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Southwest Carry-On & Personal Item Size

Carry-on and personal item limits for Southwest, in inches and centimeters, with a checker to test your own bag.

Last verified Source: Southwest baggage page

The short answer

Southwest’s carry-on limit is 24 × 16 × 10 in (61 × 41 × 25 cm), including wheels and handles. It is free on standard economy fares.

Southwest doesn’t publish an exact personal item size; a purse, briefcase, laptop case or backpack that fits under the seat in front of you.

Southwest Basic: Every Southwest fare, including Basic, includes a carry-on and a personal item. Basic fares get a seat assigned at check-in.

Southwest size limits

Drawn to scale. All measurements include wheels, handles and pockets.

Carry-on bag

Overhead bin
Southwest carry-on bag size limit: 24 × 16 × 10 in (61 × 41 × 25 cm)
Maximum size
24 × 16 × 10 in61 × 41 × 25 cm
Weight
No published limit
Cost
Free with standard economy

Personal item

Under the seat in front
Size limit: 17 by 13 by 8 inches (43 cm by 33 cm by 20 cm) 17 in43 cm 13 in33 cm 8 in20 cm

Suggested size · no official limit

Maximum size
No published size
Weight
No published limit
Cost
Free on every fare
Note
A purse, briefcase, laptop case or backpack that fits under the seat in front of you.

Will your bag fit Southwest?

Bag type
Your bag’s outside size, wheels and handles included
Measure your bag at its widest points. Most carry-on bags are 21–22.5 in tall with wheels.

Rules to know

  • Southwest’s carry-on limit, 24 × 16 × 10 in, is the largest of any major US airline.
  • Southwest stopped including free checked bags in May 2025. Fees rose to $45 / $55 for bookings from April 9, 2026.
  • A-List members get the first bag free, A-List Preferred the first two; Rapid Rewards credit cardmembers get the first bag free for themselves and up to 8 companions on the reservation.
  • Southwest doesn’t publish personal item dimensions.
  • Airport overweight and oversize fees must be paid with a physical credit card.

Bringing more? See Southwest Checked Bag Size & Weight Limit and the full Southwest Baggage Policy & Fees.

Bags that fit Southwest

Southwest compared with similar airlines

Southwest carry-on size compared
AirlineCarry-onPersonal itemCarry-on weight
Southwest24 × 16 × 10 in61 × 41 × 25 cmNot publishedMust fit under the seatNo limit
United22 × 14 × 9 in56 × 35 × 23 cm17 × 10 × 9 in43 × 25 × 22 cmNo limit
JetBlue22 × 14 × 9 in56 × 36 × 23 cm17 × 13 × 8 in43 × 33 × 20 cmNo limit
American Airlines22 × 14 × 9 in56 × 36 × 23 cm18 × 14 × 8 in45 × 35 × 20 cmNo limit

Every airline in one chart: Carry-On Luggage Size by Airline (Master Chart).

Frequently asked questions

What is the Southwest carry-on size limit?
24 × 16 × 10 in (61 × 41 × 25 cm) including wheels and handles. Southwest has no published carry-on weight limit for most routes; you must be able to lift it into the bin.
What size personal item is allowed on Southwest?
Southwest does not publish exact dimensions. A purse, briefcase, laptop case or backpack that fits under the seat in front of you.
Is a carry-on free on Southwest?
Yes, on standard economy fares and above. Southwest Basic: Every Southwest fare, including Basic, includes a carry-on and a personal item. Basic fares get a seat assigned at check-in.
Is a backpack a personal item on Southwest?
Yes, if it fits under the seat in front of you. A large travel backpack may count as your carry-on instead. More on backpacks.
Does Southwest still have free checked bags?
No. Southwest began charging for checked bags in May 2025, except on Choice Extra fares and for A-List members and Rapid Rewards cardmembers. Bags booked from April 9, 2026 cost $45 for the first and $55 for the second.

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