How Strict Is Swoop With Personal Item Size?
Every airline has conditions for travel that set it apart from the competition, and the low-cost Canadian airline Swoop is no different.
Carry-on and personal item restrictions vary between airlines and require you to get out a tape measure to ensure your bag is the correct size before packing for your trip.
In the case of Swoop, personal items are limited to 16″ x 6″ x 13″ or 41 cm x 15 cm x 33 cm and should fit under the seat in front of you. Swoop allows passengers to carry one personal item such as purses, laptop bags, tote bags, small backpacks, and briefcases at no extra charge.
Additional carry-on bags are subject to extra fees.
Swoop’s Carry-On Restrictions
Swoop allows passengers to bring one carry-on for an additional charge.
The bag shouldn’t exceed 21” x 9” x 15” (52 cm x 23 cm x 38 cm) and must fit in the overhead compartment.
If your bag is larger than the posted measurements, you will have to check it in (also for a fee).
Swoop allows the following items in the cabin at all times due to their unique functions:
- Assistive devices (including crutches, wheelchairs, and walkers)
- Containers with life-sustaining items
- Lithium-ion batteries used in collapsible mobility aids (CMAs)
- Medicine in its original packaging
- Battery-powered portable medical electronic devices (including BPAPs, CPAPs, and wearable air purifiers).
Luggage that exceeds the carry-on limits must be checked in and follow Swoop’s checked baggage policies.
Swoop’s Carry-On Fees
The following are Swoop’s baggage fees for carry-on luggage, applicable to both domestic and international flights:
Online
- Short Distance – less than 622 miles (1000 km): $36.75
- Medium Distance – 622-1864 miles (1000-3000 km): $40-$46
- Long Distance – over 1864 miles (3000 km): $50-$56.50
At Online Check-In
- Short Distance – less than 622 miles (1000 km): $47.25
- Medium Distance – 622-1864 miles (1000-3000 km): $50-$57.50
- Long Distance – over 1864 miles (3000 km): $60-$67.80
At the Airport
- Short Distance – less than 622 miles (1000 km): $57.75
- Medium Distance – 622-1864 miles (1000-3000 km): – $60-$69
- Long Distance – over 1864 miles (3000 km): $70-$79.10
Please note that prices are posted in Canadian Dollars (CAD) and will be converted to USD if traveling from the US.
The costs vary depending on the time of year, the destination, and applicable taxes and baggage fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Also, the closer your departure date, the higher the fee.
The best prices are available as soon as you book your flight. Generally speaking, Swoop adds $10 when you check in online and $20 if you add luggage at the airport (you can see this difference in the pricing above).
Prices also increase by $2 during peak seasons, which run from June 28 to September 6, 2022, and from December 12, 2022, to January 8, 2023.
Does Swoop Allow Baby Equipment?
Yes. Swoop allows one diaper bag per infant as part of your carry-on.
Baggage fees don’t apply to diaper bags, but you should ensure that they only contain baby essentials.
Similar to other personal items, your baby’s diaper bag must fit under the seat in front of you.
Swoop also allows you to check a child’s car seat at no extra charge.
Strollers, child restraint systems, or playpens are subject to the baby equipment fees listed here:
Initial online booking
$22.05-$24.15
Manage my booking
$22.05-$24.15
Online check-in
$31.50-$34.50
Airport counter
$35.70-$39.10
At the gate
$40.95-$44.85
*Prices are in CAD and will be converted to USD when traveling from the US.
When checking any items, there is a weight limit of 50 lbs (23 kg) per article.
Does Swoop Allow Sports Equipment?
Yes, Swoop allows sports equipment, though some items are restricted.
Prohibited sports equipment includes:
- Javelin equipment
- Kayaks
- Paintball equipment
- Parachutes that contain a compressed or explosive type of activation device
- Self-balancing scooters (Hoverboards)
- Surfboards/Windsurfing boards
- Vaulting poles.
All permitted sports essentials are subject to specific restrictions and instructions.
1. Archery Equipment
A set of archery equipment includes a bow/crossbow, a quiver of arrows, and a maintenance kit.
Swoop advises passengers to pack the bow/crossbows and arrows in a hard-shell case designed to ship archery equipment, and the set is subject to overweight and oversized fees.
2. Bicycles
All bicycles should be packed flat in a bicycle bag or box.
Make sure to deflate the tires and take out the pedals. Also, turn the handlebars until they align with the wheels and bike frame.
A set of bicycle equipment includes a bicycle and a helmet, and each passenger is allowed a maximum of one.
The bike’s length shouldn’t exceed 118 inches (300 cm) while in the bag or box; otherwise, it’s subject to overweight and oversized fees.
3. Fishing Equipment
Collapsible fishing rods are allowed as part of your carry-on. A set includes a fishing rod container and a tackle box.
If you’re checking your fishing rod, pack it in a hard-shell case/container.
Most containers are spacious, so if you have extra rods, make use of the space by packing them in the same case.
A set of fishing equipment is subject to overweight fees, but oversized fees are waived.
4. Golf Equipment
Pack all golf equipment in a container designed for shipping or in a golf bag with an attached rain hood/cover.
If you’re using a golf bag, secure the tripod legs to the bag.
A set of golf equipment includes golf balls, golf clubs, and golf shoes.
Golf equipment is subject to overweight fees, and oversized fees are waived.
5. Skateboards, Longboards, and Fold-Up Scooters (Non-Motorized)
Skateboards are allowed in the cabin, but you must check longboards.
If you’re checking in your skateboard, longboard, or scooter, pack it in a way that prevents damage.
A set includes a skateboard, longboard, or scooter and a helmet and is subject to overweight and oversized fees.
Check out this document if you’re concerned about whether your preferred sport’s equipment is allowed.
Swoop’s Checked Luggage Restrictions
If your luggage exceeds the set carry-on restrictions, your best bet is to check it in.
Swoop allows you to carry up to four bags as part of your checked luggage, but each bag should adhere to the following restrictions;
- It must not exceed 50 lbs (23 kg)
- It must not exceed 62 in (157 cm) in total combined dimension (length + width + height)
The following prices apply to checked luggage.
Short Distance Flights (less than 622 miles/1000 km):
Online
First Bag – $36.75
Second bag – $57.75
Third bag – $89.25
Fourth bag – $89.25
Check-In
First Bag – $47.25
Second bag – $68.25
Third bag – $99.75
Fourth bag – $99.75
At the Airport
First Bag – $57.75
Second bag – $78.75
Third bag – $110.25
Fourth bag – $110.25
Medium Distance Flights (622-1864 miles/1000-3000 km)
Online
First Bag – $40-$46
Second bag – $60-$69
Third bag – $90-$103.50
Fourth bag – $90-$103.50
Check-In
First Bag – $50-$57.50
Second bag – $70-$80.50
Third bag – $100-$115.00
Fourth bag – $100-$115.00
At the Airport
First Bag – $60-$69
Second bag – $80-$92
Third bag – $110-$126.50
Fourth bag – $110-$126.50
Long-Distance Flights (over 1864 miles/3000 km)
Online
First Bag – $50-$56.50
Second bag – $70-$79.10
Third bag – $100-$113
Fourth bag – $100-$113
Check-In
First Bag – $60-$67.80
Second bag – $80-$90.40
Third bag – $110-$124.30
Fourth bag – $110-$124.30
At the Airport
First Bag – $70-$79.10
Second bag – $90-$101.70
Third bag – $120-$135.60
Fourth bag – $120-$135.60
*Prices are in CAD and will be displayed in USD if traveling from the US.
Similar to carry-on fees, Swoop adds an extra $10 at check-in and an additional $20 at the airport.
Prices vary depending on the season and increase by $2 from June 28, 2022, to September 6, 2022, and from December 12, 2022, to January 8, 2023.
What Happens if My Bag Is Overweight/Oversized?
You must pay overweight/oversized fees if your bag is too big.
Swoop describes an overweight bag as one that exceeds 50 lbs (23 kg).
An extra fee of $105.00-$115.00 per bag applies if your item weighs between 51 to 100 lbs (24 to 45 kg).
Bags exceeding 100 lbs (45 kg) are not allowed.
Swoop describes an oversized bag as one that exceeds 62 linear inches (157 cm).
An extra fee of $105.00-$115.00 per bag applies if your item is between 63 to 80 linear inches (158 to 203 cm).
Bags exceeding 80 linear inches (203 cm) are not allowed.
Overweight/oversized fees apply to both domestic and international flights.
Conclusion
It’s important to familiarize yourself with the luggage restrictions of the airline you’re traveling with.
If you’re flying with Swoop, check out the official website for their current baggage policies and prices.
It’s usually better to check out the guidelines before packing your bag so you don’t find yourself in an awkward (or expensive) situation at the airport.
