Southwest Airlines Offers Summer Travel Tips

Hot Day? Chill out! We've got you covered. Southwest Airlines has the coolest summer travel tips that will help you get on your way to those relaxing summer vacation spots. Traveling with the family can be stressful, and Southwest Airlines wants to help its Customers handle the busy travel season like a pro. Southwest Airlines' baggage policy allows Customers to check up to three bags (under 50 pounds each) absolutely free of charge. Southwest, knowing plans can change in the blink of an eye, also allows Customers to make changes to their itineraries without a change fee.

And if you haven't planned your vacation just yet, there's still time. Log on to www.southwest.com, where you can make reservations for flights, hotels, and rental cars. Southwest can get you where you wanna go, no sweat!

Travel tips to help you keep your cool this summer:

Early arrival is the key to survival.

You will enjoy a smoother travel experience if you get to the airport at least an hour ahead of your scheduled departure time. Check Southwest's web site, southwest.com, for updated travel information and suggested airport arrival times during peak travel periods. This summer will be a busy one, so allow plenty of time for parking and flight checkin.

The Internet is your friend.

southwest.com offers many features to help make traveling easier. You can check in online and print out boarding passes up to 24 hours before your flight. Many people set alarms to remind them to go online and check in early. Impress your friends by having that sound you hear on our commercials and download DING!, a desktop application that alerts subscribers of fare sales that are only available for a few hours at a time.

The 411 on the 3-1-1.The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is currently limiting liquids, gels, and/or aerosols in carryon baggage. Customers are presently allowed to bring with them one clear, transparent, resealable, one quart (1 liter) size, plastic bag containing liquids, gels, and/or aerosols in containers of three ounces (90ml) capacity or less per container. (Most "travel size" items found in grocery and convenience stores are 3 ounces or less.) The contents of the plastic bag must fit comfortably within and be completely closed/sealed.

Chilling at the gate.

While maybe not as fun as chilling at the beach, if children older than age five and under age 12 are traveling alone, parents must arrive at the gate an hour before departure to check their child in; and parents should not leave until their child's plane has taken off. Also, make sure to bring plenty of books, games, and snacks to keep children entertained during the flight.

"You have to wait 30 minutes after eating before you can go flying."

Just kidding. But now that we have your attention, it's a good idea to pick up your favorite meal before jumping on a Southwest flight. The carrier offers complimentary soft drinks, juices, and light snacks on all flights; however, Southwest does not serve inflight meals.

Remember the person behind you would like to use the bin, too.

As you are cramming your shopping bag, suit coat, straw hats, and newly purchased plastic flamingo into the overhead bin, remember to leave some space for other Customers. Customers are permitted to carry one bag, plus one smaller, personal item onboard. All carryon baggage must fit in a sizing box (16"x 10"x 24") and must be stowed in overhead bins or below the seat in front of the Customer. We suggest Customers only pack valuables, medications, eyeglasses, and other essential items in carryon luggage. Your fellow travelers will think you.

What are those Flight Attendants talking about?

You will learn many important tips in our preflight safety announcement. In all seriousness (yes, we can be serious), safety comes first at Southwest Airlines. Be sure to take a moment to familiarize yourself with all emergency procedures.


Something to pop a wheelie about!

Southwest Airlines will now check your bicycle for free. That's right…as long as the bicycle is packed in a hard-sided bicycle case and falls within the dimensions and weight limits for normal checked baggage, we will accept it as one of the three free pieces of checked luggage Southwest allows for each Customer.