Last Updated on January 1, 2024 by Henry @ The Getaway Lounge
This post is reviewed on a regular basis to ensure a high level of accuracy.
Just how strict is Southwest with carry on?
It’s a question we hear all the time in our US travel community, and here’s what we found.
When it comes to carry on size, it’s understood that Southwest are fairly strict. And there’s a good chance they will be checking the size of your bag before boarding. Especially if it’s a busy flight! Besides, the dimensions are there for a reason and these aircraft tend to get a little tight for space.
So, for peace of mind we recommend this great value suitcase on Amazon which fits nicely with Southwest and is also the maximum allowance for United, Delta, American Airlines and more!
Southwest’s main carry on allowance is fairly standard as follows:
24 x 16 x 10 inches (60.96 x 40.64 x 25.4 cm).
This includes any wheels and or handles.
In addition to your main carry on, you can take a smaller item on board which must fit under the seat in front of you.
Examples on their website include purses, briefcases, laptop bags and so on.
You are permitted to bring one quart-sized bag of liquids in your carry on bag through security.
These are limited to 3.4 oz or 100ml per item, and items must be placed comfortably in a small see-through, re-sealable bag.
For details on restrictions and exceptions including liquids like baby formula and medicine, please see this page.
In addition to your one carry-on bag / personal item, you are also allowed to bring the following items:
For more detail on the full carry on policy please visit this page on Southwest’s website.
This is the most common question when it comes to Southwest’s carry on policy.
And there’s only one simple answer.
Rules are rules and if you fail to comply you will run the risk of having to pay checked baggage fees.
That’s money that could have been invested in a compliant suitcase for years to come, like this great value suitcase on Amazon.
With that said, if you have a soft-edged bag which is only slightly oversized (like a backpack for instance), you have a better chance of being able to squeeze your carry on into the sizer, if required to.
If you’ve got a hard case and that’s oversized, there’s no way you’ll be able to squeeze it through the dreaded cage – and so you won’t get away with it!
If you decide to take a risk and get caught out, your bags may have to be checked in and a penalty fee of around $75 dollars will be applied.
That’s around the same price it would cost for a fully compliant bag which will last you years.
Plus, you can use this same bag for the vast majority of other airlines too.
For more information regarding Southwest’s baggage fees please see this dedicated page here.
We recommend taking precautions and investing in a fully compliant suitcase.
With that said – if you’re going to risk it with Southwest Airlines we recommend using a soft-sided bag like a backpack.
Not only is there less chance you will be stopped in the first place, you’ll also be able to pad it down and potentially squeeze it through the sizer if you are checked and it does happen to be slightly over the limit.
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