Traveling with carry-on bags can be a game-changer, especially when you want to bypass the baggage claim carousel and get straight to your destination. But airlines, including Southwest, have specific rules about what you can bring aboard. So, let's dive deep into Southwest Airlines' carry-on policy and make sure you're fully prepared for your next adventure!
Step 1: Are you ready to pack smart and travel light?
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let's establish one crucial fact: understanding an airline's carry-on policy is essential for a smooth travel experience. No one wants to be caught off guard at the gate with an oversized bag and faced with unexpected fees! So, if you're ready to master the art of Southwest carry-on, let's begin.
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| How Many Carry On Bags Does Southwest Airlines Allow |
Step 2: Understanding the Core Southwest Carry-On Allowance
Southwest Airlines has a fairly straightforward policy, which is one of the reasons many travelers prefer them.
2.1: The "One Plus One" Rule
Southwest Airlines allows one carry-on bag and one personal item per passenger, free of charge. This is a standard in the industry, but the specific dimensions and what constitutes each item are key.
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Your Carry-On Bag: This is the larger of the two items and is designed to be stowed in the overhead bin above your seat.
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Your Personal Item: This is a smaller item that must fit under the seat in front of you.
QuickTip: Pause to connect ideas in your mind.
2.2: Dimensions, Dimensions, Dimensions!
This is where many travelers get tripped up. Always measure your bags before you head to the airport.
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For your Carry-On Bag: The maximum dimensions are 24 inches (L) x 16 inches (W) x 10 inches (H). This includes wheels, handles, and any attachments. Think of a standard roller bag or small suitcase. If your bag is too large, it may be gate-checked (and potentially incur a fee if it's also oversized for checked baggage).
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For your Personal Item: While Southwest doesn't provide exact maximum dimensions on their website for the personal item, general guidelines from other sources suggest around 18.5 inches (L) x 13.5 inches (W) x 8.5 inches (H). The key is that it must fit under the seat in front of you. Examples include a purse, briefcase, laptop bag, small backpack, or even a blanket/pillow (neck pillows do not count towards the carry-on limit).
Step 3: What Doesn't Count Towards Your Carry-On Limit?
This is fantastic news for many travelers! Southwest allows certain items in addition to your one carry-on and one personal item. These typically include:
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Outerwear: Coats, jackets, wraps.
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Small items of convenience: An umbrella, a reasonable amount of reading material, a small bag of duty-free merchandise.
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Assistive Devices: Wheelchairs, crutches, canes, portable oxygen concentrators (POCs), and other medical devices. These items are generally not counted against your carry-on allowance, provided they only contain medical equipment.
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Child Restraint Systems/Car Seats: If you have purchased a ticket for your child, an FAA-approved child restraint system/car seat that will be used during the flight can be carried on and will not count toward your carry-on limit. Strollers and car seats can also be checked for free at the curb, ticket counter, or gate.
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Diaper Bags: Often considered a necessary item for travelers with infants.
It's always a good idea to confirm with Southwest directly or check their official website for the most up-to-date information on exempt items, as policies can sometimes change.
Step 4: Navigating Special Items as Carry-On
Beyond your standard bags, you might be wondering about specific items.
Tip: Train your eye to catch repeated ideas.
4.1: Traveling with Pets
Southwest allows small, vaccinated domestic cats and dogs in an appropriate pet carrier in the cabin on domestic flights. However, your pet carrier is counted as either your personal item or your carry-on bag. There are also specific requirements for the pet and carrier, including:
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The pet must be at least 8 weeks old.
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Only one pet carrier per ticketed Customer.
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Each carrier can contain no more than two of the same species of small cat or dog.
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The carrier must be stowed under the seat in front of you for the entire flight.
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Reservations are required in advance as space is limited (typically to six pet carriers per flight).
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A pet fare applies, payable at the airport.
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Pets are not allowed on flights to or from Hawaii or on international itineraries.
4.2: Musical Instruments
If your musical instrument (including its case) is within the standard carry-on dimensions (24” L x 16” W x 10” H), you may bring it as your carry-on item, provided there's space.
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If your instrument exceeds these dimensions but can fit in an overhead bin or under a seat, it may still be carried on if space is available when you board.
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For larger instruments that won't fit, you can purchase a separate seat for it. Special conditions apply for this, such as it being placed in the first row, closer to the window, and secured with a seatbelt.
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Very large instruments (e.g., double bass, cello) may need to be checked as baggage. Oversize or overweight charges may apply if they exceed standard checked baggage limits.
Step 5: Understanding TSA Regulations and Prohibited Items
Even if Southwest allows an item, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has the final say on what can pass through security.
5.1: The 3-1-1 Rule for Liquids
Tip: Check back if you skimmed too fast.
This is a universal rule for carry-on luggage:
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Liquids, gels, aerosols, creams, and pastes must be in containers of 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less.
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All containers must fit in one quart-sized, clear, sealable bag.
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Each passenger is limited to one such bag.
Exceptions are made for medically necessary liquids, baby formula/breast milk, and medically prescribed gels or aerosols.
5.2: What You CANNOT Carry On (or Check!):
Certain items are strictly prohibited for safety reasons. These include:
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Explosives, flammable liquids and solids, compressed gases, oxidizers, poisons, corrosives, and radioactive materials.
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Firearms (unless properly declared and checked according to specific airline and TSA rules).
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Self-defense sprays (like pepper spray).
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E-cigarettes and vaping devices must be in your carry-on baggage and cannot be checked. Their use is forbidden onboard.
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Sharp objects (razor blades, box cutters, large scissors) are generally prohibited in carry-on bags. Smaller scissors with blades less than 4 inches are typically allowed.
Always check the TSA website for a comprehensive and up-to-date list of prohibited items.
Step 6: Tips for a Smooth Carry-On Experience
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Measure and Weigh Before You Go: Don't guess! Use a tape measure and a luggage scale at home. It's better to discover an issue at home than at the airport.
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Pack Light: Even if there's no weight limit on carry-ons, you'll still need to be able to lift your bag into the overhead bin yourself.
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Utilize Your Personal Item: This is valuable space! Pack essentials like medications, important documents, electronics, and anything you might need during the flight.
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Be Prepared for Security: Have your liquids bag easily accessible, and be ready to remove laptops and other electronics for screening.
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Board Strategically: Southwest has open seating. If overhead bin space is a concern for you, consider purchasing an Upgraded Boarding or checking in early to get a better boarding position.
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Know the Exceptions: Understand the policies for medical equipment, strollers, car seats, and musical instruments if they apply to your travel.
By following these steps and understanding Southwest's carry-on baggage policy, you'll be well on your way to a stress-free journey!
QuickTip: Look for contrasts — they reveal insights.
10 Related FAQ Questions (How to...)
How to check my carry-on bag dimensions for Southwest Airlines? You can use a tape measure at home to ensure your bag doesn't exceed 24” (L) x 16” (W) x 10” (H), including handles and wheels. Many luggage manufacturers also list dimensions.
How to ensure my personal item fits under the seat on Southwest? While no strict dimensions are given, typical personal items like a purse, laptop bag, or small backpack should be able to fit in the space under the seat in front of you. Aim for something roughly 18.5” L x 13.5” W x 8.5” H or smaller.
How to pack liquids in my Southwest carry-on? Follow the TSA's 3-1-1 rule: containers must be 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less, fit into one quart-sized clear, sealable bag, and each passenger is limited to one such bag.
How to travel with a medical device in my Southwest carry-on? Medical devices and equipment are generally exempt from carry-on limits and do not count as your personal item or carry-on bag, as long as they only contain medical supplies. Inform a Southwest agent or TSA officer if you have specific needs.
How to bring a car seat or stroller on Southwest Airlines? If you've purchased a ticket for your child, an FAA-approved car seat can be carried on and won't count against your carry-on limit. Strollers and car seats can also be checked for free at the curb, ticket counter, or gate.
How to bring a pet on a Southwest Airlines flight as a carry-on? Small domestic cats and dogs in an approved carrier are allowed. The pet carrier counts as either your personal item or carry-on. You must make a reservation in advance by calling Southwest and pay a pet fare at the airport.
How to carry a musical instrument on Southwest Airlines? If your instrument fits within the standard carry-on dimensions, it's treated as your carry-on. Larger instruments may be allowed in the cabin if they fit in an overhead bin or under a seat and space is available, or you can purchase an extra seat for them.
How to avoid gate checking my Southwest carry-on? Ensure your bag strictly adheres to the 24” x 16” x 10” dimensions, and consider boarding earlier by purchasing Upgraded Boarding or checking in promptly to secure overhead bin space.
How to identify prohibited items for Southwest carry-on bags? Refer to the TSA website for a comprehensive list of items not allowed in carry-on bags (and some not allowed at all). Always err on the side of caution and check before packing.
How to pack essentials in my personal item for a Southwest flight? Use your personal item for items you'll need during the flight or immediately upon arrival, such as medications, important documents, electronics, chargers, a book, snacks, and a neck pillow or blanket.
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