Does Southwest Charge for Carry-On Bags?
One of Southwest Airlines' most passenger-friendly policies is their free carry-on bag allowance. This comprehensive guide explains Southwest's carry-on policy, size limits, what counts as a personal item, and how it compares to other airlines in 2026.
Southwest's Free Carry-On Policy
Unlike many competitors who charge for carry-on bags (especially on basic economy fares), Southwest allows ALL passengers to bring both a carry-on bag and a personal item at no charge. This policy has remained consistent even as other airlines have added restrictions.
What You Get FREE
- 1 Carry-On Bag: 10" x 16" x 24" (fits overhead bin)
- 1 Personal Item: 18.5" x 8.5" x 13.5" (fits under seat)
- No weight limit on carry-on items (must lift yourself)
- All fare types: Basic, Choice, Choice Preferred, Choice Extra
Why Southwest Is Different
- • No basic economy restrictions on carry-ons
- • Free carry-on applies to ALL passengers
- • Policy hasn't changed despite industry trends
- • Part of Southwest's "Bags Fly Free" philosophy
- • No hidden fees at the gate
- • Same policy domestically and internationally
Carry-On Bag Size Limits
While carry-on bags are free, they must meet size requirements to fit in the overhead bin. Southwest is generally lenient, but it's important to know the official limits.
Official Carry-On Dimensions
10" × 16" × 24"
(Depth × Width × Height = 50 linear inches total)
Must fit in overhead bin
Bins measure approximately 10" x 16" x 24"
Includes wheels and handles
Total external dimensions count
No weight limit
You must be able to lift it into the overhead bin yourself
What Counts as a Personal Item?
In addition to your carry-on bag, you get one personal item that must fit under the seat in front of you. This is completely free as well.
Personal Item Size Limit
18.5" × 8.5" × 13.5"
Must fit under the seat in front of you
Examples of Acceptable Personal Items:
- • Purse or handbag
- • Laptop bag or briefcase
- • Small backpack
- • Camera bag
- • Diaper bag
- • Food container for the flight
- • Small soft-sided cooler
- • Jacket or blanket
What Happens If Your Carry-On Is Too Big?
If your carry-on bag doesn't fit in the overhead bin or sizing template, Southwest will gate-check it. Here's what you need to know:
Gate-Checked Bags
When It Happens
- • Overhead bins are full (common on full flights)
- • Your bag is too large for the bin
- • You board late and no overhead space remains
Still FREE!
- • Gate-checking is free - no charges
- • Bag is checked to your final destination
- • Collect at baggage claim (not at gate)
- • Counts toward your 2 free checked bag limit if you have status/card
Southwest vs Other Airlines: Carry-On Comparison
Southwest's free carry-on policy is significantly more generous than many competitors, especially for basic economy fares.
| Airline | Basic Economy | Standard Economy | Personal Item |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southwest | ✓ FREE (no basic economy) | ✓ FREE | ✓ FREE |
| United | ✗ Personal item only | ✓ FREE | ✓ FREE |
| American | ✗ Personal item only | ✓ FREE | ✓ FREE |
| Delta | ✗ Personal item only | ✓ FREE | ✓ FREE |
| Frontier | $60+ for carry-on | $60+ for carry-on | ✓ FREE (small) |
| Spirit | $65+ for carry-on | $65+ for carry-on | ✓ FREE (small) |
Items That Don't Count Against Your Allowance
Certain items can be carried on the plane in ADDITION to your carry-on bag and personal item without counting against your allowance.
Free Additional Items
- Jacket or coat
- Umbrella (standard size)
- Reading material (books, magazines)
- Food for consumption during flight
- Approved infant items (diaper bag, car seat)
- Assistive devices (wheelchairs, crutches)
- Stroller or child car seat
- Camera or binoculars (small)
- Pillow or blanket
- Duty-free purchases (in sealed bags)
Tips for Maximizing Your Free Carry-On
Packing Strategies
- • Use maximum-size carry-on (10" x 16" x 24")
- • Maximize personal item size (18.5" x 8.5" x 13.5")
- • Wear bulky items like jackets on the plane
- • Pack heaviest items in carry-on (no weight limit)
- • Use compression bags to fit more
- • Fill personal item with electronics, valuables
Avoiding Checked Bag Fees
- • Travel with carry-on only to avoid all fees
- • Use a large backpack as personal item
- • Pack 3-4 days of clothes in carry-on size luggage
- • Do laundry at destination for longer trips
- • Buy toiletries at destination to save space
- • Ship items ahead for extended stays
Carry-On Policy for Special Situations
Traveling with Children
- • Children 2+ years get their own carry-on allowance
- • Lap infants (under 2) don't get separate allowance
- • But diaper bags don't count against parent's allowance
- • Strollers and car seats are free (don't count as bags)
- • You can gate-check strollers (picked up at gate on arrival)
Musical Instruments
- • Small instruments can be your carry-on (guitar, violin)
- • Must fit in overhead bin or under seat
- • Larger instruments need separate seat purchase
- • Violins/violas typically fit as personal items
- • Guitar cases usually too large for overhead bins
Medical Equipment
- • Assistive devices don't count against allowance
- • CPAP machines are free additional items
- • Portable oxygen concentrators allowed
- • Wheelchairs, crutches, canes are always free
- • Medical supplies can exceed liquid limits (with declaration)
Common Questions About Southwest Carry-On Bags
Will Southwest ever start charging for carry-on bags?
While no airline can guarantee future policies, Southwest has consistently maintained free carry-on bags as part of their brand identity and "Bags Fly Free" philosophy. It's one of their key competitive advantages and unlikely to change in the foreseeable future.
Can I bring two carry-on bags if I don't have a personal item?
No. You're limited to ONE carry-on bag plus ONE personal item, for a total of two items. You cannot substitute two carry-on bags instead. However, you can make your personal item quite large (up to 18.5" x 8.5" x 13.5").
What if I'm flying Wanna Get Away Basic fare - do I still get free carry-on?
Southwest does not have a "basic economy" fare that restricts carry-on bags. All Southwest fares (Basic, Choice, Choice Preferred, Choice Extra) include free carry-on bags and personal items.
Are there size check boxes at Southwest gates?
Yes, Southwest has sizing templates at gates and ticket counters. However, they're rarely enforced unless the flight is very full or your bag is obviously oversized. If you're within an inch of the limits, you'll likely be fine.
Can I bring a duty-free shopping bag as a third item?
Yes! Items purchased after security (duty-free or airport retail) don't count against your carry-on allowance. You can carry shopping bags from airport stores in addition to your carry-on and personal item.
What happens if I volunteer to gate-check my carry-on?
Gate agents often ask for volunteers to check bags when flights are full. This is free - you'll get a tag and collect your bag at baggage claim. Some travelers prefer this to avoid fighting for overhead bin space. Your bag goes to your final destination.
Plan Your Southwest Baggage Strategy
While carry-on bags are free on Southwest, checked bags may incur fees depending on your status. Use our calculator to see if you qualify for free checked bags or if carry-on only is your best option.
Calculate Checked Bag Fees →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.