Carryon Baggage Travel Tips for All Southwest Airlines Customers

Effective September 26, 2006, the TSA is adjusting the ban on liquids, aerosols and gels.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is currently limiting liquids, gels, and/or aerosols in carryon baggage. These items include beverages, shampoo, suntan lotion, creams, toothpaste, hair gel, hair spray, and other items of similar consistency.

Customers are presently allowed to bring with them one clear, transparent, resealable, 1 quart (1 liter) size, plastic bag containing liquids, gels, and/or aerosols in containers of 3 oz. (90ml) capacity or less per container. (Most "travel size" items found in grocery and convenience stores are 3 oz. or less.) The contents of the plastic bag must fit comfortably within and be completely closed/sealed. These items will be subjected to x-ray inspection separate from the Customer’s carryon bag.

Additionally, Customers may have the following items, but must declare them to TSA at the security checkpoint if not contained in a clear, transparent, resealable, 1 quart (1 liter) size, plastic bag and/or are over 3 oz. (90ml):

• Baby formula/milk (to include breast milk) and baby food in containers if a baby or small child is traveling
• Medications (liquid, gel, and aerosol)
• Liquids (to include juice) or gels for diabetic or other medical needs

Electronic items (including notebook computers, MP3 players, PDAs, etc.), and solid cosmetics as well as personal hygiene items (such as lipstick, solid deodorant, lip balm and items of similar consistency) continued to be allowed through the security checkpoint. All Customers may be subjected to secondary screening if they enter the checkpoint with liquids, gels, and/or aerosols on their person or in their carryon bag.

Customers are permitted to take onboard the aircraft liquids, gels, and/or aerosols purchased beyond the security checkpoint.

We encourage you to visit the TSA’s web site for additional information about carryon articles.

Please check our suggested airport arrival times to see how far in advance we recommend that you arrive at the airport terminal before your flight’s scheduled departure. (The suggested arrival times are approximate and may vary during busy travel periods.) You may also visit Flight Status Information, and we also invite you to sign up for our convenient Flight Status Messaging to receive the latest information on your flight via e-mail, cell phone, or pager. Customers may contact Reservations (1-800-435-9792) for additional assistance.