Carry-On Changes: Southwest Airlines' New Rules On Portable Chargers

Felix Dubois

4 min read

Post on May 24, 2025

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Understanding Southwest's Carry-On Baggage Allowance

Southwest Airlines allows one carry-on bag and one personal item per passenger. Crucially, your portable charger is considered a personal item, not part of your main carry-on bag allowance. It's vital to understand these distinctions to avoid issues at the gate.

• Carry-on Bag Dimensions: Southwest generally allows carry-on bags up to 24 inches x 16 inches x 10 inches. However, it's always best to check the most up-to-date dimensions on the Southwest website, as minor variations can occur.
• Carry-on Bag Weight: While Southwest doesn't have a strict weight limit for carry-on bags, it's recommended to keep your bag reasonably lightweight for easy handling. Overly heavy bags may be subject to gate checking.
• What is a "Personal Item"? A personal item typically includes things like a purse, briefcase, laptop bag, or—importantly—a small portable charger. These items should fit under the seat in front of you. Oversized personal items might be subject to gate checking.
• Official Southwest Baggage Policy: For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official Southwest Airlines baggage policy page: [Insert Link to Southwest Baggage Policy Here]

Specific Rules Regarding Portable Chargers on Southwest Flights

Southwest Airlines, like other airlines, has specific regulations regarding portable chargers. These rules are primarily concerned with safety and security. Let's delve into the specifics:

• Size Restrictions: While there isn't a specific size limit explicitly stated for portable chargers, they should be reasonably compact and fit comfortably within your personal item. Excessively large chargers might be flagged.
• Battery Capacity (mAh): Pay close attention to the milliampere-hour (mAh) rating of your portable charger. While Southwest doesn't publish a specific mAh limit, it's advisable to stick with chargers under 100,000 mAh for smoother passage through security. Higher capacity batteries may require extra screening.
• Spare Batteries: Spare batteries should be individually protected to prevent short circuits. They are generally allowed in carry-on luggage but should not be packed within checked bags. It's advisable to keep them in your personal item.
• Acceptable vs. Unacceptable:
  • Acceptable: Most standard portable chargers found at electronics retailers are generally acceptable.
  • Unacceptable: Damaged or recalled portable chargers, those with bulging or leaking batteries, or those exceeding the recommended capacity should not be brought on board.

What to Do If Your Portable Charger Doesn't Meet the Requirements

If your portable charger is too large or has a battery capacity exceeding recommendations, you have a few options:

• Check Your Charger's Specs: Before your flight, carefully examine your portable charger's specifications to ensure it meets Southwest's guidelines (or at least best practices).
• Shipping Options: Consider shipping your larger or higher-capacity charger to your destination separately, using a reputable courier service. This eliminates potential airport hassles.
• Alternative Charging Methods: Airports usually offer charging stations at gates or in lounges. Plan to utilize these if necessary.
• Purchase a Compliant Charger: Before your trip, it might be prudent to invest in a smaller, more compliant portable charger to avoid potential problems.
• Checked Baggage (Use with Caution): While it's not advisable to pack spare batteries in checked bags due to potential damage, checking a larger portable charger might be an option, although it carries risks.

Avoiding Delays and Potential Issues

Preparation is key to a smooth journey. Here's how to minimize problems:

• Check Southwest's Website: Always check the official Southwest Airlines website for the latest updates to their carry-on and baggage policies.
• Pack Smart: Organize your personal item efficiently, ensuring your portable charger is easily accessible for security checks.
• Allow Extra Time: Arrive at the airport earlier than usual to allow for any unexpected delays or extra screening time.
• Southwest Customer Support: If you have any doubts or questions, contact Southwest Airlines customer support well in advance of your flight. [Insert Link to Southwest Customer Support Here]

Mastering Southwest Airlines' Carry-On Policy for Portable Chargers

Remember, understanding Southwest Airlines' carry-on policy for portable chargers is crucial for a smooth journey. Adhering to the rules and recommendations detailed above will help you avoid delays and inconvenience. Always check the official Southwest website for the most current information before your flight. Ensure a smooth Southwest Airlines journey by understanding their carry-on policy, particularly concerning portable chargers. Plan ahead and pack accordingly to avoid any last-minute surprises!