Southwest Airlines Carry-On Restrictions: Portable Charger Policy Changes

Luna Greco

4 min read

Post on May 24, 2025

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Understanding Southwest's Carry-On Baggage Allowance

Southwest Airlines generally allows one carry-on bag and one personal item per passenger. Understanding these size restrictions is crucial for avoiding fees and delays at the gate. Your carry-on bag should not exceed the dimensions of 24" x 16" x 10", while your personal item (like a purse, briefcase, or small backpack) must fit under the seat in front of you and generally should be no larger than 18.5" x 13.5" x 8". Exceeding these Southwest carry-on size limits will result in gate checked baggage fees.

• Passengers with disabilities or those requiring medical equipment may have exceptions to these Southwest baggage allowance rules. Contact Southwest customer service for details.

Remember to check the dimensions of your bags against Southwest’s guidelines before heading to the airport. Properly understanding Southwest carry-on size limits ensures a smoother boarding process.

Specific Rules for Portable Chargers on Southwest Flights

Southwest Airlines generally permits portable chargers in carry-on luggage. It's vital, however, to pack your Southwest Airlines portable charger correctly. Never place your portable charger in checked baggage. Keep it readily accessible in your carry-on bag for security checkpoints. This ensures a quick and efficient screening process.

• Keep your portable charger easily accessible for security checks.
• While Southwest doesn't specify a maximum mAh limit for portable chargers, it's advisable to avoid extremely high-capacity chargers (over 20,000 mAh) to prevent potential issues at security. Larger capacities may raise additional scrutiny.
• Spare batteries are generally permitted in carry-on luggage, but they must be individually protected to prevent short circuits. Check the TSA website for the most current guidelines on transporting spare lithium-ion batteries. This will ensure compliance with Southwest battery restrictions.

By following these guidelines, you'll minimize any complications with your Southwest Airlines portable charger.

Recent Changes and Updates to Southwest's Portable Charger Policy

Southwest Airlines hasn't announced significant, recent changes to its portable charger policy. However, it's always recommended to check their website for the latest updates before your flight. The airline occasionally adjusts its policies to reflect evolving safety regulations and technological advancements. This proactive approach ensures that Southwest electronics policy always meets the highest safety standards.

• Regularly check the official Southwest website for any updates or modifications to their baggage and electronics policies.
• Policy changes are usually implemented to ensure passenger safety and comply with evolving Transportation Security Administration (TSA) regulations.

What to Do if Your Portable Charger is Confiscated

If your portable charger is confiscated at security, remain calm and follow the instructions of TSA personnel. Document the incident if possible.

• Contact Southwest Airlines customer service immediately to report the incident and inquire about retrieving your confiscated item, if applicable. Their contact information is readily available on their website.
• The process for retrieving confiscated items varies depending on the circumstances. Be prepared to provide information about your flight and the confiscated item. This will help expedite the process of resolving the situation regarding Southwest Airlines lost property.

Conclusion

This guide has clarified Southwest Airlines' carry-on restrictions, with a focus on their portable charger policy. Remember, you're generally allowed one carry-on bag and one personal item, adhering to specific size limits. Portable chargers are permitted in carry-on luggage, but should be kept readily accessible for security. While specific mAh limits aren't explicitly stated, it’s wise to avoid excessively large chargers. Before your next flight with Southwest Airlines, ensure you're fully informed about their carry-on baggage allowance and portable charger policy. Properly packing your portable chargers will ensure a smooth and stress-free travel experience. Remember to check the Southwest Airlines website for the most up-to-date information on Southwest Airlines portable charger regulations before you travel.