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Personal item, carry-on & checked bag rules
| Bag Type | All Fares |
|---|---|
Personal | 1×Free 41.3 × 34.3 × 20.3 cm |
Carry-on | 1×Free 61 × 40.6 × 25.4 cm |
Checked | 2×Free 23 kg 157.5 cm linear |
Must fit in overhead bin; size includes wheels and handles
Based on passenger reports: generally lenient at check-in, stricter at gate during peak times
Starting from $150 USD per bag for third checked bag; overweight and oversized fees apply
Not specified
Priority boarding, extra allowance, flexibility for business travelers and families
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Personal items must fit within 41.3 × 34.3 × 20.3 cm. One checked bag (up to 23 kg) is included in standard fares.
Southwest Airlines allows carry-on bags with maximum dimensions of 61 × 40.6 × 25.4 cm (approximately 24 × 16 × 10 inches). These dimensions include wheels, handles, and any external pockets. Always verify with Southwest Airlines before your trip, as policies can change.
Yes, Southwest Airlines includes a free carry-on bag on most fare types. Your carry-on must fit within 61 × 40.6 × 25.4 cm.
If your carry-on exceeds Southwest Airlines's size limits of 61 × 40.6 × 25.4 cm, it may be gate-checked or placed in the cargo hold. Southwest Airlines may charge a fee: Starting from $150 USD per bag for third checked bag; overweight and oversized fees apply. Based on passenger reports: generally lenient at check-in, stricter at gate during peak times
On Southwest Airlines flights, a personal item is a small bag that fits under the seat in front of you, such as a purse, laptop bag, small backpack, or briefcase. Southwest Airlines requires personal items to be no larger than 41.3 × 34.3 × 20.3 cm. This is separate from your carry-on bag (up to 61 × 40.6 × 25.4 cm), which goes in the overhead bin.
Southwest Airlines allows personal items up to 41.3 × 34.3 × 20.3 cm (approximately 16.3 × 13.5 × 8 inches). This must fit under the seat in front of you. Common examples include a small backpack, purse, or laptop sleeve that meets Southwest Airlines's requirements.
Checked bags on Southwest Airlines are not included in the base fare and must be purchased separately. Each checked bag on Southwest Airlines can weigh up to 23 kg (51 lb). Additional bag fees on Southwest Airlines: Starting from $150 USD per bag for third checked bag; overweight and oversized fees apply.
Southwest Airlines allows checked bags up to 157.5 cm (62 inches) in total linear dimensions. The maximum weight is 23 kg (51 lb).
Southwest Airlines does not publicly specify a carry-on weight limit, but your bag must fit in the overhead bin. We recommend keeping it under 10 kg (22 lb) to be safe on Southwest Airlines flights.
Yes, Southwest Airlines charges for checked baggage. Checked bags are not included in the base fare and must be purchased separately. Southwest Airlines baggage fees: Starting from $150 USD per bag for third checked bag; overweight and oversized fees apply
To avoid extra baggage fees on Southwest Airlines: pack light and use only the free carry-on allowance (61 × 40.6 × 25.4 cm); maximize your personal item space; book a fare that includes checked baggage if you need it; weigh and measure your bags at home before traveling; consider upgrading your Southwest Airlines fare (Not specified). Planning ahead with Southwest Airlines can save you significant fees at the airport.
| Metric | Southwest Airlines | Industry Average | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carry-on Size | 61 × 40.6 × 25.4 cm | 56 × 36 × 23 cm | Above avg |
| Personal Item | Included | Usually included | Above avg |
| Checked Bag | Included | Varies by airline | Above avg |
| Checked Bag Weight | 23 kg | 23 kg | Above avg |
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