Southwest Carry-On Rules 2026
Southwest still offers the most generous carry-on policy of any major US airline — 1 free carry-on and 1 free personal item on every fare. Here's everything you need to know.
| Item | Allowed | Size Limit | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carry-on bag | 1 | 10"×16"×24" | Free |
| Personal item | 1 | Fits under seat | Free |
| Liquids | Yes (rules apply) | 3.4 oz max, 1 quart bag | Free |
Carry-On Guides
Carry-On Baggage Allowance
1 free carry-on + 1 free personal item for all passengers. No weight limit.
Carry-On Size Requirements
Max 10"×16"×24". How to check if your bag qualifies. What happens if it's too big.
Personal Item Size
Must fit under the seat. What qualifies: purses, laptop bags, small backpacks.
Does Southwest Charge for Carry-On?
No — all passengers get a free carry-on on all fares. No basic economy restrictions.
What Is Allowed in Carry-On?
Full list of allowed and prohibited items. Electronics, food, medications, gifts.
Carry-On Liquids Rules (3-1-1)
TSA 3-1-1 rule: 3.4 oz containers, 1 quart bag, 1 bag per person. Exceptions.
Carry-On Weight Limit
Southwest has no carry-on weight limit. Only size (10×16×24 in) is enforced.
Southwest Carry-On Policy
1 free carry-on + 1 free personal item on all fares. Policy unchanged since 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Southwest charge for carry-on bags?
No. Southwest allows one free carry-on bag and one free personal item for every passenger on every fare type. There is no basic economy restriction on carry-ons — unlike Delta, United, and American, which charge $35 for carry-ons in basic economy.
What is the carry-on size limit on Southwest?
Southwest carry-on bags must fit in the overhead bin and not exceed 10 inches × 16 inches × 24 inches (25 × 40 × 61 cm). Bags that exceed this size must be checked at the gate for a fee.
What counts as a personal item on Southwest?
A personal item must fit under the seat in front of you. Qualifying items include purses, laptop bags, small backpacks, briefcases, and diaper bags. There is no published personal item size limit, but it must physically fit under the seat.
Is there a weight limit for Southwest carry-on bags?
No. Southwest does not enforce a weight limit on carry-on bags. Only the size limit (10"×16"×24") is enforced. This is different from many international carriers that limit carry-ons to 15–22 lbs.
Can I bring liquids in my Southwest carry-on?
Yes, following TSA rules: liquids must be in containers of 3.4 oz (100 ml) or less, all fitting in one quart-sized clear bag. Medically necessary liquids and baby formula are exempt from the 3.4 oz limit.
All information provided is for general informational purposes only and is based on publicly available data. Fee information was last verified against official Southwest baggage policy in March 2026. While we strive to keep the information accurate and up-to-date, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability of the information contained on this website.
Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk. In no event will the owner of this website be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, arising out of or in connection with the use of this website.