Southwest carry-on size

Southwest’s published carry-on size is 24 × 16 × 10 in (including wheels, handles, and attachments) — about ≈61 × 41 × 25 cm converted (Southwest does not publish cm). 1 carry-on + 1 personal item are free on all fares (Basic through Choice Extra). No published carry-on weight; the personal item must fit under the seat (no L×W×H published). Checked bags are paid on most fares after Bags Fly Free® ended — see baggage fees.

Free with every ticket: one size-compliant carry-on (24 × 16 × 10 in) plus one personal item that fits under the seat — including on Basic (the Wanna Get Away® successor).

Paid checked bags (most fares): Bags Fly Free® ended for most products on May 28, 2025. U.S. Mainland for tickets booked/ticketed and/or changed on/after Apr 9, 2026: Basic, Choice, and Choice Preferred pay $45 first / $55 second; 3rd+ $150 each. Short summary only — full tables on Southwest baggage fees.

Choice Extra: two checked bags free (plus the free carry-on + personal item).

Status / card / military free-checked paths: A-List Preferred (2), A-List and Rapid Rewards® credit card (1st), active-duty military with valid ID (2), Getaways by Southwest™ (2 per person) — details on the fees sibling.

• Stale SERPs still say “2 free bags for everyone.” That was pre–May 28, 2025. Carry-on remains free; checked bags usually do not.
• Ticket / change date controls checked fees. Pre–Apr 9, 2026 mainland tickets may still be $35 / $45 until voluntarily changed — point to the fees page.
• Personal item: Southwest publishes no official inches. If it won’t fit under the seat, risk reclassification or gate issues. Do not invent Frontier-style 18×14×8 for Southwest.
• cm is BagRule conversion only — never present ≈61×41×25 as Southwest-published.
• Pet carrier counts as the carry-on or the personal item (official).

1. Use the free carry-on + under-seat personal item on Basic if you can pack light.
2. Measure including wheels and handles; stay ≤ 24 × 16 × 10 in.
3. For free checked bags, book Choice Extra or qualify via A-List Preferred / Rapid Rewards® card / military / Getaways — see baggage fees.
4. Don’t rely on legacy “Bags Fly Free®” marketing copy when comparing fares.

Soft picks only — measure your packed bag before travel. Look for bags marketed as airline carry-on / “24×16×10” compliant that stay at or under Southwest’s published 24 × 16 × 10 in including wheels and handles. Under-seat companions should fit the actual under-seat space (Southwest publishes no personal-item L×W×H).

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AmazonCard — Southwest-size carry-on (~24×16×10)
Softside or hardside spinner marketed as carry-on compliant. Confirm the product’s listed exterior dimensions (wheels/handles included) are ≤ 24 × 16 × 10 in before you buy, then re-measure when packed.

AmazonCard — Under-seat personal item
Slim backpack or tote aimed at under-seat fit. Southwest does not publish inch limits for the personal item — prefer non-expanding designs and test under a typical airline seat before travel.

When a dedicated BagRule guide goes live, start at /guides/luggage-fits-southwest-sizer/ — until then, filter for ≤24×16×10 in and verify yourself.

What is the Southwest carry-on size limit?

24 × 16 × 10 inches, including wheels, handles, and attachments. Southwest does not publish cm — ≈61 × 41 × 25 cm converted. No published carry-on weight.

Does Southwest charge for carry-on bags?

No — one carry-on plus one personal item are free on all fares, including Basic. Checked bags are a separate fee story after Bags Fly Free® ended.

Does Southwest Basic include a carry-on?

Yes. Basic (Wanna Get Away® successor) includes free carry-on + free personal item; checked bags are paid unless you have a waiver or upgrade.

What is Southwest’s personal item size?

No published L×W×H — must stow under the seat. Full detail: Southwest personal item. Do not invent inch dimensions.

Is Southwest carry-on larger than Delta or United?

Southwest’s published max (24 × 16 × 10) is larger than the common 22 × 14 × 9 on Delta / United / American — still measure including wheels and handles.

Did Southwest stop Bags Fly Free?

For most fares, checked-bag fees began May 28, 2025. Carry-on remains free; current mainland checked $ are on the baggage fees page (post–Apr 9, 2026: $45 / $55 on Basic / Choice / Choice Preferred).

Fees and rules change; confirm on southwest.com before travel. BagRule is not affiliated with Southwest Airlines.