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Southwest Airlines Baggage Allowance 2026, Carry-on, Checked Bags & Personal Item Rules
Southwest Airlines 2026 baggage rules, Carry-on 61×41×25cm(24×16×10in). Personal item 41×34×20cm (16×14×8in). Policy is moderate.
Last updated on July 7, 2026
3/10
Southwest Airlines Baggage Policy Strictness
Lenient
Overview
Standard baggage allowance for your selected route and fare class. All dimensions include wheels and handles.
Carry-on Bag
61 × 41 × 25 cm (24 × 16 × 10 in)
Overhead bin · Not specified
Personal Item
41 × 34 × 20 cm (16 × 14 × 8 in)
Under seat · Not specified
Checked Baggage
≤ 158 cm (62 in)
2 free pc · 23 kg (50 lbs)/pc
Standard Economy Allowance
Quick reference for your selected route type. See below for full cabin class comparison.
| Baggage Type | Free | Max Size | Weight Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carry-on Bag Overhead bin · per piece | 1 pc | 61×41×25cm 24×16×10in | Not specified |
| Personal Item Under seat · per piece | 1 pc | 41×34×20cm 16×14×8in | Not specified |
| Checked Baggage Cargo hold · piece system | 2 pc free | ≤ 158 cm 62 in | 23 kg 50 lbs |
Full Cabin Class Comparison
Compare allowances across all fare types and cabin classes for your selected route.
| Item | Wanna Get Away | Wanna Get Away Plus | Anytime | Business Select |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carry-on Pieces Overhead bin access | 1 pc | 1 pc | 1 pc | 1 pc |
| Carry-on Size L × W × H | 61×41×25cm 24×16×10in | 61×41×25cm 24×16×10in | 61×41×25cm 24×16×10in | 61×41×25cm 24×16×10in |
| Carry-on Weight Per piece | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified |
| Free Checked Bags Piece system | 2 pc | 2 pc | 2 pc | 2 pc |
| Checked Bag Size Linear (L+W+H) | ≤ 158 cm 62 in | ≤ 158 cm 62 in | ≤ 158 cm 62 in | ≤ 158 cm 62 in |
| Checked Bag Weight Per piece max | 23 kg 50 lbs | 23 kg 50 lbs | 23 kg 50 lbs | 23 kg 50 lbs |
Recent Traveller Feedback
Southwest allows 2 free checked bags for ALL fare types - unique among US airlines!
Policies may vary by specific route or airport. Always check your booking confirmation or the official Southwest Airlines website for the most up-to-date information before your trip.
Help keep this data accurate. If you spot outdated baggage rules or have recent experience flying with Southwest Airlines contribute your update
Common Luggage Compatibility
Regular Backpack
40×30×15 cm
15.7×11.8×5.9 in
3 kg
7 lbs
Personal: OK Carry-on: OK
16" Under-seat Briefcase
40×30×20 cm
15.7×11.8×7.9 in
4 kg
9 lbs
Personal: OK Carry-on: OK
18" Cabin Suitcase
45×35×20 cm
17.7×13.8×7.9 in
5 kg
11 lbs
Personal: Over Limit Carry-on: OK
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Southwest Airlines strict with carry-on baggage?
Southwest Airlines generally allows one carry-on bag and one personal item on every flight.
Carry-on bags must not exceed 24 × 16 × 10 in (61 × 41 × 25 cm), including wheels and handles.
Oversized bags may need to be checked before boarding.
Can I bring a backpack on Southwest Airlines?
Yes. A backpack is allowed on Southwest Airlines.
It can be used as either your personal item or your carry-on bag, depending on its size.
If carried as a personal item, it must fit completely under the seat in front of you.
Can I take a 24-inch suitcase on Southwest Airlines?
Yes. A carry-on bag up to 24 × 16 × 10 in (61 × 41 × 25 cm) is permitted.
Wheels, handles, and other attachments are included when measuring the bag.
Does Southwest Airlines weigh carry-on bags?
No. Southwest Airlines does not publish a weight limit for carry-on baggage.
Your bag only needs to comply with the airline's carry-on size requirements and fit safely in the overhead bin.
What happens if my carry-on bag is too large?
Carry-on bags that exceed the published size limit cannot be brought into the cabin.
They must be checked into the aircraft hold before departure.
Checked baggage fees may apply, depending on your fare and eligibility.
Can I bring both a personal item and a carry-on bag on Southwest Airlines?
Yes. Every passenger may bring one carry-on bag and one personal item.
The carry-on bag is stored in the overhead bin.
The personal item must fit under the seat in front of you.
Is checked baggage free on Southwest Airlines?
Checked baggage benefits depend on your fare type and Rapid Rewards® status.
Some fares and eligible members receive free checked baggage, while others are required to pay checked baggage fees.
Check your booking confirmation before traveling to confirm your baggage allowance.