Ever stood at the boarding gate, bag in hand, wondering if you've finally nailed the carry-on rules? We've all been there! The anxiety of an unexpected gate check, or worse, an additional baggage fee, can really put a damper on your travel excitement. But fear not, fellow traveler, because when it comes to Southwest Airlines, their carry-on policy is refreshingly straightforward. Let's break it down, step by step, so you can breeze through the airport with confidence!
How Many Carry-Ons Can You Have for Southwest Airlines? A Comprehensive Guide
Southwest Airlines has a reputation for being a customer-friendly airline, and their carry-on policy generally aligns with that. Unlike some airlines that have complex tiers and restrictions, Southwest keeps it simple.
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| How Many Carry Ons Can You Have For Southwest Airlines |
Step 1: Understanding the Core Allowance – It's Simpler Than You Think!
First things first, let's clear up the main question: How many carry-ons can you have for Southwest Airlines?
The answer is: one carry-on bag and one personal item.
That's right! No hidden catches, no secret tiers for carry-ons. This is the golden rule for every ticketed passenger on Southwest. Now, let's dive into what each of those terms actually means and the important dimensions to keep in mind.
What Qualifies as a "Carry-On Bag"?
Your carry-on bag is the larger of the two items you're permitted to bring into the cabin. This is typically the bag that goes into the overhead bin above your seat.
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Size Matters: Southwest's official dimensions for a carry-on bag are:
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Length: 24 inches (61 cm)
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Width: 16 inches (40.64 cm)
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Height: 10 inches (25.4 cm)
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Important Note: These dimensions include wheels, handles, and any external attachments. Always measure your bag with these included!
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Common Examples: Think standard roller bags, small suitcases, or a larger duffel bag that fits within these measurements.
Tip: Context builds as you keep reading.
What Qualifies as a "Personal Item"?
Your personal item is the smaller bag that is designed to fit under the seat in front of you. This is your essential "grab-and-go" item during the flight.
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Size Matters (Again!): Southwest's official dimensions for a personal item are:
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Length: 18.5 inches (46.99 cm)
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Width: 8.5 inches (21.59 cm)
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Height: 13.5 inches (34.29 cm)
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Always ensure it can fit snugly under the seat.
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Common Examples: Purses (including crossbody bags), briefcases, laptop computer cases, small backpacks, or even a small camera bag.
Step 2: Beyond the Basics – What Else Can You Bring?
While the "one carry-on and one personal item" rule is fundamental, Southwest allows a few additional items that do not count towards your limit. This is where you can get a little extra mileage out of your packing!
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Outer Garments: This includes items like coats, jackets, and wraps. Feel free to drape your jacket over your arm or carry it separately.
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Food for Consumption During Flight: If you've packed a sandwich or snacks for your journey, as long as it's in disposable packaging, it's typically allowed in addition to your carry-on and personal item.
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Assistive Devices: Mobility aids like wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, and canes are always permitted and do not count towards your carry-on allowance.
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Child Restraint Systems/Car Seats: If you're traveling with a ticketed child, or if there's a complimentary available space, a child restraint device can be brought on board.
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Medical Equipment: Essential medical devices such as CPAP machines or portable oxygen concentrators are generally allowed in addition to your carry-on items. Always check with Southwest and the TSA for specific requirements and documentation.
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Diaper Bags: If you're traveling with an infant, a diaper bag is typically considered an additional item.
Step 3: Special Considerations – Pets, Musical Instruments, and More!
Certain items have their own specific rules when it comes to being carried on. It's crucial to be aware of these to avoid any last-minute surprises.
Traveling with Pets
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Pet Carrier Counts as a Carry-On: If you're flying with a small domestic cat or dog in the cabin, their pet carrier will count as either your personal item or your carry-on bag. You get one or the other, not both, in addition to the pet carrier.
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Dimensions & Fees: The pet carrier must fit under the seat in front of you (max 8.5" H x 18.5" L x 13.5" W) and there's a one-way pet fare. Reservations are highly recommended due to limited space.
Musical Instruments
QuickTip: Treat each section as a mini-guide.
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Standard Carry-On Size: If your musical instrument (including its case) fits within the standard carry-on dimensions (24” L + 16” W + 10” H), you may bring it as your carry-on item if space is available.
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Larger Instruments: If it's larger than the standard carry-on but can still fit in an overhead bin or under a seat, it may be allowed if there's space.
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Purchasing a Seat: For instruments that don't fit in the overhead or under a seat, you can purchase a separate seat for them. They must fit in the seat, be secured with a seatbelt, and not block any aircraft signage. Some very large instruments (like a double bass) cannot be secured and must be checked.
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Step 4: Packing Smart – Tips for a Smooth Boarding Process
Knowing the rules is one thing, but applying them effectively is key to stress-free travel.
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Invest in Compliant Luggage: If you fly Southwest frequently, consider purchasing luggage that is specifically designed to meet their carry-on dimensions. This eliminates guesswork.
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Pack Strategically:
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Heavy items should go in your checked bag if possible.
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Essentials and valuables (medications, important documents, electronics, jewelry) should always be in your carry-on or personal item.
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Liquids: Remember the TSA's 3-1-1 rule for liquids, aerosols, and gels in your carry-on: containers must be 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less, fit in one quart-sized bag, and be limited to one bag per passenger.
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Wear Your Bulkiest Items: If you have a bulky jacket or heavy shoes, consider wearing them on the plane rather than trying to fit them into your luggage.
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Be Ready for Inspection: Have your boarding pass and ID easily accessible. If you have liquids or electronics (like laptops larger than a tablet), be prepared to remove them for security screening.
Step 5: At the Airport – What to Expect
Even with all your preparation, a few things can happen at the airport.
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Sizing Bins: Southwest, like other airlines, has sizing bins at the check-in counter and often near the gate. If there's any doubt about your bag's size, you may be asked to place it in the bin. If it doesn't fit, it will need to be gate-checked.
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Gate Checking: If the overhead bins are full, or your carry-on exceeds the dimensions, your bag may be gate-checked. This means it will be tagged and placed in the cargo hold, and you'll pick it up at baggage claim at your destination. While Southwest usually offers two free checked bags, gate-checking a carry-on due to space or size issues typically doesn't incur an additional fee, but it can be an inconvenience.
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Early Boarding = Better Bin Space: Southwest's unique open seating policy means earlier boarding positions often get first dibs on overhead bin space. If having your carry-on in the cabin is critical, consider upgrading your boarding position or checking in exactly 24 hours before your flight to secure an A boarding group.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are some quick answers to common questions about Southwest Airlines carry-on policies:
How to measure my carry-on bag correctly for Southwest Airlines?
To measure your carry-on bag correctly, use a tape measure and include all external parts like wheels, handles, and side pockets in your length, width, and height measurements. The total should not exceed 24” (L) x 16” (W) x 10” (H).
QuickTip: Note key words you want to remember.
How to know if my personal item fits under the seat on Southwest?
Your personal item should easily fit under the seat in front of you without protruding into the aisle or your foot space. The maximum dimensions are 18.5” (L) x 8.5” (W) x 13.5” (H).
How to avoid gate-checking my carry-on on Southwest?
To avoid gate-checking, ensure your carry-on strictly adheres to the size limits (24” x 16” x 10”) and try to get an earlier boarding position to secure overhead bin space.
How to pack liquids in my Southwest carry-on?
Pack liquids, aerosols, and gels according to the TSA's 3-1-1 rule: containers must be 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less, fit in one quart-sized bag, and be limited to one bag per passenger.
How to travel with a pet as a carry-on on Southwest?
Your pet carrier (max 8.5" H x 18.5" L x 13.5" W) counts as either your carry-on or personal item. You must make a reservation for your pet in advance and pay the one-way pet fare at the airport.
Tip: Read once for flow, once for detail.
How to bring a musical instrument as a carry-on on Southwest?
If your instrument fits within the standard carry-on dimensions (24” L + 16” W + 10” H), it can be your carry-on. Larger instruments may be allowed if they fit in the overhead or under a seat, or you can purchase a separate seat for them.
How to pack electronics in my Southwest carry-on?
Laptops, tablets, and other electronic devices should be easily accessible as you may need to remove them from your bag for security screening. Lithium batteries (including portable chargers) must always be in your carry-on.
How to know if an item is considered an "additional item" and not part of my carry-on limit?
Southwest allows items like outer garments, food for in-flight consumption (in disposable packaging), assistive devices (wheelchairs, canes), child restraint systems, and medical equipment in addition to your one carry-on and one personal item.
How to check for updated Southwest Airlines carry-on policies?
Always check the official Southwest Airlines website or their customer support section for the most up-to-date and detailed information, as policies can change.
How to handle oversized or overweight carry-ons if I absolutely must bring them?
If your bag is oversized or overweight, it will need to be checked. For Southwest, two checked bags are typically free (though this policy has undergone recent changes, always verify for your specific fare and booking date). If it's a third bag, or significantly oversized/overweight, additional fees will apply. Consider shipping the item via cargo if it's extremely large or heavy.
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