Does Southwest Airlines's baggage allowance change by fare?

Yes. Southwest Airlines has multiple published fare or option allowances. Select the option that matches your booking when using the checker.

Do wheels and handles count in Southwest Airlines's bag dimensions?

Measure the complete packed bag, including wheels, handles and external pockets. The bag may need to fit fully inside an airport sizer.

Airline baggage guide

Southwest Airlines baggage allowance guide

Compare Southwest Airlines's personal-item, cabin and checked-baggage rules, review fare options, then test your own measurements before you reach the airport.

Personal item

Cabin bag

60.96 × 40.64 × 25.4 cm

No published universal weight limit.

Checked baggage

At or under 157.48 cm total

Max weight: 22.68 kg

Oversized and specialist baggage

Southwest Airlines applies separate rules to sports equipment, mobility items and other specialist baggage. Booking, fees, packaging and weight limits can vary by item.

View oversized baggage guide

Allowance by fare or option

Fare or option	Description	Personal item	Cabin bag	Checked baggage	Weight guidance
All fares \| Southwest-operated flights	Allowance varies by booking option.	Not listed	60.96 × 40.64 × 25.4 cm	Not published	Check booking
Standard checked bag \| inclusion fare or benefit dependent	Allowance varies by booking option.	Not listed	Not listed	At or under 157.48 cm total	Checked: 22.68 kg

Your selected fare or add-on may change what is included. Use the checker option that matches your booking.

Check your bag against Southwest Airlines

Before you fly with Southwest Airlines

Official Southwest identity, carry-on and checked-baggage contracts verified 1 August 2026. Cabin and standard checked limits are configured in 03_Airline Rules. Personal items remain size-unspecified and checked-bag inclusion remains fare or benefit dependent under the current Southwest model.

Your Southwest Airlines allowance varies by fare or purchased option. Match the checker selection to your booking.

Airline staff may require the bag to fit completely inside a rigid airport sizer.

Southwest Airlines baggage allowance summary

Use this quick guide to compare your bag against Southwest Airlines's published cabin bag and personal item limits. The WillitFit checker is designed to help travellers spot oversize bags before they reach the gate.

Cabin bag size: 60.96 × 40.64 × 25.4 cm

Before you pack

Measure the packed bag, not the empty manufacturer size. Bulging pockets, handles and wheels can affect whether the bag fits the sizer.

At the airport

Keep documents, liquids and electronics easy to reach so you do not need to open and repack your bag during security or boarding.

If your bag is close

A close result means there may be little tolerance. Use the checker, reduce soft contents where possible, and confirm the latest rules with the airline.