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If you’re planning to travel with a carry-on, you’ll need to be up to speed with airline carry-on policies. Specifically, the various rules and regulations each carrier has for what you can and cannot “carry on” to the plane. Each airline’s rules are different, so don’t assume that what works for one will work for all airlines. While Southwest is technically a low-cost carrier, they’re much better about “a la carte” fees and won’t nickel and dime you on every little item as Spirit and Frontier will. Actually, when it comes to fees and baggage, they are better than the full-service domestic airlines, including Delta, United, and American. That said, you’ll still want to be aware of Southwest’s policy for what you can and can’t bring on the plane. Here are the carry-on rules you need to be aware of regarding size, weight, fees, liquids, etc. Southwest Carry-On Size and Weight LimitsSouthwest Airlines allows one personal item and one carry-on bag at no charge. Southwest Airlines Carry-On Size RestrictionsSouthwest Airlines’ size requirements for a carry-on are a little larger than most domestic airlines at 24″ x 16″ x 10″. These dimensions include the wheels and handles, so make sure to keep that in mind when you measure your carry-on. If you are not sure what size your carry-on is, Southwest Airlines typically provides “size check templates” located at their ticketing counters and departure gates. But if you wait until you get to either of these locations and have an issue, it’s too late. Southwest has carry-on size check templates available when you check in for your flightLuggage that exceeds Southwest Airlines’ carry-on size will be checked at the gate before departure. Southwest Airlines Personal Item DimensionsIn addition to a carry-on bag, Southwest allows each passenger to bring one personal item onboard. Personal items include purses, briefcases, cameras, food containers, or laptops (case included). Your personal item must be stored under the seat in front of you, fitting within 18.5 x 8.5 x 13.5-inch dimensions. Southwest Airlines Carry-On Weight LimitsAs a rule, Southwest Airlines does not impose weight restrictions on carry-on bags. However, when checking a bag, the weight limit is 50 pounds per bag. The rules for carry-on liquids are set by the TSA (Transportation Security Administration), not by the airline. Southwest doesn’t have its own specific Liquids Policy, they just enforce the rules and policies of the TSA. It’s also important to note that the rules for bringing a “liquid” in your carry-on bag are different from the rules that govern what you can bring in your checked luggage. Liquids in a carry-on bag must be 3.4 ounces or smaller and fit in a 1 quart-sized container. Anything larger must be placed in your checked luggage.
The TSA 3-1-1 RuleEach passenger may carry liquids, gels, and aerosols in travel-size containers that are 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters and are enclosed in a sealed, one quart-size bag. Common travel items that must comply with the 3-1-1 liquids rule include toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, perfume, mouthwash, deodorant, and lotion. Any liquid that does not meet the TSA 3-1-1 rule will either have to be checked with your luggage or will be thrown away at the security checkpoint. Here is a little video to help illustrate:
Exceptions to this rule are certain medications and baby food/child nourishments. Southwest Carry-On Food PolicyThe TSA also sets the rules for what type of food you can bring on the plane. There are two different scenarios pertaining to food:
When bringing food with you from home, an important thing to note is the classification of liquid vs. solid foods. The general rule is “If you can spill it, spread it, spray it, pump it, or pour it, then it’s considered a liquid or gel”. This means your food may be considered a liquid and will fall under the TSA 3-1-1 liquids rule, which mandates that any liquid, gel, cream, aerosol, or paste in a carry-on must be 3.4 ounces or less, and fit in one quart-size resealable bag (only one such bag is allowed per passenger). Here’s a link to the TSA website advising what food can be brought with you on your Southwest Airlines flight. This applies to food you are bringing from home through security. However, once you are through security, you can bring just about any food on the plane that you buy at the airport. Southwest Airlines Carry-On Pet PolicySouthwest Airlines allows small vaccinated domestic cats and dogs to travel with you in the cabin under the seat in front of you. All pets must be carried in an appropriate carrier as noted below. The pet carrier counts as either a carry-on item or a personal item. Soft-sided and hard-sided carriers specifically designed as pet carriers are acceptable with maximum dimensions of 18.5” long x 8.5” high x 13.5” wide. Sometimes it’s nice to bring your furry friends on a trip with you 🙂Does Southwest Airlines Charge to Bring a Pet on Board with You?Yes. There is a charge to bring a pet on board with you. Below is a chart showing the pet fees Southwest Airlines charges each way. Double them for a round-trip flight.
Emotional Support and Service animals have some separate guidelines. Here’s a link to Southwest Airlines’ emotional support animal rules. TSA Approved Pet Carrier for Southwest AirlinesIf you do plan on bringing your pet with you, make sure you follow TSA’s pet policy and have an approved Pet Carrier that conforms to Southwest Airlines’ pet policy. Prohibited or Restricted Items for Carry-OnThere are certain items that are considered dangerous and classified as hazardous material. Dangerous goods are prohibited from both your carry-on and checked bag on all flights. These rules are mandated by the Federal Aviation Administration. Items considered “dangerous goods” are prohibited under Southwest’s carry-on policy and include the following:
The following items are not considered “dangerous goods” and are allowed when packaged properly, in accordance with FAA regulations
A complete list can be found on the FAA and TSA websites. Southwest Airlines Carry-On FeesSouthwest Airlines does not charge a fee for carry-on baggage that meets their size requirements. Here is a link to Southwest’s Carry-On page to make sure you have the most up-to-date information. More related articles…
Is a 24 inch suitcase a carryCan a 24 inch luggage be a carry on? Unfortunately no, the standard carry-on size is typically 22” x 14” x 9”, so a 24 inch bag is too large to bring on board of most economy standard airlines.
What size luggage is free on Southwest Airlines?Southwest will accept the first two checked bags for free provided that the bags do not exceed 50 lbs and 62 inches (L+W+H). Overweight items from 50 to 100 pounds and oversized items in excess of 62 inches but not more than 80 inches will be accepted for a charge of $75 per item.
Does Southwest carrySouthwest carry-on bag size is limited to bags no larger than 10 inches X 16 inches X 24 Inches (25 cm X 40 cm x 60 cm). These dimensions include wheels or handles, so be sure to measure your carry-on with that in mind.
Is a backpack considered a carryYes, as a Southwest passenger, you are allowed one carry-on bag and one personal item. Per the Southwest.com FAQs, TSA regulations allow a backpack as a personal item when dimensions are 18.5 x 8.5 x 13.5 inches.
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