Are you getting ready for an exciting adventure with Southwest Airlines and wondering about your carry-on luggage? You're in the right place! Navigating airline baggage policies can sometimes feel like solving a complex puzzle, but with Southwest's relatively straightforward rules, you'll be a pro in no time. Let's break down exactly what you can bring onboard to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey!
Step 1: Understand the Basics – Your Two Essential Carry-Ons!
First things first, let's address the core of Southwest's carry-on policy. Unlike some airlines that might restrict you to just one item, Southwest Airlines is known for its customer-friendly approach, allowing passengers to bring two essential items onboard:
One Carry-on Bag: This is typically your larger item that will be stowed in the overhead bin. Think of your standard roller bag or small suitcase.
One Personal Item: This is a smaller item designed to fit under the seat in front of you. Common examples include a purse, briefcase, laptop bag, or a small backpack.
Excited to pack? Don't just grab any bag! Knowing the dimensions is crucial to avoid any last-minute surprises at the gate.
Step 2: Know Your Dimensions – Size Matters!
While Southwest is generous with the number of items, there are specific size restrictions that you absolutely must adhere to. Getting these wrong can lead to your bag being gate-checked, which can cause delays and inconvenience.
Sub-heading: Carry-on Bag Dimensions
Your main carry-on bag, destined for the overhead bin, has the following maximum dimensions:
Length: 24 inches (60.96 cm)
Width: 16 inches (40.64 cm)
Height: 10 inches (25.4 cm)
Important Note: These dimensions include wheels, handles, and any attachments to your bag. Always measure your bag with these components in mind! It's always a good idea to measure your bag before heading to the airport. Many airports also have sizing templates near the check-in counters and security checkpoints where you can test if your bag fits.
Sub-heading: Personal Item Dimensions
Your personal item, designed to fit snugly under the seat in front of you, should be no larger than:
Length: 18.5 inches (46.99 cm)
Width: 8.5 inches (21.59 cm)
Height: 13.5 inches (34.29 cm)
Think compact! This item should be easily accessible during the flight for things like your entertainment, snacks, or important documents.
Step 3: What About Weight?
Here's some fantastic news for Southwest flyers: There is no specified weight restriction for carry-on items! While you still need to be able to lift your bag into the overhead bin without assistance, you won't be penalized for a heavy carry-on, as long as it meets the size requirements. This is a significant advantage compared to many other airlines that impose strict weight limits on carry-on luggage.
Step 4: Special Items and Exceptions – What Else Can You Bring?
Southwest is quite accommodating when it comes to certain personal items and necessities that don't count towards your one carry-on and one personal item limit. These include:
Outer Garments: This means coats, jackets, wraps, or blankets.
Food for Consumption During Flight: If it's in disposable packaging, you can bring it.
Assistive/Mobility Devices: Crutches, canes, wheelchairs, and other mobility aids are welcome.
Child Restraint Systems (Car Seats) and Strollers:
If you've purchased a ticket for your child, an FAA-approved child restraint system/car seat that will be used during flight can be carried on and will not count toward your carry-on limit.
Each ticketed customer traveling with a child can also check one stroller and one car seat/child restraint system free of charge. These can be checked at the curb, ticket counter, or gate.
Diaper Bags: Often considered a personal item, but sometimes can be brought in addition if it's genuinely for essential baby items. It's best to consolidate if possible or confirm with an agent.
Medical Devices: Essential medical equipment may also be exempt.
Sub-heading: Traveling with Pets
If you're bringing a furry friend, here's what you need to know:
Small, vaccinated domestic cats and dogs are allowed in the cabin on domestic flights.
Your pet carrier counts as either your personal item or your carry-on bag. You cannot bring both a pet carrier and a separate carry-on bag if your pet carrier is your carry-on, nor can you bring both a pet carrier and a separate personal item if your pet carrier is your personal item.
The carrier must fit under the seat in front of you. Maximum dimensions for pet carriers are generally around 18.5″L x 13.5″W x 9.5″H, though it's best to check the Southwest Airlines official pet policy for the most up-to-date and precise measurements, as these can vary slightly.
There's a fee for traveling with a pet in the cabin.
Sub-heading: Musical Instruments
Traveling with your beloved instrument? Southwest has a policy for that too:
If your instrument fits the standard carry-on dimensions (24" L x 16" W x 10" H), you can bring it as your carry-on item if there's space available.
If your instrument exceeds carry-on sizing but still fits in an overhead bin or under a seat, it might be carried onboard if space allows. However, this is at the discretion of the crew and subject to available space.
For larger instruments, you can purchase a separate seat for it. It must be secured with a seatbelt, not block any aircraft signage, and fit in the seat. This typically applies to instruments like cellos.
Instruments that cannot be secured in a seat (e.g., double bass) must be checked.
Step 5: Liquids, Gels, and Aerosols – The TSA 3-1-1 Rule
This isn't specific to Southwest, but it's critically important for all carry-on luggage when flying within or from the United States. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) enforces the 3-1-1 rule for liquids, gels, and aerosols:
3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per container.
All containers must fit into one quart-sized, clear, sealable bag.
1 bag per passenger.
Remember: This rule applies to everything from toothpaste and shampoo to hand sanitizer and make-up. Exceptions are made for medically necessary liquids, baby formula/breast milk, and medically prescribed gels, but you should declare these to TSA officers for inspection.
Step 6: Prohibited Items – What NOT to Pack in Your Carry-On
For safety reasons, certain items are strictly prohibited in your carry-on baggage (and sometimes in checked baggage too). While the full list is extensive and available on the TSA website, some common examples to be aware of include:
Flammable liquids and solids: Lighter fluid, paints, fireworks.
Explosives: Blasting caps, dynamite, grenades.
Compressed gases: Oxygen bottles (unless medical and properly declared), bear spray.
Sharp objects: Razor blades (unless cartridge-style), box cutters, large scissors, swords. Nail clippers and small scissors (blades less than 4 inches) are generally allowed.
Firearms and ammunition: These must be checked and follow strict regulations.
Self-defense sprays: Mace, pepper spray.
Hoverboards and other self-balancing boards: These are typically prohibited due to lithium battery concerns.
E-cigarettes/Vaping devices: Must be carried on your person or in your carry-on bag (not in checked baggage) due to battery risks, but use is forbidden onboard.
Spare lithium batteries: Must be in carry-on baggage and protected from short circuits.
When in doubt, check it out! The TSA's "What Can I Bring?" tool on their website is an invaluable resource for clarifying specific items.
Step 7: Maximize Your Carry-On Space – Smart Packing Tips
Now that you know the rules, let's talk strategy! Efficient packing can make a world of difference.
Sub-heading: Roll, Don't Fold!
Rolling your clothes tightly can save a surprising amount of space compared to traditional folding. It also helps reduce wrinkles!
Sub-heading: Utilize Packing Cubes
Packing cubes are a game-changer! They help compress your clothes, keep your bag organized, and make it easier to find what you need without rummaging.
Sub-heading: Wear Your Bulkiest Items
If you're traveling with a bulky jacket, heavy boots, or a large sweater, wear them on the plane instead of packing them. This frees up valuable space in your carry-on.
Sub-heading: Minimalize Toiletries
Stick to travel-sized toiletries that adhere to the 3-1-1 rule. Consider solid alternatives for some products, like shampoo bars, to avoid liquid limits altogether.
Sub-heading: Digitalize Documents
Instead of carrying physical books, magazines, and maps, load them onto your e-reader, tablet, or smartphone. This significantly lightens your load.
Step 8: Boarding Smart – Get Your Bag Stowed
Southwest has a unique open seating policy, which means boarding groups are crucial for securing overhead bin space.
Sub-heading: Check-in Early for A/B Boarding
To increase your chances of getting a good boarding position (A or B group), which allows you to board earlier and claim overhead space, make sure to check in online exactly 24 hours before your flight's departure time. This is often the most critical factor for overhead bin access.
Sub-heading: Consider Upgrading Your Boarding Position
If you're concerned about overhead space and didn't get an early boarding group, you can sometimes purchase an upgraded boarding position at the gate. This allows you to board with the A group, ensuring prime real estate for your carry-on.
Sub-heading: Don't Be Afraid to Gate Check
If overhead space is tight or your bag is slightly oversized, you might be asked to gate check your carry-on. While not ideal, it's often a seamless process and ensures your bag still gets to your destination with you, just not in the cabin. Remember to remove any valuables, medications, or electronics before gate checking.
Conclusion
Flying with Southwest and their carry-on policy is generally a breeze once you understand the rules. By adhering to the one carry-on and one personal item limit, respecting the dimensions, and being mindful of TSA regulations, you can embark on your journey with confidence and avoid any last-minute baggage hassles. Happy travels!
10 Related FAQ Questions (Starting with 'How to')
How to measure my carry-on bag accurately for Southwest Airlines?
Quick Answer: Measure your bag including all wheels, handles, and external pockets from its longest, widest, and highest points. Use a tape measure and compare it against Southwest's limits of 24" (L) + 16" (W) + 10" (H) for carry-ons and 18.5" (L) x 8.5" (W) x 13.5" (H) for personal items.
How to ensure my personal item fits under the seat on a Southwest flight?
Quick Answer: Stick to the stated dimensions (18.5" L x 8.5" W x 13.5" H) and ensure your bag isn't overstuffed, as it needs to slide easily into the space. Soft-sided bags are often more forgiving than rigid ones.
How to pack liquids in my carry-on according to TSA rules for Southwest flights?
Quick Answer: All liquids, gels, and aerosols must be in containers of 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less and fit completely within one quart-sized, clear, sealable bag, with one bag allowed per passenger.
How to travel with a car seat or stroller on Southwest Airlines?
Quick Answer: You can bring one stroller and one car seat/child restraint system per ticketed customer free of charge, either as a gate-check or checked baggage. An FAA-approved car seat can also be brought onboard if you've purchased a seat for your child and it fits.
How to bring a musical instrument on a Southwest flight as a carry-on?
Quick Answer: If your instrument fits within the standard carry-on dimensions, it can be brought as your carry-on. Larger instruments may be allowed in the cabin if they fit in an overhead bin or under a seat and space is available, or you can purchase a separate seat for it.
How to get an early boarding position on Southwest to secure overhead bin space?
Quick Answer: Check in online precisely 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure time to get the best possible boarding group (A or B). You can also purchase "EarlyBird Check-In" in advance or "Upgraded Boarding" at the gate if available.
How to handle a situation where my carry-on bag is too big at the Southwest gate?
Quick Answer: If your bag is oversized, it will likely need to be gate-checked. Be prepared to remove any valuables, medications, or essential items from it before handing it over to the gate agent.
How to pack efficiently to maximize my Southwest carry-on allowance?
Quick Answer: Roll your clothes, use packing cubes to compress items, wear your bulkiest clothing on the plane, and minimize toiletries by opting for travel sizes or solid alternatives.
How to travel with a pet in the cabin on Southwest Airlines?
Quick Answer: Book your pet's reservation in advance (call Southwest directly). Your pet carrier will count as either your carry-on or personal item, must fit under the seat, and there's a one-way fee.
How to find the most up-to-date baggage policies for Southwest Airlines?
Quick Answer: Always refer to the official Southwest Airlines website (Southwest.com) or contact their customer service directly for the latest and most accurate baggage policies, as rules can occasionally change.
