Ever wondered how many bags you can actually bring aboard a Southwest Airlines flight without incurring extra fees or a last-minute scramble at the gate? You're not alone! It's one of the most common questions travelers have, and getting it right can save you both money and stress. This comprehensive guide will break down Southwest's carry-on policy, step by step, so you can pack smart and fly worry-free.
Your Guide to Southwest Airlines Carry-On Bags: Pack Smart, Fly Smoothly!
Southwest Airlines is known for its unique policies, and its baggage rules are no exception. Unlike many other airlines that charge for checked bags, Southwest offers two free checked bags per passenger (with size and weight restrictions). However, when it comes to carry-on, there are specific limits you need to know.
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| How Many Carry On Bags Can You Have With Southwest Airlines |
Step 1: Let's Get Started – Do You Know the Basics?
Before we dive into the specifics, let's establish the fundamental rule: Southwest Airlines permits one carry-on bag and one personal item per passenger.
Yes, that's right – it's a 1+1 rule! Many people think they can squeeze in a bit more, but sticking to this guideline is key to a smooth boarding process. So, now that you know the magic number, let's figure out what qualifies as each.
Step 2: Understanding Your Carry-On Bag
Your primary carry-on bag is the one that typically goes into the overhead bin above your seat. This bag needs to meet specific size requirements to ensure it fits comfortably and safely.
Dimensions are Everything!
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The Golden Rule: Southwest Airlines specifies that your carry-on bag should not exceed 24 inches (L) x 16 inches (W) x 10 inches (H).
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Don't Forget the Extras: These dimensions include handles, wheels, and any external pockets or attachments. So, measure your bag carefully from its outermost points!
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Why the Strict Measurements? It's not to be difficult, but to ensure that everyone's bag can fit into the overhead compartments, maintaining safety and efficient boarding for all passengers. If your bag is too large, you'll be asked to gate-check it, which can cause delays and inconvenience.
What Kind of Bag Works Best?
QuickTip: Read line by line if it’s complex.
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Roller Bags/Small Suitcases: These are the most common type of carry-on. Look for models specifically designed to meet airline carry-on dimensions.
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Duffel Bags: A soft-sided duffel can often be squished to fit, but make sure its overall dimensions, when packed, don't exceed the limits.
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Backpacks: Larger travel backpacks can also qualify, provided they adhere to the size constraints.
Step 3: Getting Acquainted with Your Personal Item
Your personal item is the smaller of the two bags and is intended to be stowed under the seat in front of you. This is where you'll keep essentials you might need access to during the flight.
Size Matters (Again!)
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Under-Seat Fit: While Southwest doesn't provide exact maximum dimensions for a personal item on their main carry-on policy page, general understanding and other sources suggest it should comfortably fit under the seat. A common guideline from third-party sources is approximately 18.5 inches (L) x 13.5 inches (W) x 8.5 inches (H).
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It's crucial that it fits entirely under the seat, as anything sticking out can impede aisle access and safety.
Common Personal Item Examples:
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Purses and Crossbody Bags: Your everyday handbag is typically a perfect personal item.
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Briefcases: Ideal for business travelers carrying documents or a small laptop.
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Laptop Computer Cases: Specifically designed cases for laptops usually fit well.
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Small Backpacks: A regular school-sized backpack or a daypack often works.
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Pillows and Blankets: A neck pillow or a small travel blanket you bring from home (not a full-sized bed pillow) usually counts as a personal item, though sometimes they are considered exempt if they are truly just a blanket or small neck pillow. It's best to err on the side of caution and assume they count towards your personal item limit if they have any significant bulk or a case.
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Small Cameras: A camera bag containing just your camera and a lens.
Step 4: What DOESN'T Count Towards Your Carry-On Limit?
Good news! Southwest makes some exceptions for certain items, meaning they don't count as either your carry-on bag or your personal item. This can be a huge relief, especially for travelers with specific needs.
Exempt Items:
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Outerwear: This includes coats, jackets, wraps, or similar apparel.
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Walking Canes/Crutches: Essential mobility aids are always permitted without counting towards your limit.
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Umbrellas: A standard umbrella is usually allowed.
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Assistive Devices: Wheelchairs, walkers, and other approved mobility aids for customers with disabilities.
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Food for Consumption on the Flight: As long as it's in disposable packaging and reasonable in quantity.
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Medical Devices: Many medical devices are exempt, but it's always best to check with Southwest directly or consult the TSA guidelines for specific items. Examples include portable oxygen concentrators (POCs) (with specific usage rules), CPAP machines, and other necessary medical equipment.
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Child Restraint Systems (Car Seats) and Strollers: For travelers with children, one stroller and one car seat/child restraint system per ticketed Customer can be checked free of charge, or in some cases, brought to the gate and checked there. These are generally not considered part of your carry-on allowance, but if you wish to use a child restraint system onboard, it needs to fit properly in a seat.
Step 5: Special Considerations for Certain Items
Tip: Don’t skip the small notes — they often matter.
While the 1+1 rule is straightforward, some items require a bit more attention.
Traveling with Pets
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If you're flying with a small, vaccinated domestic cat or dog in the cabin, the pet carrier will count as either your personal item OR your carry-on bag. You can only bring one pet carrier per ticketed customer.
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Space is limited for pets, so always make a reservation in advance by calling Southwest Airlines.
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The carrier must fit under the seat in front of you and pets must remain inside the carrier at all times.
Musical Instruments
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Fitting in the Overhead/Under Seat: If your musical instrument (including its case) fits within the standard carry-on dimensions (24” L + 16” W + 10” H), you can bring it as your carry-on item, provided there's space.
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Larger Instruments: If it exceeds carry-on dimensions but will fit in an overhead bin or under a seat, it can still be carried on board if space is available when you board.
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Purchasing a Seat: For larger instruments that won't fit in the overhead or under a seat (e.g., a cello), you may be able to purchase an additional seat for it, under specific conditions (it must fit in the seat, be secured with a seatbelt, and not block signage).
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Very large instruments (like a double bass) cannot be secured in a seat and must be transported as checked baggage, subject to size and weight limits.
Liquids, Aerosols, Gels (LAGs)
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Remember the TSA's 3-1-1 rule for carry-on liquids:
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Containers must be 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less.
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They must fit comfortably in one quart-sized bag.
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One bag per passenger.
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This rule applies to all airlines, including Southwest.
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Medically necessary liquids, breast milk, and infant formula are exceptions and are allowed in larger quantities, but you must declare them to TSA for inspection.
Step 6: What Happens if Your Bag is Too Big or You Have Too Many?
Even with the best intentions, sometimes a bag might be too large or you might accidentally bring an extra.
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Gate-Checking: If your carry-on bag exceeds the dimensions or if there's no overhead bin space available, you will be asked to gate-check your bag. This means it will be taken from you at the gate and placed in the cargo hold, and you'll retrieve it at baggage claim upon arrival. While typically free if it was a valid carry-on that just ran out of space, it can cause delays.
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Checking Additional Bags: If you show up with more than one carry-on and one personal item, you will be required to check the additional items. Remember, Southwest offers two free checked bags, so this isn't necessarily a fee, but it does mean your bag won't be with you in the cabin.
Step 7: Pro Tips for a Seamless Carry-On Experience with Southwest
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Measure Before You Go: Seriously, measure your bags! Don't guess. Use a tape measure and account for all handles and wheels.
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Pack Smart, Pack Light: Even though Southwest has generous checked baggage, the convenience of a carry-on is unmatched. Only bring what you truly need.
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Consolidate When Possible: If you have multiple small items, try to consolidate them into your designated carry-on or personal item.
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Boarding Order Matters: Southwest has open seating, and boarding groups are assigned. If you want to ensure overhead bin space, try to get an earlier boarding position (e.g., by checking in exactly 24 hours before your flight or purchasing EarlyBird Check-In).
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Be Prepared for Security: Have your liquids bag easily accessible, and be ready to remove electronics like laptops and tablets for screening.
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Check the Latest Policies: While this guide is current as of July 2025, airline policies can change. Always do a quick check on the official Southwest Airlines website before your flight for the most up-to-date information.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - Southwest Carry-On Policy
QuickTip: Revisit key lines for better recall.
Here are 10 common "How to" questions related to Southwest Airlines carry-on policy, with quick answers:
How to measure my carry-on bag correctly for Southwest?
Measure your bag from the outermost points, including wheels and handles, for its length, width, and height. Ensure it does not exceed 24” (L) x 16” (W) x 10” (H).
How to ensure my personal item fits under the seat on Southwest?
Choose a soft-sided item like a backpack, purse, or briefcase that can be compressed, and test it at home by sliding it under a chair to get a sense of its flexibility and fit.
How to deal with liquids in my Southwest carry-on?
Follow the TSA's 3-1-1 rule: liquids, gels, and aerosols must be in containers 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less, fit in one quart-sized bag, and limited to one bag per passenger.
How to bring a laptop as a carry-on on Southwest?
Your laptop, usually within a laptop bag or backpack, counts as your personal item and must fit under the seat in front of you.
Tip: Revisit this page tomorrow to reinforce memory.
How to travel with a pet in the cabin on Southwest?
Book your pet in advance by calling Southwest (space is limited). The pet carrier counts as either your carry-on or personal item, must fit under the seat, and your pet must remain inside.
How to carry a musical instrument on Southwest?
If it fits the standard carry-on dimensions (24x16x10 inches), it can be your carry-on. Larger instruments may be carried on if they fit in the overhead bin or under a seat and space is available, or you can purchase an extra seat for them (with specific rules).
How to handle oversized carry-on items on Southwest?
If your carry-on is too large, it will likely need to be gate-checked and will be retrieved at baggage claim upon arrival.
How to manage medical devices in my Southwest carry-on?
Most medical devices are exempt from carry-on limits. Notify Southwest and TSA, and ensure necessary documentation is accessible. Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POCs) have specific usage rules.
How to bring a car seat or stroller with Southwest?
One stroller and one car seat/child restraint system per ticketed Customer can be checked free of charge. If you want to use a car seat on board, it must be FAA-approved and fit properly in a seat.
How to maximize my carry-on space with Southwest's rules?
Pack efficiently using packing cubes, roll clothes, and utilize every inch of your carry-on bag within the dimensions. Keep essential items in your personal item for easy access during the flight.
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