Best Carry-On Luggage for Southwest Airlines (2026 Guide)

If you fly domestically in the United States, chances are you’ve contemplated booking with Southwest Airlines at some point. Why? The airline has one of the most generous checked baggage policies out there. Two free checked bags and a carry-on with a personal item means you can save hundreds of dollars every time you fly.

But, just because Southwest Airlines’ baggage policy is so generous doesn’t mean you can bring any size bag onboard.

Technically speaking, the airline’s carry-on limit is 24 x 16 x 10 inches including wheels and handles. Yes, that’s large but if you try to gate-check an over-sized bag it can cost you. I’ve tested dozens of carry-ons over the past decade and if you want something that will fit easily into Southwest’s overhead bins, roll smoothly down those tiny aisles while maximizing packing space, you need to choose wisely.

In this list, I’ll reveal my top picks for best carry-on luggage specifically for Southwest flights. We’ll review durability, compatibility, weight, interior features, and real-world feedback to uncover which luggage truly is the best.

Southwest Airlines Carry-On Size

Before we get into the recommendations, let’s start with the exact size restrictions.

Southwest Airlines carry-on dimensions:

Maximum: 24 x 16 x 10 inches

Allowed: 1 carry-on + 1 personal item

Weight limit: None (as long as it fits in the overhead bin)

Although Southwest technically allows bags up to 24 inches, from experience I’ve found the ideal dimensions to be closer to 22 x 14 x 9 inches. This size easily slides into overhead bins without forcing you to angle the bag.

These are the carry-ons that consistently receive rave reviews from Southwest passengers.

Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Carry-On Spinner Suitcase

Best Budget-Friendly Hard Shell

One of the most popular affordable hard-shell options is the Samsonite Omni PC Carry-On Spinner.

Dimensions: Approximately 22 x 15 x 9 inches (fits Southwest size requirements)

Reasons why it’s ideal for Southwest Airlines:

• Ultra lightweight durable polycarbonate shell
• Scratches-resistant micro-diamond texture finish
• 4-spinner wheels for easy rolling in tight aisles
• TSA-approved padlock

Compared to many other hard-shell bags in its price range, the Samsonite Omni PC feels much better built. In practice, this suitcase wheels very smoothly even when packed full. Bonus: The shell flexes slightly which prevents cracking when overhead bins are squeezed.

Inside, you get elastic cross straps on one panel and a zippered divider on the other. This allows you to keep dirty clothes separate from cleaner items.

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly spinner bag that works with every U.S. airline (including Southwest), this is an excellent choice.

Travelpro Maxlite 5 Expandable Spinner Carry-On Suitcase

Best Lightweight Softside

Travelpro is another great brand if you prefer soft-sided luggage.

The Maxlite 5 Expandable Spinner Carry-On travels lightly, weighing less than 5 pounds. It also measures roughly 21 x 14 x 9 inches so it doesn’t push the size limits.

Plus, it’s one of the lighter weight carry-ons you can find which is a huge plus.

Here’s why I think frequent travelers swear by this Travelpro:

• Built using ultra-lightweight materials
• Expandable chest for those “just in case” scenarios
• High-quality ball-bearing wheels
• Impact-resistant polyester shell with water-resistant coating

I personally like the exterior pockets on this model. If you need to stash things like your boarding pass, snacks, or tablet, they fit in the large front zippered pocket.

Pros who fly Southwest regularly for work will love this efficient carry-on.

Amazon Basics 21-Inch Hardside Expandable Spinner Suitcase

Best Budget Friendly Overall

Let’s be honest: If you’re looking for a budget-friendly travel bag, Amazon Basics is hard to beat.

Measuring approximately 22 x 14 x 9 inches, this hard-shell spinner also works on Southwest Airlines.

Benefits of the Amazon Basics Spinner:

• Lightweight hard ABS plastic shell
• Lined interior with divider panel
• Compression straps to maximize packing space
• Sturdy spinner wheels

Is this bag top-of-the-line? No. However, for short domestic trips on Southwest it gets the job done without breaking the bank.

Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential Carry-On Spinner Suitcase

Best Premium Option

Looking for a high-end suitcase that will last you a lifetime?

Check out the Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential Carry-On Spinner.

Keep in mind this is a pricier option than the other bags on this list. However, when it comes to durability, Briggs & Riley is one of the best.

Things I like about this Briggs & Riley carry-on:

• CX compression-expansion system maximizes space
• Made with ultra-durable ballistic nylon
• Lifetime warranty protection
• Aircraft-grade aluminum handle

If you fly Southwest Airlines weekly, this travel bag will withstand the wear and tear for years without issues with the wheels or handle.

Delsey Paris Helium Aero Carry-On Spinner Suitcase

Best Lightweight Hard Shell

The Delsey Paris Helium Aero is another hard-shell suitcase that I love.

It measures under Southwest’s size restrictions and features:

• 100% polycarbonate shell
• Durable dual spinner wheels
• TSA-approved lock
• Expandable design for added packing space

If appearance is important to you but you still want a bag that will fit in all airlines, look no further.

Away The Carry-On

Best Modern Brand

Away is one of the first brands that comes to mind when thinking about trendy travel bags these days.

Its dimensions are 22.7 x 14.7 x 9.6 inches. As long as the overhead bins aren’t jam-packed, this suitcase will fit on Southwest flights.

Why we love the Away Carry-On:

• Extremely durable hard-shell construction
• Compression Packing System inside
• Classic minimalist design
• 360-degree spinner style wheels

Away may be one of the priciest brands on this list but for Southwest customers who prefer streamlined style and organization, it’s still a favorite.

SwissGear Sion Softside Expandable Duffel

Best Budget Backpack Style

Last but not least, this SwissGear softside duffel is a great budget-friendly backpack style option.

Here’s why travelers love it for Southwest:

• Features multiple exterior pockets
• Expandable storage room with zip
• Durable water-resistant fabric
• Lightweight design

Perfect if you like to organize your clothing into various compartments.

Tips for Choosing the Right Southwest Carry-On Luggage

Here are some things to look for when buying luggage that will fit nicely on Southwest flights:

1. Under 22 inches x 14 inches x 9 inches
   You technically have room to go bigger but you don’t want to push it.
2. Spinner Wheels
   If you’ve flown Southwest before, you know those boarding lines can get cramped. Having four wheels will make your life easier.
3. Lighter is Better
   Southwest has no weigh limits for carry-on bags. However the lighter the bag, the easier it is to lift into the overhead bin. Aim for under 8 lbs if possible.
4. Durable Materials
   Polyester or polycarbonate (hard-shell). Ballistic nylon, high-density polyester, or polyester canvas (soft-sided)
5. Smart Interior
   Compression straps, zippered divider, and able to expand are all musts.

Hard-sided vs Softside Carry-Ons

Here are some quick pro’s and con’s of each.

Hard shell:

• More protection
• Sleeker look
• Easier to clean

Softside:

• More flexibility for tight bins
• Lighter weight
• Usually come with exterior pockets

The final verdict: If you’re a heavy packer, soft-sided gives you slightly more leeway.

Conclusion: Carry-On Luggage for Southwest Airlines

If I had to choose:

• Best overall: Samsonite Omni PC
• Best lightweight softside: Travelpro Maxlite 5 Expandable
• Best luxury option: Briggs & Riley Baseline

Southwest Airlines has one of the best carry-on policies but even then you need to be strategic about what bag you bring. If you frequently fly on Southwest it’s worth investing in luggage that you know will comply with their size restrictions.

Frequent flyer clubs are great but nothing will save you time (and frustration) like bringing a compatible carry-on to the airport.