What Is Allowed In Carry-on Baggage Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines TSA regulations allow passengers to have one carry-on bag and one small personal item. This carry-on luggage needs to be stowed in the provided overhead compartment bin and your personal items can be stored under the seat. The Southwest Carry-on Size should be under 24” (L) + 16” (W) + 10” (H). Similarly, there are a few things that together define Southwest Carry on Baggage Policy.

Southwest Airlines is the world’s largest low-cost carrier. It offers services within the United States and other 10 countries. Overall, it operates flights to 121 destinations nationally and internationally. Thus, it has a predefined set of rules for the smooth functioning of activities and flight operations. This way, the authorities can maintain discipline and avoid unnecessary chaos. Passengers should be aware of all the guidelines to ensure a hassle-free journey. Therefore, we present you with Southwest Airlines Baggage Policy. Scroll through to find detailed information on what to bring and what not in a carry-on bag.

Southwest Airlines Baggage Policy

Southwest Airlines Baggage Policy

Southwest Baggage Policy follows the TSA ruling that limits every passenger to a single carry-on bag & one small personal belonging item. If you are flying with a pet on Southwest Airlines then the carrier will be considered either a personal item or a carry-on. Southwest Airlines Baggage Policy defines a certain dimension limit for carry-on which is mandatory to fulfill. Otherwise, the bags will have to be checked which also incurs an applicable fee if it exceeds the limit. Additionally, Southwest Baggage Weight should be as per the decided limit.

Southwest Carry-on Size

Southwest Carry-on Size

These are examples of carry-on bags and personal items permitted while traveling with Southwest Airlines.

Carry-on BagPersonal Items
Roller BagBackpack 
Small SuitcasePurse
Duffel BagsLaptop Bag

Southwest Carry-on Baggage Fees

There are no Southwest Carry-on Baggage Fees. The carry-on bags can be taken to the seat without any charged fee. There is only a limit to the number of carry-on bags and their size. As long as it meets the desired condition, passengers can carry such bags. 

What is Allowed in Carry-on Baggage Southwest Airlines?

What is Allowed in Carry-on Baggage Southwest Airlines?

Southwest Airlines permit specific items in carry-on bags. The following are the items that can be packed in Southwest Carry-on Baggage. 

  • Sharp Objects: If you are traveling with sharp objects, especially for medication then make sure to cover them properly to avoid injury. Do inform your flight attendant about such conditions so that a disposal container can be provided.
  • Liquids: Every passenger is permitted to pack one-fourth the size of liquid, aerosol, gels, creams, and pastes in a carry-on bag. The weight of these items should be under 100 mL. However, medications and infant & Child nourishment are exempted from the weight limit. These items are checked during TSA security screening. However, Southwest Airlines do not allow self-defense sprays on any of their flights. Passengers are not allowed to carry pepper spray in their carry-on luggage.

    Individuals traveling internationally into the US & have connecting flights can carry more than 100 mL of liquid bought in duty-free stores. Passengers must store them in tamper-evident bags so it’s easy to check and screen them otherwise TSA will not permit it. Liquids stored in opaque containers cannot be scanned and hence are not permitted.
  • Lithium batteries, e-cigarettes, and lighters: Travelers can carry up to 20 spare batteries (portable chargers, external batteries for devices). E-cigarettes can be packed in carry-on bags or with the passenger but they cannot be used when you are onboard. Lighters can be packed in a carry-on bag 

Southwest Checked Baggage Terms & Conditions

The checked baggage is luggage submitted to the airline for transportation. It is not accessible to the passengers onboard. Southwest Airlines permit passengers the first two checked bags for free. After that, each additional checked bag will levy Southwest Checked Baggage Fees of $75 per bag, one-way. The fee is subject to change according to the excess baggage weight and size. Additionally, Southwest Airlines will increase the levied fee amount starting from mid of August. Refer to the following table for overweight, oversized, and additional checked bag fees:

Checked BaggageLevied FeeLevied Fee
(From 8/15/2023)
1st & 2nd Bag$0$0
3rd Bag$75$125
Additional Camera Equipment$75$75
Overweight Bag$75$100 (51-70 lbs)
$125 (71-100lbs)
Overweight Camera Equipment$0$0
Oversized Bag$75$125
Oversized Camera Equipment$0$0
Sports Equipment$0$0

Southwest Baggage Weight Limit

The Southwest Baggage Weight Limit levy on checked bags. The initial first two bags checked free should also comply with weight and size conditions. The Southwest Baggage Weight must be under 50 pounds/ 23kgs or under 62 inches. Afterward, every additional and overweight bag will cost a baggage fee per item, one-way. Baggage must be shipped if weighed more than 100 pounds & 80 inches.

Southwest Baggage Weight Limit

Permitted Items as per TSA Rulings

As Southwest follows TSA guidelines for carry-on and checked bag items. You can refer to the following list of Southwest Airlines permitted items as per TSA Rulings

ItemsChecked BagCarry-on Bag
Aerosol InsecticideOn special instructions
Air Mattress with Built-in Pump✔️On special instructions
Airbrush Make-up MachineOn special instructionsOn special instructions
Alcoholic beverages✔️On special instructions
Alcoholic beverages over 140 proof
AmmunitionOn special instructions
Arc Lighters, Plasma Lighters, Electronic Lighters, E-LightersOn special instructions
Axes and Hatchets✔️
Baby Carrier✔️✔️
Baby Food✔️✔️
Baby Formula✔️Should meet required size and quantity.
Baby Powder✔️✔️
Baby Wipes✔️✔️
Balloons (not inflated)✔️✔️
Baseball Bats✔️
Basketballs/Baseballs/Footballs/Soccer Balls✔️✔️
Battery-powered wheelchairs and mobility devicesOn special instructions
Bear spray
Belts, Clothes, and Shoes✔️✔️
Self-Defense Weapons✔️
Blankets✔️✔️
Blood Sugar Test Kit✔️✔️
Bottled Water✔️Under 100 mL
Breast Pump✔️✔️
Child Car Seat✔️✔️

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the baggage weight limit for southwest airlines?

The airline permits checked baggage under 50 pounds/ 23kgs or under 62 inches.

How much baggage is allowed on southwest airlines?

Southwest Baggage Policy follows the TSA ruling that allows passengers to carry a single carry-on bag & one small personal belonging item.

What is Southwest Airlines’ fee for oversize baggage?

Southwest Airlines charge $75 per oversized bag or any additional checked bag.

What does Southwest allow you to carry on?

Passengers can only have one carry-on bag and a single personal item with them as per TSA regulations.

Can I bring a backpack and carry-on Southwest?

Yes, you can bring a backpack and one carry-on bag. The backpack will be counted as your personal item which can be stowed under the seat.

Is Southwest strict on bag size?

Southwest has fixed limits on carry-on and checked bags. It is the only airline that allows two checked bags for free. 
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