Oh, the eternal question for every budget-conscious and smart traveler: How many bags can I actually bring on Southwest Airlines without incurring extra fees or a gate-check headache? If you've ever stood at the boarding gate, eyeing your perfectly packed carry-on with a mixture of hope and anxiety, you're in the right place! Southwest Airlines has a reputation for being a bit different when it comes to baggage, and understanding their carry-on policy is key to a smooth journey.
Let's break down the Southwest Airlines carry-on policy, step by step, so you can pack confidently and breeze through the airport.
Step 1: Understand the Core Southwest Carry-On Rule – The "1+1" Principle
Alright, let's start with the absolute foundation of Southwest's carry-on policy. Are you ready for it? It's pretty straightforward, but often misunderstood:
You are allowed one (1) carry-on bag AND one (1) personal item per passenger.
Yes, that's right! It's not one or the other, but one and one. This "1+1" principle is crucial to remember. Your carry-on goes in the overhead bin, and your personal item fits under the seat in front of you.
Engage with me here: Before we dive deeper, think about your last trip. Did you struggle to fit everything into just one bag? Or maybe you had a small backpack and a purse, and weren't sure if both were allowed? Share your experience in the comments or just ponder it for a moment! Understanding your past challenges helps us ensure a smoother future.
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| How Many Carry On Bags Can I Take On Southwest Airlines |
Step 2: Decoding the Dimensions – Size Matters!
Now that you know you get two items, the next critical piece of information is their size. Just because you get two doesn't mean they can be giant!
Carry-On Bag Dimensions (for the Overhead Bin):
Your main carry-on bag needs to fit in the overhead compartment. Southwest is quite clear about the maximum dimensions, and this includes wheels, handles, and any attachments. Don't forget to measure those!
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Maximum Dimensions:
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24 inches (L) x 16 inches (W) x 10 inches (H)
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Or, if you prefer metric: approximately 61 cm (L) x 41 cm (W) x 25 cm (H)
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Pro Tip: Many luggage manufacturers will state their bag's "packing dimensions" which exclude wheels and handles. Always double-check the "overall dimensions" or measure your bag yourself from the very bottom of the wheels to the top of the extended handle, and across its widest points. This can save you a surprising amount of grief at the airport!
QuickTip: Look for patterns as you read.
Personal Item Dimensions (for Under the Seat):
Your personal item is designed to fit snugly under the seat in front of you. While Southwest doesn't always strictly enforce a "hard" measurement for personal items as they do for carry-ons, having a general guideline is incredibly helpful. The key is that it must fit under the seat without impeding the person in front of you or blocking the aisle.
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Typical/Recommended Maximum Dimensions:
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18.5 inches (L) x 13.5 inches (W) x 8.5 inches (H)
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Or, if you prefer metric: approximately 47 cm (L) x 34 cm (W) x 22 cm (H)
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Examples of Personal Items:
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A purse or handbag
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A briefcase
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A laptop computer case
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A small backpack
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A camera bag
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A food container
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A neck pillow or blanket (these do not count toward your limit if they are simply held or draped, but if they are in a large bag, the bag itself counts as your personal item).
Important Note on Pet Carriers: If you are traveling with a pet, the pet carrier is counted as either your personal item or your carry-on bag. It doesn't get a "free pass" in addition to your 1+1 allowance.
Step 3: Weight – The Freedom of Southwest!
Here's one of Southwest's most generous policies regarding carry-on luggage:
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There is no specified weight limit for carry-on bags or personal items.
Yes, you read that correctly! While other airlines might have strict weight restrictions for carry-ons, Southwest generally doesn't. However, there's a very practical caveat:
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You must be able to lift your carry-on bag into the overhead bin yourself, unassisted.
If you can't lift it, it's too heavy and will likely need to be checked. This is where common sense (and perhaps a bit of muscle) comes into play. While there's no technical weight limit, don't pack a bag so heavy you can't hoist it up!
Step 4: Additional Items That Don't Count Towards Your Limit
Southwest, like many airlines, allows certain items to be brought on board in addition to your one carry-on and one personal item. These are generally items necessary for your well-being or travel convenience.
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Outer Garments: This includes coats, jackets, wraps, or blankets.
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Assistive/Mobility Devices: Wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, canes, portable oxygen concentrators (POCs), and other medical devices are generally allowed and do not count against your limit. There is no limit to the number of assistive/mobility devices a Customer can bring onboard.
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Child Restraint Devices: If you have a ticketed child with a reserved seat, or if there's complimentary available space, a child restraint system (like a car seat) can be brought on board.
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Food for In-Flight Consumption: Food items, as long as they are contained in disposable packaging and for consumption during the flight, are usually permitted in addition to your bags.
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Umbrellas or Walking Canes.
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Breast Pumps and/or Breast Milk: These items are also permitted onboard in addition to your standard carry-on allowance.
Tip: Highlight what feels important.
Step 5: When Carry-Ons Become Checked Bags (and Potential Fees!)
Even with Southwest's relatively generous policy, there are scenarios where your carry-on might end up in the cargo hold.
Gate-Checking Your Bag:
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Oversized Carry-On: If your carry-on bag exceeds the 24" x 16" x 10" dimensions, even by a little, you will likely be asked to gate-check it.
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Full Overhead Bins: On very full flights, even properly sized carry-on bags might be gate-checked due to lack of space. Southwest generally tries to accommodate, but sometimes it's unavoidable.
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Failure to Lift: As mentioned, if you can't lift your bag into the overhead bin unassisted, it will need to be gate-checked.
Understanding Potential Fees for Gate-Checked Bags:
This is where Southwest's "Bags Fly Free" policy for checked bags gets a little nuanced. Historically, Southwest allowed two checked bags for free. However, as of May 28, 2025, Southwest has introduced fees for checked bags for most passengers.
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If your carry-on is gate-checked due to being oversized, it will likely be treated as a checked bag, and depending on your fare type and Rapid Rewards status, you may incur a checked bag fee.
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For tickets purchased on or after May 28, 2025, most standard fares will incur a fee for checked bags.
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The first checked bag is typically $35, and the second is $45.
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However, if you have a Business Select fare, A-List Preferred status, or an A-List status/Rapid Rewards credit card, you may still get free checked bags.
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Crucially: If your carry-on is gate-checked because of space limitations on a full flight (and it was otherwise compliant), Southwest will usually check it for free at the gate. The fee typically applies when the bag does not meet carry-on size requirements.
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Always aim to conform to the stated carry-on dimensions to avoid any unexpected fees or delays.
Step 6: Smart Packing Tips for Southwest Carry-On Success
Now that you know the rules, let's talk strategy!
A. Master the Art of the Personal Item:
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Maximize Space: Your personal item is a valuable asset. Use it for essentials you'll need during the flight – medications, electronics, snacks, a book, your wallet, passport, and any valuables.
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Compress Soft Items: If using a backpack as your personal item, make sure it's not overstuffed to the point where it becomes rigid and can't conform to the under-seat space. Soft-sided personal items are often the best choice as they can squish to fit.
QuickTip: Reading carefully once is better than rushing twice.
B. Pack Strategically for Your Carry-On:
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Rolling vs. Folding: Experiment with different packing methods. Many swear by rolling clothes to save space.
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Packing Cubes: These are a game-changer! They compress your clothes and organize your bag, making it easier to fit everything and find what you need.
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Wear Bulky Items: If you have a heavy coat or bulky boots, wear them onto the plane instead of packing them.
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Liquids, Gels, and Aerosols (TSA 3-1-1 Rule): Remember the TSA's rule for liquids in your carry-on:
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Containers must be 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or smaller.
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They must fit comfortably in one quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag.
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Each passenger is limited to one such bag.
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Place this bag in an easily accessible spot for security screening.
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C. Check Before You Fly:
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Measure Your Bag: We can't stress this enough! Use a tape measure or a luggage sizer (available at most airports) to confirm your bag's dimensions.
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Check Southwest's Official Website: Policies can change, so always do a quick check on the official Southwest Airlines website for the most up-to-date information before your travel date.
By following these steps and keeping Southwest's policies in mind, you'll be a carry-on pro, ready to embark on your journey with confidence and ease. Happy travels!
FAQs: Your Quick Answers to Common Southwest Carry-On Questions
Here are 10 related FAQ questions, all starting with "How to," along with their quick answers:
How to: Check my carry-on bag dimensions for Southwest?
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Quick Answer: Measure your bag, including wheels and handles, to ensure it doesn't exceed 24" (L) x 16" (W) x 10" (H). You can also use luggage sizers at the airport.
How to: Know if my personal item is the right size for Southwest?
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Quick Answer: Your personal item should fit under the seat in front of you. While not strictly enforced, aim for dimensions around 18.5" (L) x 13.5" (W) x 8.5" (H).
How to: Pack liquids in my Southwest carry-on?
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Quick Answer: Follow the TSA 3-1-1 rule: containers must be 3.4 oz (100 ml) or less, fit in one quart-sized bag, and each passenger is allowed one bag.
QuickTip: Compare this post with what you already know.
How to: Avoid having my carry-on bag gate-checked on Southwest?
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Quick Answer: Ensure your carry-on strictly adheres to the size limits (24" x 16" x 10"), and board as early as possible (especially with Southwest's open seating) to secure overhead bin space.
How to: Bring a child's car seat on a Southwest flight?
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Quick Answer: A child restraint system (car seat) can be brought on board in addition to your carry-on allowance if your child has a ticketed seat or if there's available space.
How to: Carry a pet on Southwest Airlines?
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Quick Answer: A pet carrier counts as either your carry-on bag or your personal item, and specific size limits and fees apply. Check Southwest's pet policy for details.
How to: Bring medical devices on a Southwest flight without counting them as a carry-on?
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Quick Answer: Assistive/mobility devices and essential medical equipment (like POCs or crutches) do not count towards your carry-on or personal item limit.
How to: Handle an oversized carry-on if I accidentally bring one on Southwest?
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Quick Answer: If your carry-on is oversized, you will likely be required to gate-check it and may incur checked baggage fees, depending on your fare type and status.
How to: Pack smartly to maximize carry-on space on Southwest?
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Quick Answer: Utilize packing cubes, roll your clothes tightly, wear your bulkiest items, and make the most of your personal item for essentials.
How to: Stay updated on Southwest's baggage policy changes?
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Quick Answer: Always refer to the official Southwest Airlines website or their "Optional Travel Charges" page for the most current and detailed baggage policies before your trip.
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