Can you check a backpack as luggage on southwest

Cabin maximum external dimensions are 10 x 16 x 24 inches (25 x 40 x 61 cm); personal items must fit completely under the seat in front. Items placed in the hold must not exceed 62 linear inches (length + width + height) and the standard free-piece weight limit is 50 lb / 23 kg per piece. Overweight or oversize charges generally apply when a piece exceeds those thresholds.

Typical fees applied by this airline: $75 for pieces weighing between 51–100 lb or for pieces exceeding 62 linear inches; pieces above 100 lb or longer than 80 inches are usually refused. Confirm fee amounts on the carrier’s site before travel, since rates can vary by route and fare class.

Keep lithium batteries, power banks and high-value electronics in the cabin–regulatory rules prohibit many spare lithium cells from being stowed in the hold. Place fragile items in the center of the pack, use padding or a hard case, lock with a TSA-accepted lock and attach a visible name and phone tag before handing the item to gate staff for hold processing.

Practical steps for passengers: measure and weigh the pack at home, move essential items and medications into a smaller personal-item, empty external pockets of prohibited items and loose liquids, and request a hold tag at the gate if the pack must go into the aircraft hold. When in doubt, keep electronics and valuables onboard and use the carrier’s baggage allowance to avoid unexpected fees.

Hold placement rules for daypacks on the carrier

Stow a daypack as a personal item if it fits beneath the seat; only send the item to the aircraft hold when combined length + width + height ≤ 62 linear inches and weight ≤ 50 lb (23 kg).

The carrier allows two pieces placed in the hold per ticket at no charge; a fee applies for a third piece and for any additional items, while overweight and oversize surcharges apply to pieces that exceed the standard size or weight limits.

Protect valuables and fragile items by placing them in the carry-on/personal item; wrap straps and use a protective sleeve if the pack is destined for the hold. Measure and weigh at home with a tape measure and luggage scale to avoid gate surprises.

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Will the carrier accept my travel pack for transport in the aircraft hold?

Yes – if the travel pack measures ≤62 linear inches (length + width + height ≤157 cm) and weighs ≤50 lb (22.7 kg), the carrier will accept it as one of the two complimentary pieces placed in the aircraft hold.

Policy specifics: each passenger is allowed two free hold pieces. A third (and each additional) piece carries a $75 fee per flight segment. Overweight (51–100 lb / 23.1–45.4 kg) and oversize (>62 linear inches / >157 cm) surcharges are $75 each; items over 100 lb are not transportable in the hold.

Packing and prep recommendations: weigh the filled pack on a scale and measure linear dimensions after fastening straps; secure or tuck away external straps to prevent conveyor entanglement; move power banks and loose lithium batteries into carry-on; retain valuables, medications and travel documents in a personal item or on the person; pad fragile items and use a sturdy identifying tag with contact details; use TSA‑recognized locks if locking is desired.

If limits are exceeded, options include redistributing contents across the allowed two pieces, paying the overweight/oversize or extra-piece fees at the ticket counter, or shipping excess items via courier prior to travel.

Size and weight limits for rucksacks as hold items

Rule: Keep a travel rucksack at or below 50 lb (23 kg) and 62 linear inches (157 cm) (length + width + height, including wheels and handles) to meet the carrier’s standard hold-item allowance and avoid extra charges.

Fees and outright limits

The airline permits two free hold items per ticketed passenger when each meets the 50 lb / 62 in limits. Items weighing 51–100 lb incur an overweight fee (typically $75); items over 100 lb are not accepted. Any hold item with linear dimensions greater than 62 in will be assessed an oversize fee (typically $75).

Practical measurement and packing tips

Measure with wheels, handles and external pockets included. Use a household scale and aim for about 45 lb to allow for weighing variance and added items. If the travel pack exceeds size or weight thresholds, redistribute contents across a second permitted hold item, move heavier gear to an accepted checked case alternative, or ship bulky/heavy equipment via courier to avoid overweight/oversize charges.

How to prepare and protect a travel pack for placement in the aircraft hold (packing tips)

Keep valuables, travel documents, and electronics in a carry-on; place only durable, nonessential items in the aircraft hold.

• Fragile-item protection:
  • Wrap delicate objects in 2–3 layers of bubble wrap or 5 cm (2 in) of closed-cell foam on all sides.
  • Position fragile pieces in the center surrounded by soft clothing or packing cubes to absorb impacts.
  • Use a hard-sided case for cameras, lenses, drones, and optics when possible.
• Electronics and batteries:
  • Install batteries in devices and power devices down completely. Spare lithium-ion batteries must travel in the cabin only; spare battery terminals should be taped or placed in individual pouches.
  • Batteries between 100–160 Wh require airline approval and must be carried on the person; items with non-removable batteries should be powered off and insulated from accidental activation.
  • Place laptops and tablets in a padded sleeve inside the carry-on for transport through security; do not rely on hold stowage for important electronics.
• Liquids and aerosols:
  • Empty water bottles and remove fuel canisters, spare gas, lighter fluid, and pressurized camping fuel; many flammable liquids and aerosols are prohibited from the hold.
  • Toiletries: seal small bottles in zip-lock bags and place in the center; large-volume alcohol (>70%) and certain solvents must not be placed in hold baggage.
• External straps and attachments:
  • Stow or secure straps, hip belts, and removable pouches inside the main compartment or tuck them into zipped pockets to avoid snags.
  • Detach external trekking poles, carabiners, and external frames; pack them inside or send separately to prevent damage to other items and to the pack shell.
• Waterproofing and moisture control:
  • Line the main compartment with a heavy-duty dry bag or a sealed plastic liner to protect contents from moisture.
  • Include a silica gel packet or small desiccant to limit condensation on electronics and leather items.
• Security and identification:
  • Use a TSA-recognized lock on zippers; nonapproved locks may be cut during inspections.
  • Attach two ID tags (external durable tag plus an internal paper with name, phone, and email). Photograph the exterior and main contents before handing over for proof in case of damage or loss.
• Weight distribution and packing order:
  • Place heavier items low and close to the pack’s back panel to minimize crushing and shifting.
  • Fill voids with socks or rolled garments to prevent movement; use compression sacks for bulky clothing but avoid over-compressing fragile items.
• Final checks before drop-off:
  1. Confirm prohibited items are removed (fuel, spare lithium batteries, large aerosols, etc.).
  2. Secure zippers with a small zip-tie as a tamper-evidence measure; remove any fragile external attachments.
  3. Weigh the packed item at home to ensure compliance with checked-bag allowance previously reviewed; redistribute contents to the carry-on if overweight.

Treat any travel pack sent to the aircraft hold as one of the two free hold pieces; if it is enclosed inside another sealed piece, it does not count separately.

The carrier permits two free pieces per ticketed passenger for the aircraft hold. Any rucksack, day pack or travel pack that is stowed in the hold will occupy one of those two allowances unless it is fully enclosed inside a single checked suitcase or crate. Worn or stowed beneath the seat as a personal item, or placed in the overhead as a carry-on, does not reduce the two complimentary hold-piece allowance.

Size, weight and fee thresholds (apply to each hold piece)

Per-piece limits: 50 lb (23 kg) maximum weight and 62 linear inches (length + width + height / 157 cm) maximum size. Fees apply when limits are exceeded: overweight 51–100 lb (23–45 kg) incurs a fee (typically $75); items over 100 lb are not accepted. Oversize between 63–80 inches (160–203 cm) usually incurs a fee (typically $75); items over 80 inches are refused.

Practical recommendations

Measure and weigh any travel pack before arriving at the airport; if it fits inside a single sealed suitcase, place it inside to avoid using an additional hold allowance. Remove valuables, spare lithium batteries and fragile items when stowing in the hold. If gate-stowing becomes necessary, expect it to count as a hold piece and trigger fees if over limits.

How to tag, drop off and track a checked pack at the airport

Present the pack at the airline ticket counter or self-service kiosk no later than 45 minutes before domestic departure (60–90 minutes for international); obtain the carrier-issued baggage tag and keep the claim stub and a photo of the barcode.

Tagging procedure

• At a kiosk: scan the boarding pass or enter the confirmation code, print the baggage tag, insert the tag loop through the primary grab handle or internal luggage loop, and secure the plastic sleeve so the barcode is visible.
• At the ticket counter: request a printed tag and ask the agent to read the tag number aloud; confirm the number matches the receipt before leaving the counter.
• Security prep: place valuables, medication, passports and electronics in hand-carry; use a TSA-recognized lock on zippers and protect sharp or fragile items with internal padding.
• Identification: attach a sturdy external ID tag with contact info and place a paper ID with name and phone inside a zipped pocket.
• Documentation: photograph both sides of the tag, the pack’s exterior, and a photo of the contents if fragile; record the tag number plus booking reference in a phone note.

Drop-off, deadlines and tracking

• Bag drop: proceed to the designated bag-drop lane after obtaining tags; staff will weigh and accept the item or direct it to oversized/overweight processing.
• Cutoffs: standard deadlines–45 minutes domestic; many carriers require 60–90 minutes for international departures and up to 120 minutes for long-haul; follow the carrier’s published cutoff for the specific flight.
• Tracking methods: scan the tag barcode in the airline mobile app or enter the tag number on the carrier’s baggage tracking webpage; enable SMS or push notifications for status changes.
• Airport monitoring: check the arrival carousel display for assigned belt numbers; ask the Baggage Service Office (located near baggage claim) for live status using the tag number and flight details.
• If mishandled: file a property irregularity report at the Baggage Service Office before leaving the airport and obtain a written reference number and delivery estimate; keep all receipts for interim purchases to support reimbursement claims.
• Late or oversized items: expect handling at the oversized baggage desk; for gate-checked pieces due to space/timing, retain the gate tag as proof of deposit.

Remove spare lithium batteries, power banks, high-value items and fragile electronics before placing a rucksack into the airline hold

Spare lithium batteries and portable chargers must not be packed in the aircraft hold; carry those in the cabin only. Lithium‑ion cells up to 100 Wh are allowed in devices and as spares in the cabin without airline approval. Batteries between 100 Wh and 160 Wh require airline approval and are typically limited to two spare units per passenger. Batteries exceeding 160 Wh are forbidden on passenger aircraft. Non‑rechargeable lithium metal cells with more than 2 g lithium content are prohibited from passenger transport.

Batteries – limits and safe packing

Remove all spare cells and power banks from the travel bag and stow in carry‑on. Insulate terminals with tape, keep items in original packaging or individual plastic pouches, and prevent loose metal objects from contacting terminals. If a device contains a battery exceeding 100 Wh, contact the carrier for written approval before attempting to place it in hold. Do not place e‑cigarettes, vape devices or spare lithium batteries in the hold; those items belong in the cabin.

Electronics, valuables and fragile items – items to keep with the passenger

Always retain laptops, tablets, cameras, external hard drives/SSDs, drones, irreplaceable data storage, cash, passports, travel documents, prescription medications, jewelry and other valuables in the cabin. Power devices off, enable location/find features and remote‑wipe where available, remove SIM and microSD cards, back up critical data, and pack electronics in padded sleeves. For cleanliness and to reduce pest risk before stowing a travel bag, vacuum interior seams and pockets using a compact cleaner such as best handheld vacuum cleaner for stairs.