What Is Allowed In Carry-On Baggage Southwest Airlines? Know The Rules!

To all the travelers who love to travel in the skies and explore the world with world-class amenities and low-budget flights, have you ever met with a situation in which you have to wait in long baggage queues just because your carry-on bags don’t align with your airline’s baggage rules? 

Picture this: you are zipping up your suitcase, about to head to the airport, and then it hits you; Can I bring this? Maybe it is your full-sized hair gel, your eco-friendly flashlight, or that homemade sandwich that you have packed for your flight. 

Dashing through the airport with a racing heart to complete your pre-boarding formalities and realizing that the carry-on bag has that one item that is strictly prohibited by the TSA can definitely put a full stop to the travel plans, but not with you. With Southwest Airlines, you are no longer required to stress about your bags, as the airline is known for its legendary “Bags Fly Free” fare rules. In this guide, we will help you comprehend the airline’s baggage allowance rules and explain what is allowed in carry-on baggage Southwest Airlines. Here we go!

Southwest Airlines Carry-on Baggage: What’s Allowed and What’s Not!

When you are getting ready to fly with Southwest Airlines, one of the biggest questions is “What exactly can I bring in my carry-on bag?” If you have ever stood at the airport security line juggling bags and wondering whether your favourite face cream, your protein bar, or your portable charger will make it through, then this blog is for you. 

We are breaking it all down. You will find all the information from your bag size limit, liquid rules, and electronics, to medications, baby gear, and even snacks. Let’s take a brief look at the information about what to pack in your Southwest Airlines carry-on baggage. 

Category	Allowed (subject to TSA rules)	Prohibited / Disallowed
Sporting equipment	Small items (tennis balls, maybe small items)	Bats, golf clubs, skis, poles
Liquids, gels, aerosols	3.4 oz / 100 mL max, inside quart bag; baby formula/medications exemptions	Large bottles, excessive aerosols
Food & drinks	Solid snacks, sealed liquids < 3.4 oz, baby formula/milk	Large liquids, alcohol > 140 proof
Baby gear	Diaper bag, stroller, car seats (typically gate-checked)	Oversized baby gear is not stowable
Medications & devices	Prescription meds, insulin, CPAP, glucose meters, assistive devices	Device batteries above the allowed size
Electronics & batteries	Laptops, phones, spare lithium batteries (in carry-on)	Charging inside a hidden carry-on, oversized batteries
Flammable items	None generally carries in a carry-on	Fuels, lighter fluid, aerosols, fireworks
Sharp / weapon items	Small plastic knives, small scissors < 4” blade (with discretion)	Guns, knives, box cutters, explosives
Other special	Items not otherwise restricted	Plasma lighters, strong acids, toxins

Southwest Airlines Carry-On Baggage: Detailed Info

Southwest’s carry-on baggage policy is refreshingly straightforward, which allows passengers to carry two free carry-ons, including a carry-on bag and a personal item bag. This duo keeps your essentials close, your sanitary items intact, and your wallet happy. 

Drawing from the TSA rules, Southwest Airlines prioritises safety and space, so prohibited items should stay grounded. Whether it is your laptop for mid-flight emails or a neck pillow for that red-eye, their policy makes everything easier. 

Your carry-on could be anything: a small suitcase, your backpack, a purse, or a laptop bag that could fit under the seat in front of you. Moreover, there is a specific size limit requirement for these bags that your bags should meet. You can check out detailed information about the airline’s carry-ons discussed below. 

Here’s Carry-On Bag Allowance

Let’s start with the basics. If you are flying Southwest, you are allowed two bags onboard- no extra fee, no hidden surprises. Here are the details!

• One Carry-on Bag (placed in the overhead bin)
• One Personal Item (fits under the seat in front of you)

But wait! Don’t just grab your biggest suitcase yet. Southwest Airlines has baggage size limits that you need to follow. If anyone fails to meet these specific limits, they will be charged for their bags. 

Size & Dimensions

• Carry-on Bag: 24” (L) + 16” (W) + 10” (H). Wheels, handles, and attachments to your carry-on will apply toward these dimensions.
• Personal Item: Around 16.25 x 13.5 x 8 inches (Approx)

There is no specific weight limit, but you should be able to fit it into the overhead bin yourself. 

What Counts As a Personal Item Bag?

• A laptop case
• A purse
• A small backpack
• A camera bag

Note: Your diaper bag, breast pump, or mobility device doesn’t count toward this limit.

Liquids, Creams, & Gels: Meet The 3-1-1 Rule!

Let’s face it, liquids are the most confusing item to pack. Whether it is a lotion, perfume, or a peanut butter (yes, that counts), there are rules for everything. Fortunately, Southwest Airlines follows the TSA’s 3-1-1 rule for liquids, which means:-

• Each Container must be 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or smaller.   
• All containers must fit in 1 1-quart sealed, clear zip-top bag.
• Only one bag per traveler is allowed. 

This limit applies to:-

• Toothpaste
• Hair gel
• Sunscreen
• Lotions 
• Shampoo & conditioners
• Liquid makeups

Some liquids are exempt from the 3.4 oz limit, including:

• Prescription medications 
• Baby formula and food
• Breast milk
• Medical supplies

Electronic & Chargers: What You Can Bring?

Whether you are working on the go or binge watching your favourite series, electronic are a must. Southwest lets you bring all your everyday gadgets, but there are smart ways to pack them in your carry-ons. Here it is. 

Allowed Electronic Items:-

• Laptops
• Tablets & e-readers
• Headphones
• Mobile phones
• Chargers and cords
• Portable gaming systems
• Power banks (portable chargers)

Note: If you are carrying lithium batteries and power banks, make sure that they are kept in your carry-ons. Moreover,  your power banks should ideally be under 100 watt-hours. 

Snack & Food Items: What’s TSA And Southwest-Approved?

Good news, foodies! You can bring food on the plane while traveling with Southwest Airlines.  There are various snacks that you can bring with you in your carry-ons to satisfy your midnight cravings and hunger on board. They are:- 

Food You Can Bring-

• Sandwiches
• Cookies or baked goods
• Chips and crackers
• Protein bars
• Whole fruits and vegetables
• Granolas
• Candy or chocolate

All About Liquid and Saucy Foods:-

• Peanut Butter is allowed in a small amount.
• Yogurt should be place in your quart-sized bag (under the 3.4 oz rule).
• Soups, dips, jams, and jellies should be categorized under the same rule. 

Drinks?

You can’t bring a drink through security, but you can,

• Bring an empty bot;e and fill it post security.
• Buy averages after security and carry them onboard. 

“You can bring mini bottles of alcohol under the 3.4 oz rule, but you are not allowed to drink them on board unless served by flight staff.”

Medicine, First Aid & Health Gear: Bring What You Need

Your health flies first, isn’t it? That’s why Southwest’s baggage policies let you bring essential medications, medical equipment, and personal care items in your carry-ons. 

You Can Bring:-

• Prescribed Medications
• Over-the-counter meds
• Inhalers, EpiPens, insulin pens
• CPAP machines (may not count toward your carry-on limit)
• First-aid kits
• Thermometers (non-mercury only)
• Liquid medications over 3.4 oz are permitted but must be declared at the TSA screening. 

Baby Gear & Family Must-Haves: Pack With Confidence

Flying with kids can be chaotic, but Southwest makes it a little easier for families. You don’t have to stress about your little one’s diapers, food, and seats, as you are allowed to bring them for free in your carry-ons. 

Here’s What You Can Carry:-

• Diaper bag (doesn’t count as your personal item!).
• Breast milk, baby formula, and baby food — no 3.4 oz limit applies.
• Car seats and strollers can be checked at the gate for free.
• Breast pumps and coolers with ice packs.

What Not To Bring: Items Banned In Carry-on Bags Of Southwest Airlines

Who doesn’t want a safe and secure journey? That’s why the airline has banned a few items in your carry-on bags. It doesn’t matter how small and harmless they seem to you; if it is not allowed by security, then you will not be able to take it. So, here is a list of items prohibited in Southwest’s carry-on bags, so that you can pack accordingly for your flight. 

What Is Not Allowed In Carry-ons? Check Here:-

• Knives and sharp items
• Firearms
• Self-defense sprays (like pepper spray)
• Box cutters, or razor blades
• Large sports gear (bats, golf clubs, ski poles)
• Fireworks or flammable materials
• Explosives
• Lighter fluid, or fuels
• Tools like drills and hammers
• Full-sized aerosol cans

If you pack any of these items by accident in your carry-on or personal item bag, the TSA will take them, and the worst-case scenario is that you will be sent back to check your bags if you have enough time before boarding. 

All About Special Baggage Allowance Rules!

If you are travelling with something unusual, it must align with the rules of your partner airline. Well, Southwest Airlines is flexible with baggage and carry-ons, but only within reason. It includes:- 

• Small instruments like a violin or flute can usually fit in the overhead bin, can be counted as a personal item. 
• You can ot bring baseball bats, Ski Poles, hockey sticks, or golf clubs in your carry-ons, as these must be checked as luggage. 
• Large musical instruments can be carried onboard, but you are required to buy a seat for the item or check it. 

Tips To Master Luggage Packing & Screening Process With  Southwest Airlines!

You have made an early flight booking, got the baggage rules, and now, if you want to breeze through the airport security, then let’s pack like a travel pro for your upcoming journey. Below are a few useful shortcuts that you can use to make your screening process smoother and faster. 

• Place your liquid’s quart-sized bag at the top of your carry-on to access easily during the security screening procedure. 
• Roll your clothes to save space.
• Use packing cubes to stay organised.
• Keep essentials like a passport, a wallet, and a charger in your personal item bag.
• Pre-measure your bag to ensure it fits the overhead bin dimensions. 
• Avoid bulky jewelry or belts that may trigger the security scanners. 
• Always wear an easy-to-remie show for security checks. 

Wrapping Up The Carry-On Baggage Rules Of Southwest Airlines!

Flying with Southwest Airlines means a smooth, simple packing experience if you know the rules. The airline follows a generous baggage allowance policy that helps passengers carry what they need in their carry-ons and personal items, and travel comfortably with the officials. After reading this blog, you are now familiar with What Is Allowed In Carry-On Baggage Southwest Airlines, so what are you waiting for? Whether you are flying with Southwest or with any of its partner airlines, such as Icelandair, China Airlines, EVA Air, everyone allows you to bring 2 bags on board, i.e., a carry-on and a personal item bag, but follows different allowance rules, so pack accordingly. Happy Journey!

Frequently Asked Questions!