WN · United States · Low-cost
Southwest Airlines Personal Item Size
Exact personal item rules for Southwest Airlines, verified against the airline's own published policy on 2026-04-14.
Quick answer
Yes, a standard backpack, tote, or laptop bag fits as a personal item on Southwest Airlines as long as it measures under 18.5 x 8.5 x 13.5" (47 x 22 x 34 cm) and fits fully under the seat in front of you.
One personal item is included free on every Southwest Airlines fare, in addition to your carry-on bag.
Personal Item
- Max dimensions (in)
- 18.5 x 8.5 x 13.5"
- Max dimensions (cm)
- 47 x 22 x 34 cm
- Included
- Yes, free on every fare
- Basic economy
- Carry-on allowed
Must fit under the seat in front of you.
Carry-On (for context)
- Max dimensions (in)
- 24 x 16 x 10"
- Max dimensions (cm)
- 61 x 41 x 25 cm
- Fee
- Free
Does your bag count?
Common bag types compared against the Southwest Airlines personal item limit. Sizes are typical retail dimensions and vary by brand.
| Bag type | Typical size | On Southwest Airlines |
|---|---|---|
| Standard backpack Everyday daypack, laptop backpack | 18 x 13 x 8" | Fits |
| Tote bag Canvas or leather tote | 15 x 14 x 5" | Too big |
| Laptop bag Messenger or slim briefcase | 16 x 12 x 4" | Fits |
| Small duffel Gym or weekender | 18 x 11 x 11" | Too big |
| Purse Handbag or crossbody | 12 x 10 x 5" | Fits |
| Under-seat roller Mini wheeled bag | 16 x 14 x 8" | Too big |
Frequently asked questions
What is the Southwest Airlines personal item size limit?
Southwest Airlines allows a personal item up to 18.5 x 8.5 x 13.5" (47 x 22 x 34 cm). Must fit under the seat in front of you.
Does a backpack count as a personal item on Southwest Airlines?
Yes. A standard daypack or laptop backpack (about 18 x 13 x 8 inches) fits within the Southwest Airlines personal item limit of 18.5 x 8.5 x 13.5". Larger travel or hiking backpacks may exceed that limit and will be treated as a carry-on.
Does Southwest Airlines weigh personal items?
Personal item weight is not published by Southwest Airlines and is rarely enforced at the gate for US domestic flights. On international routes, especially with codeshare partners, agents may weigh bags, so keep your personal item reasonable in weight.
What if my personal item is too big for Southwest Airlines?
If your bag exceeds 18.5 x 8.5 x 13.5", a gate agent can ask you to place it in the sizer. If it does not fit, you may need to pay a carry-on or checked bag fee. On Basic Economy fares, an oversized personal item is the most common cause of surprise fees.
Need the full Southwest Airlines baggage policy?
Checked bag fees, overweight and oversize charges, special items, and basic economy rules for Southwest Airlines, all in one place.
Flying Southwest Airlines out of these airports?
Check terminal layouts, connection times, and layover tips for major Southwest Airlines hubs and focus cities.
Southwest Airlines head-to-head comparisons
In-depth comparisons between Southwest Airlines and another carrier, covering bags, seats, on-time performance, routes, and loyalty.
Helpful guides
Bag picks and fee tactics for your Southwest Airlines flight.
- Best personal item bags that fit Southwest AirlinesEight bags sized against Ryanair, Spirit, Frontier, Wizz Air, and the big US carriers.
- Best carry-on bags in 2026If your trip needs more than a personal item, here are carry-ons that fit Southwest Airlines.
- How to avoid checked baggage feesSeven tactics that keep you under the personal-item-only fare rule.
Compare other airlines
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- American Airlines baggage policy AA · United States
- Breeze Airways baggage policy MX · United States
- Delta Air Lines baggage policy DL · United States
- Frontier Airlines baggage policy F9 · United States
Last verified 2026-04-14 against the official Southwest Airlines policy at https://www.southwest.com/help/baggage/carryon-baggage . Airlines change their rules without notice, so always confirm with your carrier before flying.