Planning a trip with Southwest Airlines and wondering about baggage limits? You're in the right place! Understanding the rules can save you from unexpected fees and airport hassles. Let's break down exactly how many ounces (and pounds and inches!) you can bring on your Southwest flight.
Step 1: Are You Ready to Unravel the Mystery of Baggage Limits?
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let me ask you: Have you ever been caught off guard by an airline's baggage policy? It's a common travel woe! But fear not, by the end of this guide, you'll be a Southwest baggage expert, confident in packing for your next adventure. Let's start by clarifying the different types of baggage.
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| How Many Ounces Can You Bring On Southwest Airlines |
Step 2: Understanding the Types of Baggage
Southwest, like most airlines, categorizes your belongings into a few key types. Knowing the difference is crucial for proper packing.
Sub-heading 2.1: Carry-On Bags
Your carry-on bag is the one you bring into the cabin with you and typically stow in the overhead bin. These usually have size restrictions but often no specific weight limit from Southwest itself (though you should still be able to lift it!).
Sub-heading 2.2: Personal Items
A personal item is a smaller bag that fits under the seat in front of you. Think purses, small backpacks, laptop bags, or briefcases. These also have size restrictions.
Sub-heading 2.3: Checked Bags
These are the bags that go under the plane in the cargo hold. This is where the weight and size limits become most critical, and where you'll find the primary "ounces" (or rather, pounds) consideration for your overall luggage.
Step 3: Decoding the "Ounces" for Liquids (Carry-On Specific)
When people ask "how many ounces can you bring on Southwest Airlines," they are most often referring to liquids in their carry-on bag. This is governed by the TSA's 3-1-1 Rule, which Southwest adheres to.
Tip: Each paragraph has one main idea — find it.
Sub-heading 3.1: The TSA's 3-1-1 Rule Explained
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3.4 ounces (100 milliliters): Each liquid, aerosol, gel, cream, and paste must be in containers of 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item. This is a hard limit for individual containers.
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1 quart-sized bag: All of your 3.4 oz or smaller containers must fit comfortably into one clear, quart-sized, sealable plastic bag. Think of a standard Ziploc bag.
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1 bag per passenger: Each passenger is limited to one such quart-sized bag.
Why is this so important? Because anything larger than 3.4 ounces that falls under the liquid category will be confiscated at security if it's in your carry-on. So, that full-sized shampoo bottle? Leave it at home or pack it in your checked luggage!
Sub-heading 3.2: Exceptions to the 3-1-1 Rule (Important for Specific Needs)
There are some crucial exceptions to the 3-1-1 rule:
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Medically necessary liquids: This includes medications, infant formula, breast milk, and baby food. These items are allowed in larger quantities than 3.4 ounces and do not need to fit into the quart-sized bag. However, you should inform the TSA officer about them and be prepared for additional screening.
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Duty-free liquids: Liquids purchased duty-free after security, and placed in a secure, tamper-evident bag, are generally allowed. Keep the receipt and ensure the bag remains sealed until you reach your final destination.
Step 4: Demystifying Carry-On and Personal Item Dimensions (No Weight Limit for Southwest Carry-Ons)
Unlike many other airlines, Southwest generally does not impose a weight limit on carry-on bags or personal items. The primary restriction is size.
Sub-heading 4.1: Carry-On Bag Dimensions
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Southwest's official dimensions for a carry-on bag are:
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24 inches (L) x 16 inches (W) x 10 inches (H).
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This includes wheels, handles, and any other attachments. It's vital to measure your bag accurately before you go. If it's too big, you might be required to gate-check it.
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Sub-heading 4.2: Personal Item Dimensions
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Your personal item should fit under the seat in front of you. Southwest's recommended dimensions are:
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16.25 inches (L) x 13.5 inches (W) x 8 inches (H).
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Again, make sure your item, like a backpack or purse, comfortably fits these dimensions to avoid issues.
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Step 5: Understanding Checked Baggage Limits (Where the Real "Ounces"/Pounds Come In)
This is where the term "ounces" becomes less practical, and pounds (lbs) are the standard unit of measurement. Southwest is famously known for its "Bags Fly Free" policy, though this has seen some changes recently. As of May 28, 2025, for flights booked or voluntarily changed on or after this date, the free checked baggage allowance has changed for most passengers.
Sub-heading 5.1: Standard Checked Baggage Allowance (Weight and Size)
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Weight Limit: Each checked bag must weigh no more than 50 pounds (22.7 kg).
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If your bag is between 51 and 100 pounds (23.1 to 45.3 kg), it will be considered overweight and incur a fee.
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Bags over 100 pounds cannot be checked as standard baggage and may need to be shipped via Southwest Cargo if you are a "Known Shipper."
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Size Limit: The maximum linear dimensions (length + width + height) for each checked bag must be no more than 62 linear inches (157.5 cm).
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If your bag exceeds 62 linear inches but is no more than 80 linear inches (203 cm), it will be considered oversized and incur a fee.
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Bags over 80 linear inches cannot be checked as baggage.
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Sub-heading 5.2: Free Checked Bags: The Latest Update
Tip: Keep the flow, don’t jump randomly.
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Business Select and A-List Preferred Members: Still enjoy two free checked bags.
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A-List Members and Rapid Rewards Cardholders: May receive one free bag or a bag credit.
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All Other Passengers: For flights booked or voluntarily changed on or after May 28, 2025, checked bags are no longer free and will incur a fee. As of current information, this is typically $35 for the first checked bag and $45 for the second.
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Active-Duty Military Personnel: Are exempt from the two-piece baggage limit and excess, oversize, or overweight baggage charges, provided no piece exceeds 100 pounds in weight and 80 inches in size. Make sure to have your valid military ID.
Step 6: Special Items and Prohibited Items
Beyond your standard luggage, there are rules for special items and, more importantly, items that are strictly forbidden.
Sub-heading 6.1: Special Items (Sports Equipment, Musical Instruments, etc.)
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Many special items, such as sports equipment (golf clubs, skis, surfboards) and musical instruments, can be checked as part of your free baggage allowance, provided they meet the standard weight and size limits. If they exceed these limits, overweight or oversized fees will apply. Always check Southwest's specific policy for your particular item.
Sub-heading 6.2: Prohibited Items (For Safety!)
This is a critical area. Certain items are never allowed in either carry-on or checked bags for safety reasons. These include:
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Explosives and flammable materials: Lighter fluid, fireworks, paints, etc.
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Compressed gases: Camp stoves with compressed gas, large aerosol cans (unless in very specific circumstances and sizes, like personal care items under 3.4 oz in carry-on).
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Firearms and ammunition: Special rules apply, and these typically require specific procedures for checked baggage only, and usually only certain types of ammunition. Always check with Southwest and TSA directly for current regulations.
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Sharp objects: Knives, box cutters, razor blades (unless securely wrapped in checked bags).
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Hoverboards, self-balancing boards: Generally prohibited due to lithium battery fire concerns.
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Lithium batteries (loose): Spare lithium batteries (like those for power banks) must be carried in your carry-on bag and protected from short circuits. They are not allowed in checked bags. Devices containing lithium batteries (laptops, phones) can be in either, but it's generally recommended to keep them in carry-on.
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E-cigarettes/Vaping devices: Must be in carry-on bags only and cannot be used or recharged on the plane.
Step 7: Packing Smart and Avoiding Surprises
Now that you know the rules, here are some tips for a smooth travel experience.
Sub-heading 7.1: Weigh and Measure Before You Go
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Invest in a luggage scale: These are inexpensive and can save you a lot of money and stress at the airport.
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Measure your bags: Don't just eyeball it. Use a tape measure to ensure your carry-on and personal item fit Southwest's dimensions.
Sub-heading 7.2: Consolidate Liquids for Carry-On
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Use travel-sized containers for all your toiletries in your carry-on.
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Place all liquid containers in one clear, quart-sized bag for easy inspection at security.
Sub-heading 7.3: Utilize Your Personal Item Effectively
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Your personal item is great for essentials you'll need during the flight, like medications, electronics, snacks, and a book.
QuickTip: Use the post as a quick reference later.
Sub-heading 7.4: Consider Shipping or Cargo for Excess Items
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If you have many heavy or oversized items, look into shipping them separately or using Southwest Cargo to avoid hefty airline fees.
Conclusion
Navigating airline baggage policies can feel like a maze, but with Southwest, it boils down to a few clear guidelines. Remember the 3-1-1 rule for carry-on liquids, the generous (but now potentially fee-based for most) checked baggage allowance with weight and size limits, and always double-check for prohibited items. By following these steps, your journey with Southwest Airlines will be as smooth and stress-free as possible!
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 common questions related to Southwest Airlines baggage, with quick answers:
How to pack liquids for a Southwest flight carry-on?
Pack liquids, gels, aerosols, creams, and pastes in containers of 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less. Place all these containers into one clear, quart-sized, sealable plastic bag, with only one bag allowed per passenger.
How to avoid checked bag fees on Southwest Airlines?
For most passengers flying on tickets booked or changed after May 28, 2025, you might not be able to avoid checked bag fees unless you have Business Select fare, A-List Preferred status (2 free bags), or A-List status/Rapid Rewards cardholder (1 free bag or credit). Otherwise, pack light with a carry-on and personal item only.
How to measure my luggage for Southwest Airlines?
Use a tape measure to get the length, width, and height of your bag. For checked bags, add these three dimensions together to get the total linear inches, which must be 62 inches or less. For carry-on and personal items, ensure each dimension is within the specified limits (24"x16"x10" for carry-on, 16.25"x13.5"x8" for personal item).
How to bring medication on Southwest Airlines?
Medically necessary liquids, including medications, are exempt from the 3-1-1 rule. You can bring them in quantities larger than 3.4 ounces in your carry-on bag, but be prepared to declare them to TSA and for potential additional screening.
QuickTip: Break reading into digestible chunks.
How to bring a laptop on Southwest Airlines?
Laptops are generally allowed in both carry-on and checked bags. It's highly recommended to keep laptops and other valuable electronics in your carry-on bag for security and to protect them from damage.
How to check if my bag is overweight for Southwest Airlines?
Use a luggage scale at home before you leave for the airport. Your checked bag must not exceed 50 pounds (22.7 kg) to avoid overweight fees.
How to bring sports equipment on Southwest Airlines?
Most sports equipment can be checked as part of your baggage allowance, provided it adheres to the 50 lbs weight and 62 linear inches size limits. Overweight or oversized fees will apply if these limits are exceeded. Always check Southwest's specific policy for your sport.
How to travel with a pet on Southwest Airlines?
Small cats and dogs in an approved carrier are allowed in the cabin and count as either your carry-on item or personal item. There is a pet fee. Southwest does not allow pets in-cabin on international flights.
How to handle oversized items on Southwest Airlines?
If your checked bag exceeds 62 linear inches but is no more than 80 linear inches, it will be considered oversized and incur a fee. Items over 80 linear inches cannot be checked as baggage.
How to find the most up-to-date baggage information for Southwest Airlines?
Always refer to the official Southwest Airlines website or contact their customer service directly. Policies can change, and the airline's official resources will have the most current and accurate information.
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