Traveling with Southwest Airlines is often a preferred choice for many due to their renowned customer service and, historically, their generous baggage policy. While the "Bags Fly Free" policy for checked luggage has recently seen some significant changes for many travelers, their approach to carry-on and personal items remains consistent. So, how big can your "purse" – or more broadly, your personal item – be on Southwest Airlines? Let's dive into the specifics and ensure your travel experience is as smooth as possible!
Navigating Southwest Airlines Baggage Policies: Your Purse & Beyond
Have you ever found yourself at the gate, nervously eyeing the bag sizer, wondering if your seemingly innocent "purse" might actually be too big? You're not alone! Understanding airline baggage policies, especially for personal items, can be a bit of a maze. But fear not, because by the end of this guide, you'll be a pro at packing for your next Southwest adventure.
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| How Big Can Your Purse Be On Southwest Airlines |
Step 1: Understanding the Basics of Southwest's Carry-On Allowance
First things first, it's crucial to differentiate between a "carry-on bag" and a "personal item." Southwest, like most airlines, allows passengers to bring one carry-on bag AND one personal item on board.
What's the Difference?
Carry-On Bag: This is typically your small suitcase, duffel bag, or backpack that you'll place in the overhead bin.
Personal Item: This is the smaller bag that is designed to fit under the seat in front of you. This is where your "purse" falls, along with laptop bags, briefcases, small backpacks, or camera bags.
The key distinction is where they are stowed on the aircraft.
Step 2: Unveiling the Exact Dimensions for Your Personal Item (The "Purse" Category)
This is the moment of truth for your beloved purse, backpack, or any other personal item you plan to bring! Southwest Airlines has specific dimensions for personal items to ensure they can comfortably fit under the seat.
The Golden Rule: Your personal item must not exceed 18.5 inches (length) x 8.5 inches (width) x 13.5 inches (height).
Think of it this way: If your bag is wider than 8.5 inches, or longer than 18.5 inches, or taller than 13.5 inches, you might encounter issues.
It's all about fitting snugly! The main reason for these dimensions is so that the item can slide completely under the seat in front of you, leaving the aisle and your legroom clear.
Tip: A slow, careful read can save re-reading later.
Why These Dimensions Matter
Safety: Unobstructed aisles and exits are crucial for safety during boarding, deplaning, and in emergency situations.
Comfort: Ensuring personal items fit under seats maximizes space for all passengers and prevents bags from spilling into the aisle.
Efficiency: When everyone adheres to the size guidelines, boarding and deplaning processes are much smoother and faster.
Step 3: Measuring Your "Purse" Accurately
Don't just eyeball it! A few inches can make all the difference. Here’s how to properly measure your personal item:
Sub-heading: Tools You'll Need
A flexible tape measure (the kind tailors use is ideal) or a ruler.
A flat surface.
Sub-heading: The Measuring Process
Empty Your Bag (or pack it as you would for travel): The bag's shape can change significantly when empty versus when packed. For an accurate measurement, pack it with what you intend to carry. Don't overstuff it! If it bulges significantly, it might exceed the dimensions even if it measures correctly when empty.
Measure the Length: Lay your bag down on its longest side. Measure from one end to the other.
Measure the Width: Measure across the widest part of your bag. This often includes any side pockets that protrude.
Measure the Height: Stand your bag upright (as it would be if placed under a seat). Measure from the very bottom to the very top, including any handles that might stand up.
Remember: These measurements include wheels and handles if they are permanently attached and protrude from the bag's main compartment.
Step 4: Tips for Maximizing Space in Your Southwest-Compliant Personal Item
Even with the specified dimensions, you can be a packing wizard!
Roll, Don't Fold: This classic packing trick saves a surprising amount of space and can also help reduce wrinkles.
Utilize Packing Cubes: These fabric organizers can compress your belongings and keep them tidy, making it easier to fit everything in.
Wear Your Bulkiest Items: If you’re bringing a jacket, bulky sweater, or heavy shoes, wear them on the plane instead of packing them.
Travel-Sized Toiletries: Adhere to TSA liquid rules and opt for travel-sized versions of your essentials.
Digitalize Documents: Instead of carrying bulky guidebooks or stacks of paper, save documents, boarding passes, and entertainment on your phone or tablet.
QuickTip: Scan the start and end of paragraphs.
Step 5: Understanding What Happens if Your Personal Item is Too Big
While Southwest is generally accommodating, exceeding the personal item dimensions can lead to a few scenarios:
Gate Check: If your personal item is too large to fit under the seat, you may be asked to gate check it. This means it will be taken from you at the boarding gate and placed in the cargo hold with the checked luggage. You'll then retrieve it at baggage claim at your destination.
Fees (Potentially): While Southwest traditionally allowed two free checked bags, their policy has recently shifted. For flights booked or voluntarily changed on or after May 28, 2025, most passengers will now incur fees for checked bags. If your oversized personal item has to be gate-checked and it counts as an additional checked bag beyond your allowance, you could be charged a fee (currently $35 for the first checked bag and $45 for the second, with weight and size limits applying).
Important Note: Business Select flyers and Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred members may still check two bags for free. A-List members and Southwest credit card holders might get one free checked bag. Always check the most current policy directly on Southwest's website for your specific fare and Rapid Rewards status.
Step 6: Don't Forget Your Carry-On Bag!
While this guide focuses on your personal item, it's worth a quick reminder about your main carry-on bag for Southwest Airlines.
Carry-On Dimensions: Southwest allows one carry-on bag not exceeding 24 inches (length) x 16 inches (width) x 10 inches (height). This bag goes in the overhead bin.
Weight Limit (Generally None Specified): Unlike many other airlines, Southwest generally does not specify a weight limit for carry-on bags. The main rule is that you must be able to lift it into the overhead bin yourself. However, always ensure it's not excessively heavy for safety reasons.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 related FAQ questions that start with 'How to' with their quick answers:
How to determine if my purse is considered a personal item or a carry-on?
Your purse is a personal item if it fits under the seat in front of you and adheres to the maximum dimensions of 18.5 x 8.5 x 13.5 inches. If it's larger and needs to go in the overhead bin, it's considered a carry-on.
How to measure my bag accurately for Southwest Airlines?
Tip: Read at your own pace, not too fast.
To measure accurately, pack your bag as you normally would, then use a tape measure to get the length, width, and height, including any wheels or handles that protrude.
How to pack efficiently to maximize space in my personal item?
Roll clothes, use packing cubes, wear your bulkiest items, and opt for travel-sized toiletries to maximize space in your personal item.
How to avoid baggage fees on Southwest Airlines?
Adhere to the personal item and carry-on size limits. For checked bags, utilize any free allowance you have (e.g., Business Select, A-List Preferred, A-List, or Southwest credit card holders) or pack lightly enough to only need your carry-on and personal item.
How to check the most up-to-date baggage policy for Southwest Airlines?
Always visit the official Southwest Airlines website (Southwest.com) and navigate to their "Bags" or "Baggage Policy" section for the most current and detailed information, as policies can change.
How to handle a personal item that is slightly over the size limit?
If your personal item is slightly over the limit, you may be asked to gate check it. It's best to avoid this by packing within the stated dimensions to prevent delays or potential fees.
Tip: Don’t skip the small notes — they often matter.
How to find a personal item bag that fits Southwest's dimensions?
Look for bags specifically marketed as "underseat bags" or "personal item bags" and always double-check the listed dimensions against Southwest's requirements before purchasing.
How to manage liquids in my personal item for TSA screening?
All liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes must be in containers 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or smaller and fit in one quart-sized bag per passenger.
How to ensure a smooth boarding process with my personal item?
Ensure your personal item is appropriately sized to fit under the seat in front of you and have it ready to quickly stow to ensure a smooth and efficient boarding process for yourself and others.
How to retrieve a gate-checked personal item upon arrival?
If your personal item is gate-checked, it will typically be available for pick-up at the baggage claim carousel with other checked luggage at your destination. Confirm with the gate agent when it's checked.
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