Ah, the eternal question for any traveler: "How many items can I really carry on Southwest Airlines?" You're in the right place! Southwest has long been known for its generous baggage policy, though there have been some recent adjustments. This lengthy guide will break down everything you need to know, step-by-step, to pack like a pro and avoid any surprises at the airport. Let's dive in!
Step 1: Engage Your Inner Packing Strategist!
Before we even talk about specific numbers and dimensions, let's get you thinking like a seasoned traveler. Imagine you're standing at your front door, suitcase open, contemplating your trip. What are your absolute essentials? What can you live without for a few days or a week? Southwest's policy offers flexibility, but a little pre-planning goes a long way in making your airport experience smooth and stress-free.
Are you a "pack light, live free" minimalist, or do you believe in being prepared for every possible scenario? Understanding your packing style is the first, crucial step. Now, let's get into the nitty-gritty of what Southwest allows.
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| How Many Items Can You Carry On Southwest Airlines |
Step 2: Understanding Your Carry-On and Personal Item Allowance
This is where the magic happens for many travelers! Southwest's carry-on policy is generally quite straightforward, allowing you to keep key items with you in the cabin.
Note: Skipping ahead? Don’t miss the middle sections.
Sub-heading: One Carry-On Bag
You are permitted one carry-on bag to be stowed in the overhead bin.
Dimensions: This bag must not exceed 24 inches (L) x 16 inches (W) x 10 inches (H). Crucially, these dimensions include handles, wheels, and any external attachments. Always measure your bag with these in mind!
Weight Limit: Good news! Southwest does not specify a weight limit for carry-on bags. However, you must be able to lift it into the overhead bin yourself. If you can't, it might need to be checked.
Examples: Typical carry-on bags include roller bags, small suitcases, or larger duffel bags that fit within the specified dimensions.
Sub-heading: One Personal Item
In addition to your carry-on bag, you can bring one personal item that must fit under the seat in front of you.
Dimensions: Your personal item should not exceed 18.5 inches (L) x 8.5 inches (W) x 13.5 inches (H).
Weight Limit: Like carry-on bags, there's no specified weight limit for personal items, but it must fit under the seat.
Examples: Common personal items include a purse (including crossbody bags), a briefcase, a laptop computer case, a small backpack, a pillow, or a blanket.
Important Note: If you're traveling with a pet, the pet carrier will count as either your personal item or your carry-on bag. It cannot be in addition to both.
Sub-heading: Items That Don't Count Towards Your Limit
Southwest is quite accommodating when it comes to certain items you can bring aboard in addition to your carry-on and personal item. These include:
QuickTip: Use the post as a quick reference later.
A child restraint device for a ticketed child (or if there's available space).
Assistive/mobility devices for individuals with disabilities (there's no limit to these).
Outer garments (like a coat or jacket).
Food for consumption during the flight, provided it's in disposable packaging.
Walking canes or umbrellas.
Infant items like strollers (may need to be gate-checked), car seats (if the child has a ticketed seat), diaper bags, breast pumps, and milk/formula.
Medications (liquid medications must adhere to TSA's 3-1-1 rule unless accompanied by a doctor's note).
Neck pillows (these do not count toward your carry-on limit).
Step 3: Navigating Checked Baggage Allowances and Fees
This is where Southwest's policy has seen the most significant changes, so pay close attention! While they were famous for "Bags Fly Free," that policy has shifted for many.
Sub-heading: The New Standard Checked Baggage Policy (Effective May 28, 2025, for new bookings/changes)
For flights booked or voluntarily changed on or after May 28, 2025, the "Bags Fly Free" policy is no longer universal.
Standard Dimensions: Each checked bag must not exceed 62 linear inches (length + width + height). This sum includes wheels and handles.
Standard Weight Limit: Each checked bag must not exceed 50 pounds (23 kg).
Here's the breakdown of fees based on your fare type and status:
Business Select® Fare: You still get two checked bags free of charge. This is a significant perk!
Rapid Rewards® A-List Preferred Members: Similar to Business Select, you receive your first and second checked bags free. This also extends to up to eight additional passengers on the same reservation.
Rapid Rewards® A-List Members: You'll get your first checked bag free. For the second checked bag, a fee applies. This also extends to up to eight additional passengers on the same reservation.
Rapid Rewards® Credit Cardmembers: You'll get your first checked bag free. For the second checked bag, a fee applies. This applies to the cardmember and up to eight additional passengers on the same reservation, provided the Rapid Rewards account number is included at the time of booking.
Active-Duty Military Customers: With a valid military ID, active-duty military personnel are exempt from the standard two-piece baggage limit and will not be subject to excess, oversize, or overweight baggage charges, provided no piece exceeds 100 pounds in weight or 80 inches in total dimensions. This is a very generous policy for our service members!
Basic, Wanna Get Away Plus®, and Anytime Fares: For these fares, you will now incur fees for checked bags:
First Checked Bag: $35 (one-way)
Second Checked Bag: $45 (one-way)
QuickTip: Reading twice makes retention stronger.
Sub-heading: Excess Baggage Fees
What happens if you need to bring more than your allotted free bags, or if your bags are too big or heavy?
Third+ Checked Bag: If you need to check a third bag or more (up to a maximum of 20 pieces per customer), a fee of $150 per bag applies.
Overweight Baggage (51-70 lbs / 24-32 kg): If your checked bag weighs between 51 and 70 pounds, an additional fee of $100 per bag applies in addition to any standard bag fees.
Overweight Baggage (71-100 lbs / 33-45 kg): If your checked bag weighs between 71 and 100 pounds, an additional fee of $200 per bag applies in addition to any standard bag fees. Bags exceeding 100 pounds will not be accepted as checked baggage and must be shipped as Air Cargo (with restrictions).
Oversized Baggage (63-80 inches / 160-203 cm): If your checked bag measures between 63 and 80 linear inches, an additional fee of $125 per bag applies in addition to any standard bag fees.
Bags exceeding 80 linear inches will not be accepted as checked baggage.
Combined Overweight & Oversized: If a bag is both overweight and oversized, only one additional charge applies (the higher of the two, typically). For example, if a bag is 70 lbs and 70 inches, you'd generally pay the $125 oversized fee plus any standard bag fee.
Step 4: Special Baggage and Sports Equipment
Traveling with something unusual? Southwest has policies for many special items, often counting them towards your standard checked baggage allowance.
Sports Equipment: Most standard sports equipment (like golf clubs, skis, fishing equipment) can be checked as one piece of your checked baggage allowance. If it exceeds standard dimensions or weight, additional fees may apply. For example, bicycles larger than 62 inches or surfboards may incur a $200 charge.
Musical Instruments: Smaller instruments that fit within carry-on dimensions can be brought in the cabin. Larger instruments can be brought on board if they fit in an overhead bin (space permitting) or if you purchase an additional seat for them. Instruments too large for the cabin can be checked, subject to standard checked baggage rules and potential oversized/overweight fees.
Firearms: Specific regulations apply for firearms. They must be unloaded, in a locked hard-sided container, and declared at the ticket counter. Ammunition must be properly packed in a separate container. Always check the latest TSA and Southwest guidelines for firearms.
Perishables: Perishable items are generally accepted as checked baggage if properly packaged (e.g., in a cooler with dry ice). Check for specific guidelines on dry ice quantities and packaging.
Step 5: Essential Packing Tips for Southwest Travel
Now that you know the rules, let's optimize your packing strategy!
QuickTip: Look for repeated words — they signal importance.
Measure and Weigh! This cannot be stressed enough. Invest in a small luggage scale and a measuring tape. Do this before you leave for the airport to avoid costly surprises.
Utilize Your Personal Item: This is prime real estate! Pack your essentials here – medications, electronics, valuable items, a change of clothes, and anything you absolutely can't lose.
Roll, Don't Fold: Rolling clothes can save significant space in both your carry-on and checked bags.
Packing Cubes are Your Friend: These help compress items and keep your bag organized, making it easier to find what you need and maximize space.
Wear Your Bulkiest Items: If you're traveling with heavy boots or a thick jacket, wear them on the plane instead of packing them.
Liquids (Carry-On): Remember the TSA 3-1-1 rule for liquids in your carry-on: containers must be 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less, fit in one quart-sized bag, and be limited to one bag per passenger.
Check Prohibited Items: Always double-check the TSA website and Southwest's guidelines for prohibited items in both carry-on and checked luggage. Some seemingly innocuous items (like certain flammable aerosols) are restricted.
Step 6: When in Doubt, Ask!
If you have any unique items or specific concerns not covered here, the best course of action is always to:
Visit the Official Southwest Airlines Website: Their "Baggage" section is the most up-to-date and authoritative source for their policies.
Contact Southwest Customer Service: For complex situations or specific items, a quick call or chat can save you a lot of hassle at the airport.
By following these steps, you'll be well-equipped to navigate Southwest's baggage policies with confidence, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey!
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 frequently asked questions about Southwest Airlines' baggage policy, starting with "How to," along with their quick answers:
How to avoid checked baggage fees on Southwest?
You can avoid checked baggage fees by booking a Business Select® fare, being a Rapid Rewards® A-List Preferred member, or an active-duty military customer. Rapid Rewards® A-List members and Southwest credit card holders also get one free checked bag.
How to measure my luggage for Southwest?
For carry-on and checked bags, use a tape measure to get the length, width, and height, including wheels and handles. For linear inches, add these three measurements together (L+W+H).
How to pack a personal item for Southwest?
Pack essentials like electronics, medications, valuable items, and a change of clothes in your personal item, ensuring it fits the dimensions of 18.5" x 8.5" x 13.5" to fit under the seat in front of you.
How to bring a car seat on Southwest?
A child restraint device (car seat) can be brought on board for a ticketed child in a reserved seat or if complimentary, available space exists. It does not count against your carry-on or personal item limit.
How to check a third bag on Southwest?
You can check a third bag (and up to 20 total) on Southwest, but it will incur a fee of $150 per bag, in addition to any overweight or oversized charges.
How to bring sports equipment on Southwest?
Most sports equipment can be checked as part of your standard baggage allowance. If it exceeds standard size or weight limits, special fees may apply (e.g., $125 for oversized or $100-$200 for overweight).
How to handle overweight baggage on Southwest?
Overweight bags (51-70 lbs) incur a $100 fee, and those (71-100 lbs) incur a $200 fee, in addition to any standard bag fees. Bags over 100 lbs are not accepted as checked baggage.
How to know if my carry-on is too big for Southwest?
Your carry-on is too big if it exceeds 24" x 16" x 10" (including wheels and handles). If it doesn't fit in the sizer at the airport or in the overhead bin, it will likely be gate-checked.
How to bring a pet on Southwest?
Small domesticated cats or dogs can be carried in the cabin in an approved carrier (max 8.5"H x 18.5"L x 13.5"W). The pet carrier counts as either your carry-on or personal item, and a one-way fee of $125 applies. Pets are not allowed in the cargo hold.
How to check bags for international Southwest flights?
For international flights, you will generally be required to check your luggage at the Southwest Airlines ticket counter upon arrival at the airport (curbside check-in is not usually available for international). Be aware of potential baggage embargoes for certain international destinations.
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