What is Southwest Airlines carry-on size?

Southwest Airlines carry-on limit is 24 x 16 x 10 inches (61 x 41 x 25 cm), including wheels and handles.

What personal item is allowed on Southwest Airlines?

Personal item rule: One personal item free, under-seat fit required. Always verify fare and route details before departure.

Sizes below come from Southwest Airlines's published baggage rules. Re-check your route and fare class before you fly.

At the gate, bags often go through a sizer bin. Compare your suitcase to the limits on this page before you pack.

Published limit: 24 x 16 x 10 in (61 x 41 x 25 cm), including wheels and handles. Leave a little room if your bag is near the edge.

Carry-on size: 24 x 16 x 10 in (61 x 41 x 25 cm)

Personal item: One personal item free, under-seat fit required

Includes wheels/handles: Yes

Last verified: 2026-06-04

Southwest Airlines carry-on: 24 x 16 x 10 in (61 x 41 x 25 cm). Personal item: One personal item free, under-seat fit required.

How Airlines Calculate Luggage Size

Airline baggage limits in inches are based on the outer box dimensions of your bag, not volume.

Carry-on rule (most common): single-side limits such as 22 x 14 x 9 in (L x W x H).
What must be included: wheels, handles, feet, and any rigid external parts.
What is not used as the main rule: liters/cubic volume is usually not the acceptance criterion.
Sizer logic at airport: if the bag does not fit the frame, it can be denied or gate-checked.

Measure length, width, and height on the outside—include wheels and handles.

Compare each side to this airline's limit (not only total volume).

If you are close to the limit, lighten the bag and keep essentials in your personal item in case of a gate check.

Data Sources

Southwest Airlines policy source
Type: official | Last verified: 2026-06-04
https://www.southwest.com/html/customer-service/travel-fees.html