Oh, the joys and sometimes mysteries of airline baggage policies! We've all been there, standing at the gate, wondering if our perfectly packed carry-on will pass the test. When it comes to Southwest Airlines, their policy is often considered one of the more straightforward, but it's still crucial to understand the specifics to ensure a smooth boarding process.
Let's dive into exactly how many carry-ons you can have at Southwest Airlines and what you need to know to be a carry-on pro!
Step 1: Engage Your Inner Packing Pro!
Before we even talk about numbers and dimensions, let's start with a mental exercise. Imagine you're about to board a Southwest flight. What's the absolute bare minimum you need to have with you in the cabin? Think about essentials like your wallet, phone, medications, travel documents, and maybe a book or tablet for entertainment. Got that picture in your head? Excellent! This is the core of what your "personal item" should be.
Now, think about what you'd prefer to have within easy reach during the flight, but could also survive without if it had to go in the overhead bin. This is your "carry-on bag." Keeping these two categories distinct in your mind is the first and most important step to mastering Southwest's carry-on policy.
Step 2: Unveiling the Southwest Carry-On Allowance
Southwest Airlines has a clear and consistent policy regarding carry-on items. They allow:
One (1) Carry-on Bag: This is the bag that will typically go in the overhead bin.
One (1) Personal Item: This smaller item is designed to fit under the seat in front of you.
That's it! One of each. No more, no less (unless it's a specific exempted item, which we'll cover later). This is a pretty standard allowance across many airlines, but it's the dimensions that truly matter.
Sub-heading: The Nitty-Gritty on Dimensions
This is where many travelers get tripped up. It's not just about what you bring, but how big it is. Southwest is generally quite accommodating, but their limits are firm.
Your Carry-on Bag:
Maximum dimensions: 24 inches (L) x 16 inches (W) x 10 inches (H).
Important Note: These dimensions include wheels, handles, and any external pockets. Don't measure just the main compartment; measure the entire bag from its furthest points. If your bag looks "just about right," it's always better to measure it with a tape measure or check the airline's sizing templates at the airport.
While Southwest doesn't typically have a weight limit for carry-on bags, you must be able to lift it into the overhead bin yourself. If you can't, it might need to be checked.
Your Personal Item:
Maximum dimensions: 18.5 inches (L) x 13.5 inches (W) x 8.5 inches (H).
This item must fit completely under the seat in front of you. Think about items like:
A purse or small handbag
A laptop bag or briefc
A small backpack
A camera bag
A diaper bag
Step 3: Understanding What Counts (And What Doesn't!)
It's not always just about your main carry-on and personal item. There are some additional items that you can bring on board that do not count towards your one carry-on and one personal item allowance. This is where Southwest offers a bit more flexibility!
Sub-heading: Items That Are Exempt from Your Allowance
You can typically bring the following items in addition to your carry-on and personal item:
Outerwear: A coat, jacket, or blanket.
Food for consumption during the flight: This should be in disposable packaging.
Assistive devices: This is a crucial one for many travelers. Items like wheelchairs, crutches, canes, walkers, and medical devices (e.g., CPAP machines, portable oxygen concentrators) can be brought on board without counting towards your limit.
Child restraint devices: If you have a ticketed child, their car seat or booster seat can be brought on board. If there's an available seat and it fits, it won't count.
Umbrella or walking cane.
Sub-heading: Special Considerations: Pets and Musical Instruments
Pets: If you're traveling with a small domesticated cat or dog in the cabin, their pet carrier will count as either your personal item or your carry-on bag. You cannot bring a pet carrier plus a carry-on and a personal item. There is also a fee for bringing a pet in the cabin.
Musical Instruments: Smaller musical instruments that fit within the carry-on dimensions can be brought as your carry-on bag. Larger instruments may require you to purchase an additional seat for them, provided they fit within the seat and can be properly secured.
Step 4: Measuring Your Bags - Don't Guess, Measure!
This step cannot be emphasized enough. Do not assume your bag meets the dimensions just because it looks small or is labeled "carry-on." Manufacturers often have slightly different interpretations of "carry-on size," and airline policies can vary.
Sub-heading: Tips for Accurate Measurement
Use a tape measure: The most reliable way to check.
Measure all extremities: Remember, wheels, handles (even when retracted), and external pockets count. Extend the handle fully and measure to the very top.
Don't overpack: An overstuffed bag can expand beyond its intended dimensions, especially in width or depth, making it difficult to fit in the sizer or overhead bin.
Utilize airport sizers: Most airports have metal sizing templates near the check-in counters and at the gate. If you're unsure, try fitting your bag in the sizer before you get to the boarding line. If it doesn't fit easily, you'll know you have an issue.
Step 5: What Happens If Your Carry-On is Too Big?
So, you've arrived at the airport, and your bag is just a little bit too big. What then?
Gate-Checking: If your carry-on exceeds the dimensions, or if the overhead bins are full, Southwest staff may require you to "gate-check" your bag. This means your bag will be tagged and loaded into the cargo hold, and you'll pick it up at baggage claim at your destination.
Good news: Unlike some other airlines, Southwest generally does not charge a fee for gate-checking a carry-on that is oversized or due to space limitations, as long as it's within the standard checked baggage size/weight limits.
Potential inconvenience: You won't have immediate access to your items during the flight, and you'll need to wait for it at baggage claim.
Checked Baggage Fees (If Applicable): While Southwest traditionally had a "Bags Fly Free" policy for checked bags (two free checked bags per customer), it's important to note that Southwest revised its checked baggage policy as of May 28, 2025. Now, for most passengers, fees apply for the first and second checked bags. If your carry-on is deemed too large and you've already utilized your two free checked bags (if you had them under the old policy, or depending on your fare type/status under the new policy), you could incur a checked baggage fee. Always check Southwest's "Optional Travel Charges" page for the most current information regarding checked bag fees.
Step 6: Smart Packing Strategies for Carry-On Success
To avoid any last-minute stress, adopt these smart packing habits:
Roll your clothes: This often saves space and minimizes wrinkles.
Use packing cubes: These can compress items and keep your bag organized, making it easier to fit everything.
Wear your heaviest items: If you have bulky shoes or a heavy jacket, consider wearing them on the plane rather than packing them.
Minimize liquids: Adhere to the TSA's 3-1-1 rule for liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes in your carry-on (containers must be 3.4 ounces or less, fit in one quart-sized bag, and one bag per passenger).
Prioritize essentials: Keep important documents, medications, valuables, and anything you absolutely can't lose in your personal item, which stays with you.
By following these steps, you'll be well-prepared to navigate Southwest Airlines' carry-on policy with confidence and enjoy a stress-free travel experience!
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to determine if my carry-on bag meets Southwest's size requirements?
You can determine if your carry-on bag meets Southwest's size requirements by measuring it precisely (including wheels and handles) to ensure it's no larger than 24" (L) x 16" (W) x 10" (H), or by testing it in the sizing bins located at the airport.
How to pack a personal item to maximize space under the seat?
To maximize space in your personal item, use soft-sided bags that can be easily squished, roll your clothes tightly, utilize small pouches for organization, and only pack absolute essentials that you need quick access to during the flight.
How to travel with medical devices on Southwest Airlines without them counting as a carry-on?
Medical devices such as CPAP machines, portable oxygen concentrators, wheelchairs, and crutches are exempt from carry-on limits on Southwest Airlines and can be brought on board in addition to your standard carry-on and personal item.
How to ensure my liquids comply with TSA rules for carry-on bags?
Ensure your liquids comply with TSA rules by packing them in containers of 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less, fitting all containers comfortably into one quart-sized, clear, zip-top bag, and limiting yourself to one such bag per passenger.
How to handle a carry-on bag that is slightly over the dimensions?
If your carry-on bag is slightly over the dimensions, you might be asked to gate-check it. Southwest generally does not charge a fee for gate-checking oversized carry-ons, but you will need to retrieve it at baggage claim. It's best to avoid this by measuring accurately beforehand.
How to travel with a pet on Southwest Airlines and how it affects my carry-on allowance?
When traveling with a pet on Southwest, your pet carrier will count as either your one carry-on bag or your one personal item. You cannot bring a pet carrier in addition to both a carry-on and a personal item, and a fee applies.
How to manage carry-on items if overhead bin space is full?
If overhead bin space is full, Southwest staff will typically offer to gate-check your carry-on bag for free. You will then collect it at baggage claim at your destination.
How to fit a backpack as a personal item on Southwest Airlines?
To fit a backpack as a personal item, ensure its dimensions (including any bulging from packing) do not exceed 18.5" (L) x 13.5" (W) x 8.5" (H), as it must fit completely under the seat in front of you. Choose a flexible, soft-sided backpack.
How to carry fragile items in my Southwest carry-on?
When carrying fragile items, pack them securely within your carry-on bag using ample padding (like clothes or bubble wrap). If the item is very valuable or irreplaceable, consider if it can fit in your personal item for closer supervision.
How to find the most up-to-date Southwest carry-on policy information?
For the most up-to-date Southwest carry-on policy, always refer to the official Southwest Airlines website's "Carryon & Personal Item Policy" and "Optional Travel Charges" sections, as policies can sometimes be updated.
