Southwest Airlines Carry-On Policy: 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 as Spirit and Frontier will. Actually, when it comes to fees and baggage, they are better than the full-service domestic airlines, including Delta, United, and American.

That said, you’ll still want to be aware of Southwest’s policy for what you can and can’t bring on the plane. Here are the carry-on rules you need to be aware of regarding size, weight, fees, liquids, etc.

Southwest Carry-On Size and Weight Limits

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

Southwest Airlines Carry-On Size Restrictions

Southwest Airlines’ size requirements for a carry-on are a little larger than most domestic airlines at 24″ x 16″ x 10″. These dimensions include the wheels and handles, so make sure to keep that in mind when you measure your carry-on.

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.

Luggage that exceeds Southwest Airlines’ carry-on size will be checked at the gate before departure. 

Southwest Airlines Personal Item Size

In addition to a carry-on bag, Southwest allows each passenger to bring one personal item onboard. Personal items include purses, briefcases, cameras, food containers, or laptops (case included).

Southwest personal carry on items must be no larger than 16.25” (L) + 13.5” (W) + 8” (H).

Your personal item must be stored under the seat in front of you. If it doesn’t fit or if there’s no seat in front of you, we’ll ask you to place it in an overhead bin.

Southwest Airlines Carry-On Weight Limits

As a rule, Southwest Airlines does not impose weight restrictions on carry-on bags. However, when checking a bag, the weight limit is 50 pounds per bag.

Southwest Carry-On Liquids Policy

The rules for carry-on liquids are set by the TSA (Transportation Security Administration), not by the airline.  Southwest doesn’t have its 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.

• All liquids, gels, pastes, and aerosols must be in a container of 3.4 ounces or smaller.
• All liquids must be in a resealable quart-sized clear plastic bag that is removed from your carry-on during the TSA screening process. 
• Special exceptions are in place for items such as medication, formula, breast milk, etc.
• Food and Drinks purchased once you have cleared TSA checkpoints are not included in these restrictions.

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 checkpoint.

Here is a little video to help illustrate:

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

Southwest Carry-On Food Policy

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: 

• The food you bring with you from home, and
• The 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.

Southwest Airlines Carry-On Pet Policy

Southwest Airlines allows small vaccinated domestic cats and dogs to travel with you in the 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.

Prohibited or Restricted Items for Carry-On

There are certain items that are considered dangerous and classified as hazardous material. Dangerous goods are prohibited from both your carry-on and checked bag on all flights. These rules are mandated by the Federal Aviation Administration.

Items considered “dangerous goods” are prohibited under Southwest’s carry-on policy and include the following:

• Firearms and ammunition
• Mace and pepper spray
• Poisonous, infectious, or radioactive substances
• Sharp objects (knives, cutting instruments, razors, ice picks, carpet knives, metal scissors, box cutters, or similar items) 
• Any beverage with more than 70 percent alcohol
• Camping equipment containing flammable liquids or gasses 
• Flammable liquids, including gasoline and kerosene
• Hoverboards, including electric skateboards, balance boards, gravity boards, and self-balancing devices
• Medical or liquid oxygen 
• Marijuana 
• Torch lighters, lighter fluid, strike-anywhere matches, and fire starters
• Wet-cell batteries
• Motor oil, hydraulic fluids, brake fluid, and transmission fluid

The following items are not considered “dangerous goods” and are allowed when packaged properly, in accordance with FAA regulations

• Knitting/scissors
• Hiking or trekking poles
• Hair dryer/Straightener
• Hair spray
• Sunscreen/bug spray
• Batteries
• Food as a carry on
• Fishing hooks
• Fragile glass items

A complete list can be found on the FAA and TSA websites.

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 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
5. Southwest Delay and Cancellation Policy