FAQs

Volaris Baggage Policies

What are the weight and size limits on Southwest and Volaris for checked bags?

Checked Baggage

Southwest
Southwest will accept the first two checked bags for free provided that each bag does not exceed 50 lbs and 62 inches. Overweight items from 50 to 100 pounds and oversized items in excess of 62 inches but not more than 80 inches (e.g.; surfboards, bicycles, vaulting poles) will be accepted for a charge of $50 per item. Any item weighing more than 100 pounds must be shipped as air cargo. However, Customers cannot use SWA Cargo unless classified as a known shipper as defined by the TSA or TSA approved Indirect Air Carriers (IAC). For full details about shipping cargo, visit www.swacargo.com

Volaris
Volaris weight and size restrictions depend on the type of ticket purchased:

• Want to Save
  Domestic: 33 lbs (15 kgs) Total | International: 55 lbs (25 kgs) Total
  Maximum Total Measurement: 62 in (158 cm)
• Want to Travel
  Domestic: 55 lbs (25 kgs) Total | International: 110 lbs (50 kgs) Total
  Maximum Total Measurement: 62 in (158 cm)
• Want it All
  Domestic: 77 lbs (35 kgs) Total | International: 165 lbs (75 kgs) Total
  Maximum Total Measurement: 62 in (158 cm)

Excess Baggage Charges

Southwest
3 – 9 bags: $50 per bag
9 or more bags: $110 per bag

Volaris
Excess Bags on International Flights:
Overweight: If your bag exceeds the weight your fare permits, you will be charged per excess kilogram up to a maximum of 100 lbs (45 kgs) | $10 USD per additional kg.
Oversize and Sporting Equipment: Maximum Total Measurement 62 in (158 cm) | $50 USD plus any overweight charges. Any item weighing more than 100 pounds must be shipped as Air Cargo.

Excess Bags on Domestic Flights:
Overweight: If your bag exceeds the weight your fare permits, you will be charged per excess kilogram up to a maximum of 100 lbs (45 kgs) | $100 MXN + IVA per additional kg.
Oversize and Sporting Equipment: Maximum Total Measurement 62 in (158 cm) | $500 MXN + IVA plus any overweight charges.

*More than one fee may be applied. For example, if the item is overweight and oversize, both fees apply. Checking in oversize items—please arrive at the airport no later than 90 minutes prior to your flight in order to allow enough time for your oversize item to be screened before proceeding through security.

International Travel Limits on Liability
Passengers traveling to a destination or a stop in a country other than the country of departure, including the domestic portion of such and international trip, are advised that the Montreal Convention governs and may limit Southwest Airlines' liability for death or injury to passengers, and for destruction or loss of or damage to baggage and for delay of passengers and baggage. See Southwest Airlines' Passenger Contract of Carriage for more details.

What are the charges for excess baggage?

Your third through ninth bag or item will incur a charge of $50 per piece, and any additional bag or item will be $110 per piece on Southwest Airlines. Volaris charges depend on the type of ticket purchased. See the Volaris web site for excess baggage, overweight, and oversize fees.

What types of sporting equipment are allowed for free, and which ones do I have to pay for?

Southwest Airlines and Volaris will conditionally check standard sports equipment. Regular baggage fees apply to equipment checked on Volaris. Southwest will assess a fee of $50.00 each way to: 

• Wind surfing/sail boards
• Vaulting poles
• Nonmotorized bicycles
• Life rafts

*Weight and size limits may apply to sporting equipment.

What types of checked items are prohibited on Southwest and on Volaris?

TSA prohibits the following items in carry-on luggage, but allows them in checked baggage:

• Sharp objects
• Sporting goods
  • Baseball or cricket bats
  • Bows and arrows
  • Golf clubs
  • Hockey and lacrosse sticks
  • Pool cues
  • Ski poles
  • Spear guns
• Firearms
• Tools (screwdrivers, wrenches and pliers less than sevn inches long may be carried on)
• Martial arts and defensive weapons

TSA prohibits the following items in both checked and carry-on luggage: 

• Flammable or combustible materials
• Disabling chemicals and other dangerous items

For a detailed list, please visit the TSA web site.

Are firearms allowed in checked baggage?

No. firearms are not permitted in checked baggage on Southwest/Volaris international itineraries.

What are the policies for cabin/hand-carried baggage?

Southwest and Volaris have the same policies/procedures regarding cabin/hand-carried baggage.

Carryon items are limited to one bag plus one smaller, personal-type item per fare-paying Customer.  Personal-type items include purses, briefcases, cameras, food containers, or laptops (case included).  Carryon bag dimensions are limited to 10 x 16 x 24 inches.

What are the policies on duty-free items?

Per current TSA requirements, liquids [such as perfumes, cologne, cosmetics, and wine and liquor] can only be transported in checked baggage. Upon clearing U.S. Customs at the first point of entry, Passengers flying from Mexico into the United States must place all liquid items into their checked baggage before these bags are presented to Southwest Airlines for the remainder of their journey. If Passengers keep these items in their cabin/hand-carried baggage, the TSA may not allow them to clear the Security Check Point.