Southwest Airlines is one of the most popular and budget-friendly airlines in the United States. However, like most airlines, Southwest also has certain restrictions when it comes to baggage. One type of restriction is its enforcement of baggage embargoes to certain destinations.
This policy can be confusing for many travelers, and in this blog post, we will explain everything you need to know about Southwest’s baggage embargo. We will discuss what baggage embargoes are and why Southwest implements them. We will then cover which Southwest destinations are subject to baggage embargoes and what checked baggage restrictions apply.
What Is a Baggage Embargo?
A baggage embargo is a restriction imposed by airlines on luggage to specific destinations. They limit how much checked baggage you can bring with you on your trip. Also, there may be restrictions on oversize or overweight bags. Airlines often prohibit boxes as well.
Baggage embargoes do not apply to mobility equipment or assistive devices. You can check these items without restriction. They do not count as part of your baggage allowance.
Some baggage embargoes are in effect all year, while others apply to specific dates – usually during holiday periods.
Southwest Airlines applies baggage embargoes on its busiest routes to ensure that all passengers can travel with at least a minimum amount of checked baggage (usually 2 bags).
Hot Tip: It’s important to review your Southwest Airlines preflight email carefully. Occasionally, airlines can introduce baggage embargoes with little notice. You don’t want to turn up at the airport to discover that you can’t check in all your bags.
Destinations Affected by a Baggage Embargo
Southwest Airlines imposes baggage embargoes on select international routes. Baggage limits currently apply to the following destinations:
- Belize City, Belize (BZE)
- Havana, Cuba (HAV)
- Montego Bay, Jamaica (MBJ)
- Nassau, Bahamas (NAS)
- San José, Costa Rica (SJO)
The following table provides a snapshot of Southwest Airlines’ embargo periods:
| Destination | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Belize City, Belize (BZE) | ● | ● | ● | |||||||||
| Havana, Cuba (HAV) | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● |
| Montego Bay, Jamaica (MBJ) | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | |||||||
| Nassau, Bahamas (NAS) | ● | ● | ● | |||||||||
| San José, Costa Rica (SJO) | ● | ● | ● |
● = baggage embargo
Baggage embargoes apply flying to, from, and through a destination.
Let’s go through each of these destinations in detail.
Baggage Embargo for Belize City, Belize (BZE)
Baggage Embargo Dates
A baggage embargo is in effect for Belize City, Belize, from November 15 to January 15.
All Southwest flights to or from Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport (BZE) are subject to a baggage embargo.
Checked Baggage Restrictions for Belize City, Belize
Maximum Number of Checked Bags
You can check in up to 2 bags. Southwest does not allow extra bags on this route.
Checked Bag Size Limit
Each bag can be up to 62 linear inches (157 centimeters) in size.
Southwest won’t allow you to check in bags larger than 62 linear inches.
Checked Bag Weight Limit
A standard checked bag’s weight allowance is 50 pounds (23 kilograms). You can check in overweight bags. Bags heavier than 50 pounds (23 kilograms) but no greater than 100 pounds (45 kilograms) are accepted.
Overweight bags are subject to a $75 overweight bag fee.
Boxes as Checked Luggage
Southwest won’t accept boxes as checked baggage during embargo periods.
Baggage Embargo for Havana, Cuba (HAV)
Baggage Embargo Dates
A permanent baggage embargo is in effect for Havana, Cuba, year-round.
Affected Airport
All Southwest flights to or from José Martí International Airport (HAV) are subject to a baggage embargo.
Checked Baggage Restrictions for Havana, Cuba
Maximum Number of Checked Bags
Southwest permits up to 2 bags for checked in. The airline strictly enforces this restriction on routes to Cuba.
Checked Bag Size Limit
Each of your checked bags can be no larger than 62 linear inches (157 centimeters). Southwest doesn’t accept oversize bags to or from Havana, Cuba.
Checked Bag Weight Limit
Your checked bags can weigh up to 50 pounds (23 kilograms). Southwest won’t accept overweight bags.
Boxes as Checked Luggage
Southwest Airlines won’t accept boxes as checked baggage.
Baggage Embargo for Montego Bay, Jamaica (MBJ)
Baggage Embargo Dates
Montego Bay, Jamaica has a baggage embargo in effect during two travel periods:
- August 15 to September 15
- November 15 to January 15
Affected Airport
All Southwest flights to or from Sangster International Airport (MBJ) are subject to a baggage embargo.
Checked Baggage Restrictions for Montego Bay, Jamaica
Maximum Number of Checked Bags
Southwest allows up to 2 checked bags.
Checked Bag Size Limit
Each of your checked bags can be up to 62 linear inches (157 centimeters) in size. Southwest will not accept oversize checked bags.
Checked Bag Weight Limit
Each of your bags can weigh up to 50 pounds (23 kilograms). Southwest allows overweight bags on this route. You can check in overweight bags, weighing up to 100 pounds (45 kilograms). Southwest will charge a $75 fee for your overweight bag.
Boxes as Checked Luggage
Southwest Airlines doesn’t accept boxes as checked baggage during embargo periods.
Baggage Embargo for Nassau, Bahamas (NAS)
Baggage Embargo Dates
A baggage embargo is in effect for Nassau, Bahamas, from November 15 to January 15.
Affected Airport
All Southwest flights to or from Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS) are subject to a baggage embargo.
Checked Baggage Restrictions for Nassau, Bahamas
Maximum Number of Checked Bags
Southwest accepts up to 2 checked bags.
Checked Bag Size Limit
Your bags can be up to 62 linear inches (157 centimeters) in size. Southwest won’t allow oversize bags.
Checked Bag Weight Limit
Your bags can weigh up to 50 pounds (23 kilograms). Also, you can check in overweight bags. A checked bag can weigh up to 100 pounds (45 kilograms). Southwest will charge you a $75 overweight bag fee.
Boxes as Checked Luggage
Southwest won’t accept boxes as part of your checked baggage when the baggage embargo is in effect.
Baggage Embargo for San Jose, Costa Rica (SJO)
Baggage Embargo Dates
A baggage embargo is in effect for San Jose, Costa Rica, from November 15 to January 15.
Affected Airport
All Southwest flights to or from Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) are subject to a baggage embargo.
Note: Southwest Airlines also flies to Liberia (Guanacaste) in Costa Rica. This destination isn’t impacted by a baggage embargo.
Checked Baggage Restrictions for San Jose, Costa Rica
Maximum Number of Checked Bags
Southwest Airlines allows up to 2 bags for check-in.
Checked Bag Size Limit
Each checked bag can be up to 62 linear inches (157 centimeters) in size. You cannot check in oversize bags.
Checked Bag Weight Limit
Each of your checked bags can weigh up to 50 pounds (23 kilograms). Southwest allows overweight bags to and from San Jose, Costa Rica. You can check bags weighing more than 50 pounds (23 kilograms), but not heavier than 100 pounds (45 kilograms). Southwest will charge you $75 for your overweight bag.
Boxes as Checked Luggage
Southwest Airlines doesn’t accept boxes as checked baggage.
Final Thoughts
Baggage embargoes can be an inconvenience if you travel with a lot of luggage. Arriving at the airport to discover that you can’t check in all your bags is not the best way to start a trip. If you do your research and ensure that you read your Southwest preflight email, you should be fine. You can use Southwest’s airport information tool which has important airport information, including baggage embargoes, for each destination.
Remember to always check Southwest Airlines’ website or contact their customer service for the latest information on baggage allowances and fees.
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