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If you’re planning a trip to the beautiful islands of Hawaii, there’s a good chance you’ll have a combination of checked bags and carry-on items to deal with on your flight.
If you are flying Southwest, you’ll need to be up to speed with Southwest Airlines’ checked baggage and carry-on policies. Specifically, the various rules and regulations for what you can and cannot “carry on” to the plane.
This article will cover the Southwest Airlines Carry-On size and weight limits, as well as what you can bring on in terms of food, liquids, etc.
Southwest Airlines Carry-On Baggage
Southwest Airlines allows each passenger one personal item and one carry-on bag at no charge.
Carry-On Size
Southwest Airlines’ size requirements for a carry-on are 22″ x 16″ x 10″.
If you aren’t sure what size your carry-on is, Southwest Airlines has “size check templates” located at their ticketing counters and (occasionally) at the departure gates.
Carry-On Weight Limit
Southwest Airlines does not impose a weight limit for your carry-on items.
Personal Items
Southwest Airlines’ size requirements for a personal item are 18.5″ x 13.5″ x 8.5″. The item has to be able to fit under the seat in front of you.
Personal items include such things as a purse, laptop bag, small backpack, etc.
Other items you can carry on with you
In addition to your one carry-on bag and personal item, you can bring the following items on board when flying Southwest Airlines:
- A stroller
- A handbag or pocketbook;
- An overcoat, jacket, or wrap;
- An umbrella or walking stick;
- A camera and/or a pair of binoculars;
- A reasonable amount of reading matter for the flight; and
- Food (including baby food) for consumption on the flight.
Southwest Airlines Carry-On Liquid Allowance
The rules for carry-on liquids are set by the TSA (Transportation Security Administration), not by the airline. Southwest Airlines doesn’t have its own specific Liquid Policy, but they will enforce the rules and policies of the TSA.
It’s also important to note that the rules for bringing a “liquid” in your carry-on bag are different from the rules that govern what you can bring in your checked luggage. Liquids in a carry-on bag must be 3.4 ounces or smaller and fit in a 1 quart-sized container. Anything larger must be placed in your checked luggage.
The TSA 3-1-1: (Rules for Carry-on Liquids)
Each passenger may carry liquids, gels, and aerosols in travel-size containers that are 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters. Each passenger is limited to one quart-size bag of liquids, gels, and aerosols. Common travel items that must comply with the 3-1-1 liquids rule include toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, perfume, mouthwash, deodorant, and lotion.
Exceptions to this rule are certain medications and baby food/child nourishment.
Carry-On Food Restrictions
Southwest Airlines follows the rules stated by the TSA regarding what type of food you can and cannot bring on the plane.
The general rule is “If you can spill it, spread it, spray it, pump it, or pour it, then it’s considered a liquid or gel”.
This means things like yogurt, soup, jelly, and spreadable items like nut butter, cream cheese, and hummus are considered liquids and cannot be brought through security unless they are in a container of fewer than 3.4 ounces.
Prohibited & Restricted Items
There are certain items that are considered dangerous and classified as hazardous goods. These items are prohibited from both your carry-on and checked bag on all flights.
Hazardous materials include, but are not limited to Explosives, Gases, Flammable Liquids and Solids, Oxidizers, Toxic and Infectious Materials, Radioactive Materials, Corrosives, and many other items that can endanger the traveling public when not handled correctly.
The rules for restricted items are not specific to Southwest Airlines. They are mandated by the Federal Aviation Administration.
Here’s a video from the FAA to help illustrate this:
The Transportation Security Administration also has rules on “prohibited items” that pose a security threat. Though they sometimes overlap, the TSA security rules are separate from the FAA dangerous goods safety rules; go to the TSA Prohibited Items web page.
A complete list can be found on the FAA and TSA websites.
Please note, this is just a listing of common dangerous goods; if you don’t see your item here it doesn’t mean it’s allowed in baggage. When in doubt, leave it out!
Concluding Thoughts About Southwest Airlines Carry-On Rules
In summary, Southwest Airlines doesn’t charge a fee for any carry-on items that meet their size requirements and restrictions. If your bag is too large, heavy, or doesn’t meet Southwest Airlines’ carry-on restrictions, you may be charged a fee to gate check it.
Here is a link to Southwest’s Carry-On page to make sure you have the most up-to-date information regarding what you can and cannot bring on the plane.
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