Packing your luggage for your Southwest flight and wondering: How big can your bag be? Can you bring a backpack too? Do you have to pay for your carry-on?
Relax; with Southwest Airlines, the basic rule is easy to remember: you can bring one carry-on bag as well as one personal item on your flight. The carry-on goes in the overhead bin, while the personal item must fit underneath the seat in front of you.
The Southwest Airlines Carry-on baggage size limit is 24 × 16 × 10 inches, including wheels, handles, and other attachments. Knowing these limits before you leave home can help you avoid a last-minute bag check at the airport.
Southwest Airlines Carry-On Baggage Allowance: Size and Weight
Your carry-on bag should fit within the airline’s maximum dimensions and must be suitable for placement in the overhead bin. If your bag meets the size requirements but is too heavy for you to safely place overhead, you may need to make other arrangements.
The exact size and the weight limits are mentioned in the table below:-
| Carry-On Rule | Details |
| Maximum size | 24 inches × 16 inches × 10 inches |
| Includes | Wheels, handles, and attachments |
| Where it goes | Overhead bin |
| Southwest Airlines Baggage Allowance | 1 carry-on bag |
| Weight limit | No official weight limit |
| Examples | Roller bag or small suitcase |
What is Southwest Airlines Carry-On Baggage Cost?
One standard carry-on bag is included free with your ticket. You can also bring one personal item without paying an additional carry-on fee.
That means your basic onboard allowance is:-
- 1 carry-on bag for the overhead bin
- 1 personal item to place under the seat
Your personal item can be a purse, crossbody bag, briefcase, laptop case, small backpack, or similar item that fits completely under the seat.
Southwest Airlines Carry-On Rules to Remember!
The Southwest Airlines Carry-On Baggage allowance comes with a few simple rules that are worth checking before your trip.
- Carry-on allowance:- You can bring one carry-on bag and one personal item onboard.
- Carry-on size:- The carry-on must be no larger than 24 × 16 × 10 inches, including wheels, handles, and other attachments.
- Carry-on placement:- Your carry-on bag goes in the overhead bin.
- Personal item:- It must fit completely under the seat in front of you.
- Personal item examples:- A purse or crossbody bag, briefcase, laptop case, small backpack, pillow, blanket, or small camera can be used as a personal item.
- Neck pillows:- Neck pillows do not count toward the carry-on limit.
- Measure your bag:- Check the bag from its outermost points and include wheels, handles, side attachments, and extending pockets when measuring.
- Oversized bags:- If your bag is too large to carry on, check it at the ticket counter before going to the departure gate.
- Extra bags:- If you have more than one carry-on or personal item, you may need to check the additional item.
- Traveling with a pet:- A pet carrier counts as either your carry-on bag or your personal item.
- Prohibited items:- Check the TSA’s list of prohibited carry-on items before packing.
- Partner airlines:- If your trip includes a partner airline, check its baggage rules because its carry-on and personal item requirements may differ.
- Items left onboard:- If you realize you left something on the aircraft after landing, contact the airline as soon as possible so the crew or airline staff can help with its return.
Wrap Up!
All in all, the Southwest Airlines Carry-On Baggage rules are fairly straightforward.
The standard carry-on and personal item are included at no additional cost, but your bags still need to meet the size and placement requirements. Taking a few minutes to measure everything before leaving home can save you from repacking or checking a bag at the airport.
People May Also Ask
Yes. You may bring one carry-on bag for the overhead bin and one personal item. A backpack can qualify as the personal item as long as it fits completely under the seat in front of you.
The maximum carry-on dimensions are 24 × 16 × 10 inches, including wheels, handles, and attachments.
Yes. One standard carry-on bag is included free with your ticket, along with one personal item, as long as both meet the applicable requirements.
You cannot carry items prohibited by airport security onboard. Because restrictions can vary by item, passengers should check the TSA’s current list of prohibited carry-on items before packing.