Planning a trip with Southwest Airlines and wondering about their carry-on baggage policy? You've come to the right place! Southwest has a unique approach to baggage, and understanding it can make your travel experience smooth and stress-free. Let's dive in and unravel exactly how many carry-ons you get with Southwest Airlines, along with all the crucial details you need to know.
Step 1: Engage and Understand the Basics – How Many Carry-Ons Do You Get?
First things first, let's get right to the core of your question: How many carry-ons do you get with Southwest Airlines?
The answer is simple: You get to bring on one carry-on bag and one personal item.
Feeling a sense of relief? This straightforward policy is one of the reasons many travelers appreciate Southwest. Unlike some other airlines that might have complex tiered systems, Southwest keeps it consistent for all passengers. Now, let's break down what each of these means and what you can bring.
Step 2: Demystifying Your Carry-On Bag
Your carry-on bag is the one that typically goes in the overhead bin above your seat. This is where you'll stash your slightly larger items that you want to keep easily accessible during your flight.
What Qualifies as a Carry-On Bag?
Size Matters (a lot!): Southwest has specific dimensions for carry-on bags. Your bag, including wheels and handles, must not exceed 24 inches (L) x 16 inches (W) x 10 inches (H).
Why is this important? Bags that exceed these dimensions may need to be checked at the gate, which can cause delays and inconvenience. Always measure your bag before you leave for the airport!
Weight? Not a Primary Concern (for carry-ons): Unlike many airlines that impose strict weight limits on carry-on bags, Southwest generally does not have a weight restriction for carry-on items. However, you must be able to safely lift your bag into the overhead bin without assistance. If you can't lift it, neither can they easily, and it might need to be gate-checked.
Common Examples: Think standard roller bags, small suitcases, or larger duffel bags that fit within the specified dimensions.
Step 3: Unpacking Your Personal Item
Your personal item is the smaller bag that you'll keep with you at your seat, typically stowed under the seat in front of you. This is perfect for essentials you'll need during the flight.
What Qualifies as a Personal Item?
Smaller Dimensions, Under-Seat Friendly: Your personal item should be smaller than your carry-on. While specific dimensions aren't as rigidly enforced as the carry-on, it should be designed to fit comfortably under the seat. Common dimensions for personal items are around 18.5 inches (L) x 8.5 inches (W) x 13.5 inches (H).
Think compact and accessible!
No Weight Limit (Again, within reason): Similar to carry-on bags, there's generally no strict weight limit for personal items. The key is that it must fit under the seat in front of you without obstructing the aisle or other passengers.
Common Examples: A purse, briefcase, laptop bag, small backpack, or a small camera bag are all typical personal items. Neck pillows and blankets usually do not count towards your personal item limit.
Step 4: The Golden Rules for a Smooth Boarding Experience
Knowing the limits is one thing, but following these practical tips will ensure a hassle-free boarding process:
Measure and Weigh Before You Go: This cannot be stressed enough! Invest in a luggage scale and a measuring tape. It takes minutes at home and can save you significant time and potential fees at the airport.
Pack Smart, Not Just Light: Think about what you truly need readily available. Medications, important documents, electronics, and a change of clothes are good candidates for your carry-on.
Consolidate When Possible: If you're a heavy packer, try to consolidate items to fit within the two-bag limit. Sometimes, a slightly larger personal item can eliminate the need for a separate small bag.
Be Prepared for Overhead Bin Space: While Southwest has open seating and a generous carry-on policy, overhead bin space can still be limited on full flights. Boarding early (especially with A-list status or by purchasing Upgraded Boarding or EarlyBird Check-In) can help ensure you find space for your carry-on.
Liquids, Aerosols, and Gels (LAGs): The 3-1-1 Rule: Remember the TSA's "3-1-1 rule" for liquids in your carry-on bag:
Containers must be 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less.
They must fit comfortably in one quart-sized bag.
Each passenger is limited to one quart-sized bag.
This rule is for security, not airline policy, but it's crucial for carry-ons!
Step 5: What About "Extra" Items? (Not Counting Towards Your Limit)
Southwest, like most airlines, allows certain items to be carried on in addition to your one carry-on and one personal item. These are typically items necessary for personal care or safety.
Medical Devices: Crutches, canes, walkers, and certain medical equipment that can be stowed safely in the cabin.
Child Items: Diaper bags (when traveling with an infant), car seats/child restraint systems (if a seat has been purchased for the child or if space is available), and strollers (which are usually gate-checked).
Outerwear: A coat, jacket, or umbrella.
Food for Consumption on Board: Snacks or food you plan to eat during the flight.
Assistive Devices: Wheelchairs (typically stowed in the cargo hold but accessible at the gate).
Always confirm with Southwest or TSA if you have unusual items or specific medical needs.
Step 6: Understanding Checked Baggage (The "Bags Fly Free" Era is Evolving)
While this post focuses on carry-ons, it's important to touch upon Southwest's checked baggage policy, especially with recent changes. Historically, Southwest was famous for its "Bags Fly Free" policy, allowing two checked bags per passenger at no cost. However, as of May 28, 2025, this policy has changed for most fares.
New Policy: For most "Basic," "Wanna Get Away Plus®," and "Anytime" fares, you will now incur fees for your first and second checked bags.
Exceptions: "Business Select®" fares continue to receive two free checked bags. Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred members also get two free checked bags, and A-List members and Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card holders typically get their first checked bag free.
Dimensions & Weight for Checked Bags: Checked bags generally must not exceed 50 pounds in weight and 62 linear inches (length + width + height) in size. Overweight and oversized bags will incur additional fees.
This change highlights the importance of maximizing your carry-on allowance if you want to avoid checked bag fees.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 related FAQ questions starting with "How to" with their quick answers:
How to determine if my bag is carry-on compliant for Southwest Airlines? Measure your bag's length, width, and height (including wheels and handles). It must be 24" x 16" x 10" or less to fit in the overhead bin.
How to pack liquids in my Southwest carry-on bag? Follow the TSA's 3-1-1 rule: liquids, aerosols, and gels must be in containers 3.4 oz (100 ml) or less, fit in one quart-sized bag, and each passenger is limited to one such bag.
How to ensure I have space for my carry-on bag on a Southwest flight? Consider purchasing Upgraded Boarding or EarlyBird Check-In, or aim to arrive early for check-in to receive an earlier boarding position, as Southwest has open seating.
How to bring a pet on a Southwest Airlines flight in the cabin? A pet carrier counts as either your personal item or your carry-on bag. Ensure the carrier meets Southwest's size requirements and that you've made the necessary pet reservation and paid the fee.
How to handle oversized items that I want to bring on Southwest? If an item exceeds carry-on dimensions but can fit in an overhead bin or under a seat, Southwest may allow it as a carry-on if space is available. Otherwise, it will need to be checked, potentially incurring oversized baggage fees.
How to avoid checked bag fees on Southwest Airlines? Maximize your one free carry-on bag and one free personal item. For most fares booked or changed after May 28, 2025, checked bags will incur fees unless you are a Business Select flyer, A-List Preferred member, A-List member, or Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card holder.
How to travel with a car seat or stroller on Southwest Airlines? Each ticketed customer can check one stroller and one car seat/child restraint system free of charge. If you purchase a seat for your child, a FAA-approved car seat can be brought on board as a carry-on and does not count towards your limit.
How to know what items are prohibited in my Southwest carry-on? Refer to the TSA's comprehensive list of prohibited items. Common examples include firearms (unless properly declared and checked), sharp objects (like large knives), and flammable liquids.
How to fit a personal item under the seat in front of me on Southwest? Choose a personal item that is soft-sided or flexible, and pack it strategically so it can be slightly compressed to fit snugly under the seat without blocking your legroom or the aisle.
How to bring a musical instrument as a carry-on on Southwest Airlines? If your instrument (including its case) fits within the standard carry-on dimensions (24" x 16" x 10"), you may bring it as your carry-on if space is available. Larger instruments may require purchasing an additional seat or being checked.
