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.

Policy snapshot based on the latest verified sources. Re-check your route and fare class before departure.

This visual helps explain the real scenario where carry-on size checks happen: airport sizer validation and boarding control.

Use this page's exact dimension values as your final reference, then keep a small buffer if your suitcase is near the limit.

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: 2026-03-20

This section provides citation-ready facts for Southwest Airlines carry-on rules.

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.

Step 1: Measure your bag at the widest points and include every rigid exterior part.

Step 2: Compare each side against this airline's single-dimension limit, not just total volume.

Step 3: If your bag is close to the limit, reduce load and keep essentials in your personal item in case of gate-check.

Data Sources

Southwest Airlines policy source
Type: official | Last verified: 2026-03-20
https://www.southwest.com/html/customer-service/travel-fees.html