Southwest Airlines carry-on bag, personal item size & baggage policy (2026)
Southwest Airlines allows a free carry-on bag up to 24 x 16 x 10 inches and a free personal item that fits under the seat, both measured including wheels and handles. A first checked bag (62 inches total, 50 lb) costs ~$45.
| Bag | Max size | Weight | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carry-on Bag | Max size24 x 16 x 10 in (61 x 41 x 25 cm)24 x 16 x 10 in61 x 41 x 25 cm | WeightNo limit | FeeFree |
| Personal Item | Max sizeNo published sizeNo published size | WeightNo limit | FeeFree |
| Checked Bag | Max size62 in total (158 cm total)62 in total158 cm total | Weight50 lb | Fee~$45 |
Checked against Southwest Airlines's published rules on 2026-08-03. Limits can differ by fare class, route, aircraft, and operating carrier, and gate enforcement varies - always confirm on the airline's site before you fly. Packfits is not affiliated with Southwest Airlines. We may earn commissions for purchases made via this page.
Will your bag fit Southwest Airlines?
Enter your bag's outside measurements - including wheels and handles, which Southwest Airlines counts.
Carry-on Bag: 24 x 16 x 10 in (61 x 41 x 25 cm)
FreeSouthwest Airlines allows a carry-on bag up to 24 x 16 x 10 inches (61 x 41 x 25 cm), measured on the outside of the bag - wheels, handles, and straps all count. Free on every fare, including wheels and handles. One personal item is also free and rides alongside it.
Source: Southwest Airlines official
Bags that fit the carry-on bag limit
Every bag below clears the sizer with wheels and handles included - checked against the manufacturer's published measurements, because product names often understate the real size.
Personal Item
FreeA purse, briefcase, laptop bag, or small backpack that fits under the seat in front of you. Southwest publishes no personal item dimensions.
Source: Southwest Airlines official
Bags that fit the personal item limit
Since Southwest Airlines doesn't give a number, every bag below fits 18 x 14 x 8 inches - the strictest personal item limit any major US airline publishes. A bag that clears that will fit under the seat.
Checked Bag: 62 in total (158 cm total)
~$45Southwest Airlines allows a checked bag up to 62 inches total (158 cm total) - that is length + width + height added together - weighing up to 50 lb. Wheels and handles count toward the 62-inch total.
The $45 first-bag / $55 second-bag fee (April 2026 pricing) applies to Basic, Choice, and Choice Preferred fares. Choice Extra fares and A-List Preferred members get both bags free; A-List members and Rapid Rewards Cardmembers get only the first bag free (still pay for a second); active-duty military customers check bags free with a valid military ID.
Source: Southwest Airlines official
Bags that fit the checked bag limit
These are full-size checked bags that stay inside the size limit with wheels and handles included. Checked size limits are generous - it's the weight limit that usually catches people - so each of these gives you close to the maximum packing space the rules allow.
How strict is Southwest Airlines at the gate, really?
Southwest Airlines enforces carry-on size mainly with the boarding-gate sizer during busy flights. A bag within about half an inch usually clears; a hard-side bag noticeably over is asked to be gate-checked. Wheels and handles count toward the measurement, so a "22-inch" bag is often 23-24 inches in practice.
Southwest Airlines baggage FAQ
What is Southwest Airlines's baggage policy?
Here is Southwest Airlines's baggage policy at a glance: Carry-on Bag: Free, Personal Item: Free, Checked Bag: ~$45. Full size and weight limits for each bag type are in the table above.
What is Southwest Airlines's carry-on size?
Southwest Airlines's carry-on bag limit is 24 x 16 x 10 inches (61 x 41 x 25 cm), measured including wheels and handles. It is included free with your fare.
What is Southwest Airlines's personal item size?
Southwest Airlines publishes no exact personal item dimensions - it just has to fit under the seat in front of you (about 18 x 14 x 8 in for a typical underseat bag).
How much is a checked bag on Southwest Airlines?
A first checked bag costs ~$45. The $45 first-bag / $55 second-bag fee (April 2026 pricing) applies to Basic, Choice, and Choice Preferred fares. Choice Extra fares and A-List Preferred members get both bags free; A-List members and Rapid Rewards Cardmembers get only the first bag free (still pay for a second); active-duty military customers check bags free with a valid military ID. It can be up to 62 inches total and 50 lb.
Does Southwest Airlines measure bags with wheels and handles?
Yes. Southwest Airlines, like all airlines, measures a bag's external size including wheels, handles, and side pockets, so a bag sold as "22 inch" is often 23-24 inches once measured.
Other airlines
This tool gives an estimate, not a guarantee: it compares your bag against published airline size and weight limits, which can be wrong, outdated, or not reflect fare class, route, aircraft, or gate-level enforcement. Always verify with the airline before you fly. Packfits is not affiliated with any airline named on this site and accepts no liability for a missed flight, gate fee, denied boarding, bag confiscation, or any other consequence of relying on this tool. Bag prices shown are approximate manufacturer list prices, not Amazon prices - the current price on Amazon may differ. See our Terms of Service for the full disclaimer.