Southwest Airlines: battery and item rules and carry-on size limits
This page lists Southwest Airlines's own rules that we have reviewed. They apply when Southwest Airlines operates the flight. Security screening (TSA) and dangerous goods (FAA) rules apply on top of them; each item page lists all three.
Most recent review on this page: 2026-10-27.
Southwest Airlines rules for items
E-cigarette (vape)
Southwest Airlines policy
Allowed, with the conditions listed
E-cigarette on Southwest: allowed in carryon only, no more than two devices per Passenger.
- Limits
- Number of items: up to 2
Also note
- Use or charging (device or batteries) onboard is not allowed.
- E-cigarette regulations vary by country; check the official government website for each country you are traveling to or from.
Being rechecked: we are comparing this rule with its source again, so it is not shown. Check the official source below.
Source: Southwest Airlines: Traveling with Lithium Batteries, Chargers, E-Cigs & Lighters. Reviewed on 2026-10-27.
Southwest Airlines policy
Not allowed
E-cigarette on Southwest: not allowed in checked luggage.
Being rechecked: we are comparing this rule with its source again, so it is not shown. Check the official source below.
Source: Southwest Airlines: Traveling with Lithium Batteries, Chargers, E-Cigs & Lighters. Reviewed on 2026-10-27.
Can you bring a vape (e-cigarette) on Southwest Airlines? (with the TSA and FAA rules that also apply)
Power bank
Southwest Airlines policy
Allowed, with the conditions listed
Power bank on Southwest: cabin only, must not exceed 100 watt-hours, one per Customer.
- Limits
- Battery capacity: up to 100 Wh
- Number of items: up to 1
Also note
- Must not be placed in the overhead bin; store it in a personal item under the seat in front of you.
- May not be charged onboard using in-seat power.
- When in use it must be visible (not stored in a bag).
Being rechecked: we are comparing this rule with its source again, so it is not shown. Check the official source below.
Source: Southwest Airlines: Traveling with Lithium Batteries, Chargers, E-Cigs & Lighters. Reviewed on 2026-10-27.
Southwest Airlines policy
Not allowed
Power bank on Southwest: not allowed in checked luggage.
Being rechecked: we are comparing this rule with its source again, so it is not shown. Check the official source below.
Source: Southwest Airlines: Traveling with Lithium Batteries, Chargers, E-Cigs & Lighters. Reviewed on 2026-10-27.
Can you bring a power bank on Southwest Airlines? (with the TSA and FAA rules that also apply)
Spare lithium-ion battery
Southwest Airlines policy
Allowed, with the conditions listed
Spare batteries on Southwest: carryon or on your person, up to 20 spare batteries.
- Limits
- Number of items: up to 20
Also note
- Must be in your carryon or on your person.
- Terminals must be protected to prevent short circuits.
- Southwest defines spare batteries as up to 2 removable batteries form-fitted to each personal electronic device.
Being rechecked: we are comparing this rule with its source again, so it is not shown. Check the official source below.
Source: Southwest Airlines: Traveling with Lithium Batteries, Chargers, E-Cigs & Lighters. Reviewed on 2026-10-27.
Southwest Airlines policy
Not allowed
Spare lithium batteries on Southwest: not allowed in checked luggage.
Being rechecked: we are comparing this rule with its source again, so it is not shown. Check the official source below.
Source: Southwest Airlines: Traveling with Lithium Batteries, Chargers, E-Cigs & Lighters. Reviewed on 2026-10-27.
Can you bring spare lithium-ion batteries on Southwest Airlines? (with the TSA and FAA rules that also apply)
See how Southwest Airlines's power bank rules compare with other airlines
Southwest Airlines carry-on and personal item size
Limits are shown in the units the airline uses. Fitting the size does not mean the bag is free: fare inclusion is shown separately.
Carry-on bag
| Length | 24 in |
|---|---|
| Width | 16 in |
| Height | 10 in |
| Length + width + height | Not mentioned on the airline's page |
| Weight | Not mentioned on the airline's page |
| Number of bags | 1 |
Being rechecked: we are comparing this rule with the airline's page again, so it is not shown.
Source: Southwest Airlines: Carryon and Personal Item Policy. Reviewed on 2026-10-27.
Personal item
| Length | Not checked yet |
|---|---|
| Width | Not checked yet |
| Height | Not checked yet |
| Length + width + height | Not checked yet |
| Weight | Not checked yet |
| Number of bags | 1 |
Being rechecked: we are comparing this rule with the airline's page again, so it is not shown.
Source: Southwest Airlines: Carryon and Personal Item Policy. Reviewed on 2026-10-27.
Check an item for a Southwest Airlines flight
The item checker combines Southwest Airlines's rules with the security screening and dangerous goods rules for your item. For batteries, the Wh calculator works out the watt-hour rating.
Official sources
- Southwest Airlines: Carryon and Personal Item Policy (source checked on 2026-10-01)
- Southwest Airlines: Traveling with Lithium Batteries, Chargers, E-Cigs & Lighters (source checked on 2026-10-01)
This page lists rules as the official sources state them, for travel departing the United States. It is not a decision about your item: security officers and your airline make the final call, and rules can change after the review dates shown. Destination customs and quarantine rules are not checked. See the terms and disclaimer.