The baggage process at airports is the bane of every traveler’s life. But at least, for one Southwest Airlines customer, they were able to find the funny side after they had to purchase what is essentially the duffel bag of shame.
Utah-based TikToker Kennedy Hira’s (@kennedyhira9) video on the experience racked up 1.6 million views. With a soundtrack of Letherette’s “Whoop Baby,” Hira filmed her bright blue Southwest Airlines-emblazoned duffel bag on the luggage conveyor belt at the airport. She then picks it up and leaves with it.
On-screen text reads, “When your bag is over 50lbs so they humble you with THE Southwest duffle.”
“Actually embarrassing but I guess we’re building character,” she added in the video description.
As explained by Hira in the comments, the duffel bag, while embarrassing, is a good way to dodge the overweight bag fee. While Southwest baggage costs (which were recently updated) can vary, the TikToker notes that, for her situation, the cost of an overweight bag is $100.
By contrast, she claims that the duffel bag, which she presumably bought at the airport, costs just $25. Meanwhile, the price of a checked bag costs $35. This means that, in total, she’d save $40, which, arguably, is worth the slight humiliation.
BroBible reached out to Hira for comment via Instagram direct message.
How Did Commenters React?
One commenter was confused by the logic of this. “This makes sense. Instead of one bag at a particular weight, let’s give them another bag to take up space but the weight is the same,” they wrote.
Others could relate to the situation, with a second quipping that they are “happily living in the land of delulu only to be humbled by reality when you have to take ownership of the bag in blue.”
While a third agreed, “I never keep them because I feel like it’s a shame bag.”
A fourth commenter admitted that they come prepared for this scenario. “We call it our bag of shame, I literally PACK IT IN MY SUITCASE just incase my scale at home is off,” they said.
And a fifth shared: “I have like three of these for the same reason lol.”
Southwest Airlines didn’t immediately respond to BroBible’s request for comment via email.
@kennedyhira9 actually embarrassing but I guess we’re building character #travel #foryoupage #trending #southwest #fyp
What Happens When Your Bag Is 1 Pound Overweight?
While the duffel bag of shame is definitely a bit cringe-worthy, it’s a lot better than the alternative.
In a recent viral video, TikToker Amanda Gallant (@amanda_gallant) shared how she had what she saw as an “unnecessarily rude” encounter with airport staff.
When she was checking in her luggage, her bag measured in at 51.01 pounds. That made it just over a pound overweight. In turn, the airport worker presented her with a choice: take an item out or pay an extra $100. While she asked the worker whether they’d be willing to let it slide, they remained unmoved. The worker even told the TikToker that she “shouldn’t have bought all that stuff.”
The airline involved in this interaction was never specified.