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Southwest guides
Practical guidance about southwest, with relevant airline rules, restrictions, and packing decisions in one place.
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Flying with a Surfboard: Bag, Acceptance and Fees
Check the whole package with every operator. American and TAP examples: multiple boards, trip-specific charges and packing; no universal fee.
Flying with Skis or a Snowboard: Bags, Weight and Fees
Confirm sports equipment with every operator. American Airlines example: boot bag, combined weight, contents and standard checked charges.
Oversize Checked Baggage: Measure, Classify and Confirm the Charge
How to compare a large checked bag with the operating airline’s size model, special-item rules and applicable fees.
Airlines With a Free First Checked Bag (2026 Guide)
Which fares, cards and status tiers include a free checked bag? Compare Southwest's current rules with other US and European airline options.
US Airline Carry-On Rules (2026): Size & Basic Economy
Compare US airline carry-on sizes and basic fares. See which include an overhead bag, United exceptions, and Frontier and Allegiant limits.
Flying with a Bicycle: Airline Fees, Boxing, and Alternatives
Bicycle baggage rules, packing requirements, and fees by airline. Southwest applies standard checked-bag and overweight charges to qualifying bikes.
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 New Orleans: Airlines, MSY, and Packing Tips
New Orleans carry-on guide: Southwest fares and bag fees at MSY, Mardi Gras packing, French Quarter walking shoes, and rain layers.
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 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 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.
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 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.