Southwest Airlines carry-on size, weight & fees
🇺🇸 United States
The most generous mainstream US cabin allowance — carry-on (max 24 × 16 × 10 in, wheels, handles and attachments included) plus personal item remain free on every fare; the personal item must fit under the seat. Neck pillows and blankets never count toward the allowance; a pet carrier counts as either the carry-on or the personal item. Checked bags are no longer free on most fares: for tickets booked on or after May 28, 2025, Southwest charges $35 for the first and $45 for the second on Basic/Choice/Choice Preferred (Choice Extra, A-List Preferred, and Rapid Rewards cardholders keep free bags).
- Carry-on size
- 24 × 16 × 10 in61 × 41 × 25 cm
- Wheels and handles included
- Weight limit
- No published weight limit
- Personal item
- 16.25 × 13.5 × 8 in (41 × 34 × 20 cm)
- Carry-on fee
- Free on all fares
⚠️ What security allows ≠ what your fare allows
TSA and CATSA do not care how big or heavy your bag is — that is Southwest Airlines’s call. Measure your bag before you leave: gate-check fees are always more expensive than prepaying. Not sure an item can fly at all? Check the item rules.
Southwest Airlines baggage FAQs
What is the Southwest Airlines carry-on size limit?
Southwest Airlines allows a cabin bag up to 24 × 16 × 10 inches (61 × 41 × 25 cm), including wheels and handles.
How many bags can I bring on Southwest Airlines?
Two: a full carry-on plus one personal item, both included in your fare.
Does Southwest Airlines charge for a carry-on bag?
No — a full carry-on plus a personal item is included on Southwest Airlines fares.
Does Southwest Airlines have a carry-on weight limit?
No published weight limit
Last verified:
Verified against official sources. Rules change — for high-stakes items, confirm with your airline and the screening authority. Our verification method →
What to double-check on Southwest Airlines
Security rules are identical on every US flight — but these items behave differently depending on Southwest Airlines's bag size, weight, or item-count policy: