An airline known for its generous baggage policy now considers a photo as a “personal item”
One of the things that separates Southwest from other American airlines is to offer two free check-in bags for all passengers. Now you have to buy the lottery by Southwest Ticket, or pay for your shipping bag separately. You still allow a carry-on bag that fits overhead bins and a personal item that fits under the seat in front of you, but it turns out that even if you carry something else in your hands, even if it’s just about the size of a piece of paper, it may be marked as a third-piece assistant by Southwest Airlines staff.
X user @keithharley posted a photo of what he was on board the flight leading to the drama. It seems he has just been to Las Vegas, the “most interesting city in America” as he held a memorial photo of the Cirque du Soleil in Bellagio. In addition to the photos of the item, he tagged Southwest Airlines and wrote: “I just had a crazy experience on your flight! Your door waiter wouldn’t allow me to be on the plane because I had a photo in my hand, which is 8×10 paper, basically 8×10 paper. She said it was the third piece!”
Southwest responded by X, reiterating the policy of restricting two carry-on luggage: “If the photo is an additional item to the two bags mentioned, it will be considered the third carry-on bag. Please know that you can always put it in one of the carry-on items if you wish.”
Read more: 5 Best Airlines to Fly to Hawaii, According to Reviews
Southwest Airlines policies and responses have not impressed social media
Southwest Airlines at the airport – Avi Johnson/Shutterstock
People in the comments on the original passenger post on X are stuck with their ideas about Southwest Airlines policy. One pointed out that they had a similar situation, but the “third” item they had a problem was a sandwich purchased at the airport. (This example of sandwich seems to be directly opposite to Southwest’s policy.) Others seem confused by the inconsistency of the policy. @TheBryCeluna posted on X “I’m carrying my backpack in my hand, iPad/tablet with me.”
The Southwest website does not seem to have guidance on reading materials (the items that seem to be closest to the original poster photo) and whether they count as other items. It also doesn’t have any specific information for jackets or something. Each airline has its own policies; Spirit Airlines, for example, requires your neck pillow to fit your personal belongings, while Southwest neck pillows do not count to carry-on bag limits.
Passengers on social media are not impressed by the airline overall. User @jimcobbprepper said: “I’ve almost completely flew the Southwest over the past few years. This nonsense, including the goalkeepers and the company’s non-response, is enough to get me sworn in forever.” In addition to the seemingly strict carry-on guidelines and the renewal fees for checked bags, Southwest has other major changes, including halting its open policy. With all the changes, we can understand why some loyal customers may rethink their loyalty to the airline.
Ready to discover more hidden gems and expert travel tips? Subscribe to our free newsletter for the best travel secrets in the world.
Read original articles about the island.
