Southwest Airlines Carry-On Size & Baggage Allowance
Southwest Airlines allows one carry-on bag up to 24 × 16 × 10 in (61 × 41 × 25 cm), plus a personal item up to 13.5 × 18.5 × 8.5 in (34.3 × 47 × 21.6 cm). It sets no weight limit for it, so the bag only has to fit the sizer and the overhead bin. Checked on 9 October 2026 against Southwest Airlines' own policy; use the size checker to see whether your own bag fits.
What is carry-on, personal item and checked baggage?
Baggage allowance for Southwest Airlines · check fare, route and operating-carrier conditions before travel
A handbag, laptop bag or small backpack that fits under the seat in front of you.
One cabin bag per passenger. Measured with wheels and handles included.
Southwest standard checked bag limit is 62 linear inches (157 cm) and 50 lb (23 kg). Since April 9, 2026, Basic, Choice and Choice Preferred normally pay for checked bags; Choice Extra includes two.
Allowance by Cabin Class / Fare
Baggage allowance for Southwest Airlines · check fare, route and operating-carrier conditions before travel
Excess & Oversize Fees
Charges are usually lower when paid online before travel than at the airport.
Good to Know
Will your bag fit Southwest Airlines?
Enter your suitcase dimensions in the size checker and see instantly whether it meets these limits.
Check my bag for Southwest AirlinesThe three baggage types, explained
Airlines split what you travel with into three allowances. Each has its own size and weight limit, and the one you exceed decides what you pay.
The small bag that goes under the seat in front of you — handbag, laptop bag or small backpack. Usually free and rarely weighed.
The wheeled case you take into the cabin and store in the overhead bin. Sized at the gate, and weighed by many airlines.
The large suitcase you hand over at the desk and collect at your destination. Charged by bag, with strict weight limits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a cabin bag free on Southwest Airlines?
Yes, according to Southwest Airlines' published policy: one cabin bag up to 24 × 16 × 10 in (61 × 41 × 25 cm), plus a personal item up to 13.5 × 18.5 × 8.5 in (34.3 × 47 × 21.6 cm). Basic fares and flights operated by partner airlines can differ, so check the allowance on your booking.
What happens if my bag doesn't fit Southwest Airlines' sizer?
Staff can send it to the hold at the gate, and depending on your fare Southwest Airlines can charge for it. Adding a bag online before you fly is usually cheaper. The current amounts are on Southwest Airlines' own fees page. Southwest Airlines baggage fees
Can I bring a personal item in addition to my Southwest Airlines cabin bag?
Yes. Besides the cabin bag you can bring one personal item up to 13.5 × 18.5 × 8.5 in (34.3 × 47 × 21.6 cm), such as a handbag, laptop bag or small backpack, stowed under the seat in front of you.
Compare with other airlines
Baggage limits differ sharply between carriers — these are the ones travellers most often weigh against Southwest Airlines.
