Southwest Airlines Carry-on Baggage Policy

FlyFairTravels
4 min readFeb 14, 2024

When it comes to air travel, knowing the rules and regulations of the flights carry-on baggage policy is an essential part of the journey to make it smooth. Let’s explore the southwest Airlines’ carry-on policy to make sure that you’re well-prepared for your next adventure.

Carry-on Baggage Rules for Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines allows passengers to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item with them without any charge. The carry-on bag must be of a specific size and weight to qualify for in-cabin shortage restrictions. This policy makes sure that the boarding process is efficient and passengers have enough space for their belongings.

Every passenger should know about the strict guidelines for carry-on baggage to ensure the safety and comfort of all travelers. It is necessary to know these rules to avoid any inconvenience during your journey.

Pros and Cons of Southwest Airlines Carry-On Baggage Policy

Pros:

  1. Generous Allowance: Southwest Airlines allows one carry-on bag and one personal item per passenger at no extra cost. This provides ample space for essentials and reduces the need for checked baggage.
  2. No Size Restrictions for Personal Items: While there are size limits for carry-on bags (10 x 16 x 24 inches), Southwest has a more flexible policy for personal items, allowing items like purses, briefcases, and small backpacks without stringent size checks.
  3. No Checked Baggage Fees: Southwest’s policy of not charging for the first two checked bags can complement the carry-on policy, providing even more baggage flexibility and cost savings for travelers.
  4. Streamlined Boarding Process: The clear carry-on baggage policy helps streamline the boarding process, reducing delays and ensuring a smoother experience for passengers.

Cons:

  1. Overhead Bin Space: As with any airline, limited overhead bin space can be a problem. Passengers boarding later may find it challenging to find space for their carry-on bags, necessitating gate-checking.
  2. Strict Size Enforcement: Although generous, the size restrictions for carry-on bags are strictly enforced. Bags that exceed the dimensions must be checked, potentially causing inconvenience and delays.
  3. No Priority Boarding: Unlike some airlines that offer priority boarding for passengers with only carry-on baggage, Southwest’s open seating policy does not provide this benefit, which can impact the availability of overhead bin space.
  4. Inconsistency in Enforcement: There can be inconsistencies in how the carry-on baggage policy is enforced by gate agents, leading to confusion or frustration for passengers who experience different standards on different flights.

Carry-on Baggage Size Limit Southwest

The dimensions for carry-on bags on Southwest Airlines are 10 x 16 x 24 inches, including handles and wheels. It’s important to make your carry-on bag dimensions within these parameters to avoid any issues during the boarding process. Southwest offers a handy bag sizer at the check-in counter to help the passengers confirm their bag’s size.

Carry-on Baggage Weight Limit Southwest Airlines

While Southwest Airlines doesn’t have a specific weight limit to measure for carry-on bags, passengers are expected to follow the reasonable weight restrictions. It Is recommended to pack efficiently and avoid over packing to make sure your carry-on bag will be easy to carry and adjustable. You’ll need to put your carry-on bag below your seat or above your head so consider the size and weight while packing.

Checked Baggage size Limit Southwest

For checked baggage, Southwest Airlines have a size restriction of 62 inches (length + width + height) per baggage. Passengers will be facing additional charges/fees if their baggage will exceed this size limit. Passengers are advised to measure their luggage before arriving at the airport to avoid any last-minute surprises.

Rules for Baggage on Southwest Airlines

All the passengers should read these southwest Airlines’ baggage policies to avoid any inconvenience at the airport. It is necessary to pack your baggage responsibly, within size and weight limits, and ensure compliance with TSA regulations for carry-on items. Remember to label your baggage with your name and number and remove any prohibited items to avoid any issues at the security screening process.

By reading and following the Southwest Airlines ‘carry-on policy, you can organize your travel experience and enjoy a stress-free journey. For more information and assistance with your southwest airlines booking, contact FlyFairTravels at +1 (800) 416–8919. Our team is dedicated to provide you guidance 24/7.

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