How Many Carry On Bags Allowed Southwest?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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What is the carryon policy at Southwest? TSA regulations limit carryons to

one bag and one small, personal item

. If you’re traveling with a pet, carriers are counted as either your personal item or carryon.

Can I have a carry-on and a backpack Southwest?


Yes, as a Southwest passenger, you are allowed one carry-on bag and one personal item

. Per the Southwest.com FAQs, TSA regulations allow a backpack as a personal item when dimensions are 18.5 x 8.5 x 13.5 inches. You are smart to check because some airlines severely limit carry-ons.

How many bags can you carry-on Southwest for free?

Southwest will accept the

first two checked bags

for free provided that the bags do not exceed 50 lbs and 62 inches (L+W+H). Overweight items from 50 to 100 pounds and oversized items in excess of 62 inches but not more than 80 inches will be accepted for a charge of $75 per item.

Can I have 3 carry-on bags on Southwest?


Officially you are only allowed one carry-on bag on a Southwest Airlines flight

. However the personal item allowance is almost as big as a carry-on. If you get on the flight early and the flight isn’t too busy then you’ll be able to put both your bags in the overhead bin.

Does a backpack count as a carry-on?

Technically,

any piece of luggage that you “carry on” to an airplane is a carry-on bag

. Most airlines allow one piece of carry-on luggage or “hand baggage” that can fit in the overhead bin, plus a “personal item” (a smaller purse, computer bag, diaper bag, small backpack, etc.

How strict is Southwest about carry-on size?

The Southwest carry-on size limit is

10 x 16 x 24 inches

. This is one of the most generous carry-on size limits in the world. To compare, most other airlines in the US have a limit of 9 x 14 x 22 inches. This means Southwest gives you an extra 1-inch of depth, 2 inches of width, and 2 inches of height.

Can I carry-on a 25 inch bag?

You can check in any size luggage, but the most common checked bags are larger than typical 22” x 14” carry-on bags.

The most popular size check-in luggage is 25- to 29-inches tall and various widths

. Medium-sized check-in luggage measures 25-26” tall and around 18” wide.

What airlines allow 2 free checked bags?

Airline Free baggage allowance British Airways 2 bags Delta 1 bag free-$30 (depending on route) easyJet No free allowance Emirates First 15kg-35kg free, depending on class and route

Can you check more than 2 bags on Southwest?

What is considered excess baggage? To check more than two bags,

each additional bag will cost $75 each way as long as it is no bigger than 62 inches (L+W+H) and weighs 50 lbs. or less

.

How many carry ons can you have?

Airline rules allow for

one carry on bag and one personal item

, unless you’re flying on a basic economy fare. But we’ve all seen people selfishly putting two bags in the overhead bin or carrying on more luggage than could possibly be allowed.

Can I take 2 bags as hand luggage?

No cheating on cabin baggage rules,

only one bag per person on flight

: CISF. The CISF has asked the airlines to educate passengers to carry only one hang baggage. Multiple baggages per person delay the security check resulting in wastage of time.

Can I put clothes in my personal bag?

These items vary between different airlines, so make sure to check with the airline first. But in general,

assistive devices, duty-free items, clothing, and umbrellas are always free to carry in addition to your carry-on and personal items

.

Do backpacks fit under airline seats?

Lastly, American Airlines said, “

[A backpack] will count toward your allowance, and be considered your personal item, if you place it under the seat

— or your carry-on if it’s placed in the overhead bin.” Personal items should not exceed 22 x 14 x 9 inches.

Does diaper bag count as carry-on Southwest?

Children traveling with a purchased ticket are allowed to carry one carry-on bag and one personal item as per the standard Southwest carry on Policy.

The diaper bag is allowable and does not count towards your carry-on baggage

. You can bring in a car seat and a stroller free of charge.

Does Southwest Airlines require Covid test?

Submit an attestation (written documentation) to the U.S. Government, through Southwest®, that you are COVID-19 negative or have recently recovered from COVID-19.

Each Passenger will be required to submit a form after receiving proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 1 day before your departure

.

Can a 24 inch luggage be a carry-on?


Carry-on measurements should not exceed 24 inches long

, 16 inches wide and 10 inches high. Personal items are limited to 18.5 inches long, 8.5 inches wide and 13.5 inches high.

What happens if carry-on is too big?

Here’s what might happen if your carry on bag is one inch too big…

You might be forced to check your bag at the boarding gate and be made to pay a checked bag fee

. Most airlines now charge for checked bags with the exception of Southwest. Fees range between $25 and $35.

What are you allowed to carry-on Southwest Airlines?

Southwest carry-on bag size is limited to bags

no larger than 10 inches X 16 inches X 24 Inches (25 cm X 40 cm x 60 cm)

. These dimensions include wheels or handles, so be sure to measure your carry-on with that in mind. Luggage that exceeds Southwest Airlines’ carry-on size will be checked at the gate before departure.

What is not allowed on a plane carry-on?

Liquids, gels, or pastes in bottles larger than 3.4 ounces (100 ml) Guns and ammunition (including BB guns and cap guns) Stun guns and tasers. Sharp objects (knives, axes, razor blades)

Do all Southwest flights have free checked bags?


Checked baggage is free on Southwest

and they are the only airline to allow 2 bags for all fare types. Checked bags must adhere to a max weight of 50 pounds and max linear dimensions of 62 inches. Passengers can book 3+ bags for $75 a piece.

Is Southwest the only airline with free bags?


Southwest Airlines is the only domestic airline with free checked bags for all passengers

, regardless of fare type or loyalty status. Nerdy tip: Some airlines offer free checked bags on some routes, for example, on longer international routes.

What airlines include 1 checked bag?


United, Delta, Alaska and American Airlines

all allow at least one free checked bag for business or first class fares. Of these airlines, United, Delta and American also increase their weight allowance to 70 pounds per suitcase when you fly on a premium ticket.

David Evans
Author
David Evans
David is a seasoned automotive enthusiast. He is a graduate of Mechanical Engineering and has a passion for all things related to cars and vehicles. With his extensive knowledge of cars and other vehicles, David is an authority in the industry.