Southwest Carry-On Size 2026: 24 x 16 x 10 in, the Biggest in the US
Southwest has the roomiest carry-on of the big US airlines.
24×16×10
inches, Southwest carry-on
22×14×9
inches, Delta, American, JetBlue, Alaska
+2 / +2 / +1
inches longer, wider, deeper
1 + 1
carry-on and personal item
📐 What counts toward the size
🛞
Wheels
🤚
Handles
📎
Any attachments on the bag
🧾 Too much? Check it at the counter
Southwest says that a bag over the limit, or more than one of each item, must be checked at the ticket counter before the gate.
🐶 Pets and partner airlines
🐶
A pet carrier counts as your carry-on or your personal item, not both.
🤝
On a partner airline the rules may differ. Size for the smaller bag.
Checked bags have their own prices: Southwest baggage fees · baggage allowance.
❓ Quick answers
Does Southwest charge for a carry-on?
The policy page allows one carry-on and one personal item and lists no carry-on fee.
What size is the personal item?
The page lists examples (purse, laptop case, backpack) but no size in inches.
Checked October 2026 on the airline’s own website. Rules change; confirm for your ticket before you fly.
🔗 Official source
Southwest — Carry-on and personal item policy