Worried about your carry-on being too big for your next Southwest flight? You're not alone! Many travelers find themselves scratching their heads when it comes to airline luggage restrictions. The good news is, with a little preparation and the right tools, you can easily ensure your carry-on meets Southwest Airlines' requirements and avoid any last-minute surprises at the gate.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through exactly how to measure your carry-on luggage for Southwest Airlines, step by meticulous step. Let's get started and make your travel experience as smooth as possible!
Understanding Southwest Airlines' Carry-On Policy
Before we dive into the measuring, it's crucial to know the specific dimensions Southwest Airlines permits for carry-on bags. This is your target, and every measurement you take will be compared against it.
Southwest Airlines allows one carry-on bag and one personal item per passenger, free of charge.
Carry-on Bag Dimensions: The maximum size for your carry-on bag is 24 inches (L) x 16 inches (W) x 10 inches (H).
Important Note: These dimensions include handles, wheels, and any external pockets or attachments. Don't forget to account for these!
Personal Item Dimensions: Your personal item should be small enough to fit under the seat in front of you. While there isn't a strict linear inch rule, common examples include a purse, briefcase, laptop bag, small backpack, or a pet carrier (which counts as either your personal item or carry-on). The typical recommended dimensions for a personal item are around 18.5 inches (L) x 8.5 inches (W) x 13.5 inches (H).
Now that you know the limits, let's get measuring!
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| How To Measure Carry On Luggage For Southwest Airlines |
Step 1: Gather Your Tools – Let's Get Ready to Measure!
Alright, first things first, let's get organized! Imagine you're a professional luggage detective, and these are your essential gadgets. Do you have everything you need?
A Flexible Measuring Tape: This is your most crucial tool. A tailor's tape or a retractable household measuring tape will work perfectly.
Your Carry-On Bag: The star of the show! Make sure it's packed as you intend to travel. This is vital because a bag's dimensions can change once it's filled. Soft-sided bags, especially, can bulge out.
A Flat Surface: A clear floor space or a large table will give you an accurate and stable surface to measure on.
Pen and Paper (Optional but Recommended): To jot down your measurements as you go. It's easy to forget numbers!
Step 2: Prepare Your Luggage for Accurate Measurement
Tip: Rest your eyes, then continue.
This might seem basic, but proper preparation can make all the difference in getting accurate readings.
Sub-heading: Empty vs. Packed: The Crucial Difference
Always Measure When Packed: As mentioned earlier, do not measure an empty bag. Pack your bag with everything you plan to take. Overstuffing a soft-sided bag can easily add inches to its depth, pushing it over the limit.
Retract All Handles and Tuck in Straps: Ensure all retractable handles are fully pushed down and any loose straps (like on a backpack) are tucked in or secured. These can add to your overall dimensions.
Sub-heading: Position Your Bag Correctly
Stand it Upright: For height and width measurements, stand your carry-on upright as it would be placed in an overhead bin or airline sizer.
Lie it Flat: For depth, it's often easiest to lay the bag on its back.
Step 3: Measuring the Three Key Dimensions – Length, Width, and Height
This is where the rubber meets the road! Take your time and be precise. Remember, Southwest measures the exterior dimensions, including all protrusions.
Sub-heading: Measuring the Height (Length)
Identify the Tallest Point: Place your bag upright on your flat surface. Identify the very top of your bag. This includes the top of any handle (even if it's a small fabric loop) and, most importantly, the top of the wheels if your bag has them.
Measure from Ground to Top: Using your measuring tape, measure from the floor (the very bottom of the wheels) straight up to the tallest point of the bag.
Record Your Measurement: Note this down. This is your Height (often referred to as Length by airlines). For Southwest, this should be no more than 24 inches.
Tip: Break long posts into short reading sessions.
Sub-heading: Measuring the Width
Identify the Widest Point: With your bag still standing upright, look at it from the front. Identify the absolute widest part of the bag. This will usually be across the main body, but don't forget any side pockets or handles that might stick out further.
Measure Across: Place your measuring tape across this widest section, from one edge to the other.
Record Your Measurement: Jot this down. This is your Width. For Southwest, this should be no more than 16 inches.
Sub-heading: Measuring the Depth (Thickness)
Identify the Deepest Point: Lay your bag on its back (the side that would rest against the floor if you laid it down). Identify the deepest part of your bag. This includes any front pockets that might be bulging from packing, and any back elements like rigid frames or backpack straps that add to the thickness.
Measure Front to Back: Measure from the very front of the bag to the very back, at its deepest point.
Record Your Measurement: Write this down. This is your Depth. For Southwest, this should be no more than 10 inches.
Step 4: Double-Check and Compare to Southwest's Limits
You've got your numbers, now it's time for the moment of truth!
Review Your Measurements: Look at the three numbers you've written down for your bag's Height, Width, and Depth.
Compare with Southwest's Policy:
Is your Height (or Length) 24 inches or less?
Is your Width 16 inches or less?
Is your Depth 10 inches or less?
If all three are within the limits, congratulations! Your carry-on is good to go for Southwest Airlines.
If any measurement exceeds the limits, don't panic! You have a few options:
Repack: Can you compress your items more? Are there any non-essential items you can remove?
Consider a different bag: If your bag is consistently too large even when minimally packed, it might be time for a new carry-on that is specifically designed to meet airline requirements.
Check it: If you can't get it to fit, be prepared to check your bag. Remember Southwest's checked baggage policy (currently two free checked bags up to 50 lbs and 62 linear inches for most fares booked on or before May 27, 2025; fees may apply for those booked on or after May 28, 2025, depending on the fare type).
Step 5: Measuring Your Personal Item (And Why It Matters!)
While less strict, it's still good practice to quickly assess your personal item.
Remember the Goal: Your personal item needs to fit comfortably under the seat in front of you.
Approximate Dimensions: While not as rigorously measured, aim for something around 18.5" x 8.5" x 13.5".
Test it Out (If Possible): If you have a similar space at home (like under a chair or desk), you can do a quick test fit. For most standard backpacks, laptop bags, or large purses, this shouldn't be an issue.
Pro Tips for Stress-Free Luggage Travel
Tip: Reread key phrases to strengthen memory.
Invest in a Luggage Sizer: Some travel stores sell actual luggage sizers that mimic those at the airport. This can be a great way to be absolutely sure your bag fits.
Digital Luggage Scale: While Southwest doesn't have a weight limit for carry-ons (as long as you can lift it into the overhead bin unassisted), a scale is invaluable for checked bags to avoid overweight fees.
Pack Smart: Use packing cubes to compress your clothes and maximize space without bulging. Roll your clothes rather than folding them.
Wear Your Bulkiest Items: If you have a heavy jacket or bulky shoes, wear them on the plane to save space and weight in your bag.
Check Airline Websites Regularly: Baggage policies can change! Always verify the latest information on the official Southwest Airlines website before you travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are 10 common "How to" questions about Southwest carry-on luggage:
How to measure luggage with a soft shell?
Measure soft-sided luggage when it's fully packed to account for any bulging. Ensure you measure at the most extended points, including any filled front pockets.
How to know if my bag is carry-on compliant without measuring?
While not foolproof, look for bags advertised as "carry-on compliant" for major airlines. However, always verify with your own measurements as airline policies can vary and manufacturer specs might not account for all external elements.
How to avoid carry-on fees on Southwest?
Southwest Airlines allows one carry-on bag and one personal item per passenger for free, so as long as your bags meet the size requirements, you won't incur carry-on fees.
How to fit more into a small carry-on?
Tip: Pause whenever something stands out.
Utilize packing cubes, roll your clothes tightly, wear your bulkiest items, and only pack essentials. Consider solid toiletries to avoid liquid restrictions.
How to measure wheels and handles for carry-on luggage?
Always include wheels and handles in your measurements. For height, measure from the very bottom of the wheels to the top of the extended handle (when pushed down). For width and depth, include any side handles or protruding parts.
How to deal with an oversized carry-on at the airport?
If your carry-on is oversized, you will likely be required to gate check it. Be prepared for this possibility and ensure any essential items (medication, valuables, electronics) are easily transferable to your personal item.
How to measure a backpack for a carry-on?
For backpacks, measure its height from the bottom to the top (including any top loops or handles), its width across the widest part, and its depth when packed, including any front pockets or external straps that add to its bulk.
How to use an airline's luggage sizer at the airport?
Simply place your bag into the sizer. If it slides in easily without forcing, it's compliant. If it gets stuck or doesn't fit, it's too large. Remember, you might need to try different orientations.
How to pack liquids in a carry-on for Southwest?
Follow TSA's 3-1-1 rule: containers must be 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less, fit in one quart-sized bag, and limited to one bag per passenger.
How to ensure my personal item fits under the seat?
The best way is to physically test it in a similar confined space at home. When packing, avoid overstuffing, especially the top of the bag, as this is often the part that hits the seat in front.
By following these steps, you'll be well-prepared for your next Southwest adventure, knowing your carry-on is perfectly sized for a smooth journey! Happy travels!
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