Every once in a while airlines like to tweak the maximum size and/or weight your bags can be. Like when:
- Alaska Airlines lowered the max of their carry on bags
- Allegiant INCREASED the allowable size of their carry-on and personal bags earlier this year (THUS!)
And now here’s another one. Without much fanfare or even an announcement, Southwest’s policy for the maximal size of personal bags has changed. It had been a generous 18.5″ x 13.5″ x 8.5″. But now? It’s a skimpy 16.25″ x 13.5″ x 8″.
So personal bags have gone from an allowable 2,123 cubic inches to 1,755 cubic inches. That’s close to a 20% decrease. 🙁
Here’s what Southwest now says regarding personal bags:
How big can my personal item be?
Personal items must fit in the 16.25” (L) + 13.5” (W) + 8” (H) space under the seat.*
*Measurements vary by seat type and aircraft. These dimensions reflect the smallest available length, width and height under the seat.
This change means Southwest offers THE smallest space for personal items, save for the airlines that don’t specify how big personal items can actually be. Here’s how they measure up (you see what I did there?) to the other U.S.-based airlines:
- Alaska: Exact measurements not offered
- Allegiant: 18″ x 14″ x 8″
- American: 18″ x 14″ x 8″
- Delta: Exact measurements not offered
- Frontier: 18″ x 14″ x 8″
- Hawaiian: Exact measurements not offered
- JetBlue: 17″ x 13″ x 8″
- Southwest: 16.25″ x 13.5″ x 8″
- Spirit: 18″ x 14″ x 8″
- United: 17″ x 10″ x 9″
Geesh…when even the ultra low cost carriers give more leeway, you know something’s wrong.
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106 comments
This is a way to get people to check their luggage as more people hog the overheads with overly large carry on bags that should be checked. I applaud this change. The only ones who will cry are the abusers of the baggage/carry on guidelines.
Well, except these new measurements reflect the max size for PERSONAL bags, not carry-on bags. People who have purchased 18″ tall, or 8.5″ deep personal bags specifically so they’ll fit under the seat in front of them on Southwest, so they can help by taking less overhead space, are also undoubtedly upset, as well.
Does that apply to pet carriers? If it does I think that’s animal cruelty.
Interestingly, they still haven’t updated the max size of their pet carriers.
From https://www.southwest.com/help/booking/pet-policy
How Big Can My Pet Carrier Be?
Your pet carrier must be able to fit under the seat in front of you. Pet carrier requirements:
Southwest Airlines® Pet Carrier – dimensions: 17” (L) x 10” (W) x 9.5” (H).
Other pet carriers with maximum dimensions of 18.5” (L) x 13.5” (W) x 9.5” (H).
The cat or dog must be completely inside the pet carrier and be able to stand up and move around the carrier with ease.
Then where do you put your feet?
On the floor, but not under the seat in front of you. It’s either your feet or your approved pet.
I AM AGAINST THE REDUCTION IN SIZE AS I AM IN A WHEELCHAIR AND ONE CARRYON IS SO NICE FOR ME AS I DON’T HAVE TO DEAL WITH BAGGAGE CLAIM. THIS MEANS I HAVE TO PURCHASE A NEW BAG, JUST ONE MORE UNNEEDED EXPERCE.
Regardless, this is still the most generous domestic airline there is in United States when it comes to luggage and flexibility. Try spirit or Frontier and they will charge you for carrying a wallet on one hand and a handbag on another😂
Well said
Exactly right
That is so true. I had a little purse with a little strap across my shoulder and I was told that it is considered a luggage. I had to quickly put it in my hand bag.
What has happened to the best airline. The CEO has ruined this once great airline. It’s all about the stock holders and not the customers. Every flight I have is now delayed and the worst part is the do not care.
With due respect to you as a wheelchair passenger remember if you cannot lift your bag you also cannot expect someone else to lift your bag especially if it’s heavy just because you want to avoid the baggage claim.
To interject for a moment…actually, as someone who is 4’6″ tall and can’t reach the overhead, I have yet to be on a plane and not find someone who was willing to help. I ask people nicely and if someone can’t because they have a bad back or whatever, I ask someone else. I don’t “expect” someone to help, but someone always does.
That being said, Southwest changed the size of personal bags – the one that go underneath the seat in front of you, not carry-ons that go in the overhead, so it’s sort of a moot point.
The article is incorrect, the writer is just creating confusion by saying carryon but that’s the size for the personal item that goes under the seat. The carryon is still 24x16x10.
Hi Claudia – I wrote the article. I say in its entirety, from title onward, that the new measurements are for personal bags.
Being disabled, you are afforded the civil right to have an extra medical carry-on according to the ACAA.
Should pets be allowed in the cabin? There quite a few folks who suffer from allergies… I understand that there are people who don’t know there is a difference between human beings and animals, but I wonder, should animals be allowed in the cabin. It’s not an Ark.
I’m 4,11 in 1/2 and I can reach there over head bins …. Again if it’s yo heavy for you … don’t expect or wait around for someone else to pick your bag up … just utilize there FREE bag check …. And be happy that that’s free.
You do realize that the piece was about personal bags, not overhead, yes? And that even the almighty Southwest recommends that some important things, such as medications, should be in your personal bags. Not everything is appropriate for checking.
U never said when this starts and a lot of people will have no way of knowing if they can’t get this article. So what about diaper bags? U need to retink this and I understand the carry on luggage but purses. U never let me put my purse under my chair.
Way too many roller bags. You get two free checked bags, use the perk. Also, while you are at it, no one should be allowed to put anything in the first two overhead bins. Those should be reserved for the passengers in the bulkhead seats, since they have no seat to place anything under.
If your allergies are that bad. You shouldn’t fly. Pet hair and dandruff is on passengers clothes! If you are seated next to a person with a pet. You can ask to move too. I have flown many …. times with two puppies in Carrier under seat and person next to me never new !
Airline is correct
People are out of control.i seen fly.attendance struggle with over large bags. Go to baggage claim.southwest give 2 free bags.people done got lazy. People in c-road never have space. Also people put bags in front and sit on back then upon landing they hold aisle up trying to get bags. Southwest is the best airline. Give them a break. Some delays are caused by passengers trying to keep people from sitting next to them.
Southwest ain’t the only airline that had problems. Look at Delta.american.united
Alaska.and frontier. Check them records out.
Southwest had less crashes and deaths. Thank you. I been flying southwest for 30 years.
You got to be kidding with the animal cruelty part. You flying with your pet could arguable be cruelty in the first place. Or just go to another Carrier.
I flew SW last summer across country. While they stress can’t have a purse and under seat bag, the flight crew had a large roller bag, 2 or 3 under seat bags attached, and women, a purse. The flight crew hogs all the overhead bins. Quite a few were marked crew. The only reason flew SW was a friend did the booking. I would rather fly Allegiant. Happy to pay for my assigned seat and my space in the over head bin.
The crew have that much luggage because they fly non-stop throughout the day and unless it’s their “Friday”, rarely are “home” at night.
And checking bags would be a hassle, because I’m not sure they always know where they’ll end up. If you think you’re inconvenienced by cancelled flights, imagine the people on the clock who suddenly have to figure out where they were reassigned.
U never said when this starts and a lot of people will have no way of knowing if they can’t get this article. So what about diaper bags? U need to retink this and I understand the carry on luggage but purses. U never let me put my purse under my chair.
“The flight crew hogs all of the overhead space.”
Perhaps it would be constructive to walk a mile in their shoes. They fly a long day, and do not end up back home for 3-4 days at a time. They are restricted to a carry on and a personal item. Do not begrudge them the opportunity to wear clean clothes the next day. They are working an honest day for an honest dollar.
Checking bags is not an option in case at one stop on the flight path, a crewmember must deviate to another flight to keep planes in the air.
Wow I’ve read all the comments. You can check 2 free bags you it doesn’t take that long to retrieve them in most cases. I’ve done it several times. You are severed free drink and a snack. And the help is pleasant. So stop your complaining because most of the airlines had cancellations along with Southwest at Christmas and if you don’t like them pay more and fly somewhere else for me I’ve flown for Southwest for 20 years and I’m coming going to continue doing so.
I totally agree. People abuse the carry-on and it takes way to long to get off and on plane because of them. I always felt people with no carry on luggage in top of seats should be able to get off first.
Southwest Baggage claim at Hobby Airport is a dream. Your bag comes onto the carousel in minutes. Where’s the beef? I see folks bringing bags through security, hoisting them into the overhead, holding us up from rapid deplaning while they sling them down, …why? I can’t believe your time is so valuable…if you are so important, why not fly an expensive business-class carrier?? My back is more precious to me than some bag full of laundry.
Yoj are correct! I think it should be standard across all airlines. The problem I have is those with MORE bags than allowed and much bigger are never stopped by the gate keepers so if your the last 10 on the plane, your personal bags have to be tagged and under the plane it goes. If you are going to make this change, Let’s see if you hold passengers to it. My guess would be that they won’t enforce the bag size until there is no more room.
That’s a terrific idea! And it would be a great incentive to use the FREE checked bag allowance. Make the overhead bins smaller (Like on the regional carriers), that way the usual wheelie bags won’t fit and the overhead space can be used for personal items. Any bigger carryon bags can be gate checked.
Totally agree. Very frustrating when it takes twice as long to board and get off because 95% of the passengers have luggage in the overhead. They should allow those that don’t board and get off first
So True!!!
I’d complain…..except that they’re the only airline that lets you check 2 bags for FREE!
When will you just eliminate those carry on bags? It’s crazy how much time is taken up with people trying to stuff there overstuffed bags. I blame the airline for not caring about the comfort of all passengers…figure it out!
Agree 100%. The time it takes for people to board and find space for their carry on is ridiculous.
It appears that SWA is doing everything they can to put themselves out of business. I have been a lifelong customer of SWA but after seeing the new EARLYBIRD policy and now they lower the bag size for size of personal bags couples with all of the delays and cancellations they have had I’m just about done them. Time to look at other airlines!
David this has nothing to do with oversized luggage in the overhead compartment! This is about size of personal bags that go under the seat. Did they shrink the seats again so the old size no longer fits?
Southwest has an amazing policy for checked bags! You get two checked bags FREE!!!!! Most people can’t even lift their carryons above their waist or squeeze them under their seat. The trend is to use carabiners to attach items that will not fit into their already stuffed bag. As passengers, we need to be better.
Exactly. SW is the ONLY airline that has not one but 2 FREE CHECKED BAGS!
Agree 100%
You missed Avelo: 14x9x9.5. Good thing they don’t enforce it. That’s tiny!
SWA FA here. It might be because power outlets are being installed and underseat storage on some seats might be impacted – there’s a power box that generates the charge (or something – I ain’t no engineer) that will be placed under certain seats.
Could also have something to do with the 700 Max’s that they’re replacing the 700’s with. Idk. That’s all I got.
At any rate, as others have noted, you already can check two bags for friggin’ free, in addition to the roller bag and smaller carry on you can bring on the plane. Unless you’re idk going to college or moving or something, idk HOW that’s not enough options for most people’s travel needs.
Agreed
Shabby comes in with the win of a comment.
People losing their minds, and yet this is in the landscape of upgraded planes, brand new power at seats to charge devices, and the fact that two bags fly free. And the fact that the crew is the most funny you will fly with.
Choose your own adventure people. You will pay for that two inches of personal item space when you choose another airline and have fees for your luggage and sour crews.
Along with very disrespectful rude unhappy passengers that think we care enough about them to make their travel miserable. We do want you to have an enjoyable experience! But you attack us for things we have NO Control of!
Wish SWA would lock all overhead bins and that would force people to check luggage plus limit everyone to 1 carry-on, just like the old days. Boarding and getting off was quicker. Some airlines, like Alaska, guarantee your baggage within 20 minutes of the plane parking at gate.
I don’t really think this matters. They rarely take off. Aren’t they one of the worst for canceling? We were caught in Phoenix for several days because of cancelations. I guess we no longer fly southwest because they aren’t dependable.
How about back packs?
Reserved. With understanding my backpack would be OK with.my meds and frequent needs
Don’t blame Anyone if they stop flying with this airline, I for sure won’t fly everything is shrinking in the planes except the price ,I’ve had it too.
Wish I had known this BEFORE I bought my tickets! Sounds like you’re telling to find another airline! Message received! Ciao!
Too many times I see passengers carry-on “luggage size pieces” that far exceed the old specs, let alone the nee change specs, and in addition, also carry a proper size carry-on bag and they never get challenged fir this violation of rules that affects those of us who try to abide by the rules, and we end up without overhead space for our carry bags. Fair us fair, but “enough is enough”! How about enforcement of the rules for “all”. PLEASE
Southwest wants it both ways. During boarding, the flight attendants make repeated announcements that backpacks and laptop bags should go under the seat in front of you so that the overhead bins are available for roller bags. But a backpack that can hold a 15 inch laptop exceeds their allowance for a personal item, and definitely does not fit completely under the seat (as they state repeatedly during the boarding process).
But when have you ever been challenged on the dimensions of your personal item? Never. And they won’t question it unless it obviously appears it won’t fit under the seat in front.
Remember Southwest Air allows EVERY passenger to check 2 suitcases FOR FREE. Who else does that?!
That’s true…but it’s really not the point. Some people would prefer to not check a bag (fear of loss, how long it takes for bags to get on the carousel, etc.). Others may have a personal bag they purposely bought because it juuuuuust fit under the seat in front of them and now won’t, etc.
THAT GREAT BAGS FREE!!!!!!!!!
But Gary, what do free checked bags have to do with the new size of your personal bag that you keep under the seat in front of you?
Because you make it sound like it is a big deal that they reduced the size of personal item by a few inches. If you are carrying that much in a personal item, have a full carryon, and have two checked bags you are carrying a whole lot of stuff. Realistically the personal item is supposed to be for easily accessible items in flight. I pack just a few items in my personal item bag
Exactly 💯.
Exactly
Everyone is missing the point. People are lugging a huge carryon that will only fit in the overhead bins. I know. By the time I get on the overhead bins are full because rude travelers are stuffing 2 bags in the overhead. This is an attempt by SWA to lower the number of bags in the overhead. I applaud this new rule.
Except the new rule has nothing to do with the overhead bin. The new measurements are for personal sized bags. Making that requirement smaller will only force more people to put personal bags, which used to fit under the seat in front of them, into the overheads.
I think some luggage should be down size, especially when they’re a couple with two luggage same size plus it’s free to check luggages.
Even though I have a 18 – 20 inch I still check it in. Anything over 14-16 or maybe 18 inches should be check in. Be blessed everyone.
Thank you
Thank you
People are truly rude and only think about what they want!
Southwest must be trying to go under they have raised ticket prices no more early bird so if u want decent seat you pay $89 for business class plus continuous problems with cancellations delay so I see no difference between southwest and any other airline!
2 FREE BAGS!
I religiously fly southwest ( A List Preferred status ) What bugs me most, is when someone trucking to the back of the plane. Shoves their bag in a spot over another isle they aren’t sitting at, this requires the person up from to put their bag at the bag… Then they must wait for the plane to empty,to get their bag 😡 …. Happy I don’t worry about this, I board within the 1st 15 people of A – every time 👍🏻
I’m only bringing a duffel bag and my cane
Lot’s of whining going on. Just comply and enjoy your trip. It’s not the end of the world.
I have dealt with passengers bringing on two roller-boards. They say one of them is a personal item. If management won’t stand behind staff and there are no clear rules then its a lost game all around.
I say check your bags and put your backpack in the bin.
If they matched other major airlines would be fine. But really, when you claim to love your cutomers and you charge them more with poorer service is questionable. Very sad that they don’t really care about the customer and sneak this stuff in. Also have been losing bags left and right.
Check your bags and carry on small backpack
Thank you!
Southwest allows 1 carryon and 1 personal item. The small personal item is intended to be a purse/laptop case/backpack/diaper bag etc. These dimensions are for the personal item intended to fit under the seat in front of you. The dimensions of the carryon item is 24” x 16” x 10” as stated on their website.
Please make sure you are publishing accurate information.
Hi Kate! You may have misunderstood that this piece was about the change Southwest made in the maximum size allowed for personal bags, not carry-on bags. Carry-on bags are allowed to be the same size they’ve been for years. However personal bag size shrunk. I gave the past and current dimensions of same in the piece above.
Thank you
Yup, just like the airplane manufacturers.. any chance to squeeze out one more dime…cutting corners kills
We flew Southwest across country try last week . Going. We each had one roller bag carryon, one small bag under seat and a purse. We were in Line B. On the return, we checked the roller bags, we’re in line C. There were no delays cancelations or glitches. Good service. I would take Southwest again anytime compared to other airlines we’ve traveled!
People on Southwest are the worst about being bringing oversize bags on. And too many. They should make everyone drop their bag on the bag checker, like spirit. People abuse the crap out of it, and SWA never says anything. And I’m A list preferred.
Has SW given any rationale for reducing the dimensions of personal items? So many times I’ve been asked to gate check my carry on because the bins are filling up. I’ve downsized my laptop so that I can put it in my personal items (a backpack)and refuse to check that to avoid any damage or loss. I don’t carry a handbag so everything personal is in my backpack.
No matter what comments are made, SW will still have passengers. Plus hard to beat two carry-ons with any other Airline.
Omg. Look at all of these complaints. Southwest is amazingly generous with their no fee luggage rule…you all should be skipping down the runway.. drinking champagne.. my glass is still full.. yours.. empty?
I agree
My partner works for Southwest, I’ve flown a lot of flights with them. People avoid checked bags like the plague
And I’ve heard the poor gate agents vent about customers yelling at them about having more than two bags with them.
There’s a reason they constantly remind people it’s only two bags – one personal, one carry on.
People will bend the rules however they want, and complain if they aren’t allowed to have three bags into the plane
PERIOD
I WHOLEHEARTEDLY AGREE! Other airline sales are not a sal3 once u add baggage. I and taking a multicity trip and need 2 suitcases so if you add baggage to the sale, NOT A SALE! Different temperature, Florida and Wisconsin…
“Southwest is all about no fees and that even extends to the Southwest baggage policy. Southwest Airlines is the only domestic airline where every passenger — regardless of status, fare class or even credit cards in their wallet — can check two bags for free.
Additionally, all passengers can bring a carry-on and a personal bag on board for no additional charge. Southwest is your best bet if you’re looking for an airline where you won’t need to pay extra to bring luggage.”
Having just flown in the last couple of weeks, I had early bird, no one checked my size but they were insistent that your personal items wet under the seat. Larger bags or one backpack and a purse will fit under window and center seats just fine. However, if you happen to be on an aisle seat, the space under those seats is smaller. Also, the two front overhead bins are smaller than all of the other ones on the planes. Of course if you get a different model plane, this could be different.
Can we all just take a moment to applaud @SHARONKURHEG for singlehandesly taking on the the battle against shrinkage of personal item stash? Thank you Sharon.
I personally see this as much ado about nothing. It would be interesting to put a bag of the old size allowance next to one of new size allowance – my suspicion is that difference is really negligible. As far personal items go, this really should be limited to purses, backpacks, and laptop bags, which means if passengers are using the pre-defined definition of “personal item”, it shouldn’t affect them. On a side note, if your numbers are correct, it looks like United has a smaller allowance than Southwest…
That’s OK. I was able to fit my backpack AND purse under the seat in front of me. That left the overheads free for those with bigger items. Oh and I didn’t have to block the aisle to get my stuff.
About pet carrier I have a 5lbs MaltiPod every time i travel i always pay her travel more than my ticket , but why airlines treat little pet as a carry on luggage. If you have to pay extra dont you think they have their own seat?
I fly w/SW due to the low cost and free 2 bags. You all have a choice of going elsewhere and pay for everything but the air you breathe. I wish they would go back to assigned seating.
I appreciate the two bags free more than anything! I also love the easily attained rewards for free travel! No other airline makes it that easy to fly for free! However, their fares are not always that low!
They increased pet fees too. It used to be $95 one way and now it’s $125 each way. The price was a huge reason I flew SWA. I am going to have rethink my options now.
It’s not like pets get more space with the additional cost nor do we get points.
Bad move SWA!!
Applause!! Love SWA !!! 2 bags fly for free plus 1 carryon and a personal bag at no charge!! Don’t know why people complaint !! No airline would do that !!!’n
Folks! This blog post is not about carry-on bags that can be checked. It is solely about a change to dimensions for underseat personal items. That piece you bring that contains things you would not, should not check. You know: your medications, expensive electronics, valuable jewelry, credit cards, cash, passport and more.
It seems obvious that SWA is not making this cha ge for arbitrary or stingy reasons. It’s is reconfiguring and adding new aircraft, and adding underseat cabin power options for passengers, so available underseat space is expected to shrink slightly. As such, SWA reëvaluated maximum person item size. It will probably prevent a lot of angry customer situations when larger items won’t fit any longer.
Good! People check your bags. Quicker to board and un board. I’m good with the chang.
Based on your numbers, UA has an even smaller allowance, 1530 cu in. That would place a “full service “ airline at the bottom of the list
I love Southwest. What was not mentioned in the article did s they are one of very few airlines that allow customers to check two bags for free. Spirit allows bigger carryons but lo and behold they charge for them. I’d rather check two free bags under the plane then pay an outrageous $40 for fort bag and $55 for the second as so many airlines do. I’ve been on trips where my luggage round trip cost more than my ticket. Good for you Southwest, such a small ask.