food, meats, liquor (check for how much is advisable to carry or if it is allowed) and so on, should be avoided.
Pets
Southwest airlines now allows pets to be brought on board, that is, dogs and cats in particular. If pets are brought as carry on, then an additional fee of $75 is to be paid as pet fare. Appropriate carriers are needed by passengers to house pets till the plane lands. Also the pets should be vaccinated and medicated prior to the day of travel.
There’s more to what Southwest airlines entail as part of their regulations; for more air travel tips go to their official portal simply called Southwest, for more tips and suggestions on how to travel smart. Flying is an experience of comfort that is stress free, wherein you follow simple rules of what you can or cannot do. That is where Southwest comes in, to make your trip a time of ease and convenience, avoiding any problems that you could face once on board.