Traveling can be a hassle, but it can also be made easier with proper planning and preparation. One of the key components of a successful trip is making sure that you know what you are allowed to bring on board with you as carry-on baggage.
Southwest Airlines is a popular low-cost carrier that operates flights within the United States, and understanding their Southwest carry-on policy is important for a stress-free travel experience.
In this blog, we will cover all the important details you should know about what is allowed in carry-on baggage on Southwest Airlines. Whether you are a frequent flyer or a first-time traveler, this guide will help ensure that you are prepared and ready to go when you arrive at the airport.
An Overview Of Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines is a major American airline that operates primarily within the United States. Founded in 1967, Southwest is known for its low fares, customer-friendly policies, and unique company culture. Some key features of Southwest Airlines include:
➤ Route Network:
Southwest operates flights to over 100 destinations in the United States, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean.
➤ Baggage Policy:
Southwest airline’s carry-on policy allows passengers to bring one personal item and one carry-on bag for free, with additional checked baggage available for a fee.
➤ In-flight Experience:
Southwest is known for its friendly and informal flight attendant crew and its welcoming atmosphere on board.
➤ Customer Service:
Southwest has a strong reputation for its customer service, with a focus on making the travel experience as enjoyable and stress-free as possible.
➤ Rapid Rewards Program:
Southwest’s loyalty program, Rapid Rewards, allows passengers to earn points for flights and other purchases, which can be redeemed for future flights or other rewards.
What Things Which Are Not Allowed to Carry
Traveling with carry-on baggage can be a convenient and cost-effective way to bring along your essentials on a flight. Southwest Airlines, a popular low-cost carrier in the United States, has specific rules and regulations regarding what can and cannot be brought on board as carry-on baggage.
Here is a comprehensive guide to what you need to know about carry-on baggage on Southwest Airlines:
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Size And Weight Limits:
Each passenger is allowed to bring one personal item and one carry-on bag on board. The carry-on bag must not exceed 24 x 16 x 10 inches in size, including wheels and handles, while the personal item must fit under the seat in front of you and not exceed 18.5 x 8.5 x 13.5 inches.
Southwest Airlines reserves the right to check the size of any carry-on bag at any time and may ask passengers to check larger items that do not fit in the overhead bin or under the seat.
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Prohibited Items:
Certain items are not allowed in carry-on baggage on Southwest Airlines. This includes sharp objects, guns and ammunition, flammable liquids and gels, and more.
It’s important to check the TSA’s prohibited items list and familiarize yourself with the restrictions to ensure compliance.
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Liquid Restrictions:
Liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes are allowed in carry-on baggage on Southwest Airlines, but they must be in containers of 3.4 ounces or less. These items must be placed in a clear, quart-sized bag for easy inspection.
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Exceptions For Special Items:
Southwest Airlines allows certain special items such as carry-on baggage, such as mobility aids, medical equipment, strollers, and more. It’s important to check with a gate agent for size and weight restrictions, as these items may have different requirements.
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Scary Things:
Dangerous items that pose a risk to health, safety, property, or the environment. This includes items such as chemicals, batteries, and self-defense sprays. For safety reasons, these items must be checked in with your luggage and not brought on board as carry-on baggage.
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Sporting Equipment:
Sporting equipment can be large and heavy, which can make it difficult to store in the overhead bin or under the seat.
For this reason, some sporting equipment, such as golf clubs and hockey sticks, are not permitted as carry-on baggage on Southwest Airlines. If you need to bring sporting equipment, you may be able to
check it in with your luggage, but it is always best to check directly with the airline for size and weight restrictions.
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Food Items:
Some food items, such as canned goods, may not be brought in carry-on baggage on Southwest Airlines due to their size and potential to cause damage to other passengers’ belongings.
If you need to bring food items, it is best to check with the airline for their restrictions on the type and amount of food that can be brought on board.
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Pet Caring:
Southwest Airlines allows small pets in the cabin, as long as they are carried in a pet carrier that fits under the seat in front
of you. The following are the Southwest airlines carry on rules for carrying pets on Southwest Airlines:
- The pet carrier must be soft-sided and leak-proof.
- The maximum dimensions for the carrier are 18.5 inches long x 8.5 inches wide x 13.5 inches high.
- Only one pet carrier per passenger is allowed.
- Pets must remain inside the carrier for the duration of the flight.
- Pets are not allowed to stick their head out of the carrier or sit on a passenger’s lap.
- Southwest Airlines does not accept any breed of snub-nosed dogs or cats
- as carry-on pets.
Allowed Things Which You Can Along
Traveling with kids or elderly companions can present some unique challenges, but Southwest Airlines’ carry-on policy makes it easy to bring along everything you need for a comfortable and stress-free journey.
With Children:
When traveling with kids, you will want to make sure you have all the essentials like snacks, toys, and diapers within reach. These items can be packed in your item or carry-on bag.
Southwest airlines allow each passenger to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item, so there’s plenty of room for everything you need. If you have a stroller, you can also bring that on board as a gate-checked item.
With Oldies:
If you are traveling with an elderly companion, you may need to bring along medical equipment or mobility devices.
Southwest allows these items to be brought on board, subject to space availability. You can also bring along any medications or personal items that may make the journey more comfortable for your companion.
Southwest’s carry-on policy provides a lot of flexibility for travelers, whether they are traveling alone or with a group. Just make sure your carry-on and personal items meet the size and weight requirements, and you will be all set for a smooth and stress-free journey.
Bottom Lines
Southwest Airlines has clear and simple carry-on baggage rules that are created to make the travel experience as convenient and stress-free as possible.
Passengers are allowed to bring one personal item and one carry-on bag, with specific size and weight limits. By following these guidelines, travelers can ensure a smooth and efficient check-in process and can enjoy their flight with the peace of mind that comes from knowing their belongings are secure.
Whether you are a frequent traveler or just flying for the first time, it’s important to be familiar with Southwest Airlines’ carry-on baggage rules so you can make the most of your journey.
