• Southwest doesn't charge fees for up to two pieces of checked luggage.Suitcase image by Petro Feketa from Fotolia.com
  
  Most airlines are charging luggage fees ranging from $15 to $25 each way for the first bag, and $20 to $35 for the second. However, Southwest is one of the few airlines that does not charge fees for checked luggage. Consumer-friendly policies like these have consistently made Southwest one of the highest-ranked carriers by travelers, according to an analysis of Transportation Department complaints and consumer surveys such as Zagat's and J.D. Power and Associates.
  
  

Carry-On Bags

• The Transportation Security Administration dictates that passengers on Southwest and all other airlines are limited to one carry-on bag and one small personal item. The bag must not be more than 10 inches by 16 inches by 24 inches. The carry-on bag can consist of purses, briefcases, cameras, food containers or laptops (case included). Physically challenged passengers who require mobility devices can bring an unlimited amount of these items on the plane, in addition to their personal carry-on item.
  
  

Children and Luggage

• Passengers traveling with children are also allowed to bring a child-restraint device, such as a stroller or a car seat, in addition to the carry-on bag. Any type of stroller or car seat is acceptable to bring on board, but may also be checked curbside, at ticket counters or at the boarding gates.
  
  

Traveling with Pets

• Pets may be brought into the airplane cabin as long as they are nonaggressive, vaccinated and traveling in an approved leak-proof carrier. These carriers may be soft- or hard-sided and must fit underneath the passenger seat in front of you. The fee for pet luggage is $75 each way and is nonrefundable. All pets must have a reserved ticket; Southwest will only carry up to five in-cabin pets per flight.
  
  

Checked Luggage Fees

• Passengers may check two pieces of luggage without an additional charge. If a passenger wants to check more than two pieces of luggage, she may check up to nine pieces for $50 each. Additional luggage will be charged $110 per item (as of November 2010).
  
  

Checked Luggage Size Requirements

• Luggage cannot weigh more than 50 pounds or exceed 62 total inches (length plus width plus height). Oversized checked luggage weighing between 50 and 100 pounds and sized between 62 and 80 inches, including sporting goods equipment, will be charged a flat fee of $50 per item (as of November 2010). Any luggage items exceeding these weights and dimensions must be shipped as Air Cargo with Southwest Airlines.
  
  

Traveling with Alcohol

• Acceptable items included in a passenger's checked luggage may include alcohol as long as it's unopened and in a secured, leak-proof package with professional-grade protective cushioning. Passengers can purchase packaging materials for alcohol at any Southwest ticket counters for $5 each (as of November 2010). All shipped alcohol is subject to additional screening by TSA personnel.