2014General Discussion forum
Southwest Airlines media baggage rates and requirements for production professionals
12 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
What the thread found
- Southwest offers reduced baggage fees for media professionals but requires valid media credentials such as an official badge or ID card to qualify
- Media professionals with proper credentials can exceed the standard 50-pound weight limit and 2 free baggage allowance, though additional bags beyond the free ones still cost $75 each
- Some Southwest agents are unfamiliar with media rate policies, so carrying a printed copy of the airline's policy or an official media badge can prevent delays and disputes
- Equipment requiring special handling like lithium batteries may allow early boarding if you ask the gate agent respectfully, even with a lower boarding group assignment
- Business cards alone are often insufficient proof of media status; official ID, badges, or production letters are more consistently accepted by gate agents
Depends on
- Requirements and acceptance of credentials vary by individual agent, with inconsistent application of the media rate policy
- The $75 fee for baggage beyond the two free allowance still applies regardless of media status
- Experience described is specific to 2014 and may not reflect current Southwest policies
- One person reported success with just a payment and letter from production without formal media credentials, suggesting practices may vary