Southwest Carry-on Policy: Rules, Limits, Size, and Dimensions

Southwest Carry-on policy mentions the limit of hand baggage allowed per person on board. There is a set limit for carrying bags in the cabin; if the limit is exceeded, the passenger must pay for the overweight baggage. One personal item, along with one bag, is allowed for every passenger, irrespective of their traveling class. There is no weight limit for the personal item, but it should fit under the seat in front of the traveler and in the overhead space. Additionally, some items are restricted from being carried in the cabin of Southwest Airlines flights.

Conditions for Carry-On Baggage

While flying with Southwest Airlines, passengers must place their hand luggage in the overhead bins ro underneath the seat in front of them. In addition – 

• If you’re carrying a small trolley, you must place it with the wheels facing outward for easier loading.
• If the hand baggage exceeds the dimension or the weight, it must go in the baggage hold. 
• All the assistive devices should not be transported as carry-on baggage, rather as checked baggage. 
• Sharp objects like needles or syringes are securely packed and covered to prevent harm to fellow passengers.
• For infants traveling on lap, a breast pump are permitted for free in addition to the standard carry-on allowance. 
• You can carry strollers and car seats for free. They must be checked at the gate or ticket counter. 

Pets in Southwest Airlines Cabin

Yes, pets are allowed to be taken in the cabin of Southwest Airlines as carry-on baggage. However, there are certain conditions applied to it, such as the breed, size, and age mentioned in the Southwest Airlines pet policy. 

• Only small, vaccinated dogs and cats are allowed in the cabin part of the plane on domestic routes. 
• The pet fares will be non-refundable and have to be booked in advance. 
• Pets are required to be taken in a carrier of appropriate size and space for the animal to sit, stand, lie, and breathe properly. 
• The size of the carrier must be 18.5 inches long x 13.5 inches wide x 8.5 inches in height.. 
• Only one pet carrier per ticketed customer is permitted.

Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor policy states that children under 14 years cannot travel with a pet.

Size and Weight Restrictions for Southwest carry-on baggage?

While carrying the hand luggage with Southwest Airlines, the bags must adhere to the following dimensions – 

• Hand luggage size – 50 linear inches (24 x 16 x 10 in) or 127 centimetres (61 x 41 x 28 cm). This includes handles and wheels.
• Must fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat.
• Southwest carry-on weight – The weight of the carry-on baggage should not exceed 22 lbs or 10 kg.

There’s no fee for carry-on baggage, regardless of the fare type. For instance – 

• 1st Carry-On Bag – 0 USD
• 2nd Carry-On Bag (Personal Item) – 0 USD

Also Read: Southwest Airlines Name Change Policy

Note – If the aforementioned dimensions exceed, then the carry-on baggage rules would not be applicable, and are subject to Southwest’s checked baggage policy. 

Permitted Items under Southwest Airlines Carry-on Policy

Southwest Airlines permits all those items that are related to the traveler’s personal hygiene or health, as long as they are not harmful to other passengers. It is advised that they keep a check on their needs and pack only essentials in the cabin baggage. Items that are not restricted by the airline include:

• Food and Snacks (non-liquid, due to the risk of leakage).
• General Medicines (Heavy and specific medicines will be allowed after providing the doctor’s prescription at the Southwest check-in counter). 
• Books, Magazines, and toys.
• Electronic devices, such as laptops, tablets, hair straighteners, etc.
• Strollers and car seats (should be foldable). 

NOTE: Hair straighteners, dryers, curlers, etc, must be kept in the handbags after removing their batteries, especially if they contain lithium batteries.

Prohibited Items in Southwest Airlines Carry-on Baggage

While most of the items are allowed by Southwest Airlines, some objects are restricted due to the risk of harm to other passengers on board. If someone carries any of these items in the cabin baggage, they will be removed from the bags during the security check at the airport.

• Smoking items like Cigarettes and Vapes.
• Flammable objects that are explosive in nature.
• Sharp items, like knives, scissors, etc. 
• Illegal Weapons, such as whips, stun guns, batons, and more.
• Electric items with Lithium-ion batteries. 
• Dry Cell Batteries
• Gases and Chemicals, for instance, poison, fireworks, tear gas, and lighter fluid, are not allowed. 

As per the rules from TSA, all liquids must be in containers of 100 milliliters, kept in a transparent bag for clear examination and checking of the liquid.

Southwest Airlines Extended Carry-on Baggage Policy

This carry-on policy is a part of Southwest Airlines Baggage Policy that states rules for both cabin and checked baggage. A certain number of bags are allowed per person on board, while the carry-on limit remains the same for all cabins. The limit for checked baggage changes and increases as the level of traveling tier upgrades. 

NOTE: The airline will impose a fee on the traveler when the bags exceed the set limit, whether carry-on or checked. 

Conclusion

Travelers are allowed to keep personal items in the cabin of the aircraft as per the Southwest Airlines carry-on policy. One passenger can carry a bag and a personal item. The bag can be a roller bag or a small suitcase that will fit in the overhead space above the seat, while the personal item must fit under the seat in front of the passenger. Moreover, restrictions have been set on some items that should not be carried in the cabin, as all bags are checked thoroughly before boarding.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Tags: Carry-On Baggage Southwest Airlines, Southwest Checked Baggage Policy