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Free Baggage Allowance: The most significant benefit of flying Southwest with your equipment is that it can count as one of your two free checked bags (for most fares and loyalty tiers). This means you can bring your gear without paying an extra baggage fee, as long as it meets the airline's specific bundling rules.
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Sharp Items: All sharp items, such as hooks, lures, and fishing knives, must be securely wrapped and packed in your checked tackle box. They are not permitted in your carry-on luggage.
Reels: You may pack your reels in your checked tackle box. For expensive or fragile reels, it is often a good idea to pack them in your carry-on for extra security.
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Pack Securely: Before you even leave for the airport, ensure your equipment is packed securely in a proper bag. Double-check the weight of both your rod container and your tackle box.
Arrive Early at the Airport: Plan to arrive at the airport at least two hours before your flight's scheduled departure time. This gives you ample time to check in your equipment, which may require you to go to a separate oversized baggage line, and proceed through security without feeling rushed.
Go to the Ticket Counter: Head directly to the Southwest Airlines ticket counter. Inform the agent that you are checking fishing equipment.
Present Your Equipment: Present your rod container and tackle box for inspection and weighing. The agent will confirm that they meet the weight and size limits and are properly packed.
Tag Your Items: The agent will place luggage tags on both your fishing rod container and your tackle box. Even though they are tagged separately, they will be coded as a single item for baggage purposes. They may also apply a limited release of liability tag if your bag is not a hard-sided case.
Proceed to the Oversized Baggage Drop: Because of its length, your fishing rod container will not be accepted on the standard baggage carousel. The agent will direct you to a special oversized baggage drop-off area where you will place your bags.
Consider Your Carry-On: If you have any expensive or fragile gear, such as reels or electronics, you can place them in your carry-on to ensure their safety.
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Q1: Do I have to pay to check my fishing equipment?
A1: Your fishing rod container and tackle box can count as one of your two free checked bags (for most fares and loyalty tiers). An overweight fee will apply if the bags exceed 50 pounds.
Q2: Can I put my fishing rods and my tackle box in separate bags?
A2: Yes, Southwest's policy allows you to pack your rods in a container and your tackle in a separate box, and they will still count as a single checked item.
Q3: Is there an oversized baggage fee for my fishing rod container?
A3: Southwest waives the oversized baggage fee for fishing rod containers as long as they are under 91 inches in length and three inches in diameter.
Q4: What if my fishing rod case is longer than 91 inches?
A4: If your fishing rod container is over 91 inches, it will be subject to an oversize fee.
Q5: Can I pack hooks in my carry-on bag?
A5: No, all sharp items like hooks, lures, and knives must be securely wrapped and packed in your checked baggage.
Q6: Can I check my fishing equipment at the self-service kiosk?
A6: While you can use a self-service kiosk to tag your other bags, you must check your oversized fishing equipment at the ticket counter with an agent.
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Q9: What is the check-in deadline for fishing equipment?
A9: The standard check-in deadlines apply, but due to the special procedures, it is highly recommended that you arrive at least two hours early.
Q10: Do I have to declare my fishing equipment at check-in?
A10: Yes, you should verbally declare that you are checking fishing equipment so that the agent can ensure all regulations are met and the items are handled properly.
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