Southwest Carry-On Weight Limit (2026)
Southwest Airlines has no carry-on weight limit. You can pack your overhead bag as heavy as you like — as long as it fits the size requirement and you can lift it into the bin yourself.
Carry-On Rules at a Glance
| Item | Weight Limit | Size Limit | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carry-on bag | None | 10 × 16 × 24 in | Free |
| Personal item | None | Fits under seat | Free |
| 1st checked bag | 50 lbs standard | 62 linear in | $35 |
| 2nd checked bag | 50 lbs standard | 62 linear in | $45 |
Carry-On Size Limit: 10 × 16 × 24 Inches
Southwest enforces a 10 × 16 × 24 inch (height × width × depth) maximum for overhead carry-ons. This applies to the bag's external dimensions including wheels, handles, and pockets.
- Standard carry-on rollaboards (21–22 in tall) typically fit within this limit.
- Backpacks that fit inside an overhead bin are allowed — no weight check.
- Bags that don't fit in the overhead bin must be checked at the gate. The $35 standard checked bag fee applies.
Personal Item: Also No Weight Limit
Your personal item — a purse, laptop bag, small backpack, or similar — must fit under the seat in front of you. Southwest does not publish an exact size spec for personal items but a common guideline is around 18.5 × 8.5 × 13.5 inches.
No weight limit applies. Bring a heavy laptop bag without any fee or weigh-in.
Checked Bags Are Different: Weight Is Enforced
Unlike carry-ons, checked bags are weighed at check-in and face overweight surcharges:
| Weight Range | Extra Charge |
|---|---|
| 0–50 lbs | No surcharge (standard fee only) |
| 51–70 lbs | +$100 overweight fee |
| 71–100 lbs | +$200 overweight fee |
| Over 100 lbs | Not accepted |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Southwest have a carry-on weight limit?
No. Southwest does not enforce a weight limit for carry-on bags or personal items. You only need to ensure the bag fits the 10×16×24 inch size limit and that you can lift it into the overhead bin unassisted.
Will Southwest weigh my carry-on at the gate?
No. Southwest gate agents check whether your carry-on fits in the overhead bin — they do not weigh it. Only checked bags are weighed.
How heavy can my personal item be on Southwest?
Southwest sets no weight limit for personal items. A purse, laptop bag, or small backpack is fine at any weight as long as it fits under the seat in front of you.
What if my carry-on is too big for the overhead bin?
If your carry-on does not fit in the overhead bin, it will need to be checked at the gate for the standard $35 first-bag fee (or $45 if you already have one checked bag).
How does Southwest carry-on allowance compare to other airlines?
Southwest is one of the most generous US airlines for carry-ons. Unlike Delta, United, and American (which charge $35 for carry-ons in basic economy), Southwest allows one free carry-on plus one free personal item for all passengers on all fare types. Southwest also has no carry-on weight limit, while some international carriers cap carry-ons at 15–22 lbs.
Related: Carry-on size rules · Carry-on guide · All fee types guide · Overweight bag fees · Checked bag weight limit · 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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