Planning a trip with Southwest Airlines and wondering about their carry-on bag policy? You've come to the right place! It can be a bit confusing sometimes with all the different airline rules, but Southwest has a pretty straightforward approach. Let's break it down step-by-step so you can pack smart and travel stress-free.
Get Ready to Pack Smart: Understanding Southwest's Carry-On Rules!
Before we dive into the specifics, let me ask you: Have you ever been caught at the gate with an oversized bag, frantically trying to reorganize your belongings? We've all been there, or at least heard horror stories! The good news is, by understanding Southwest's policy upfront, you can avoid that last-minute scramble and enjoy a smooth boarding process. So, let's get started on ensuring your bags fly free and easy!
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| How Many Carry On Bags Can I Have With Southwest Airlines |
Step 1: The Golden Rule – One Plus One!
Southwest Airlines adheres to a very clear and consistent policy when it comes to carry-on baggage. This is the fundamental rule you need to remember:
One Carry-On Bag + One Personal Item = Your Carry-On Allowance
That's right! Every ticketed Southwest passenger is allowed to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item onboard the aircraft. This allowance is free of charge, which is one of the many reasons Southwest is a favorite among travelers.
What does "One Carry-On Bag" mean?
Your primary carry-on bag is generally a small suitcase, a roller bag, or a duffel bag that is designed to fit in the overhead bins above your seat.
What does "One Personal Item" mean?
QuickTip: Pause at transitions — they signal new ideas.
Your personal item is typically a smaller bag that must fit under the seat in front of you. Think of items like:
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A purse (including crossbody bags)
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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 pillow (though neck pillows generally don't count towards the limit)
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A blanket
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A small camera
It's important to differentiate these two items, as their placement on the aircraft is different, and so are their general size guidelines.
Step 2: Mind the Dimensions – Size Matters!
While Southwest doesn't have a weight restriction for carry-on items (you just need to be able to lift it into the overhead bin yourself), they do have strict size limitations. Adhering to these dimensions is crucial to avoid your bag being gate-checked (which means it will be taken from you at the boarding gate and placed with checked baggage, potentially delaying your arrival).
Dimensions for Your Carry-On Bag:
Your carry-on bag must not exceed the following dimensions:
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24 inches (L) + 16 inches (W) + 10 inches (H)
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Important Note: These dimensions include wheels, handles, and any attachments to your carry-on. So, measure carefully!
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Dimensions for Your Personal Item:
Your personal item must fit under the seat in front of you and typically should not exceed:
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18.5 inches (L) + 13.5 inches (W) + 8.5 inches (H)
It's a good idea to physically measure your bags before you head to the airport. Many luggage manufacturers provide bags designed to meet these specific airline requirements, so look for "carry-on compliant" labels.
Step 3: Special Circumstances – Beyond the Basics
QuickTip: Skim slowly, read deeply.
While the "one carry-on + one personal item" rule is standard, there are a few exceptions and special considerations you should be aware of.
Assistive Devices & Medical Equipment:
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Medical equipment and assistive devices are not counted towards your allowable carry-on amount. This includes items like wheelchairs, canes, crutches, and certain medical devices.
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Key Point: These items should only contain medical equipment. If you pack non-medical items in a bag designated as medical, it may be counted towards your limit.
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Medications are strongly suggested to be brought in your carry-on bag. If your carry-on is gate-checked, ensure you remove your medications.
Traveling with Children:
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Items for infants, such as strollers, car seats, diaper bags, breast pumps, and milk/formula, are typically allowed in addition to your standard carry-on allowance. Always check with Southwest directly or their website for the most up-to-date information on these items.
Musical Instruments:
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Small musical instruments that fit within the standard carry-on dimensions (24" L + 16" W + 10" H) can be brought as your carry-on item if space is available.
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Larger instruments that can fit in an overhead bin or under a seat might still be carried on if space permits.
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For instruments too large for these options, you may purchase an additional seat for the instrument, provided it fits in the seat, can be secured with a seatbelt, and doesn't block aircraft signage. Certain very large instruments (like double bass or cello) might still need to be checked.
Pets:
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If you're traveling with a small domesticated dog or cat in a pet carrier, the 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 and a separate personal item.
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Southwest treats emotional support animals (ESAs) as pets, meaning they fall under the pet policy and their carrier will count towards your allowance. Fully trained service dogs are handled differently and are generally not counted against your carry-on allowance, but specific documentation is required.
Step 4: Prohibited Items – Know What Stays Home
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This is a crucial step for everyone. Certain items are strictly prohibited from both carry-on and checked baggage, or have specific restrictions. Always consult the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) website for a comprehensive and up-to-date list of prohibited items.
Common Prohibited Carry-On Items (and some with restrictions):
QuickTip: Revisit key lines for better recall.
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Flammable liquids and solids: Lighter fluid, fireworks, certain paints.
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Explosives: Any type of explosive device.
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Compressed gases: Oxygen bottles (unless medical and properly handled), camping stoves with compressed gas.
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Weapons: Firearms (unless properly declared and checked, never in carry-on), paintball guns, sharp objects like large knives or scissors (unless blades are under 4 inches and properly sheathed, but generally best to check).
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Self-defense sprays: Pepper spray, mace.
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Lithium batteries: Spare lithium batteries for portable electronic devices and e-cigarettes must be in carry-on baggage only, not checked baggage. E-cigarette use is forbidden onboard.
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Liquids, Gels, Aerosols (LAGs): Remember the 3-1-1 rule for carry-on bags. Containers must be 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less, fit in one quart-sized bag, and be limited to one bag per passenger.
Always err on the side of caution. If you're unsure about an item, it's best to check it or leave it at home. Airport security will confiscate anything that doesn't meet the regulations.
Step 5: Be Prepared at the Airport – Smooth Sailing Through Security
Knowing the rules is half the battle; the other half is executing it smoothly at the airport.
Before Security:
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Consolidate: Make sure your one carry-on and one personal item are clearly defined and that you haven't accidentally picked up an extra bag.
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Liquids: Have your 3-1-1 compliant liquids bag readily accessible in your carry-on or personal item, as you'll need to remove it for screening.
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Electronics: Larger electronics like laptops and tablets usually need to be removed from your bag and placed in a separate bin for X-ray screening.
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Medical Items: If you have medical devices or medications, be prepared to inform TSA officers if necessary and have any required documentation handy (though often not needed for standard medications).
At the Gate:
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Overhead Bin Space: Southwest has open seating, so boarding group matters for overhead bin space. If you're in a later boarding group, overhead space might be limited, and you might be asked to gate-check your carry-on, even if it's compliant. Be prepared for this possibility.
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Under-Seat Item: Ensure your personal item fits comfortably under the seat in front of you without encroaching on your neighbor's space.
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Be a good neighbor: Try to place your carry-on efficiently in the overhead bin, wheels first, to maximize space for everyone.
By following these steps, you'll be well-equipped to navigate Southwest's carry-on baggage policies and enjoy a hassle-free journey!
10 Related FAQs (How to... with Quick Answers)
How to know if my bag is the correct carry-on size for Southwest?
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Quick Answer: Measure your bag, including wheels and handles. It should not exceed 24 inches (L) + 16 inches (W) + 10 inches (H) for the carry-on, and 18.5 inches (L) + 13.5 inches (W) + 8.5 inches (H) for the personal item.
Tip: Don’t skim past key examples.
How to pack liquids in my carry-on for Southwest?
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Quick Answer: Follow the TSA 3-1-1 rule: containers must be 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less, fit in one quart-sized clear plastic bag, and be limited to one bag per passenger.
How to handle a musical instrument as a carry-on with Southwest?
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Quick Answer: If it meets the standard carry-on dimensions, it can go in the overhead bin. Larger instruments might fit there or under a seat if space allows, or you can purchase an additional seat for it if it can be secured.
How to bring medications on a Southwest flight?
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Quick Answer: Always carry medications in your carry-on bag or personal item. They do not count towards your bag limits if packed separately for a disability.
How to travel with a pet on Southwest and its carry-on implications?
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Quick Answer: Your pet carrier counts as either your personal item or your carry-on bag. Only small, vaccinated domestic dogs and cats are allowed in the cabin.
How to ensure my personal item fits under the seat on Southwest?
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Quick Answer: Choose a bag that is flexible and can be compressed. Ensure its dimensions are within 18.5" L x 13.5" W x 8.5" H to fit comfortably without blocking aisle access or encroaching on another passenger's space.
How to deal with a carry-on that might be too large at the gate?
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Quick Answer: Be prepared for it to be gate-checked. If it exceeds the dimensions, Southwest staff may require it to be checked, usually free of charge at that point.
How to find out what items are strictly prohibited in my carry-on?
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Quick Answer: Always consult the official TSA (Transportation Security Administration) website for the most current and comprehensive list of prohibited items.
How to pack a backpack as a personal item for Southwest?
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Quick Answer: A small backpack is generally acceptable as a personal item as long as it fits comfortably under the seat in front of you and adheres to the personal item dimensions (approx. 18.5" L x 13.5" W x 8.5" H).
How to get priority boarding to secure overhead bin space for my carry-on on Southwest?
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Quick Answer: Purchase EarlyBird Check-In, upgrade to Business Select, or achieve A-List status through the Rapid Rewards program. These options can provide earlier boarding positions, increasing your chances of finding overhead bin space.
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