Southwest Airlines Bag Policy 2017

Let’s be real: packing for a flight is basically a high-stakes game of Tetris, except the losing condition involves paying through the nose. But back in 2017, Southwest Airlines was the cool, laid-back friend who brought snacks to the party—and their bag policy was the main reason why. Grab a coffee, and let’s stroll down memory lane.

First, the glorious headline: Southwest let you check two bags for free. Yes, free. No hidden fees, no awkward shuffling at the counter. You could’ve brought a second suitcase full of souvenir snow globes from your aunt’s trip to Arizona, and they’d just nod and smile. Meanwhile, other airlines were charging for cabin space. Southwest was like, “Here, take an extra duffel bag. We’ll toss it in the hold. No biggie.” It felt almost rebellious, like getting away with something.

But wait—there’s more. Your carry-on? Still free. That oversized purse you swear is a “personal item”? Also free, as long as it fits under the seat (and let’s be honest, it probably doesn’t, but we love the spirit). The only real rule? Weight limits. Each checked bag had to be under 50 pounds. If you snuck in a 51-pound brick of cheese, you’d pay a $75 overweight fee—which, let’s face it, is still cheaper than therapy for the guilt of leaving that cheese behind.

So, what’s the takeaway? In 2017, Southwest wasn’t just an airline; it was a vibe. A reminder that travel can be easy, forgiving, and maybe even a little fun. Next time you’re tossing a questionable amount of sweaters into a suitcase, remember: you don’t need to squeeze your life into a $35 carry-on. Pack like it’s 2017. Pack like you have friends in cargo. And smile—because even if your bag weighs 49.9 pounds, you’ve already won.