How to Measure Your Baggage to Ensure It Meets Southwest's Size Requirements?

Traveling can be a stressful experience, and the last thing you want to worry about is whether or not your luggage meets the airline's size requirements. Southwest Airlines is known for its generous baggage allowance, but it's still important to ensure your luggage meets their guidelines to avoid any additional fees or complications. In this article, we'll go over how to measure your baggage to ensure it meets Southwest's size requirements.

Understanding Southwest's Baggage Policy

Before we dive into measuring your luggage, let's review Southwest's Baggage Policy. Southwest allows each passenger to bring two checked bags free of charge, as well as one carry-on bag and one personal item. However, it's important to note that any bags that exceed the size or weight limitations will incur additional fees.

For carry-on bags, the maximum dimensions are 10 x 16 x 24 inches (or 25.4 x 40.6 x 60.9 cm). This includes any handles or wheels on the bag. Personal items must fit under the seat in front of you and can measure up to 18.5 x 8.5 x 13.5 inches (or 47 x 22 x 34 cm). Again, this includes any handles or wheels on the bag.

Measuring Your Carry-On Bag

Now that we understand Southwest's baggage policy, let's go over how to measure your carry-on bag to ensure it meets their size requirements.

Step 1: Measure the Height

Stand your bag upright and measure the height from the bottom of the wheels (if applicable) to the top of the bag. Make sure to measure the highest point, including any handles or additional pockets.

Step 2: Measure the Width

Measure the width of your bag by placing the tape measure across the widest part of the bag, usually the side.

Step 3: Measure the Depth

Finally, measure the depth of your bag by measuring the front-to-back dimension. Again, make sure to measure the widest part of the bag, including any additional pockets.

Step 4: Add the Measurements

Add up the measurements from steps 1-3 to get the total dimensions of your bag. If your bag's dimensions are within the 10 x 16 x 24-inch limit, it meets Southwest's carry-on size requirements.

Measuring Your Personal Item

Personal items are often overlooked when it comes to measuring luggage, but it's important to ensure they meet Southwest's size requirements as well. Follow these steps to measure your personal item:

Step 1: Measure the Height

Stand your personal item upright and measure the height from the bottom to the top of the bag. Again, make sure to measure the highest point, including any handles or additional pockets.

Step 2: Measure the Width

Measure the width of your personal item by placing the tape measure across the widest part of the bag.

Step 3: Measure the Depth

Finally, measure the depth of your personal item by measuring the front-to-back dimension. Again, make sure to measure the widest part of the bag, including any additional pockets.

Step 4: the Measurements Addition

Add up the measurements from steps 1-3 to get the total dimensions of your personal item. If your personal item's dimensions are within the 18.5 x 8.5 x 13.5-inch limit, it meets Southwest's size requirements.

Tips for Packing Light and Avoiding Additional Fees

Even with Southwest's generous baggage allowance, it's always a good idea to pack light and avoid any additional fees. Here are some tips to help you pack efficiently:

Check the Weather: Before you start packing, check the weather at your destination. This will help you determine what kind of clothing and accessories you'll need.

Use Packing Cubes: Packing cubes

To measure your baggage and ensure it meets Southwest's size requirements, you can follow these steps:

Check Southwest's baggage size requirements: Southwest Airlines allows two checked bags per passenger, each weighing up to 50 pounds and measuring up to 62 inches (length + width + height) per bag. Carry-on bags must not exceed 10 x 16 x 24 inches (25 x 40 x 60 centimeters) including handles and wheels.

Measure your baggage: Use a measuring tape or ruler to measure your baggage's length, width, and height. Make sure to include any handles, wheels, or other protruding parts in your measurements.

Weigh your baggage: Use a luggage scale to weigh your baggage. Make sure to weigh it with all the contents that you plan to carry in it.

Compare your measurements and weight to Southwest's requirements: If your baggage exceeds Southwest's size or weight requirements, you may need to pay an extra fee or check it in as oversized baggage.

Consider packing light: To avoid extra fees or hassles, try to pack light and only bring the essentials. You can also consider shipping some of your belongings ahead of time or purchasing additional baggage allowances if needed.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your baggage meets Southwest's size requirements and avoid any additional fees or complications during your travels.