6 Best Carry-On Bags for Southwest Airlines (2026)

Samsonite Omni PC earns our top pick for the best overall carry-on for Southwest because its polycarbonate build, roomy interior and 22 × 15 × 9.75-inch dimensions are ideal for Southwest’s generous carry-on policy. Travelpro Maxlite 5 is our top pick for lightweight softside suitcases, and the Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential is our luxury pick.

Southwest Airlines has a generous policy of one carry-on bag up to 24 × 16 × 10 inches, and one personal item such as a purse or laptop bag, free of charge. So wheels, handles and other permanently attached items count towards the size measurements. Southwest does not specify a maximum weight for carry-on luggage. However, the bag should be light enough for you to comfortably lift into the overhead bin. Compared to the restrictive carry-on policies at many other U.S. carriers, Southwest Airlines gives you plenty of packing space with its 24 × 16 × 10-inch allowance. Resist the temptation to buy the biggest suitcase you can find, though. A bag that’s just an inch or two smaller is easier to lift overhead and under your seat. It’s also more comfortable to use when you fly another airline.

We evaluated exterior dimensions, weight, materials, wheel systems, interior configurations and brand warranties to recommend the best Southwest Carry On Luggage for 2026.

Best Southwest Carry-On Luggage at a Glance

Dimensions represent published exterior measurements and normally include wheels and handles. Expansion can increase a suitcase beyond its listed unexpanded depth, so close the expansion zipper before boarding when necessary.

Southwest Airlines Carry-On Size and Baggage Rules

What you can and can’t bring on Southwest

Before we review luggage recommendations for Southwest, it’s useful to first understand exactly what Southwest allows today.

Details on Southwest’s carry-on policy

• Maximum carry-on size: 24 × 16 × 10 inches
• Maximum number of carry-ons: 1
• Allowed personal item: 1 small personal item

Maximum carry-on weight: Southwest does not publish a maximum weight limit for carry-on bags.

Do handles and wheels count toward carry-on size? Yes

Where your carry-on and personal item must fit: Carry-on bags must be stored in the overhead bin. Your personal item must be small enough to fit under the seat in front of you.

Personal items can be a purse, briefcase, laptop sleeve, small backpack or camera bag. Instead of publishing one maximum personal-item size, Southwest’s current public guidance simply defines it as “a smaller item that you can store under the seat in front of you or in the overhead compartment.” Checked bags on Southwest: Are they still free?

Checked bags aren’t free for most passengers.

Unless you fly Southwest mostly within the U.S. mainland and booked, ticketed or changed your flight on or after April 9, 2026, you’ll generally pay US$45 for your first checked bag and US$55 for your second as a Basic, Choice or Choice Preferred passenger.

Passengers who buy Choice Extra tickets are allowed two free checked bags. A-List members, A-List Preferred members, Rapid Rewards credit-card holders, active-duty military customers and some Southwest vacation packages may also qualify for free checked bags. The new bag fee policy change means picking the right carry-on becomes even more important. If you have a suitcase big enough to hold everything you need for a short weekend trip, you could potentially save a standard-fare paying passenger up to US$100 in round-trip first bag fees.

How We Selected These Carry-Ons

Most importantly, we only tested luggage that could consistently fit within Southwest’ current 24 × 16 × 10-inch carry-on size when we measured published exterior dimensions.

We also looked at:

• Weight when empty
• Hardside or softside
• Wheels and handles
• Interior compression and organization pockets
• Expandable capabilities
• Warranty
• Whether or not it’ll work with other U. S. airlines
• Best bang for your buck for the occasional traveler and frequent flyers alike.

Don’t let suitcase names trick you. Just because something claims to be a “20- inch” carry-on doesn’t mean it won’t end up being a few inches too tall when you account for the wheels and handles. Compare exterior dimensions.

1. Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Carry-On Spinner

Best Overall Carry-On for Southwest Airlines

Unless you specifically need the lightest possible carry-on or prefer a softside suitcase, the Samsonite Omni PC offers the best combination of durability, manageable weight, and usable packing space for most Southwest passengers.

Its published exterior dimensions are approximately 22 × 15 × 9.75 inches, including the wheels and handles, and it weighs about 6.81 pounds. That keeps it within Southwest’s 24 × 16 × 10-inch limit without leaving too much unused space.

The micro-diamond-textured polycarbonate exterior also hides visible scratches better than a suitcase with a smooth, glossy shell. Other practical features include four multidirectional spinner wheels, a side-mounted TSA-compatible lock, and an expandable main compartment.

The interior is divided into two sections. One half is secured with cross straps, while the other contains a zippered divider. It is not the most advanced packing system featured in this guide, but it provides enough separation for clothes, shoes, and smaller travel essentials.

Pros

• Durable, scratch-resistant polycarbonate shell
• Dimensions make good use of Southwest’s allowance
• Smooth multidirectional spinner wheels
• Built-in TSA-compatible lock

Cons

• Wider than the carry-on limits used by some other airlines
• Expansion may cause the bag to exceed stricter depth limits

Best for: Travelers seeking a dependable hardshell suitcase at a mid-range price.

Recommendation: Choose the Samsonite Omni PC when Southwest is your main airline and you want a durable carry-on without paying premium-luggage prices.

2. Travelpro Maxlite 5 Expandable Carry-On Spinner

Best Lightweight Softside Carry-On

The Travelpro Maxlite 5 is the best choice for travelers who want to keep their empty suitcase weight as low as possible.

It measures 23 × 14.5 × 9 inches, including its wheels and carry handles, and weighs only 5.4 pounds. The suitcase therefore fits comfortably within Southwest’s carry-on allowance while still providing approximately 46 liters of packing capacity.

Its softside construction offers two major advantages. First, the exterior pockets provide quick access to travel documents, a tablet, charging cables, or a lightweight jacket. Second, the fabric body is slightly more flexible than a hardshell suitcase when you are trying to fit it into a crowded overhead bin.

The Maxlite 5 also features a tapered expansion system designed to add packing room without making the suitcase overly top-heavy. However, Travelpro warns that the expanded bag may no longer comply with some airlines’ carry-on limits. Keep it unexpanded for the most predictable compatibility.

Pros

• Weighs only 5.4 pounds
• Useful exterior pockets
• Comfortable contoured handle
• Excellent capacity for its weight

Cons

• Fabric provides less impact protection than a hardshell
• Expanded depth may exceed some airlines’ limits

Best for: Frequent flyers, older travelers, and anyone who finds lifting a heavy suitcase cumbersome.

Recommendation: Buy the Travelpro Maxlite 5 when low weight, exterior access, and practical organization matter more than hardshell protection.

3. Amazon Basics 21-Inch Hardside Carry-On

Best Budget Carry-On for Southwest

The Amazon Basics 21-Inch Hardside Carry-On is a practical choice if you fly Southwest occasionally and do not need premium materials or an extensive list of advanced features.

Its published exterior dimensions are approximately 21.7 × 14.8 × 10 inches, including the wheels. Its depth therefore sits directly at Southwest’s maximum, so avoid overstuffing the suitcase or using the expansion feature before boarding.

The ABS exterior is not as resilient as the polycarbonate used by Samsonite, Away, and Delsey, but it should be sufficient for domestic trips and occasional vacations.

Four double spinner wheels make the suitcase easy to maneuver, while the interior includes a divider, compression straps, and several zippered pockets.

It does not include a built-in TSA lock, and its components do not feel as refined as those found on more expensive luggage. Nevertheless, it covers the essential requirements at an accessible price.

Pros

• Affordable
• Organized interior with divider and pockets
• Double spinner wheels
• Expandable when airline limits allow

Cons

• ABS shell is less durable than polycarbonate
• No integrated TSA lock
• Unexpanded depth already reaches Southwest’s maximum

Best for: Occasional travelers, students, and shoppers on a limited budget.

Recommendation: Choose the Amazon Basics carry-on when price is your primary concern and you only expect to use the suitcase a few times per year.

4. Briggs & Riley Essential 22-Inch Carry-On Spinner

Best Premium Carry-On

The Briggs & Riley Essential is the most expensive carry-on in this guide, but it offers several premium features for frequent travelers who prioritize repairability, organization, and long-term durability.

In its compressed state, it measures 22 × 14 × 9 inches. Its CX expansion system can increase the depth to approximately 11.5 inches before compressing the contents back toward carry-on size.

The suitcase weighs approximately 10 pounds and is constructed from premium ballistic nylon.

Its exterior-mounted handle creates a flat interior packing surface without the raised handle rails found inside many other suitcases. Briggs & Riley also includes an integrated garment system, making the bag particularly useful for travelers packing shirts, jackets, or business clothing.

The main disadvantage is its weight. At 10 pounds empty, it is almost twice as heavy as the Travelpro Maxlite 5. Southwest may not publish a strict carry-on weight limit, but you must still be able to lift the packed suitcase into the overhead bin.

Briggs & Riley also offers a lifetime repair guarantee. If the suitcase is damaged, including damage caused by an airline, the company states that it can be submitted for repair without a receipt or proof of purchase.

Pros

• Extremely durable ballistic-nylon exterior
• Effective compression and expansion system
• Flat interior packing surface
• Strong lifetime repair guarantee

Cons

• Expensive
• Heavy even before packing
• Expansion can make the bag too deep for Southwest’s limit

Best for: Business travelers and frequent flyers who value longevity more than price or empty weight.

Recommendation: Invest in the Briggs & Riley Essential if you fly frequently enough to benefit from its compression system, garment features, and lifetime repair policy.

5. Delsey Paris Helium Aero Carry-On

Best Southwest Carry-On With Laptop Organization

The Delsey Paris Helium Aero is a strong option if you want a hardshell suitcase with a dedicated front compartment for a laptop or important travel documents.

The carry-on version measures 21 × 14 × 10 inches, weighs approximately 8.16 pounds, and provides around 41 liters of capacity. Its exterior is constructed from polycarbonate.

The front laptop compartment allows you to retrieve electronics without placing the suitcase on the airport floor and opening the entire main compartment. This can be especially convenient when passing through airport security or working during a layover.

Double spinner wheels and an integrated TSA-compatible lock add further convenience for everyday travel.

However, at 10 inches deep, the suitcase is already at Southwest’s maximum. Avoid using the expansion feature before flying. It is also heavier than its streamlined appearance suggests, which is why it is not our lightweight hardshell recommendation.

Pros

• Dedicated laptop compartment
• Durable polycarbonate shell
• Double spinner wheels
• Integrated TSA-compatible lock

Cons

• Heavier than many competing carry-ons
• Unexpanded depth already reaches Southwest’s maximum

Best for: Business travelers who need quick access to a laptop while retaining the protection of a hardshell suitcase.

Recommendation: Choose the Delsey Helium Aero when accessible electronics storage is more important than having the lightest possible suitcase.

6. Away The Carry-On

Best Modern Hardshell Carry-On

Away The Carry-On combines a minimalist, modern exterior with one of the better internal compression systems featured in this guide.

The standard Carry-On measures 21.7 × 14.4 × 9 inches, weighs approximately 7.5 pounds, and provides around 41 liters of capacity.

Those dimensions fit within Southwest’s baggage policy while also remaining closer to the carry-on restrictions enforced by several other major U.S. airlines.

Inside, the compression panel helps hold folded clothing securely in place. The opposite side includes a zippered compartment that can keep shoes, laundry, or other loose items separated from cleaner clothing.

The polycarbonate shell will develop scuffs over time, as most hardshell suitcases do, but it provides considerably better impact protection than inexpensive ABS luggage. Smooth spinner wheels and a stable telescopic handle also make the suitcase easy to control while moving through airports.

Pros

• Useful interior compression panel
• Durable polycarbonate construction
• Smooth spinner wheels
• Dimensions are compatible with more airlines

Cons

• More expensive than basic hardshell luggage
• Exterior scuffs can become visible over time

Best for: Style-conscious travelers who value clean aesthetics and practical internal organization.

Recommendation: Purchase Away The Carry-On when you want a fashionable, organized suitcase that works with Southwest and many other airlines.

Should You Buy a Full 24 × 16 × 10-Inch Carry-On?

Southwest’ single-item allowance is bigger than most traditional carry-ons. That makes a suitcase custom-built to Southwest’s full 24 × 16 × 10-inch limitation tempting.

Sure, you can fit more stuff in a bag that’s big enough to use Southwest’s maximum allowance. But at the same time:

• It might not be a carry-on on your return flight if you’re flying a different airline.
• It’ll be heavier when packed full of clothes.
• You might struggle past a bin that’s fully packed with bigger bags.
• “24 inches” of bag plus wheels can push you over 24 total inches.

If you pull out the wheels, an expandable bag could exceed Southwest’s 10-inch depth limit when expanded.

If you’re going to be flying almost exclusively with Southwest, a larger Southwest-compliant domestic carry-on might be best for you.

But if you’re going to be flying American, Delta, United, Alaska or international airlines at all, a suitcase that’s closer to 22 × 14 × 9 inches will give you a lot more flexibility.

Hardside vs. Softside Luggage for Southwest

No form of construction is inherently superior. The better option depends on what you plan to pack and how you like to travel.

Opt for a hardside carry-on if:

• You will be packing breakable or crushable goods
• You like the form factor of a clamshell design
• You want an easily-cleanable surface
• You do not care for exterior pockets

Polycarbonate is generally superior to ABS as it flexes when struck, making it harder to crack. ABS is still fine for inexpensive luggage that you won’t be using all the time.

Opt for a softside carry-on if:

• Empty weight is a concern
• You need to access your belongings frequently while traveling
• You like large exterior pockets
• You want some give when packing

Ballistic nylon is more durable but also heavier and more expensive. Polyester is lighter and cheaper but abrasion resistance can vary depending on the fabric.

Tips for Choosing Southwest Carry-On Luggage

Measure the complete exterior

Make sure to measure the wheels, top handle, side handle, corner guards and any other permanent fixture when measuring your carry-on bag. Size restrictions apply to the entire suitcase and not just the packing area.

Be careful with expansion zippers

An expandable carry-on may still be within size limits when zipped up, but trigger the expansion zipper to exceed Southwest’ s 10″ depth restriction. Consider keeping your carry-on un-expanded for flights with airlines that have stricter requirements. Use the additional space for heavier items if you know you will be checking your bag.

Double check airline restrictions

Southwest’ s generous size restrictions don’t apply on other airlines. A bag that measures 24″ x 16″ x 10″ is too big when flying on an airline that has a size requirement of 22″ x 14″ x 9″.

Mind the empty weight

Southwest may not have a weight limit for a carry on, but you should still be able to lift your bag overhead with ease. A lighter bag means more of your luggage allotment can be spent on clothing and other travel necessities.

Re-measure before purchasing

Manufacturers sometimes update a product without changing the name of the suitcase. Online retailers sometimes list multiple suitcase sizes on the same product page. Double check you’re looking at a carry on, then re-measure the exterior dimensions.

Final Verdict

The Samsonite Omni PC is the overall best carry-on luggage option for most people flying Southwest. At 22 × 15 × 9.75 inches, it utilizes Southwest’s generous width allowance, and its polycarbonate build and functional design offer travelers an excellent durability-to-price ratio.

Pick the Travelpro Maxlite 5 for lowest empty weight and most exterior pockets. This bag is ideal for frequent cross-country travelers and those who want a lighter suitcase to pick up off the ground.

Frequent travelers who don’t mind spending extra money will love the Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential. Though it’s on the pricey and heavy side, this luggage comes with a compression system, is extremely durable, and offers lifetime repairs should your bag become damaged.

No matter which luggage you buy, double check the bag’s total exterior dimensions with Southwest’s rules before your flight. And remember to keep any bags that do expand compressed at the gate, and that Southwest’s generous size allowance probably won’t carry over to other airlines if you have layovers.