Michael Turner
Quick summary: Passengers may bring one under-seat item plus one overhead-size bag onboard without extra charge when flying with the carrier using IATA code WN; if overhead bins fill, gate agents typically check oversized onboard bags at no extra fee and provide claim tags.
Size limits: Personal item maximum: 18.5 × 8.5 × 13.5 inches. Standard overhead bag maximum: 10 × 16 × 24 inches (handles and wheels included). Airline does not publish a weight limit on onboard pieces; checked allowance includes two free checked pieces up to 50 lb and 62 linear inches each.
Practical tips: To maximize chance of overhead stowage, secure an early boarding position (Business Select or EarlyBird Check‑In) or aim for A-group boarding; compress bags to stated dimensions; keep medications, electronics and travel documents in the under-seat item; measure bag including handles/wheels at home and at gate sizer if uncertain.
Exceptions and charges: Oversized cabin pieces routed to checked stowage at the gate are generally checked without charge; fees apply only to checked excess pieces beyond the two free checked items or to overweight/oversize checked items per published rate; refundable boarding upgrades and priority boarding have separate fees.
Cabin-bag policy at SWA
Passengers receive one onboard piece plus one personal item with no additional fee; maximum external dimensions for the onboard piece are 10 x 16 x 24 inches (H x W x L), and the personal item must fit under the seat (recommended max roughly 18.5 x 13.5 x 8 inches).
- No published weight limit for the onboard piece, but gate agents may refuse overly heavy items for stowage or safety reasons.
- Two checked pieces are complimentary on most itineraries, each up to 50 lb and 62 linear inches; overweight/oversize surcharges apply beyond those limits.
- Boarding sequence affects overhead-bin space: check-in opens 24 hours before departure; EarlyBird automatic check-in or Business Select fare secures earlier boarding positions.
- If bins fill, gate staff will tag and gate-check the onboard piece at no extra cost; tagged items return at the jet bridge or curb at many airports.
Practical tips:
- Choose a soft-sided cabin bag to compress into tight bins.
- Stow fragile or high-value items in the personal item under the seat.
- Measure bags at home and include wheels/handles in measurements to avoid gate issues.
- Keep liquids in TSA-compliant containers (3.4 oz / 100 ml) inside a clear quart-sized bag; spare lithium batteries must remain in the cabin with terminals protected.
For international or charter routes, check the carrier’s specific route rules and partner airline policies, since onboard-piece allowances and checked-bag exemptions can differ by destination or operating carrier.
Is a cabin bag included with fares?
Confirmed: the carrier allows one cabin bag plus one under-seat item at no extra charge.
Cabin-bag maximum dimensions: 10 x 16 x 24 in (25 x 40 x 61 cm), measured including wheels and handles. Under-seat item must fit beneath the seat ahead; typical examples include a small backpack, purse, or laptop case. No published weight limit exists for items stored in the cabin, but gate agents can refuse items that cannot be stowed safely.
Boarding group affects overhead-bin availability: earlier groups secure bin space and reduce the risk of gate-check. If bins reach capacity, gate agents may tag cabin bags for gate-check at no additional cost; tagged items are usually returned at the jet bridge or delivered to the baggage claim belt.
Checked-bag policy: two complimentary checked pieces per passenger, each within 62 linear inches (length + width + height). Overweight and oversize charges apply to checked pieces that exceed standard limits.
Recommended pack strategy: use a soft-sided cabin bag to compress into tight bin space, place fragile items in the under-seat item, and board early when possible. Recommended models: best luggage for infrequent travel
| Item | Allowed | Max dimensions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cabin bag | Yes | 10 x 16 x 24 in (25 x 40 x 61 cm) | Must fit overhead; may be gate-checked if bins full |
| Under-seat item | Yes | Fits under seat | Examples: small backpack, purse, laptop case |
| Checked pieces | Yes | 62 linear in | Two complimentary checked pieces; overweight/oversize fees possible |
| Gate-checked | Yes | N/A | Usually returned at jet bridge or baggage claim without added charge |
What are the airline’s cabin-bag size and allowance rules?
Limit the onboard bag to 10 x 16 x 24 inches (25 x 40 x 61 cm), measured including wheels, handles and exterior pockets; one additional personal item that must fit under the seat is permitted (common guideline about 18.5 x 8.5 x 13.5 inches / 47 x 22 x 34 cm). No published weight limit for onboard items exists, but items must be liftable into the overhead bin by a single passenger and fit without blocking aisles.
Measure external dimensions with a tape measure, compress soft-sided bags when possible, and avoid using the expandable zipper if expansion causes the bag to exceed the stated size. Label external pockets with contact information and place heavier objects near the base to make bin stowage easier.
The carrier operates an all-737 fleet, so overhead-bin space is generally available; still, full flights or late boarding can result in gate-checking. Gate-checked items are tagged at the door and returned at the jet bridge or baggage claim depending on aircraft and airport procedures. Collapsible strollers and car seats follow a separate gate-check process on most routes.
TSA liquid rules (3.4 oz / 100 ml containers in a single quart-sized bag) apply to personal items and onboard bags; spare lithium batteries should remain in cabin bags and sharp objects are restricted. Official policy and prohibited-item lists on the carrier and TSA websites take precedence. External resource: can i drink red wine after covid recovery.
Personal item vs cabin bag: which one is allowed free of charge?
Bring both: a personal item and a cabin bag are included at no additional cost; the personal item must fit under the seat and the cabin bag must fit in the overhead bin.
Personal item: small item such as a purse, laptop sleeve, briefcase, or small backpack designed to stow under the seat ahead. Typical under‑seat guideline: 18 x 14 x 8 in (45 x 35 x 20 cm). Store valuables, medication, travel documents and electronics inside this item.
Cabin bag: larger roller, tote, or backpack intended for overhead‑bin stowage. Common maximum dimensions: 22 x 14 x 9 in (56 x 36 x 23 cm). If overhead space is full at boarding, staff may request gate‑check of this item; gate‑checked pieces are returned at the aircraft door or at the baggage belt depending on procedure.
Packing and boarding tips
Measure both items before travel; label the smaller one as the under‑seat piece. Place in-flight essentials – chargers, headphones, snacks, documents – inside the personal item. Arrive early on busy flights to improve odds of securing overhead space. If gate‑checked, remove valuables from the larger bag before handing it over.
Policy verification
Carrier policies can vary; consult the airline’s official baggage allowance page and the boarding‑pass stowage instructions when planning a trip.
Gate-checks are provided at no additional charge when gate agents request stowing of a cabin-sized item.
Process and retrieval
Gate staff attach a gate-check tag and place the item in the aircraft hold. On arrival, small items are normally returned at the jet bridge; items from remote stands or larger aircraft are routed to the baggage carousel or curbside depending on airport operations.
Exceptions and recommended steps
If an item exceeds checked-bag size or weight limits, oversized or overweight fees may be assessed at the ticket counter; items containing prohibited contents can be refused. Retain the gate-check stub and boarding pass to track routing on itineraries with connections. Remove valuables, medications and fragile electronics prior to handing the item to gate staff, and attach a durable name tag with contact details.
Consider a compact duffel such as best luggage duffel bag to reduce the chance of gate-checking bulky items.
How to measure and pack a cabin bag to meet the airline’s rules
Measure exterior dimensions including wheels and handles: maximum allowed 24 × 16 × 10 inches (61 × 40 × 25 cm), pockets and straps included.
Measuring
Use a rigid tape measure and place the bag on a flat surface. Measure height from the ground to the highest exterior point with wheels attached and handle stowed. Measure depth at the thickest point including exterior pockets and any removable attachments. Measure width across the widest points. Record each value and compare against the carrier’s published limits; include wheels, handles and external pockets in every measurement.
Packing strategy
Pack heavy items near the wheel base to keep the center of gravity low and reduce tipping when lifting into an overhead bin. Use compression packing cubes and rolling techniques to minimize bulk; place shoes inside shoe bags and tuck small items into shoe cavities. Follow TSA 3-1-1 for liquids: containers ≤3.4 oz (100 ml) inside a single quart-size clear bag.
Place electronics in padded sleeves on top to allow rapid removal at screening. Cushion fragile objects with soft garments and seal toiletries in leakproof bags placed near the top to limit spread if a leak occurs. Close zippers without forcing; if the zipper resists or fabric bulges, remove nonessential items and remeasure. Perform a final measurement after packing and redistribute items into the under-seat item or gate-checked hold if any dimension exceeds the permitted size.
