Are Carry Ons Free Southwest? | Your Baggage Guide

Yes, Southwest Airlines includes one carry-on bag and one personal item free of charge for every passenger on all flights.

Understanding an airline’s baggage policy is essential for a smooth travel day, and Southwest Airlines stands out with a refreshingly straightforward approach. Their policy on carry-on bags is a significant perk that sets them apart, offering travelers a clear advantage right from booking.

Southwest’s Generous Baggage Policy Explained

Southwest Airlines is well-known for its customer-friendly policies, and baggage is a prime example. Every passenger is permitted one carry-on bag and one personal item without any additional cost. This means you can bring your main bag for the overhead bin and a smaller item to fit under the seat in front of you, all included in your ticket price.

Beyond the cabin, Southwest also offers two free checked bags per passenger, provided they meet the standard size and weight restrictions. This comprehensive allowance for both carry-on and checked luggage makes Southwest a popular choice for travelers who prefer not to worry about accumulating baggage fees.

Understanding Carry-On Dimensions and Limits

While carry-on bags are free, they must adhere to specific size requirements to ensure they fit safely in the aircraft’s overhead bins. Knowing these dimensions before you head to the airport can prevent last-minute hassles.

Standard Carry-On Rules

• Your carry-on bag must not exceed 24 inches (L) x 16 inches (W) x 10 inches (H).
• These dimensions include any handles and wheels.
• The bag must fit securely in the overhead compartment or a sizing device at the gate.
• Southwest does not impose a weight limit on carry-on bags, but you must be able to lift it into the overhead bin unassisted.

Personal Item Guidelines

In addition to your carry-on, you are allowed one personal item. This item is designed to fit under the seat in front of you, keeping your essential belongings easily accessible during the flight.

• Personal items should not exceed 18.5 inches (L) x 8.5 inches (W) x 13.5 inches (H).
• Common examples include a purse, a laptop bag, a small backpack, or a briefcase.
• Diaper bags, car seats, strollers, and certain medical devices are generally considered separate from your personal item and carry-on allowance.

What You Can (and Can’t) Pack in Your Carry-On

Packing your carry-on strategically is key to a smooth travel experience. Beyond airline size rules, federal security regulations dictate what items can pass through security checkpoints in your cabin baggage.

TSA Regulations for Carry-Ons

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) enforces strict rules on what can be brought onto an aircraft. For instance, liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes are subject to the 3-1-1 rule: containers must be 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or smaller, fit in one quart-sized bag, and be limited to one bag per passenger.

Certain items are strictly prohibited in carry-on bags, including firearms, sharp objects like knives (except small scissors with blades less than 4 inches), and flammable materials. Lithium-ion batteries, commonly found in power banks and spare camera batteries, are generally required to be carried in your carry-on baggage and are prohibited in checked luggage due to fire risk.

Essential Items for Your Carry-On

Regardless of your destination, certain items should always travel with you in your carry-on. This includes any necessary medications, valuable items like jewelry or electronics, and important travel documents such as passports, identification, and boarding passes. A change of clothes, basic toiletries, and entertainment can also make your flight more comfortable, especially in case of unexpected delays or misrouted checked luggage.

Item Type	Size/Weight Limit	Cost
Carry-On Bag	24″ L x 16″ W x 10″ H	Free (1 per passenger)
Personal Item	18.5″ L x 8.5″ W x 13.5″ H	Free (1 per passenger)
1st Checked Bag	50 lbs, 62 linear inches	Free (1 per passenger)
2nd Checked Bag	50 lbs, 62 linear inches	Free (1 per passenger)
3rd+ Checked Bag	50 lbs, 62 linear inches	$125 per bag
Overweight Bag (51-70 lbs)	N/A	$100 per bag
Oversize Bag (63-80 linear inches)	N/A	$100 per bag

Navigating the Boarding Process with Your Carry-On

Southwest’s unique open seating policy means there are no assigned seats, which directly impacts how you secure overhead bin space for your carry-on. Boarding groups (A, B, C) and positions (1-60) determine when you can select your seat and access the overhead bins.

Passengers in earlier boarding groups, particularly those in A1-A60 and the early B groups, generally have the best selection of seats and ample overhead bin space. If you find yourself in a later boarding group, especially C, overhead bins near your desired seat might already be full. In such cases, flight attendants may ask you to gate-check your carry-on bag, which means it will be placed in the cargo hold and returned to you at baggage claim.

Factor	Carry-On Advantage	Checked Bag Advantage
Cost	Always free on Southwest	Free for first two bags on Southwest
Convenience	Immediate access to items; no wait at baggage claim	Freedom from carrying bag through airport
Security	Always with you; less chance of loss or theft	Less scrutiny at security checkpoint for certain items
Packing Volume	Limited to overhead bin/under seat space	Greater capacity for clothing, larger items
Speed	Faster exit from airport upon arrival	Can take longer due to baggage claim wait

Special Items and Exceptions

Certain items are often treated differently from standard carry-on and personal item allowances, particularly those related to medical needs or traveling with young children.

Medical Devices and Mobility Aids

Most medical devices and mobility aids can be brought onboard in addition to your standard carry-on and personal item. This includes items like crutches, walkers, wheelchairs, and portable oxygen concentrators. It’s always a good practice to notify Southwest in advance if you are traveling with specialized medical equipment to ensure a smooth boarding process and accommodate any specific needs.

Traveling with Children and Infants

When traveling with infants or young children, items such as diaper bags, car seats, and strollers typically do not count towards your carry-on or personal item limit. These items can often be gate-checked free of charge if they cannot be stowed in the cabin. Breast pumps and associated accessories are also generally permitted as an additional item.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Southwest Experience

Maximizing the benefits of Southwest’s free carry-on policy involves a few smart strategies. Checking in precisely 24 hours before your flight is crucial for securing an earlier boarding position, which significantly improves your chances of finding overhead bin space directly above your seat.

Pack your carry-on with essentials like medications, important documents, and a change of clothes to prepare for any unforeseen travel disruptions. Always measure and weigh your bags at home to confirm they meet Southwest’s specific dimensions and avoid surprises at the airport. Even with careful planning, be prepared for the possibility of gate-checking your carry-on if the overhead bins are full, especially on popular routes or during peak travel times.

What About Checked Bags on Southwest?

Beyond the generous carry-on allowance, Southwest Airlines stands out by offering two free checked bags per passenger. Each checked bag must not exceed 50 pounds (23 kg) in weight and 62 inches (157 cm) in linear dimensions (length + width + height). These limits are standard across most airlines, but Southwest’s inclusion of two free bags is a significant cost-saver.

If your checked bags exceed these limits, or if you need to check a third bag or more, additional fees apply. Overweight bags (51-70 lbs) and oversized bags (63-80 linear inches) incur a fee of $100 per bag. For comprehensive details on all baggage policies, including specific items and exceptions, it’s always best to refer to the official Southwest Airlines website.