PoleVaultPower.com

As an FYI, I shipped my poles on 1/1/08 on SWA, there was a bit of a hassle as the new size guides they received for 2008 max out at 5"x5"x174" which would mean they would not accept a tube over 14 feet 5 inches which was a bit of a problem for me since my tube is 15 feet 6 inches. In any case there has been no plane configuration changes and the longer tubes will fit. they took my word that I had shipped with them several times before with no issues, which is true.

They took the poles under a contingency that I pick them back up if they didn't fit, last I checked my poles were currently on flight 891 headed for LA for a breif visit before they make their way to Reno.

The bottom line is to give you a heads-up that you MAY encounter some problems with SWA. Be prepared, they fly 737-400's I believe, know the dimensions of the hold in case they try to deny transport of your poles.


Safe travels!

That's interesting that it's potentially harder to ship them than to check them as baggage. I checked in a 16' tube with no problems about a half hour ago. Hopefully it makes it in one piece

I just put mine through TSA as checked luggage on Southwest. My bag, however, is only a little over 13'. They only charged me $50! No complaints. They actually all seemed to be bemused by the checked baggage, and had a sense of humor about it.

most southwest planes are 737-700 or 737-500 no problems from okc ok to reno just the $50.00 charge both ways i shipped a 17 foot pole tube

I also travelled with a 17' pole tube with no problems. I think it is due to the multiple SWA baggage tags already on it. We used to get hassled all the time, but they see the tag and just tape over it without questions now.

ec1vaulter wrote:I think it is due to the multiple SWA baggage tags already on it. We used to get hassled all the time, but they see the tag and just tape over it without questions now.

Anyone willing to sell some old tags so we can have the same good fortune?