Explore the latest Southwest Airlines (WN) fleet and aircraft seat maps. Compare amenities, baggage, check-in, children and pet travel rules.
Last updated: October 2026
IATA: WNFounded 1967HQ: Love Field, Dallas, Texas, U.S.
About Southwest Airlines
Explore the latest Southwest Airlines (WN) fleet and aircraft seat maps. Compare amenities, baggage, check-in, children and pet travel rules.
Southwest Airlines was founded in 1967 and is a major U.S. low-cost carrier based in Dallas, Texas. It is known for affordable fares, a simple all-Boeing 737 fleet, and a customer-friendly approach. It operates a large domestic network with services also to Mexico, the Caribbean, and nearby international destinations, and it is widely recognized for its flexible policies and strong employee-focused culture. The airline today is one of the largest airlines in the world by passenger numbers and is not really considered a low cost airline anymore.
Fees and allowances vary by route, fare and status.
Baggage
Southwest Airlines allows each passenger to carry on one bag and one personal item. The carry-on bag must fit in the overhead bin and may not exceed 24 × 16 × 10 inches (61 x 41 x 25 cm), including wheels and handles. The personal item must fit under the seat and may include items such as a purse, backpack, laptop case, pillow, or small camera. Checked baggage must not exceed 62 inches (157cm) in total dimensions (length + width + height) and has a maximum weight of 50 pounds (23kg) per bag.
Southwest Airlines allows small, vaccinated domestic cats and dogs to travel in the cabin on domestic flights only, provided they are at least 8 weeks old and transported in an approved pet carrier. Each ticketed passenger may bring one pet carrier, which may contain up to two pets of the same species. Unaccompanied Minors are not permitted to travel with pets. Space is limited, so reservations must be made in advance by calling the airline.
Southwest Airlines allows one Lap Child per adult (aged 12 or older) for children over 14 days and under 2 years old who do not occupy a seat. Lap Children travel free on domestic flights, while international travel requires payment of applicable taxes and fees. A Boarding Verification Document is required and can be obtained online, via the mobile app, or at the airport. Infants under 14 days old must have a medical release to travel
Southwest check-in opens 24 hours before scheduled departure. Domestic check-in closes 30 minutes before departure, while domestic checked baggage normally must be accepted at least 45 minutes before departure. International check-in and bag drop normally close 60 minutes before departure. Some airports have earlier deadlines. Obtain your boarding pass and be available at the gate within the airline required time. Follow the airport-specific instructions in your booking.
Southwest Airlines allows children ages 5–11 to travel as Unaccompanied Minors (UM), with bookings available online, by phone, or at the ticket counter. A UM service charge applies each way for each child, even when multiple UMs travel together on the same reservation. Unaccompanied Minor travel is permitted only on nonstop flights or flights with stops that do not require a plane change. Southwest does not allow UMs on international routes, connecting itineraries, or Getaways by Southwest™ vacation packages.
Find quick answers to the most common questions about flying with Southwest Airlines.
How many carry-on items are free for a ticketed Southwest passenger?
One carry-on bag, at most 10×16×24 inches externally, plus one smaller personal item. A pet carrier uses one of these two places.
What are Southwest’s current power-bank limits?
From April 20, 2026, one per customer, at most 100 Wh. Keep it in the cabin, not checked or overhead, preferably in the personal item underseat. It must be visible during use and cannot be recharged from aircraft power.
Can Southwest transport my pet cat or dog in the hold?
No. Ordinary pets are limited to eligible domestic cabin travel: vaccinated cats and dogs at least eight weeks old, subject to destination and capacity restrictions. Unaccompanied minors cannot bring pets.
Is a Southwest pet carrier an additional free item?
No. It counts as the carry-on or personal item, leaving one other item. Other-brand carriers must fit underseat and measure at most 18×10.5×10 inches, be leakproof and ventilated, and allow movement.
Can a phone photo prove lap-child age on Southwest?
No. Electronic photos and screenshots are not accepted. Bring an original or photocopy of government-issued proof such as a passport or birth certificate. Without proof, a seat ticket may be required.
Are strollers, car seats and portable cribs all free to check on Southwest?
No. One stroller and one car seat per travelling child are free to check. Portable cribs count as ordinary bags. A lap child has no separate carry-on or checked allowance.
Can a vest or registration certificate replace Southwest’s service-dog form?
No. Present the completed DOT Service Animal Air Transportation form, digitally or printed, dated on or after ticket purchase. A vest, registration certificate or ID card is not a substitute.
Does Southwest treat emotional-support or in-training dogs as trained service animals?
No. Service acceptance is for fully trained dogs performing disability-related tasks. Emotional-support, therapy and in-training animals must qualify separately under the pet policy.
Does Southwest supervise solo travellers aged 12–17 under its UM procedure?
No. They are Young Travelers, not UMs, and must manage check-in, security, boarding, connections and baggage without airline supervision. Parents must assess readiness and communication arrangements.
Can a Southwest Young Traveler fly internationally or connect overnight alone?
No. Young Travelers are not permitted on international journeys, itineraries with overnight connections or Getaways by Southwest packages.
Southwest Airlines Flights, Routes & Travel Guide
Explore the latest Southwest Airlines (WN) fleet and aircraft seat maps. Compare amenities, baggage, check-in, children and pet travel rules.
Last updated: October 2026
IATA: WNFounded 1967HQ: Love Field, Dallas, Texas, U.S.
About Southwest Airlines
Explore the latest Southwest Airlines (WN) fleet and aircraft seat maps. Compare amenities, baggage, check-in, children and pet travel rules.
Southwest Airlines was founded in 1967 and is a major U.S. low-cost carrier based in Dallas, Texas. It is known for affordable fares, a simple all-Boeing 737 fleet, and a customer-friendly approach. It operates a large domestic network with services also to Mexico, the Caribbean, and nearby international destinations, and it is widely recognized for its flexible policies and strong employee-focused culture. The airline today is one of the largest airlines in the world by passenger numbers and is not really considered a low cost airline anymore.
Fees and allowances vary by route, fare and status.
Baggage
Southwest Airlines allows each passenger to carry on one bag and one personal item. The carry-on bag must fit in the overhead bin and may not exceed 24 × 16 × 10 inches (61 x 41 x 25 cm), including wheels and handles. The personal item must fit under the seat and may include items such as a purse, backpack, laptop case, pillow, or small camera. Checked baggage must not exceed 62 inches (157cm) in total dimensions (length + width + height) and has a maximum weight of 50 pounds (23kg) per bag.
Southwest Airlines allows small, vaccinated domestic cats and dogs to travel in the cabin on domestic flights only, provided they are at least 8 weeks old and transported in an approved pet carrier. Each ticketed passenger may bring one pet carrier, which may contain up to two pets of the same species. Unaccompanied Minors are not permitted to travel with pets. Space is limited, so reservations must be made in advance by calling the airline.
Southwest Airlines allows one Lap Child per adult (aged 12 or older) for children over 14 days and under 2 years old who do not occupy a seat. Lap Children travel free on domestic flights, while international travel requires payment of applicable taxes and fees. A Boarding Verification Document is required and can be obtained online, via the mobile app, or at the airport. Infants under 14 days old must have a medical release to travel
Southwest check-in opens 24 hours before scheduled departure. Domestic check-in closes 30 minutes before departure, while domestic checked baggage normally must be accepted at least 45 minutes before departure. International check-in and bag drop normally close 60 minutes before departure. Some airports have earlier deadlines. Obtain your boarding pass and be available at the gate within the airline required time. Follow the airport-specific instructions in your booking.
Southwest Airlines allows children ages 5–11 to travel as Unaccompanied Minors (UM), with bookings available online, by phone, or at the ticket counter. A UM service charge applies each way for each child, even when multiple UMs travel together on the same reservation. Unaccompanied Minor travel is permitted only on nonstop flights or flights with stops that do not require a plane change. Southwest does not allow UMs on international routes, connecting itineraries, or Getaways by Southwest™ vacation packages.
Find quick answers to the most common questions about flying with Southwest Airlines.
How many carry-on items are free for a ticketed Southwest passenger?
One carry-on bag, at most 10×16×24 inches externally, plus one smaller personal item. A pet carrier uses one of these two places.
What are Southwest’s current power-bank limits?
From April 20, 2026, one per customer, at most 100 Wh. Keep it in the cabin, not checked or overhead, preferably in the personal item underseat. It must be visible during use and cannot be recharged from aircraft power.
Can Southwest transport my pet cat or dog in the hold?
No. Ordinary pets are limited to eligible domestic cabin travel: vaccinated cats and dogs at least eight weeks old, subject to destination and capacity restrictions. Unaccompanied minors cannot bring pets.
Is a Southwest pet carrier an additional free item?
No. It counts as the carry-on or personal item, leaving one other item. Other-brand carriers must fit underseat and measure at most 18×10.5×10 inches, be leakproof and ventilated, and allow movement.
Can a phone photo prove lap-child age on Southwest?
No. Electronic photos and screenshots are not accepted. Bring an original or photocopy of government-issued proof such as a passport or birth certificate. Without proof, a seat ticket may be required.
Are strollers, car seats and portable cribs all free to check on Southwest?
No. One stroller and one car seat per travelling child are free to check. Portable cribs count as ordinary bags. A lap child has no separate carry-on or checked allowance.
Can a vest or registration certificate replace Southwest’s service-dog form?
No. Present the completed DOT Service Animal Air Transportation form, digitally or printed, dated on or after ticket purchase. A vest, registration certificate or ID card is not a substitute.
Does Southwest treat emotional-support or in-training dogs as trained service animals?
No. Service acceptance is for fully trained dogs performing disability-related tasks. Emotional-support, therapy and in-training animals must qualify separately under the pet policy.
Does Southwest supervise solo travellers aged 12–17 under its UM procedure?
No. They are Young Travelers, not UMs, and must manage check-in, security, boarding, connections and baggage without airline supervision. Parents must assess readiness and communication arrangements.
Can a Southwest Young Traveler fly internationally or connect overnight alone?
No. Young Travelers are not permitted on international journeys, itineraries with overnight connections or Getaways by Southwest packages.
