Oh, the joys and sometimes stress of packing for a flight! Especially when you're trying to figure out exactly what you can bring onboard without any last-minute surprises. If you're flying Southwest Airlines, you're in luck because their carry-on policy is generally straightforward, but it's always best to be prepared.
Let's dive into the nitty-gritty of how many carry-ons you can bring on Southwest Airlines, step by step!
Step 1: Understand the Basics - The "One Plus One" Rule
First things first, let's get you engaged! Have you ever had to frantically repack your bag at the gate because it was too big? We've all been there, and it's no fun. To avoid that on Southwest, remember this golden rule:
You are allowed one carry-on bag and one personal item. That's it! Simple, right? But the devil is in the details of what constitutes each.
Step 2: Defining Your Carry-On Bag
This is the bag that typically goes into the overhead bin above your seat. It's usually your main piece of cabin luggage.
Sub-heading: Size Matters – The Dimensions You Can't Ignore
Southwest Airlines has specific dimensions your carry-on must adhere to. Pay close attention to these, as they include wheels and handles!
Maximum Dimensions: 24 inches (L) x 16 inches (W) x 10 inches (H).
Think of your standard roller bag or a small suitcase. If it's larger than these dimensions, it will likely need to be checked, and potentially incur a fee if you've already checked your two free bags.
Sub-heading: What Fits Where?
Your carry-on bag is designed to fit snugly in the overhead compartments. Ensure it's not overstuffed, as this can make it difficult to fit and potentially delay boarding.
Step 3: Understanding Your Personal Item
This is your smaller bag, designed to be stowed under the seat in front of you. It's meant to be easily accessible during the flight for things you might need.
Sub-heading: Personal Item Dimensions – Keep it Compact
While Southwest doesn't always strictly enforce personal item dimensions as they do for carry-ons, it's good to know the general guidelines to ensure it fits comfortably under the seat.
Recommended Dimensions: Approximately 18.5 inches (L) x 8.5 inches (W) x 13.5 inches (H).
Examples of personal items include:
A purse (including crossbody bags)
A briefcase
A laptop computer case
A small backpack
A camera bag
A pillow or blanket (note: neck pillows generally don't count towards the limit)
Sub-heading: Accessibility is Key
The personal item is your lifeline during the flight. Make sure it contains anything you might need access to, such as your phone, a book, snacks, or medication.
Step 4: Special Items That Don't Count Towards Your Limit
Southwest is pretty generous when it comes to certain items that are considered exempt from the carry-on and personal item count. This is a huge bonus!
Outerwear: This includes coats, jackets, and wraps. You can carry these onboard without them counting as one of your two items.
Umbrellas: A single umbrella is also typically allowed in addition to your carry-on and personal item.
Food for Consumption on the Flight: If you're bringing snacks or a meal to eat during the flight, these usually don't count, as long as they are reasonably sized and not excessive.
Assistive Devices: This is very important for many travelers. Wheelchairs, crutches, canes, walkers, and other mobility aids are always permitted in addition to your allowance.
Child Restraint Systems/Car Seats (if a seat is purchased for the child): If you've purchased a ticket for your child, an FAA-approved car seat that will be used during the flight can be carried on and won't count toward your limit.
Diaper Bags: If you're traveling with an infant or small child, a diaper bag is usually considered an essential item and doesn't count against your carry-on allowance.
Breast Pumps and Associated Equipment: These are considered medical devices and are allowed in addition to your carry-on and personal item.
Step 5: Navigating Liquids, Gels, and Aerosols (The TSA 3-1-1 Rule)
While not directly about how many carry-ons, understanding liquid rules is crucial for what you put inside them. Southwest adheres to TSA guidelines.
Sub-heading: The Famous 3-1-1 Rule
3.4 Ounces (100 milliliters): Each liquid, gel, or aerosol container must be 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less.
1 Quart-Sized Bag: All your liquid containers must fit comfortably within one quart-sized, clear, sealable plastic bag.
1 Bag Per Passenger: You are limited to one such bag per passenger.
Remember: Larger liquid containers (e.g., full-size shampoo bottles) must go in your checked luggage. There are exceptions for medically necessary liquids and infant formula/breast milk.
Step 6: Special Considerations and What to AVOID
Sub-heading: Pets as Carry-Ons
If you're traveling with a small domestic cat or dog in a carrier that fits under the seat, this pet carrier counts as either your personal item or your carry-on bag. You cannot bring both a pet carrier and a separate personal item and a carry-on bag. Space for pets is also limited on each flight, so always make a reservation in advance by calling Southwest.
Sub-heading: Musical Instruments
Smaller musical instruments (like violins or guitars, if they fit the carry-on dimensions) can be brought as your carry-on bag. If it exceeds carry-on dimensions but fits in an overhead bin or under a seat, it may still be permitted if space is available. For larger instruments, you might need to purchase an additional seat or check them.
Sub-heading: Prohibited Items
Always be aware of items that are not allowed in either carry-on or checked baggage. This includes hazardous materials, explosives, and certain sharp objects. The TSA website is your best resource for a comprehensive list of prohibited items. When in doubt, check the TSA website!
Step 7: What Happens if Your Carry-On is Too Big or There's No Space?
Even with the best intentions, sometimes things don't go as planned.
Gate Checking: If your carry-on bag exceeds the size limits or if there's simply no more overhead bin space available on a full flight, you may be required to "gate check" your bag. This means it will be taken from you at the boarding gate and placed in the cargo hold, and you'll pick it up at baggage claim at your destination. This is usually free on Southwest.
Fees for Overweight/Oversized Checked Bags: If your gate-checked bag is also overweight (over 50 lbs) or oversized (over 62 linear inches when length + width + height are combined), you could incur additional fees, even if it was originally intended as a carry-on. This is less common for typical carry-on sized bags but something to be aware of.
Step 8: Tips for a Smooth Carry-On Experience
Measure Before You Go: Seriously, measure your bags! A few inches can make a big difference.
Pack Smart: Roll your clothes, use packing cubes, and maximize every inch of space without overstuffing.
Wear Your Bulkiest Items: If you have a bulky jacket or heavy boots, wear them on the plane instead of packing them.
Keep Valuables and Medications with You: Always keep essential medications, important documents, electronics, and valuable jewelry in your personal item, as checked bags can sometimes be delayed or misplaced.
Board Early (if possible): Southwest's open seating means overhead bin space can fill up quickly. If you have A group boarding or pay for EarlyBird Check-In, you'll have a better chance of securing overhead space.
By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to a stress-free boarding process and a comfortable flight with your carry-ons on Southwest Airlines!
Frequently Asked Questions about Southwest Airlines Carry-Ons:
Here are 10 common "How to" questions related to Southwest Airlines carry-on policies, with quick answers:
How to determine if my bag is the correct carry-on size for Southwest?
Quick Answer: Measure your bag's length, width, and height (including wheels and handles). It should not exceed 24 inches (L) x 16 inches (W) x 10 inches (H).
How to ensure my personal item fits under the seat on Southwest?
Quick Answer: Aim for dimensions around 18.5 inches (L) x 8.5 inches (W) x 13.5 inches (H) and avoid overstuffing, as it needs to slide easily under the seat in front of you.
How to pack liquids in my Southwest carry-on?
Quick Answer: Follow the TSA 3-1-1 rule: containers 3.4 oz (100ml) or less, all fitting in one quart-sized, clear, sealable bag, limited to one bag per passenger.
How to travel with a pet as a carry-on on Southwest?
Quick Answer: Your pet carrier counts as either your carry-on or personal item. It must fit under the seat, and you must make a reservation in advance by calling Southwest.
How to bring a musical instrument as a carry-on on Southwest?
Quick Answer: If it fits the standard carry-on dimensions (24x16x10 inches), it can be your carry-on. Otherwise, it may be allowed if it fits in an overhead bin or under a seat if space permits, or you might need to purchase an extra seat.
How to handle a gate-checked bag on Southwest?
Quick Answer: If your carry-on is gate-checked, it will be loaded into the cargo hold and retrieved at baggage claim at your destination airport.
How to know what items are prohibited in my Southwest carry-on?
Quick Answer: Consult the TSA's official website for a comprehensive and up-to-date list of prohibited items. Common examples include flammable liquids, explosives, and certain sharp objects.
How to bring a car seat or stroller on Southwest flights?
Quick Answer: If you've purchased a seat for your child, an FAA-approved car seat can be carried on and does not count towards your limit. Strollers and car seats can generally be checked for free at the ticket counter or gate.
How to maximize carry-on space on Southwest?
Quick Answer: Use packing cubes, roll your clothes tightly, wear your bulkiest items, and utilize all small pockets and compartments efficiently.
How to confirm the latest carry-on policy before my Southwest flight?
Quick Answer: Always check the official Southwest Airlines website's "Baggage" or "Carryon and Personal Item Policy" section, as policies can occasionally be updated.