AirlineLimitsAirline baggage limits, decoded.

Southwest Airlines carry-on: 24 × 16 × 10 in

Last checked: 7/14/2026 • IATA: WN • ICAO: SWA

Compare this airline

Not a binding baggage approval: fare, route, aircraft or operating carrier can vary. Check the linked official sources before booking and departure.

Carry-on for the overhead bin

Included in fare

Dimensions H×W×D
UnitHWD
in241610
Weight
No published limit
  • One overhead carry-on is allowed together with one personal item.
  • The 24 × 16 × 10 in limit includes wheels, handles and attachments; Southwest publishes no general weight limit on this page, and partner-operated flights may use different rules.
Will my bag fit?Compare your bag's dimensions and weight with the airline figures

Enter the finished outside measurements of your packed bag. This compares numbers only and is not a baggage approval; fare, route, aircraft and operating-carrier conditions still apply.

Your bag dimensions
Your bag weight

Source for this section: Carry-on baggage policy

Personal item

Included in fare

  • One personal item is allowed in addition to the overhead bag and must fit under the seat.
  • Southwest gives examples but no separate dimensions or weight limit; a pet carrier uses either the carry-on or personal-item allowance.

Source for this section: Carry-on and personal-item policy

Checked baggage

Weight (standard limit per piece)
50 lb
  • A standard checked piece may weigh up to 50 lb and measure up to 62 linear in including wheels and handles.
  • Checked-bag fees apply, while exemptions and partner-itinerary rules can change the price or allowance; some destinations also have baggage embargoes.

Source for this section: Checked baggage policy

Overweight & excess baggage

  • Additional charges may apply when a piece exceeds the standard 50 lb or 62 linear in limits.
  • Prices and acceptance depend on the item and itinerary, and destination embargoes can prohibit oversized, overweight or extra pieces.

Source for this section: Checked baggage limits

Liquids in carry-on

Varies

  • Southwest refers passengers to TSA screening rules.
  • For an international connection into the United States, duty-free liquids above 3.4 oz/100 mL may remain in cabin baggage only when bought duty-free and sealed in a secure tamper-evident bag; other departure countries may use different security limits.

Source for this section: Liquids in carry-on baggage

Pets

Pet transport

Varies

Small vaccinated domestic cats and dogs at least eight weeks old may travel in the cabin on domestic flights in an under-seat carrier; Southwest does not transport pets in the cargo hold.

More details
  • Space is limited, advance reservation is recommended and destination-specific rules apply; one passenger may bring one carrier holding up to two small animals of the same species.

Source for this section: Pet policy

Special baggage

Sports equipment

Varies

Southwest publishes item-specific rules for sports equipment such as bicycles, golf clubs, skis, surfboards and diving gear.

More details
  • Packing, fees, size or weight limits and acceptance vary by item, destination and operating carrier, so the relevant equipment page must be checked before travel.

Source for this section: Sports and non-standard baggage

Musical instruments

Varies

An instrument may travel in the cabin when it fits available overhead or under-seat space; larger instruments may require a separately purchased qualifying seat.

More details
  • Checked instruments use the standard bag fee, oversize charges are waived, but overweight charges apply from 51 lb and Southwest rejects an instrument above 165 lb or 150 linear in including its case.

Source for this section: Musical instruments

Medical equipment

Allowed

Mobility aids checked by a passenger with a disability are exempt from standard bag fees, but Southwest publishes aircraft-door and device acceptance limits.

More details
  • Disability-related medication packed separately does not count toward the baggage limit; an approved portable oxygen concentrator may be used onboard with batteries covering at least 150% of the expected maximum flight duration.

Source for this section: Disability-related accommodations

Partner-operated flights may apply the operating airline's rules.

Prohibited items in the cabin

  • Recalled, damaged or defective batteries
  • Butane or propane torch lighters
  • Lighter fluid
  • Strike-anywhere matches
  • Liquid, solid or gel fire starters
  • This is a selected summary, not a complete dangerous-goods list.
  • Portable chargers, spare lithium batteries and electronic smoking devices are cabin-only and have quantity, storage or use restrictions rather than being universally prohibited.

Source for this section: Batteries, smoking devices and lighters

Official source

How we research and handle gaps