Generally, you can bring any type of bag as your main carry-on if it is within the following dimensions: 24” (L) + 16” (W) + 10” (H) (additional charges may apply if it exceeds these dimensions).
There is a higher chance that airline staff will check the size of your bag to ensure it does not exceed the dimensions above. If it does, it will need to be checked.
Here is a detailed guide about Southwest carry-on size limits to help you avoid hassle at the airport and prevent any surprises.
Let’s find out.
How Strict Is Southwest About Carry-on Baggage Size?
Southwest Airlines is strict about its carry-on size.
Therefore, you need to ensure that your carry-on bag meets the following size limits:
- Southwest Airlines allows one carry-on bag plus one small personal item.
- Southwest approved carry on bag must not exceed 24” (L) + 16” (W) + 10” (H).
- You must place your carry-on bag in the overhead bin, and it must fit properly. Placing it with the wheels facing outward will help you retrieve it faster.
- There is no weight limit for carry-on luggage on Southwest Airlines.
- If your bag does not meet the Southwest carry-on limits, it may not be accepted as a carry-on and will be subject to gate check-in. You will then need to pick it up at baggage claim.
- When traveling with a pet, its carrier will be considered either your personal item or your carry-on bag.
To compare with other airlines, Southwest allows slightly larger dimensions (10″ H x 16″ W x 24″ L) compared to the standard 9″ H x 14″ W x 22″ L, providing an extra inch in height, two inches in width, and two inches in length.
What Happens If Your Carry-on Is Slightly Over the Allowed Size?
If your bag is slightly larger than the allowed dimensions, the airline may not accept it as a carry-on.
However, if you are traveling with a backpack or a soft-sided bag, you may be able to squeeze it into the luggage sizer.
Soft bags, such as backpacks and duffle bags, are easier to accommodate even if they are slightly oversized.
That said, rules are rules, and it is best to comply with them.
For example, a passenger named Jill reached out to Southwest customer service on X (formerly Twitter) asking whether her 10″ x 15″ x 25″ bag, including wheels, would be accepted as a carry-on since it slightly exceeded the allowed dimensions.
Southwest responded that carry-on bags must not exceed 10″ x 16″ x 24″ (including handles and wheels).
They further advised that if the bag was slightly larger, he could check it free of charge, provided it weighed 50 pounds or less.
While the airline will not officially approve oversized carry-ons, a soft-sided bag might still fit in the sizer.
Does Southwest Charge for Carry-on Bags?
No.
Southwest allows carry-on items that meet the standard dimensions free of charge. However, any bag exceeding the size limits must be checked.
Southwest Checked Baggage Allowance
In addition to the free carry-on allowance, Southwest allows passengers to check two bags free of charge.
The good news is that if your carry-on bag exceeds the allowed size, you can check it in for free and avoid additional charges.
The only drawback of checking a bag is the risk of damage or loss of valuable items.
What Is the Best Bag for Southwest Carry-on?
Although Southwest is generous with its carry-on size allowance, we recommend choosing a suitcase that meets the requirements of most airlines.
If you plan to carry only one hard-sided suitcase, we suggest a smaller option like the Kenneth Cole Reaction 20-Inch Carry-On (21.75” H x 14.5” W x 8.5” D).
Alternatively, you can opt for the Rockland Fashion Soft-Side Upright Luggage Set, which includes a carry-on and a personal bag helping you avoid extra baggage fees.
Infant Baggage Allowance
Parents can travel with their babies under two years old as lap infants for no additional charge.
When traveling with a lap infant, the child does not need a boarding pass, but you may need a boarding verification document.
Infant Car Seats
In addition to the standard free baggage allowance, passengers traveling with infants can check one stroller and one CRS (Child Restraint System) or car seat per child free of charge.
However, the airline does not assume liability for damage to strollers, CRS, or car seats, so travelers should take precautions to protect these items.
Final Thoughts
To avoid inconvenience at the airport, ensure that your carry-on bag meets Southwest’s size limits.
In some cases, slightly oversized carry-on bags may still be accepted, but this depends on the airline staff at the check-in counter.
We hope this guide helps.
Happy travels.
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