Traveling with Southwest Airlines is an exciting adventure, and understanding the carry-on rules is key to a stress-free journey. Southwest Airlines follows TSA regulations, allowing passengers to carry one bag and one small personal item. If you have a pet, carriers count as either your item or carry-on. Sounds confusing? Don’t worry! Let’s dive right into the specifics of what you can and cannot bring on board. But before discussing Southwest Airlines Carry-on Rules, let’s take a look at why it’s important to understand the carry-on rules and what the airlines define as personal items.
When it comes to air travel, ignorance is not bliss. Let’s face it! Knowing and following carry-on rules is essential for several reasons. It ensures that you have a seamless experience getting on board. If you are well-versed with all the carry-on rules, you can avoid additional fees, and have a smooth journey.
Southwest Airlines defines a personal item as a small bag or item that fits under the seat in front of you. It’s your go-to space for essentials during the flight.
Understanding what counts as personal items is crucial. Bags, briefcases, cameras, food containers, and laptops (with cases) fall into this category. You can store your personal items under the seat in front of you on Southwest Airlines. If it doesn’t fit or there’s no front seat, it can go in an overhead bin.
Southwest Airlines strictly follows Transport Security Administration (TSA) rules. It allows passengers to carry one bag and one small personal item. Understanding the dimensions and guidelines for personal items is the first step toward stress-free travel.
If you have a pet with you, remember that carriers count as either your personal item or carry-on. The size of your carry-on should not go over 24” (length) + 16” (width) + 10” (height). Anything larger than these dimensions needs to be checked.
Southwest Airlines is known for its traveler-friendly policies. Knowing how Southwest sets itself apart from other airlines regarding carry-on rules can make your journey even more enjoyable.
Effective storage is vital. You can place your carry-on in the overhead bin with the wheels facing out to speed up boarding. If your bag needs checking, remember to take out specific items like medicine, e-cigarettes, power banks, smart-bag batteries, extra batteries, assistive devices, and keys.
Certain things don’t add to the TSA limit. These include the following.
If you are carrying any sharp objects, take extra care for safety.
Passengers can bring one quart-sized bag of liquids, sprays, gels, creams, and pastes in their carry-on. Each item should be 3.4 oz (100 mL) or less. These items need to be taken out during TSA screening unless you have TSA PreCheck. Medications and baby food are exceptions to the 3.4 oz limit.
Self-defense sprays like pepper spray are not allowed on flights. TSA has a detailed list of items not allowed in carry-ons. Liquids bought duty-free on international flights are okay in carry-ons if sealed in tamper-evident bags. Liquids that can’t be screened are a no-go and should be in checked bags.
You can bring up to 20 spare batteries in your carry-on. E-cigarettes, the ones with heating elements, must also be in the carry-on. There’s no checking allowed for these items. One lighter is fine, but it has to be in the carry-on or with you onboard.
Lighters with fuel are a big no in checked bags unless they meet DOT rules.
Understanding Southwest Airlines’ carry-on rules is vital for a seamless and enjoyable journey. By adhering to these guidelines, you contribute to the efficiency of the boarding process and help maintain a safe and secure environment. So, pack all your items wisely, follow the rules, and get on your adventure with Southwest Airlines with confidence.
