Southwest Airlines Carry-On Rules: Everything You Need to Know

If you’re planning to travel with a carry-on, you’ll need to be up to speed with airline carry-on policies.  Specifically, the various rules and regulations each carrier has for what you can and cannot “carry-on” to the plane.   Each airline’s rules are different, so don’t assume that what works for one will work for all airlines.

While Southwest is technically a low cost carrier, they’re much better about “a la carte” fees and won’t nickel and dime you on every little item like Spirit and Frontier will. Actually, when it comes to fees and baggage, they are better than the full service domestic airlines, including Delta and American.

That said, you’ll still want to be aware of Southwest’s policy for what you can and cannot bring on the plane. Here are the Southwest Airlines Carry-On rules you need to be aware of:

Southwest Airlines Carry-On Rules and Bag Guidelines?

Southwest Airlines allows one personal item and one carry-on bag at no charge.

Southwest Airlines Personal Item Size & Fees

Personal-type items include purses, briefcases, cameras, food containers, or laptops (case included). Your personal item must be stored under the seat in front of you, fitting within 18.5 x 8.5 x 13.5-inch dimensions.

Southwest Airlines Carry-On Size & Fees

Southwest Airlines’ size requirements for a carry-on are a little larger than most domestic airlines at 24″ x 16″ x 10″.

If you are not sure what size your carry on is, Southwest Airlines typically provides “size check templates” located at their ticketing counters and departure gates. But if you wait until you get to either of these locations and have an issue, it’s too late.

Southwest Airlines Carry-On Weight Limits

As a rule, Southwest Airlines does not impose weight restrictions with a carry-on bag.

Prohibited Items for Carry-On

There are certain items that are considered dangerous and classified as a hazardous material. Dangerous goods are prohibited from both your carry-on and checked bag on all flights. These rules are not specific to any airline and are mandated by the Federal Aviation Administration.

The list includes items such as aerosols, fireworks, matches, etc.  A complete list can be found on the FAA website and the TSA website.

Southwest Airlines Carry-On Liquids

The rules for carry-on liquids are set by the TSA (Transportation Security Administration), not by the airline.  Southwest doesn’t have their own specific Liquids Policy, they just enforce the rules and policies of the TSA.

It’s also important to note that the rules for bringing a “liquid” in your carry on bag are different from the rules that govern what you can bring in your checked luggage. Liquids in a carry on bag must be 3.4 ounces or smaller and fit in a 1 quart sized container. Anything larger must be placed in your checked luggage.

The TSA 3-1-1 Rule

Each passenger may carry liquids, gels and aerosols in travel-size containers that are 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters and are enclosed in a sealed, one quart-size bag. Common travel items that must comply with the 3-1-1 liquids rule include toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, perfume, mouthwash, deodorant and lotion.

Any liquid that does not meet the TSA 3-1-1 rule will either have to be checked with your luggage or will be thrown away at the security check point.

Here is a little video to help illustrate:

Exceptions to this rule are certain medications and baby food / child nourishments.

Can You Bring Food on a Southwest Airlines Flight?

The TSA also sets the rules for what type of food you can bring on the plane. There are two different scenarios pertaining to food: 

• Food you bring with you from home, and
• Food you buy at the airport, after you have gone through security.

When bringing food with you from home, an important thing to note is the classification of liquid vs. solid foods.     

The general rule is “If you can spill it, spread it, spray it, pump it, or pour it, then it’s considered a liquid or gel”.   This means your food may be considered a liquid and will fall under the TSA 3-1-1 liquids rule, which mandates that any liquid, gel, cream, aerosol, or paste in a carry-on must be 3.4 ounces or less, and fit in one quart-size resealable bag (only one such bag is allowed per passenger).

Here’s a link to the TSA website advising what food can be brought with you on your Southwest Airlines flight.  This applies to food you are bringing from home through security.   However, once you are through security, you can bring just about any food on the plane that you buy at the airport.

What are Southwest Airlines Carry-On Pet Policies?

Southwest Airlines allows small vaccinated domestic cats and dogs to travel with you in-cabin under the seat in front of you. All pets must be carried in an appropriate carrier as noted below. The pet carrier counts as either a carry-on item or a personal item.

Soft-sided and hard-sided carriers specifically designed as pet carriers are acceptable with maximum dimensions of 18.5” long x 8.5” high x 13.5” wide.

Does Southwest Airlines Charge to Bring a Pet on Board with You?

Yes.  There is a charge to bring a pet on board with you.  Below is a chart showing the pet fees Southwest Airlines charges each way.   Double them for a round trip flight.

To/From Destination	Pet Fee Each Way
One Way Flights	$ 95.00

Emotional Support and Service animals have some separate guidelines.  Here’s a link to Southwest Airlines’ emotional support animal rules.

TSA Approved Pet Carrier for Southwest Airlines

If you do plan on bringing your pet with you, make sure you follow TSA’s pet policy and have an approved Pet Carrier that conforms to Southwest Airlines’ pet policy.

Southwest Airlines Carry-On Fees

Southwest Airlines does not charge a fee for carry-on baggage that meets their size requirements.

Here is a link to Southwest’s Carry-On Rules page to make sure you have the most up to date information.

More related articles….

1. 5 Tips to Travel with Just One Bag
2. How to Use Packing Cubes to Travel with Just A Carry-On
3. The Best Carry-On Bags for Regional and Small Jets
4. 5 Essential Things to Stay Organized While on The Road