Student hilariously exploits airline’s baggage loophole by checking in pool noodle
A US-based college student has gone viral after she checked in a pool noodle on a Southwest Airlines flight to Tampa.
Sydney Fowls posted a series of TikTok videos explaining how she took advantage of the airline’s two bags fly free policy to win a $20 bet.
The student’s antics were picked up by Southwest staff who got in on the joke and reposted Fowls’ TikTok on its Twitter account.
Enjoy those 20 bucks, Sydney. #PoolNoodlesFlyFree (2/2) pic.twitter.com/gjyGu1gFY4
— Southwest Airlines (@SouthwestAir) May 30, 2021
In a separate TikTok video, Fowls outlined the reasons why she chose to pull the stunt.
“It was a $20 bet!! As a broke college student who is an education major… I just couldn’t resist,” she said.
“I did not have to pay to bring my noodle,” she said as reason number two, alongside a screenshot of Southwest’s website outlining its two bags fly free policy.
“two bags fly free! (My noodle was considered my second bag).
“I am aware that I can buy a pool noodle in Florida … but dang they are expensive!”
The last reason was accompanied by a photo of pool noodles for sale, presumably in Florida with a whopping price tag of $228!!!
We are not sure what they are putting in their pool noodles in Florida, but here you can pick one up from Bunnings for $1.98.
Granted, to send it to her would cost us about $21 via Auspost, but that is still significantly less than $228.
I mean…there's nothing in the rules that says you CAN'T check a pool noodle! I would be cracking up 😀 -Allison
— Southwest Airlines (@SouthwestAir) May 30, 2021
According to the education student, she was flying from Ohio to Tampa when she pulled the stunt, which continued on her return flight.
“Southwest came together and planned some really cool things for my trip home!” she said.
“In Tampa, they decorated and gave me a ‘southwest pool noodle’.
“I got a warm welcome home in Columbus. The amazing Southwest employees filled the baggage claim with pool noodles and beach balls to show their appreciation for my video.”
Fowls captured footage of ground crew waving pool noodles at her flight as she landed and confirmed her pool noodle made it home safely.
Featured image source: TikTok/sydneyfowls05
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
baggage check in check in luggage pool noodle southwest airlines Sydney Fowls TikTokLatest News
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