WN · United States · North America
Southwest Airlines hand luggage & liquid rules
Southwest allows one carry-on bag (24×16×10 in, wheels and handles included) plus one personal item that fits under the seat. Checked bags are not free on every fare. Fees and included bags depend on fare, status and other eligibility; check Southwest's current fee table. At US airports liquids follow TSA's rule: containers of 3.4 oz (100 ml) or less in one quart-sized bag.
Cabin bag allowance
Purse, briefcase, laptop case or backpack that fits under the seat in front of you. Southwest doesn't publish a size.
Southwest publishes 24×16×10 in (exact conversion 60.96 × 40.64 × 25.4 cm), including wheels, handles and attachments.
Liquid rules on this airline
- TSA's rule applies at US airport checkpoints: 3.4 oz (100 ml) or less per container, all in one quart-sized bag per passenger. Larger containers go in checked baggage, except TSA-exempt medically necessary liquids, formula, breast milk and baby food (declare them at screening) and qualifying sealed international duty-free on a US connection.
Duty-free & connections
- TSA allows sealed duty-free liquids over 3.4 oz in your carry-on only when bought internationally and you're connecting in the US, in a retailer-sealed tamper-evident bag with the original receipt, bought within 48 hours — and they must still clear screening.
Medicines, baby milk, batteries & vapes
- TSA exempts medications, and formula, breast milk, toddler drinks and baby food, from the 3.4 oz limit; tell the officer at the start of screening.
Frequently asked
Are checked bags free on Southwest?
Not on every fare. Fees and any included checked bags depend on your fare, status and other eligibility — see Southwest's current fee table (southwest.com/html/customer-service/travel-fees.html) for amounts. Standard limits are 62 inches (length + width + height) and up to 50 pounds per bag.
Main hubs
Dallas Love Field (DAL) · Chicago Midway (MDW) · Las Vegas (LAS)
Sources
- Southwest carry-on & personal items policy — source on file
- Southwest checked baggage policy — source on file
- Southwest travel fees (checked bag fee table) — source on file
- Delta carry-on baggage (clear zip-top quart bag packing advice for US screening) — source on file
- TSA liquids, aerosols and gels rule — source on file
Last reviewed 2026-06-01.