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Southwest Airlines vs American Airlines: Carry-On Policy Comparison

Side-by-side comparison of cabin bag size limits, weight allowances, personal item rules, and baggage fees.

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Strictest overall

American Airlines

American Airlines has the more restrictive published size or weight allowance.

The row highlights show which airline is more restrictive for each field. The overall result uses published dimensions first and weight second. The enforcement row is an editorial estimate and never changes the objective result.

Southwest Airlines source

Source review pending·Verified Jul 16, 2026·Official source·Methodology. Verified Jul 16, 2026

American Airlines source

Source review pending·Imported Jun 19, 2026 · verification pending·Official source·Methodology. Imported Jun 19, 2026 · verification pending
Carry-on comparison: Southwest Airlines vs American Airlines
PolicySouthwest AirlinesAmerican AirlinesStrictest
Cabin bag size61×40.6×25.4 cm55.9×35.6×22.9 cmAmerican Airlines
Cabin bag weightNo limitNo limitTied
Cabin bags allowed11Tied
Personal itemIncludedIncludedTied
Personal item size43.2×33×17.8 cm
Editorial enforcement estimatelenientlenientTied
Overweight fee (online)
Oversize fee (online)

Frequently asked questions

Which is stricter — Southwest Airlines or American Airlines?

American Airlines has the more restrictive objective size or weight allowance in this comparison.

What is the carry-on size limit for Southwest Airlines?

Southwest Airlines allows a carry-on bag of 61×40.6×25.4 cm in economy class.

What is the carry-on size limit for American Airlines?

American Airlines allows a carry-on bag of 55.9×35.6×22.9 cm in economy class.

Does Southwest Airlines allow a personal item?

The current Southwest Airlines record lists a personal item. Check the selected fare and official source because inclusion can vary.

Does American Airlines allow a personal item?

The current American Airlines record lists a personal item. Check the selected fare and official source because inclusion can vary.

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