Disclaimer: I’m just a dude that reads the fine print. I’ve not tried this before or done the research to see if someone out there has and written a blog post about it. So, if this interests you, call your local Southwest Rep. and verify.
Special Checked Luggage
I was perusing Southwest’s “special luggage” section, and noticed that if you have a ski/snowboard bag that zips into two separate pieces, it still only counts as one checked bag. From their site:
Snow ski equipment, including skis or snowboards, ski boots, and ski poles. Effective March 1, 2012: including one pair of skis or one snowboard, one set of poles, and one pair of ski/snowboard boots encased in a container(s) acceptable to Carrier. When substituting ski equipment for a free bag, Southwest Airlines allows up to two bags (containing one set of snow skis, ski poles, and ski boots) to count as one item, even if they are packed and tagged separately.
Note: Snow ski equipment will not be subject to excess size charges. However, excess weight charges may apply.
The way I read that is as long as the two pieces of luggage are still less than 50lb. each, it still only countins as 1 piece of checked luggage. Perfect for hauling all your swag back in the “second” piece of checked luggage that you’ll get at the #OmniGames.
Again, don’t trust me. Call to verify.
Two-Piece Snowboard Bag
Need an example of a bag that fits the above description magically? Here’s one, and I’m sure there are more:
Burton Wheelie Locker Snowboard Bag from REI.
Click for product on REI’s website.
