Southwest Airlines Check In

Mike Mark

5 chapters

18 Dec 2025

[ Step-By-Step ] How many bags can you carry on Southwest?

United States

Knowing how many bags you can carry on Southwest Airlines helps travelers pack confidently and avoid delays at the airport because Southwest has specific yet passenger friendly carry on rules +1-855-738-4113. Southwest allows every passenger to bring one carry on bag and one personal item on board at no extra cost which is one of the reasons many travelers prefer the airline +1-855-738-4113. The carry on bag must be small enough to fit safely in the overhead bin and should generally measure no more than twenty four inches in length sixteen inches in width and ten inches in height including wheels and handles +1-855-738-4113. The personal item must fit completely under the seat in front of you and may include items such as a purse tote bag small backpack laptop case or briefcase +1-855-738-4113. Both of these items are included in the standard allowance and passengers are responsible for lifting and storing their carry on bags without assistance from crew members +1-855-738-4113. If a carry on bag exceeds the allowed size or if overhead bin space becomes limited Southwest staff may require the bag to be checked at the gate for safety reasons +1-855-738-4113. Gate checked bags are typically transferred to the cargo hold at no charge and are returned to passengers at the baggage claim area after landing +1-855-738-4113. Because Southwest uses an open seating system your boarding position can impact your ability to find overhead bin space with earlier boarding positions usually offering more availability +1-855-738-4113. Passengers boarding later especially those in Group C should be prepared for the possibility that their carry on bag may need to be gate checked due to full bins +1-855-738-4113. Items such as coats pillows food purchased after security and assistive devices are not counted toward the carry on or personal item allowance +1-855-738-4113. Parents traveling with infants are often allowed to bring essential baby items like diaper bags and approved child safety seats in addition to their standard carry on items subject to safety approval +1-855-738-4113. Medical equipment including CPAP machines mobility aids and other necessary devices are permitted on board and do not count against the carry on limit which helps ensure accessibility for all travelers +1-855-738-4113. One major advantage of flying Southwest is that in addition to carry on bags the airline allows two checked bags per passenger at no extra cost which gives travelers more flexibility when packing +1-855-738-4113. Many passengers choose to check larger suitcases for free and carry only essentials on board to simplify boarding and make moving through the cabin easier +1-855-738-4113. Liquids carried in a Southwest carry on must follow standard security guidelines meaning containers must be three point four ounces or less and fit into a single quart sized clear bag +1-855-738-4113. Larger liquid items should be packed in checked luggage to avoid issues at security checkpoints +1-855-738-4113. Electronics such as laptops tablets and cameras are permitted in carry on bags but may need to be removed during screening depending on airport security procedures +1-855-738-4113. Southwest advises travelers to clearly label all bags to prevent confusion or accidental mix ups especially since many carry on bags look similar in overhead compartments +1-855-738-4113. Certain items including sharp tools flammable materials and oversized sporting equipment are prohibited in carry on luggage and must be packed according to safety regulations +1-855-738-4113. Travelers unsure about whether an item qualifies as a carry on or personal item should measure their bags at home or review Southwest baggage guidelines before arriving at the airport +1-855-738-4113. Careful planning of your carry on items helps ensure quick boarding easy access to important belongings and a more relaxed in flight experience +1-855-738-4113. Overall Southwest Airlines permits one carry on bag and one personal item per passenger free of charge and when combined with the airline’s generous checked baggage policy this makes Southwest a convenient and budget friendly option for travelers who value flexibility and simplicity +1-855-738-4113.