Southwest Carry-on bag size guide 2025. Know all before you fly.

Last Updated: October 10, 2025

Avoid last-minute hassles! Learn Southwest Airlines’ carry-on bag size rules, guidelines, personal item limits, and smart packing tips before your next flight.

Efficient packing is the key to a smooth trip. It can make or break your trip experience and satisfaction. Before heading to the airport, you must know what fits in Southwest Airlines’ carry-on policy. From exact size limits to personal item rules, being prepared saves your time, stress, and unexpected fees. This blog will guide you through what you can bring on board and how to pack efficiently for your next Southwest flight. In this blog, we will break down everything you need to know- from carry-on size limits, personal items, and smart packing tips to make your next flight smoother.

Why does knowing your carry-on size matter?

Imagine you’ve zipped your suitcase shut and feel that you are finally ready to fly, but the moment you reach the gate, the agent stops you and says, “That bag won’t fit in the overhead bin”. Embarrassing? Definitely. Avoidable? Absolutely.

Knowing your carry-on size in advance:

Saves you from repacking chaos at the airport
Avoid delays at the gate-check
Ensures faster security screening
Allows you to keep your essentials with you at all times.

Southwest’s policy is designed to make all travelers’ boarding processes smooth, but only if they follow the rules.

Southwest Airlines Carry-on bag size rules.

Southwest has one of the most convenient and traveler-friendly baggage policies in the U.S., and its carry-on allowance is generous. Here’s what you’re allowed to bring on board:

1 carry-on bag: You can carry only one of a small rolling suitcase, compact travel backpack, or duffel bag.
1 personal item: Laptop bag, Camera bag, purse or tote, or a small backpack.

Strict rule-

You should only have one carry-on bag with size restrictions not exceeding a maximum of 24*16*10 inches (including handles and wheels).

Knowing this will help you ensure that the bag easily fits in the overhead bin.

And about your personal item bag, make sure it fits under the seat completely.

Southwest’s free baggage policy

The traditional free baggage policy of Southwest Airlines ended officially on May 28, 2025, with fees applied to most checked bags. Travelers holding A-list preferred or Business Select Fare and holding Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card can still avoid the baggage fees.

These travelers are eligible for two free checked bags. While other travelers holding Basic, Choice, and Choice Preferred fares will have to pay for their first and second checked bags.

So, if your trip involves bulky outfits, gear, or souvenirs and you don’t have an A-list preferred or business select fare, checking in a bag can save both your money and time.

What items don’t count as a carry-on when you fly?

Southwest, while allowing two personal items, there are certain things that are not counted as carry-ons. These small but handy details are missed by most travelers when they fly.

Here’s what you can bring in addition to your two items are listed below-

A jacket or coat
Umbrella
Assistive devices like crutches, canes, or CPAP machines
Duty-free shopping bag
Food to consume during flight.
Books

Knowing these exceptions lets you pack smart without worrying about gate hassles.

Measuring your bag the right way.

Worried how to escape from the hassles of bag measurement at the airport gate to avoid hustle? Don’t rely on the tag your suitcases come with-it often lists the size of your suitcase without handles or wheels. When measuring your bag for the Southwest, look for these key points:

Place it upright on the floor
Measure from the bottom to the top, including wheels and handles.
Measure side to side and front to back at the widest part.
Then, add the dimensions for a carry-on bag, the total of your measurements.

Once measured, make sure that your bag does not exceed even by an inch, as it might not fit in the sizer box at the gate. Always double-check before heading out.

Pro tips for smart packing for Southwest flyers.

Pack by category
Use wearable space
Keep all your essentials handy and ready
Follow the 3-1-1 rule for carrying any liquid.
Maximize using external pockets for flat items such as travel documents.

Conclusion

Packing rightly starts with an unsaid rule of knowing all the guidelines and essentials. Southwest makes it easier for travelers to make sure that their flying experience is phenomenal throughout. With clear size limits, and understanding of free checked bags and its exceptions, you can travel stress-free and smarter.

Ready to plan your next Southwest getaway with smart packing. Let Affluence Travels simplify your flight search by helping you pack smart, fly easy, and travel confidently.

FAQs

Q1. What is the acceptable size for carry-on for Southwest Airlines?

24*16*10 inches including handles and wheels.

Q2. How many bags can I bring to Southwest for free?

You’re only allowed to bring one carry-on, one personal item, and check two bags for free, only if you’ve the A-list preferred or Business Select cards fare.

Q3. Does Southwest check carry-on sizes at the gate?

Yes. Especially if you’re traveling during full flights. Oversized bags may be gate-checked.

Q4. How to make the check-in of my bags stress-free?

Measure the weight of your bags in weight machines first before reaching airports, and in case, if it exceeds even by one inch than the actual size, you’ll have to unpack some of your items.

Q5. Is Southwest still giving free checked bags to its travelers?

No, This policy has been revised on 28 May 2025 and currently they are giving a free baggage policy for travelers holding A-list preferred or Business Select fare cards.