Have you ever stood at the airport, bag in hand, wondering if it's going to make the cut for your Southwest Airlines flight? We've all been there! The rules for carry-on luggage can feel like a labyrinth, but with Southwest, it's actually quite straightforward. Let's break down exactly how many carry-ons you can bring and what you need to know to ensure a smooth boarding process.
Understanding Southwest's Carry-On Philosophy
Southwest Airlines is known for its unique approach to baggage. While they traditionally allowed two checked bags for free (though this policy has seen some changes recently for new bookings as of May 28, 2025), their carry-on policy remains consistent and customer-friendly. The key is understanding the difference between a "carry-on bag" and a "personal item."
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| How Many Carry Ons Can You Have At Southwest Airlines |
Step 1: Grasping the Basics – The "One Plus One" Rule
So, how many carry-ons can you have at Southwest Airlines? The simple answer is: one carry-on bag PLUS one personal item.
Are you surprised? Many people initially think they can bring more, but this "one plus one" rule is standard across most airlines. The trick is knowing what qualifies as each and their respective size limitations.
Sub-heading: What is a Carry-On Bag?
Your carry-on bag is generally the larger of the two items you bring into the cabin. This is the bag that typically goes in the overhead bin above your seat.
Sub-heading: What is a Personal Item?
Your personal item is a smaller bag that must fit under the seat in front of you. This is where things like your purse, laptop bag, or a small backpack come into play.
Step 2: Knowing Your Dimensions – Measure Twice, Fly Once!
Tip: Pause whenever something stands out.
This is where the rubber meets the road. Even if you only have one carry-on and one personal item, if they exceed the size limits, you might be forced to check them, potentially incurring fees or delays. Don't get caught off guard at the gate!
Sub-heading: Carry-On Bag Dimensions
For your carry-on bag (the one for the overhead bin), Southwest Airlines has specific maximum dimensions:
Length: 24 inches (61 cm)
Width: 16 inches (40.64 cm)
Height: 10 inches (25.4 cm)
Important Note: These dimensions include wheels, handles, and any external attachments. So, measure your bag from top to bottom, side to side, and front to back, including everything!
Sub-heading: Personal Item Dimensions
Your personal item needs to be smaller, as it's intended to fit underneath the seat in front of you. While Southwest doesn't provide a strict "maximum linear inches" for personal items like some airlines, they do specify dimensions:
Length: 18.5 inches (46.99 cm)
Width: 8.5 inches (21.59 cm)
Height: 13.5 inches (34.29 cm)
Think about a standard backpack, a large purse, or a slim laptop case. These are typically good fits.
Step 3: Packing Smart – Maximizing Your Space
Now that you know the limits, it's time to become a packing pro! Smart packing can make a huge difference in how comfortable and stress-free your travel day is.
Sub-heading: The Art of the Carry-On
Roll, don't fold: Rolling your clothes often saves more space than folding them.
Utilize packing cubes: These can help compress your items and keep them organized, making it easier to fit more into your carry-on.
Wear your bulkiest items: If you're bringing a heavy coat or bulky shoes, wear them on the plane instead of packing them.
Liquids, aerosols, gels (LAGs): Remember the TSA's 3-1-1 rule for carry-ons. All liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes must be in containers 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less and fit within one quart-sized clear, sealable bag. Each passenger is limited to one such bag. Medications and infant/child nourishments are exempt from this rule.
Tip: Slow down at important lists or bullet points.
Sub-heading: Personal Item Perfection
Essentials only: Your personal item should contain everything you need during the flight and immediately upon arrival. This includes travel documents, medications, electronics, a book, snacks, and any valuables.
Chargers and power banks: Lithium batteries, including portable chargers and power banks, must be in your carry-on bag, not checked baggage. Ensure they are protected from short circuits.
Neck pillows and blankets: Good news! A neck pillow and a blanket generally do not count towards your carry-on limit at Southwest. This is a small but welcome perk!
Step 4: Special Items and Exceptions – When Rules Bend (a Little)
While the "one carry-on, one personal item" rule is standard, there are a few exceptions and specific guidelines for certain items.
Sub-heading: Assistive Devices
Mobility aids, such as wheelchairs, crutches, and walkers, do not count towards your carry-on allowance. They are permitted in addition to your standard carry-on and personal item.
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Sub-heading: Musical Instruments
Traveling with a violin or a guitar? Smaller musical instruments that fit within the carry-on dimensions (24" x 16" x 10") can be brought as your carry-on bag, provided there's space in the overhead bin. 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. For larger instruments, you might need to purchase an additional seat for it, or check it as baggage (fees may apply for oversized/overweight instruments).
Sub-heading: Pet Carriers
If you're traveling with a pet in the cabin (Southwest allows small domesticated cats and dogs on domestic flights), the pet carrier counts as either your personal item or your carry-on bag. It cannot be in addition to both.
Sub-heading: Outer Garments and Food
QuickTip: Slow down when you hit numbers or data.
Outer garments (like a coat or jacket) and food for consumption during the flight (in disposable packaging) generally do not count towards your carry-on limit. This is a nice bonus for passengers!
Step 5: What Happens If Your Bag is Too Big or There's No Space?
Even with the best intentions, sometimes things don't go as planned.
Sub-heading: Gate-Checking Your Carry-On
If your carry-on bag exceeds the dimensions or if there isn't enough overhead bin space, a gate agent may require you to "gate-check" your bag. This means your bag will be tagged at the gate and placed in the cargo hold, and you'll pick it up at baggage claim at your destination. While Southwest previously offered "Bags Fly Free," recent policy changes (for bookings made on or after May 28, 2025) mean checked baggage may incur fees depending on your fare type. If your carry-on is gate-checked due to space limitations, you typically won't be charged a fee. However, if it's gate-checked because it exceeds the carry-on size limits, you may be subject to standard checked bag fees.
Sub-heading: The Importance of Early Boarding
Southwest Airlines has an open seating policy. Boarding earlier gives you a better chance of finding overhead bin space for your carry-on. Consider opting for EarlyBird Check-In or purchasing Upgraded Boarding if securing overhead space is a high priority for you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 related FAQ questions, starting with "How to," along with their quick answers:
How to ensure my carry-on bag meets Southwest's size requirements?
Tip: Every word counts — don’t skip too much.
Quick Answer: Measure your bag, including wheels and handles, to ensure it does not exceed 24" (L) x 16" (W) x 10" (H). Use a measuring tape or check the airline's sizing templates at the airport.
How to pack liquids in my Southwest carry-on?
Quick Answer: Adhere to the TSA's 3-1-1 rule: liquids, gels, aerosols must be in containers 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less, fit in one quart-sized clear, sealable bag, and be limited to one bag per passenger.
How to get the best chance of finding overhead bin space on Southwest?
Quick Answer: Check in exactly 24 hours before your flight to get an earlier boarding position (A, B, or C group), or consider purchasing EarlyBird Check-In or Upgraded Boarding.
How to bring a musical instrument on Southwest?
Quick Answer: If it fits within carry-on dimensions (24" x 16" x 10"), it counts as your carry-on. Larger instruments may be carried on if they fit in the overhead bin or under a seat and space is available, or you can purchase an additional seat for them.
How to travel with a pet on Southwest?
Quick Answer: Small domesticated cats and dogs can be carried in the cabin in an approved carrier, which counts as either your personal item or your carry-on bag. A fee applies.
How to handle a carry-on that is too big at the gate?
Quick Answer: If your carry-on exceeds the dimensions, you may be required to gate-check it, potentially incurring a checked baggage fee. Try to avoid this by measuring beforehand.
How to determine if my personal item is the right size for Southwest?
Quick Answer: Ensure your personal item is small enough to fit under the seat in front of you, generally not exceeding 18.5" (L) x 8.5" (W) x 13.5" (H).
How to carry essential medications on a Southwest flight?
Quick Answer: Medications, including liquid medications, are exempt from the 3-1-1 rule and can be carried in your personal item or carry-on in quantities needed for your flight.
How to bring a laptop on a Southwest flight?
Quick Answer: A laptop and its case count as your personal item, provided they fit within the personal item dimensions and can be stowed under the seat in front of you.
How to avoid checked baggage fees if my carry-on needs to be checked on Southwest?
Quick Answer: If your carry-on is gate-checked due to lack of space in the overhead bins (and not because it's oversized), you typically will not be charged a fee. However, if it's oversized, fees may apply as per new checked baggage policies for bookings made on or after May 28, 2025.
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