Question 1

What is a baggage embargo for checked bags?

Accepted Answer

A baggage embargo is a restriction that may apply to oversized, overweight, and extra checked bags for select international destinations. Some destinations have year-round restrictions and others have restrictions during summer and holiday travel periods. During an embargo, we will not accept any checked items outside the limit(s) described below. Our standard carryon policy applies during a baggage embargo.

Question 2

Why does Southwest have baggage embargos?

Accepted Answer

During busy travel seasons, we must take proactive steps to ensure that we have adequate space for each Customer to check up to two standard-sized bags. As such, we implement a temporary embargo each year for Customers traveling to specific locations.

Question 3

What is the baggage embargo for traveling to Cuba?

Accepted Answer

Cuba (HAV) has a year-round baggage embargo. Customers may not check more than two bags, oversized bags (over 62 linear inches), or overweight bags (more than 50 pounds). Boxes of any size are not accepted with the exception of televisions and air conditioning units contained in their original packaging. Television and air conditioning unit packaging must not exceed 62 inches in size (length + width + height).

Assistive devices transported by Customers with disabilities are exempt from the embargo. Customers traveling with children may check one stroller and one Child Restraint System (CRS) per child in addition to the regular free baggage allowance.

Question 4

What is the baggage embargo for traveling to Bahamas, Belize, Jamaica, and San Jose, Costa Rica?

Accepted Answer

Bahamas (NAS), Belize (BZE), Jamaica (MBJ), and San Jose, Costa Rica (SJO) have a temporary baggage embargo between November 15 and January 15. Jamaica (MBJ) also has an embargo between August 15 and September 15.

Assistive devices transported by Customers with disabilities are exempt from the embargo. Customers traveling with children may check one stroller and one Child Restraint System (CRS) per child in addition to the regular free baggage allowance.

	NAS	BZE	MBJ	SJO
Checked item limit	2	2	2	2
Over 62 inches (length+width+height)	NO	NO	NO	NO
Weighing up to 100 pounds	YES*	YES*	YES*	YES*
Boxes, storage containers, ice chests	NO	NO	NO	NO

*Overweight fee applies to checked baggage weighing more than 50 pounds