SW carry on questions

[tiggerplus5]

I just purchased a LARGE briefcase/tote to carry on as my "purse". And now I'm worried that I won't be able to use it. I wanted to take my laptop, reading material, personal electronics, etc in this so I bought a big bag. The SW web site has dimensions for a carry on bag (bag that gets stowed away). And we are also allowed a "smaller" purse, briefcase, etc. but it doesn't say how big. I haven't flown in over 10 years so I don't really recall how big the storage area is under the seat.

And I was also wondering if my husband brought a softsided cooler as his extra personal bag. We won't put any liquids in it but would fill it will snacks or reading material for the flight. He will also have a carryon bag for his clothes etc. He packs very light. He won't be checking any bags.
Thanks!

 

[1tufgt]

I don't know the dimensions of the 2nd carry on but it's usually like a backpack size or something that won't have trouble fitting underneath the chair in front of you.

I have a decent sized backpack that I uaually use for my laptop and other things that I shove underneath the seat in front of me.

 

[gmeh1]

I just purchased a LARGE briefcase/tote to carry on as my "purse". And now I'm worried that I won't be able to use it. I wanted to take my laptop, reading material, personal electronics, etc in this so I bought a big bag. The SW web site has dimensions for a carry on bag (bag that gets stowed away). And we are also allowed a "smaller" purse, briefcase, etc. but it doesn't say how big. I haven't flown in over 10 years so I don't really recall how big the storage area is under the seat.

And I was also wondering if my husband brought a softsided cooler as his extra personal bag. We won't put any liquids in it but would fill it will snacks or reading material for the flight. He will also have a carryon bag for his clothes etc. He packs very light. He won't be checking any bags.
Thanks!

The carry on dimesions are on the SWA site. Lots of great info there, as well as here.

 

[Tara]

The carry on dimesions are on the SWA site. Lots of great info there, as well as here.

As the OP stated, the Southwest site lists the dimensions of a carry-on bag, but not a personal item. In other words, it does not list the size of an item that will fit underneath a seat. Perhaps there's some obscure page that I'm missing, but the page with checked and carry-on baggage policies - if so, can you please point out this page?

OP - I routinely carry a Longchamp Le Pliage tote in the large size - it is 13" high, 13" wide and 7.5" deep. It is always very full and it goes under a seat with no problem. On smaller aircraft (like a CRJ) I usually have to tilt it because it's a little too tall, but it goes under just fine anyway - plenty of room for it to fit in somewhat diagonally. On 737s, I never have any problem.

 

[kaytieeldr]

OP - I routinely carry a Longchamp Le Pliage tote in the large size - it is 13" high, 13" wide and 7.5" deep.

I wouldn't expect anything too much larger than this to fit under a seat, especially something with any type of rigid framing. Underseat space varies, even among seats in a row, for various reasons; and because there actually isn't enough overhead space for every passenger to place even one regulation-size carry-on, passengers shouldn't expect to also fit their personal item overhead if it won't fit under the seat.