Southwest’s carry-on limit is 24 x 16 x 10 in, wheels, handles and attachments included, bigger than the 22 x 14 x 9 inches most US airlines allow. Southwest gives no size for the personal item: it just has to go under the seat in front of you.
Bag type
Your bag against Southwest’s limits
As an Amazon Associate, What Size Bag earns from qualifying purchases.
What goes as a personal item
Southwest’s examples are a purse (crossbody bags too), a briefcase, a laptop case, a backpack, a pillow, a blanket and a small camera. A neck pillow doesn’t count toward the carry-on limit. A pet carrier counts as your carry-on or your personal item.
If a bag turns out too big, or you have more than one carry-on or personal item, check it at the ticket counter before you go to the gate.
What each fare includes
| Fare | Carry-on and personal item | 1st checked | 2nd checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | Free | Fee | Fee |
| Choice | Free | Fee | Fee |
| Choice Preferred | Free | Fee | Fee |
| Choice Extra | Free | Free | Free |
A 3rd or later checked bag costs a fee on every fare. The primary Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmember and up to eight people on the same reservation each check their first bag free.
Overweight and oversize
- Overweight: 51 to 70 lb and 71 to 100 lb each cost an overweight fee, on top of the bag fee.
- Oversize: 63 to 80 in costs an oversize fee, on top of the bag fee.
- Both: one combined charge, on top of the bag fee, as long as the bag is 100 pounds or under.
- Not accepted: over 80 in or 100 lb, except musical instruments, sports equipment and mobility aids.
At the airport, Southwest takes overweight and oversize fees only by physical credit card, not tap to pay or a phone.
Sports gear and Hawaii
Sports equipment on Southwest’s list goes as a standard checked bag, and the oversize fee is waived up to 115 inches. The overweight fees still apply, and they are lower between the Hawaiian islands.
Bag prices
For today’s bag fees, see Southwest’s baggage page.