Carry On

Southwest Airlines personal item size

Southwest Airlines does not publish an exact personal item size. The bag must fit under the seat in front of you. Most travellers are fine with a bag under 16.25 × 13.5 × 8 in (41.3 × 34.3 × 20.3 cm).

Carry-on limit
24 × 16 × 10 in
61 × 40.6 × 25.4 cm
Personal item limit
16.25 × 13.5 × 8 in*
41.3 × 34.3 × 20.3 cm · guideline, not published
Weight limit
No published weight limit
Carry-on on the cheapest fare
Carry-on included on all fares

Your bag

Check as

Common bag sizes

Measure the outside of the bag, packed, including wheels, handles and pockets.

Enter all three dimensions to see results.

Rules to know

  • Dimensions include wheels, handles and outside pockets.
  • No published weight limit. You must be able to lift the bag into the overhead bin yourself.
  • No official personal item dimensions are published. It must fit under the seat in front of you.

A standard 22 × 14 × 9 in (55.9 × 35.6 × 22.9 cm) bag fits within the Southwest Airlines carry-on limit.

Frequently asked questions

What counts as a personal item on Southwest Airlines?

A purse, laptop bag, small backpack or similar bag that fits under the seat in front of you. No exact size is published, so aim for a bag under 16.25 × 13.5 × 8 in (41.3 × 34.3 × 20.3 cm).

Is a carry-on free on Southwest Airlines?

Yes. One carry-on and one personal item are included on every fare.

What is the Southwest Airlines hand luggage allowance?

Carry-on included on all fares. The cabin bag limit is 24 × 16 × 10 in (61 × 40.6 × 25.4 cm), and you can also bring a personal item up to 16.25 × 13.5 × 8 in (41.3 × 34.3 × 20.3 cm).

How strict is Southwest Airlines about carry-on size?

Southwest Airlines publishes a 24 × 16 × 10 in (61 × 40.6 × 25.4 cm) limit and may check bags at the gate, especially on full flights. Bags that clearly exceed the limit are gate-checked.

Do wheels and handles count toward the Southwest Airlines carry-on size?

Yes. Measure the bag at its longest, widest and deepest points, including wheels, handles and any pocket that sticks out.

Is there a weight limit for Southwest Airlines carry-on bags?

No. Southwest Airlines does not publish a carry-on weight limit, but you must be able to lift the bag into the overhead bin without help.

Data reviewed September 2026 against the official Southwest Airlines baggage page. Airlines change rules. Confirm on the official page before you fly.Official baggage policy