What is Allowed in Carry-On Baggage on Southwest Airlines?

 

Packing for a trip can be stressful enough—you don’t want the extra worry of wondering whether your bag will make it past security or fit in the overhead bin. If you’re flying Southwest Airlines, the good news is that their carry-on policy is straightforward and traveler-friendly. Let’s break it down in plain English so you know exactly what’s allowed in your carry-on.

 

Southwest’s Carry-On Bag Rules

When you fly Southwest Airlines, you can bring:

• 1 carry-on bag (fits in the overhead bin)
• 1 personal item (like a purse, laptop bag, or backpack, which fits under the seat in front of you)

Your carry-on bag must not exceed:

• 24” (L) x 16” (W) x 10” (H)

And your personal item should be small enough to slide comfortably under the seat.

Tip from a frequent flyer: Southwest is generally less strict than some airlines, but it’s always better to stick to these dimensions to avoid last-minute hassles.

 

What You Can Pack in Your Carry-On

Here’s where most travelers get nervous—what actually can you bring? Southwest follows the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) guidelines, so the rules are pretty universal across U.S. airlines.

Allowed Items

• Clothes & shoes (no surprises here!)
• Toiletries in travel sizes – liquids, gels, and aerosols must be in containers of 3.4 oz (100 ml) or less, packed together in a single clear quart-size bag. Think toothpaste, shampoo, lotion, etc.
• Electronics – laptops, tablets, cameras, headphones, chargers (yes, you’ll need to remove laptops and large electronics at security).
• Food & snacks – solid foods like sandwiches, chips, granola bars, or fruit are fine. Liquid or gel-like foods (yogurt, soups, salsa, etc.) must follow the 3-1-1 liquids rule.
• Medication – both prescription and over-the-counter meds are allowed. It’s smart to keep them in their original bottles.
• Baby items – formula, breast milk, and baby food are exceptions to the 3.4 oz rule (TSA allows “reasonable quantities”).
• Travel comfort items – books, neck pillows, blankets, headphones—yes, bring them all.

Also read: Travel & tourism reviews

 

What You Cannot Pack in Carry-On

A few things will get flagged every time, so avoid putting them in your carry-on:

• Weapons or sharp objects – guns, knives, box cutters, and certain tools.
• Flammable items – lighter fluid, fireworks, or anything explosive.
• Large liquids – drinks, big bottles of shampoo, or other items over 3.4 oz. (Buy your water after security!)
• Sports equipment – baseball bats, golf clubs, hockey sticks.

Quick Pro Traveler Tips

• Board early if overhead space matters – Southwest boards in groups (A, B, C). If you want to guarantee overhead space, check in early or buy EarlyBird Check-In.
• Pack smart – put essentials like meds, electronics, and travel documents in your personal item so you don’t stress if the overhead bins fill up.
• Snacks save money – while Southwest gives free snacks onboard, you can bring your favorites from home and avoid airport prices.

Also read: Airlines reviews

Conclusion

Flying Southwest with a carry-on is easy if you stick to the basics: one bag, one personal item, and TSA-approved contents. Think small liquids, everyday essentials, and personal comfort items. Anything questionable? Pack it in checked luggage or leave it behind.

With this guide, you can breeze through security, skip the baggage carousel, and head straight to your gate stress-free. 

FAQs About Southwest Airlines Carry-On Baggage

1. Does a backpack count as a personal item on Southwest?

Yes. A backpack is considered a personal item as long as it fits under the seat in front of you. If it’s too big, it may be treated as your carry-on bag instead.

2. Can I bring a purse and a backpack on Southwest?

You’re allowed one personal item and one carry-on. If your purse is small enough to fit inside your backpack, combine them to make boarding easier.

3. Can I bring food in my carry-on on Southwest?

Yes! Solid foods like chips, sandwiches, fruits, or cookies are fine. If it’s liquid or gel-like (soup, yogurt, dips), it must follow the 3.4 oz TSA liquids rule.

4. Can I bring water or drinks through security?

Not before security. TSA rules prohibit liquids over 3.4 oz. But you can bring an empty water bottle and fill it up once you’re past security.

5. Are toiletries allowed in Southwest carry-on bags?

Yes, but they must follow the 3-1-1 liquids rule: containers must be 3.4 oz (100 ml) or smaller, placed in a single quart-size clear bag, and limited to one bag per passenger.

6. Can I bring my laptop and electronics on Southwest?

Absolutely. Laptops, tablets, cameras, and chargers are allowed. Remember: laptops and large electronics need to be removed from your bag when going through security.

7. What happens if my carry-on doesn’t fit in the overhead bin?

If your bag is too big, Southwest will gate-check it free of charge. To avoid this, stick to the size limits: 24” x 16” x 10”.

8. Are strollers and car seats allowed as carry-ons?

No, but Southwest lets you check strollers and car seats for free. You can also bring a diaper bag in addition to your carry-on and personal item if traveling with a child.

9. Can I bring medication in my carry-on?

Yes. Prescription and over-the-counter medications are allowed, even in liquid form. It’s best to keep them in original packaging.

10. Does Southwest charge for carry-on bags?

No. Southwest does not charge for your carry-on or personal item. You get both for free, and your first two checked bags are also free—one of the best perks of flying Southwest!