Topic
Southwest guides
Practical guidance about southwest, with relevant airline rules, restrictions, and packing decisions in one place.
- guides
- 15
- related hubs
- 6
- guide library
- Updated
Related hubs
Why Airline Carry-On Policies Change — and How to Stay Current
Airlines update carry-on rules based on revenue and competition. Here is why policies shift, notable examples, and how to verify you have the current rules.
Carry-On Only for Chicago: Airlines, ORD vs MDW, and Packing Tips
Chicago carry-on guide: United and American at ORD, Southwest at Midway, airport tips, and season-by-season packing for the Windy City.
Carry-On Only for Houston: IAH, HOU, United Hub & Packing Tips
Houston carry-on guide: United at Bush Intercontinental, Southwest at Hobby, summer heat packing, NASA, and navigating the most diverse city in America.
Carry-On Only for New Orleans: Airlines, MSY, and Packing Tips
New Orleans carry-on guide: Southwest free bags at MSY, Spirit and Frontier fees, Mardi Gras packing, French Quarter walking shoes, and rain layers.
Carry-On Only for Philadelphia: PHL Airlines & Packing Tips
Philadelphia carry-on guide: American hub at PHL, Spirit and Southwest fares, SEPTA rail into the city, season packing, and cheesesteak-ready planning.
Carry-On Only for Washington D.C.: DCA, IAD, BWI & Packing Tips
Washington D.C. carry-on guide: American at DCA, United at Dulles, Southwest at BWI, airport transfers, and what to pack for the US capital.
Domestic US Carry-On Rules: What Every Airline Allows in 2026
All major US carriers allow 1 carry-on plus 1 personal item free on standard fares. Ultra-low-cost carriers charge extra. No weight limits apply.
Carry-On Rules for US Airlines: The Full Guide (2026)
American, Delta, United, Southwest, Alaska, JetBlue, Spirit, Frontier, Allegiant, Sun Country—carry-on size, weight, and what's free vs paid.
US Airport Carry-On Rules: TSA, PreCheck & Airline Limits
US carry-on rules: TSA 3-1-1 liquids, PreCheck vs CLEAR, shoes off at security, and carry-on size limits for American, Delta, United, and Southwest.
Flying with a Bicycle: Airline Fees, Boxing, and Alternatives
Flying with a bike costs $75–$200 one-way. Southwest charges $75. American, Delta, and United charge $150–$200. Bikes must be boxed or in a hard case.
Flying with a Surfboard: Fees, Bags, and Airline Rules
Surfboard fees range from $35 on Hawaiian Airlines to $150 on United. Southwest charges $75. Most airlines accept boards up to 9 ft (274 cm).
Flying with Golf Clubs: Fees, Cases, and Airline Rules
Golf clubs must be checked, not carried on. Fees run $30–$50 one-way on most US airlines. Southwest counts clubs as 1 of your 2 free bags.
Flying with Skis or a Snowboard: Fees, Tips, and Airlines
Ski bags cost $30–$75 each way on most airlines. Southwest counts your ski bag as 1 free checked bag. Delta and United charge $35 per item.
Oversize Baggage Rules: Fees, Limits, and Exemptions
Oversize bags exceed 62 linear inches (158 cm). US airline fees run $100–$200. Sports equipment often has its own fee instead of the standard oversize charge.
Airlines With a Free First Checked Bag (2026 Guide)
Southwest includes 2 free checked bags. Alaska, Hawaiian, and JetBlue offer one free with select cards. Most US and EU carriers now charge. Full comparison