You can check in online, at check-in desks, at the departure gate or at the self-service kiosks. Check-in times vary by airport, but Southwest suggests arriving between 60 and 90 minutes before your flight is due to depart.
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Carry-on: One item not more than 50 linear inches (length+ width + height).
Checked: Three items with the maximum weight for each piece of 50lbs, with maximum dimensions of 62 linear in.
Excess: Fees for extra bags are charged at $50 per piece up to nine pieces, and $110 each for 10 pieces or more. Overweight items weighing 51-70lbs will be charged $25 each; 71-100lbs $100 each. Oversized luggage between 62-80 linear in will be charged $100 each. Any item weighing more than 100lbs or measuring more than 80 linear in must be shipped by cargo.
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For fully refundable tickets, changes or refunds can be made online by canceling your flight reservation or by calling the reservations number (below).
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Infants under two years of age can travel for free, if traveling on an adult's lap. Youth fares are available for those between 12 and 22, but are not available online and must be booked at the reservation center. Unaccompanied children five through 11 must travel as unaccompanied minors; a form for this can be filled out online, or you can book at the reservations number.
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Available for those 65+. Prices vary from city to city. Senior airfares are fully refundable and exchangeable. Fares can be booked online or at the reservations number.
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Pets are not accepted on any Southwest Airlines flights, with the exception of service animals, like seeing-eye dogs.
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Musical instruments can be carried on if they meet the size requirements for carry-on items. You can also purchase a seat for a large or fragile instrument at a child's fare rate but an instrument cannot be carried in place of a free companion under any fare promotion.
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On a series of flights that are at least two hours long, peanuts and pretzels will be served. On non-stop flights at least two hours long, a packaged snack will be served. Complimentary tea, coffee and non-alcoholic drinks are available. Beer, wine or cocktails are available for purchase.
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Rapid Rewards allows you to earn miles when you fly Southwest. Rapid Rewards are based on the number of flights you make, rather than the miles you travel and redeemed with a number of partners, including Alamo, Budget, Hertz and Hilton.
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There’s nothing like heading up in the skies to work up an appetite. Check out the airline’s menu before you fly so you can decide if you need to bring any extras. See photographs taken by fellow flyers of meals they’ve been served and read reviews at AirlineMeals.net.
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Moby Dick, War and Peace, Leaves of Grass… Do you need to pack a weighty tome or will the in-flight magazine keep you happily occupied for the duration of the flight? Spirit, Southwest's in-flight magazine is available on every flight. Read a preview online.
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