Southwest Carry-On Policy 2026
Southwest's carry-on policy is simple: every passenger gets 1 free carry-on bag and 1 free personal item — on every fare, with no weight limit. This policy was not changed when Southwest introduced checked bag fees in May 2025.
Carry-On Policy at a Glance
| Item | Allowed Per Passenger | Size Limit | Weight Limit | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carry-on bag | 1 | 10" × 16" × 24" | None | Free |
| Personal item | 1 | Fits under seat | None | Free |
| 1st checked bag | — | 62 linear inches | 50 lbs | $35 |
| 2nd checked bag | — | 62 linear inches | 50 lbs | $45 |
Carry-On Size Limit: 10 × 16 × 24 Inches
Your carry-on must fit within 10" (H) × 16" (W) × 24" (D), including wheels, handles, and external pockets. Southwest does not typically measure bags at the gate, but bags that visibly cannot fit in the overhead bin will be checked.
Bags that typically fit
- 20"–22" carry-on spinners
- Standard laptop backpacks
- Soft-sided duffel bags
- Most carry-on suitcases sold as "carry-on"
Bags that may need to be checked
- 24"+ suitcases (too large)
- Hard-shell bags over 24"
- Full garment bags
- Bags that won't close the overhead bin
Personal Item Rules
In addition to your carry-on, every passenger may bring one personal item that fits under the seat in front of them. Southwest does not publish a specific size limit, but common sense applies: it must fit under the seat.
Examples of qualifying personal items: purse, laptop bag, small backpack, tote bag, briefcase, camera bag, diaper bag. No weight limit applies.
Southwest vs. Other Airlines: Carry-On Policy
| Airline | Carry-On Fee (Basic) | Personal Item | Size Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southwest | Free (all fares) | Free | 10×16×24 in |
| Delta (Basic Economy) | $35+ | Free | 22×14×9 in |
| United (Basic Economy) | $35+ | Free | 22×14×9 in |
| American (Basic Economy) | $35+ | Free | 22×14×9 in |
| Spirit | $79+ | Free (small) | 18×14×8 in |
| Frontier | $79+ | Free (small) | 18×14×8 in |
What Changed in 2025 (Carry-On Was NOT Affected)
On May 28, 2025, Southwest ended its longstanding free checked bag policy for most passengers. First checked bags now cost $35; second bags cost $45. However, the carry-on policy was not changed:
What changed (May 2025)
- ✗ 1st checked bag: now $35 (was free)
- ✗ 2nd checked bag: now $45 (was free)
What did NOT change
- Carry-on bag: still free
- Personal item: still free
- No weight limit on carry-ons
- Same size limit (10×16×24 in)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Southwest carry-on policy in 2026?
1 free carry-on bag (max 10×16×24 in, no weight limit) and 1 free personal item per passenger. Applies to all fare types. Carry-on bags have always been free on Southwest and were not affected by the 2025 fee changes.
Did Southwest change its carry-on policy in 2025?
No. The May 2025 Southwest policy changes only affected checked bags (first bag now $35, second $45). Carry-on bags and personal items remain free on all fares.
What if my carry-on doesn't fit in the overhead bin?
If your bag cannot fit in an available overhead bin, a gate agent will check it for you. The standard $35 first-bag fee applies (or $45 if you already have a checked bag). To avoid this, use a bag within the 10×16×24 in limit.
Can I bring a backpack AND a carry-on on Southwest?
Yes — a backpack counts as your personal item if it fits under the seat, and you can additionally bring a carry-on bag in the overhead bin. Both are free.
Does carry-on policy differ by fare type on Southwest?
No. Unlike most other airlines, Southwest's carry-on policy is identical across all fare types — Basic, Choice, Choice Preferred, and Choice Extra all include 1 free carry-on and 1 free personal item.
Does Southwest charge for carry-on bags in 2026?
No. Southwest does not charge for carry-on bags. Unlike Delta, United, and American, Southwest includes 1 free carry-on and 1 free personal item for all passengers on all fares. Only checked bags have fees, starting at $35 for the first bag.
What is the carry-on size limit on Southwest?
Southwest carry-on bags must not exceed 10 inches × 16 inches × 24 inches (height × width × depth). Most standard 20"–22" spinner suitcases fit within this limit. If your bag does not fit in the overhead bin, it must be checked at the gate for $35.
Is there a weight limit for Southwest carry-on bags?
No. Southwest does not enforce a weight limit for carry-on bags or personal items. You only need to be able to lift the bag into the overhead bin yourself.
What counts as a personal item on Southwest?
A personal item is any bag that fits under the seat in front of you — typically a purse, laptop bag, small backpack, or tote. Southwest does not publish a strict size limit for personal items, but the practical limit is whatever fits under the seat.
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Open Baggage Fee Calculator →Related: full Southwest baggage fee guide · Carry-on allowance details · Size requirements · Personal item rules · Weight limit (none) · Full carry-on guide · All fee types guide · How to get free bags
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.
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