When it comes to air travel, one of the most common questions passengers ask is, “What can I bring on the plane?” Understanding your airline’s baggage rules is essential for smooth and stress-free travel. Among major U.S. airlines, Southwest Airlines stands out for its transparency and customer-friendly approach. This guide provides everything you need to know about the Southwest carry on policy, the list of approved Southwest Airlines carry on items, detailed Southwest airline carry on rules, and the exact carry on size Southwest Airlines permits for passengers.
The Southwest carry on policy is one of the most generous and straightforward in the airline industry. Every Southwest passenger is allowed one carry-on bag and one personal item at no additional cost. Unlike many airlines that charge fees or have complex restrictions, Southwest keeps it simple.
Your carry-on bag should fit in the overhead bin, while your personal item must fit under the seat in front of you. The airline’s friendly baggage policy allows travelers to bring essentials onboard without worrying about hidden fees or excessive limitations.
To summarize the Southwest carry on policy:
This approach reflects Southwest’s well-known customer-first philosophy, making air travel easier and more affordable.
Before you start packing, it’s important to know the exact carry on size Southwest Airlines permits. According to Southwest’s official policy, your carry-on bag must not exceed:
These measurements include handles and wheels. Bags larger than these dimensions will need to be checked, but since Southwest allows two free checked bags, you won’t have to pay extra.
For your personal item, the Southwest carry on policy specifies that it must fit completely under the seat in front of you. The maximum dimensions are approximately:
Common examples of personal items include: