How big can I carry on?

[liveforthemagic]

Does anybody know how big a suitcase can be to still be considered "carry on"?

I have been looking around Southwest's website but couldn't see any specifics.

 

[NotUrsula]

It's in the SWA Travel Center, under Policies:

Carryon Baggage
In keeping with new security directives from the TSA, strict limitations are being imposed on carryon items.

Airline passengers may now carry only one bag plus one smaller, personal-type item onboard the airplane. Personal-type items include purses, briefcases, cameras, food containers, or laptops (case included).

Southwest Airlines limits carryon bag dimensions to 10x16x24 inches.

All Customers and Employees and their items are subject to a thorough, physical search.

The following items are not considered carryon bags or personal-type items and are not counted against the “one-bag plus one personal-type item” limit:
-A child restraint device for a child who has been ticketed, who has a seat reserved, or for which complimentary, available space exists.
-Assistive/mobility devices for individuals with a disability. There is no limit to the number of assistive/mobility devices a Customer can bring onboard the aircraft.
-Outer garments or other wearable articles of clothing.
-Food for consumption during flight contained in disposable packaging.
-Walking canes or umbrellas.

 

[liveforthemagic]

thanks! I'm going suitcase shopping!

 

[Bobb-O]

from http://southwest.com/travel_center/baggage.html

Carryon Baggage

In keeping with new security directives from the TSA, strict limitations are being imposed on carryon items.

* Airline passengers may now carry only one bag plus one smaller, personal-type item onboard the airplane.
* Personal-type items include purses, briefcases, cameras, food containers, or laptops (case included).
* Southwest Airlines limits carryon bag dimensions to 10x16x24 inches.
* All Customers and Employees and their items are subject to a thorough, physical search.
* The following items are not considered carryon bags or personal-type items and are not counted against the “one-bag plus one personal-type item” limit:
o A child restraint device for a child who has been ticketed, who has a seat reserved, or for which complimentary, available space exists.
o Assistive/mobility devices for individuals with a disability. There is no limit to the number of assistive/mobility devices a Customer can bring onboard the aircraft.
o Outer garments or other wearable articles of clothing.
o Food for consumption during flight contained in disposable packaging.
o Walking canes or umbrellas.

 

[maine_jennifer]

For my October trip, I called Southwest to confirm the size. It has to be a total of the 10x16x24 - which was good because mine didn't find that size, but was within their guidelines. I think mine was like 12x15x20 or something weird like that. I would call them just to make sure.

Cheers!

 

[salmoneous]

It should be pointed out that while any airline can choose to strictly enforce their carry-on measurements on any flight, they almost never do. Unless you are flying internationally, a bag an inch or two over is probably going to be OK.

It should also be pointed out that some of your fellow passengers are going to try and carry-on bags that aren't just an inch or two over, but WAAAY over. Either they will be forced to curb-check the bag, or they will annoy the heck out of their fellow passengers by wasting time cramming and forcing that big bag into the overhead, taking up way more than their fair share of space.

 

[Webbie]

It should be pointed out that while any airline can choose to strictly enforce their carry-on measurements on any flight, they almost never do. Unless you are flying internationally, a bag an inch or two over is probably going to be OK.

It should also be pointed out that some of your fellow passengers are going to try and carry-on bags that aren't just an inch or two over, but WAAAY over. Either they will be forced to curb-check the bag, or they will annoy the heck out of their fellow passengers by wasting time cramming and forcing that big bag into the overhead, taking up way more than their fair share of space.

I flew in November and again in December on Southwest and neither time did the airline enforce the carry on policy. Most people were carrying 2 large carry on bags. Both times we were delayed taking off because people were taking for ever to store all those carry on bags.