Southwest Airlines allows one carry-on bag and one personal item per passenger. The personal item must fit under the seat in front of you and cannot exceed 18.5 inches long, 13.5 inches high, and 8.5 inches wide.
Southwest's personal item policy is stricter than some other airlines. It specifies that personal items include:
However, Southwest does not consider items like cameras, books, or laptops as personal items unless they are carried in a bag that fits within the size limits.
If your personal item exceeds the size limits, Southwest may require you to check it as hold luggage. This can result in additional fees, especially if you haven't pre-purchased a checked bag.
In my experience flying Southwest, I've seen passengers forced to gate-check oversized personal items, which can be inconvenient if you need the item during the flight.
To ensure your personal item fits within Southwest's size limits, consider packing a compact backpack or small duffel bag. Measure your bag before heading to the airport to avoid any surprises.
If you're unsure about what carry-on size is allowed, refer to Southwest's official baggage policy or use a carry-on size checker tool available online.
Many travelers assume that any small bag qualifies as a personal item. However, Southwest enforces strict size limits, and even a slightly larger bag can cause issues. Always double-check the dimensions of your bag before packing.
Another common mistake is assuming that a laptop or camera bag is automatically considered a personal item. Southwest requires these items to be carried in a bag that fits within the specified size limits.