Traveling on Southwest Airlines can be a breeze, known for its friendly service and unique boarding process. However, to ensure a smooth journey and avoid any unpleasant surprises at the security checkpoint or gate, it’s crucial to understand the airline’s baggage policies and prohibited items. This guide provides a detailed overview of what not to bring on Southwest Airlines, covering everything from hazardous materials to oversized musical instruments.
Understanding Southwest’s Baggage Policies
Before diving into the specifics of prohibited items, it’s important to grasp Southwest’s general baggage rules. Southwest allows each passenger two checked bags free of charge, a significant perk compared to many other airlines. These bags must not exceed 62 inches in overall dimensions (length + width + height) and must weigh no more than 50 pounds each.
Southwest also allows one carry-on bag and one personal item per passenger. The carry-on bag must fit in the overhead bin and cannot exceed 24 x 16 x 10 inches. The personal item, such as a purse, briefcase, or small backpack, must fit under the seat in front of you. Exceeding these limits could result in gate-checking your bag, which, while often still free, can be inconvenient.
Prohibited Items: The Definitive List
Navigating the list of prohibited items can be tricky, as some restrictions are specific to airlines while others are standard regulations from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). It’s always better to err on the side of caution and leave questionable items at home.
Hazardous Materials: A Serious Concern
Hazardous materials pose a significant risk to the safety of the aircraft and its passengers, and are strictly prohibited from both checked and carry-on baggage. These items are categorized based on their potential to cause harm and include explosives, flammable substances, and toxic materials.
Explosives and Flammable Items
Explosives, including fireworks, blasting caps, and replica explosives, are absolutely forbidden. Similarly, highly flammable liquids and solids, such as gasoline, lighter fluid, and certain types of paints, are not allowed. Even seemingly harmless items like strike-anywhere matches are prohibited, while safety matches are typically permitted in carry-on baggage only.
Compressed gases, such as butane, propane, and oxygen tanks (except for medically necessary oxygen concentrators, with prior approval from Southwest), are also banned. Self-defense sprays, like mace and pepper spray, are prohibited in checked bags but may be allowed in carry-on baggage, provided they contain no more than 4 fluid ounces and are equipped with a safety mechanism to prevent accidental discharge.
Toxic and Corrosive Substances
Toxic substances, including pesticides, poisons, and radioactive materials, are strictly prohibited. Corrosive materials, such as acids, alkalis, and wet-cell batteries (except for those used in wheelchairs or other mobility aids), are also not permitted. It’s crucial to carefully inspect any cleaning products or chemical solutions you intend to pack to ensure they do not contain any prohibited substances.
Weapons and Sharp Objects: A Matter of Security
The transportation of weapons and sharp objects is heavily regulated to ensure the safety and security of all passengers. While some items may be permitted in checked baggage under specific conditions, many are completely prohibited.
Firearms and Ammunition
Firearms, including handguns, rifles, and shotguns, are permitted in checked baggage only, provided they are unloaded and packed in a locked hard-sided container. Ammunition must also be transported in checked baggage, securely packed in a separate container. Passengers must declare all firearms and ammunition to a Southwest Airlines representative at the check-in counter. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in severe penalties, including fines and imprisonment.
Knives and Sharp Objects
Knives with blades longer than 4 inches are prohibited from carry-on baggage but may be transported in checked baggage. This includes pocket knives, hunting knives, and large kitchen knives. Scissors with blades shorter than 4 inches are generally permitted in carry-on baggage. Sharp objects such as ice axes, meat cleavers, and straight razors are prohibited from carry-on baggage and must be packed in checked baggage.
Self-Defense Items
While small quantities of self-defense sprays may be permitted in carry-on baggage, other self-defense items, such as stun guns and martial arts weapons, are strictly prohibited from both carry-on and checked baggage.
Electronic Devices: Navigating the Rules
Electronic devices are an essential part of modern travel, but certain types of batteries and equipment require special attention.
Lithium Batteries
Lithium batteries are commonly found in laptops, smartphones, cameras, and power banks. While generally permitted, there are restrictions on the size and type of lithium batteries allowed on board. Spare lithium batteries (those not installed in a device) must be carried in carry-on baggage only. Lithium-ion batteries with a watt-hour rating exceeding 100 Wh but not exceeding 160 Wh require airline approval and are limited to a maximum of two per passenger. Lithium metal batteries exceeding 2 grams of lithium content are prohibited. It’s advisable to check the watt-hour rating of your batteries and the airline’s specific regulations before traveling. Damaged or recalled batteries are strictly prohibited.
Electronic Cigarettes and Vaping Devices
Electronic cigarettes and vaping devices are prohibited from checked baggage and must be carried in carry-on baggage. Passengers are not permitted to use these devices on board the aircraft.
Other Restrictions: Less Obvious Items to Consider
Beyond the typical hazardous materials and weapons, several other items are subject to restrictions or outright prohibition.
Large Musical Instruments
Large musical instruments, such as guitars, cellos, and basses, can be challenging to transport. Southwest Airlines allows passengers to purchase an additional seat for a large musical instrument, provided it meets certain size and weight restrictions. If the instrument does not meet these requirements, it must be shipped as cargo.
Hoverboards and Self-Balancing Scooters
Due to safety concerns regarding their lithium batteries, hoverboards and self-balancing scooters are prohibited from both carry-on and checked baggage on Southwest Airlines.
Smart Luggage
Smart luggage, which includes features like GPS tracking, electronic locks, and charging capabilities, may be subject to restrictions due to their lithium batteries. If the battery is removable, it must be removed and carried in carry-on baggage. If the battery is non-removable, the luggage may be prohibited.
Items That May Attract Unwanted Attention
While not explicitly prohibited, it’s best to avoid bringing items that may attract unwanted attention or cause unnecessary delays during security screening. This includes realistic-looking toy weapons, novelty items that resemble prohibited items, and large amounts of cash without proper documentation.
Consequences of Bringing Prohibited Items
Attempting to bring prohibited items on board a Southwest Airlines flight can have serious consequences. These may include confiscation of the item, fines, criminal charges, and even being denied boarding. In some cases, passengers may face civil penalties or be placed on a no-fly list. It’s crucial to take the time to carefully review Southwest’s baggage policies and prohibited items list before packing to avoid any unpleasant surprises or legal ramifications.
Staying Informed: Where to Find the Latest Information
Airline regulations are subject to change, so it’s essential to stay informed about the latest updates. The best sources of information include the Southwest Airlines website, the TSA website, and the FAA website. These resources provide detailed information about baggage policies, prohibited items, and security procedures. It’s also a good idea to contact Southwest Airlines directly if you have any specific questions or concerns about what you can and cannot bring on board.
By understanding Southwest Airlines’ baggage policies and prohibited items list, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free travel experience. Remember to pack smart, stay informed, and always err on the side of caution when it comes to questionable items.
Can I bring lithium batteries on a Southwest flight?
Lithium batteries are permitted, but with restrictions. Specifically, spare lithium batteries (those not installed in a device) must be carried in carry-on baggage only. They cannot be placed in checked baggage. This rule exists because loose batteries can short-circuit and potentially cause a fire in the cargo hold, which would be difficult to detect and extinguish.
Additionally, there are wattage limits for lithium-ion batteries. Typically, batteries exceeding 100 watt-hours require airline approval, while those exceeding 160 watt-hours are prohibited. It is always best to check the specific guidelines on Southwest’s website and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) website for the most up-to-date regulations before your flight, as these rules are subject to change.
Are there restrictions on carrying food items on Southwest?
Generally, most food items are allowed on Southwest flights, both in carry-on and checked baggage. However, there are some exceptions, primarily related to liquids and certain types of perishable goods. For example, jams, jellies, sauces, and other spreadable items are subject to the TSA’s 3-1-1 liquid rule when carried on. This means they must be in containers of 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less and packed in a single, quart-sized, resealable bag.
Furthermore, consider the potential for spoilage with perishable items. While you can bring these items, ensuring they are properly packed with ice packs or other cooling methods is advisable, especially for longer flights. Also, be aware that regulations regarding the importation of certain food products may vary depending on your destination, so research customs requirements if you are flying internationally.
What about sporting equipment? What can’t I bring?
Certain sporting equipment is prohibited or restricted on Southwest Airlines for safety reasons. Items such as baseball bats, golf clubs, and hockey sticks are generally allowed but must be checked in due to their potential as bludgeoning weapons. Sharp objects like ice skates or ski poles must also be securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers.
Items that are strictly prohibited include compressed gas cylinders (such as those used in scuba diving) unless they are completely empty and properly purged, and explosives or flammable materials used in sporting activities, like certain types of ammunition. It’s crucial to review Southwest’s specific policy on sporting equipment before traveling to avoid any issues at the airport.
Can I bring pepper spray or mace for self-defense?
No, pepper spray and mace are not allowed on Southwest flights, either in carry-on or checked baggage. These items are considered hazardous materials and are prohibited due to their potential to cause harm to other passengers or crew members. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) also strictly prohibits these items.
Attempting to bring pepper spray or mace onto a flight can result in serious consequences, including fines and even arrest. If you are concerned about personal safety while traveling, consider alternative self-defense options that are permitted, such as carrying a personal alarm. Always adhere to the airline’s and TSA’s regulations regarding prohibited items.
Are there restrictions on carrying musical instruments on Southwest?
Musical instruments are permitted on Southwest Airlines, but there are size and weight restrictions that determine whether they can be carried on or must be checked. Smaller instruments, such as violins or guitars, can often be carried on if they fit in the overhead bin or under the seat. However, larger instruments, such as cellos or stand-up basses, typically require purchasing an additional seat to ensure their safe transport.
If an instrument is too large to fit as a carry-on and you choose not to purchase an extra seat, it must be checked as baggage. In this case, it is highly recommended to use a hard-sided case to protect the instrument from damage during transit. Southwest also has specific liability limitations for damage to musical instruments, so consider purchasing additional insurance to cover the full value of the instrument.
What items are considered hazardous materials and are therefore prohibited?
Hazardous materials encompass a wide range of items that pose a risk to safety during air travel. These materials include flammable liquids (such as gasoline), explosives (including fireworks and blasting caps), corrosive substances (like acids and alkalis), and compressed gases (like propane and butane). Southwest Airlines, like all airlines, strictly prohibits the transport of these items in both carry-on and checked baggage.
Other examples of prohibited hazardous materials include radioactive materials, poisons, and oxidizing agents. Furthermore, certain everyday items, such as aerosols (unless they meet specific size and quantity restrictions for personal care products), dry ice (above a certain weight limit), and self-heating meals, may also be considered hazardous materials depending on their composition and packaging. It is essential to consult Southwest’s website or contact their customer service for a comprehensive list of prohibited items before traveling.
What about e-cigarettes and vaping devices?
E-cigarettes and vaping devices, along with their associated batteries, are permitted on Southwest flights, but there are specific rules you must follow. These devices must be carried in carry-on baggage only and are strictly prohibited from being placed in checked baggage. This is due to the risk of the lithium batteries overheating and causing a fire in the cargo hold.
Furthermore, using e-cigarettes and vaping devices is strictly prohibited on board the aircraft, including in the lavatories. This applies to all Southwest flights. You must also ensure that any spare batteries for your e-cigarette or vaping device are properly protected to prevent short-circuiting, such as by placing them in individual protective pouches or taping over the terminals.