Southwest Airlines Carry-on Size & Policies
Ah, Southwest Airlines — the realm of open seating, quirky boarding announcements, and, most notably for budget-conscious travelers, complimentary carry-on bags!
But before you joyfully stuff your entire wardrobe into a roller bag, hold onto your boarding pass. Navigating Southwest’s carry-on policy demands a bit of finesse, and this blog is here to be your trusted companion in the journey!
Carry-On Connoisseurs: Size Matters (But Not as Much as You Think)
Let’s kick off with the main event: the carry-on itself. You get to stroll down the aisle with one faithful companion, provided it adheres to the golden dimensions of 24 inches tall x 16 inches wide x 10 inches deep. Think a standard rolling suitcase or a generously sized backpack.
Pro Tip: Measure your bag before packing to avoid gate-side theatrics. Remember, these are firm dimensions, not flexible suggestions.
The Personal Item: Your Under-Seat Sidekick
While your carry-on claims the overhead compartment, you get to bring along a smaller personal item that should snugly fit under the seat in front of you. Think purse, laptop bag, or a cleverly disguised grocery tote filled with snacks (we won’t judge). The size limit for this covert stowaway is 16.25 inches tall x 13.5 inches wide x 8 inches deep.
Packing Wisdom: Think Light, Think Smart
Now that you know the ropes, let’s pack like seasoned pros! Here are some golden tips to maximize your carry-on prowess:
Embrace the Layers: Don your bulkiest clothes on the plane. Save precious suitcase space for the essentials.
Packing Cubes are Your Allies: They compress your belongings and keep everything organized, Tetris-style.
Utilize Every Nook and Cranny: Tuck socks into shoes, roll clothes instead of folding, and befriend those small zipper pockets.
Liquids? Zip it Up!: Remember the TSA’s 3–1–1 liquids rule? Place your quart-sized goodies in a clear, resealable bag for swift security checks. Bonus Round: What if My Stuff Exceeds Limits?
Fear not, overpackers! Southwest provides checked baggage options for a fee. You can check up to two bags at standard rates, and keep in mind, that sometimes it’s more economical to ship bulky items in advance than pay excess baggage fees.
The Grand Finale: Boarding Bliss Awaits!
With your carry-on conquered and your travel essentials strategically stowed, you’re prepared to embrace the magic of Southwest Airlines. Remember, boarding is based on boarding group, not on how swiftly you can sprint to the gate. So, relax, relish the quirky announcements, and revel in the satisfaction of knowing you’ve mastered the carry-on game.
Safe travels!
P.S. Don’t forget to check the Southwest Airlines website for the latest updates on their baggage policies. They like to keep things fresh, just like their in-flight peanuts!