Airline vs airline · Checked October 29, 2026
Delta vs Southwest: baggage rules compared
Carry-on, personal item, checked bag and check-in deadlines for Delta Air Lines and Southwest Airlines, from each airline's own website.
The short version
- Southwest's carry-on limit is roomier (24 x 16 x 10 in) than Delta's (22 x 14 x 9 in), about 39% more space.
| Delta | Southwest | |
|---|---|---|
| Carry-on size | 22 x 14 x 9 in / 56 x 35 x 23 cm | 24 x 16 x 10 in / about 61 x 41 x 25 cm |
| Carry-on weight | No published limit | No published limit |
| Carry-on on the cheapest fare | Included | Included |
| Personal item | No size published, must fit under the seat | No size published, must fit under the seat |
| Checked bag size | 157 cm (62 in) in total | 62 in (157 cm) in total |
| Checked bag weight | 23 kg (50 lb) per bag in economy, 45 kg (100 lb) max for any bag | 23 kg (50 lb) per bag in economy, 45 kg (100 lb) max for any bag |
| Online check-in opens | 24 hours before | 24 hours before |
| Bag drop closes | 45 min before (domestic / short-haul), 60 min before (international / long-haul) | 45 min before (domestic / short-haul), 60 min before (international / long-haul) |
| At the gate by | 15 min before | 10 min before |
| Power banks | 2 (up to 100 Wh each); in-flight use: allowed except taxi, take-off and landing; no recharging it on board | 1 (up to 100 Wh); in-flight use: allowed if kept visible; no recharging it on board |
Carry-on that fits both
22 x 13.8 x 9.1 in (56 x 35 x 23 cm)
The smallest limit on each side
Personal item that fits both
Under the seat
One airline doesn't publish a size
Flying both on one trip? The trip checker shows which airline sets each limit, and the gate card keeps the rules on your phone.
Will your bag fit?
Measure with wheels, handles and pockets included. The order of the sides doesn't matter.
Questions people ask
Is the Delta carry-on bigger than Southwest?
Southwest's carry-on limit is roomier (24 x 16 x 10 in) than Delta's (22 x 14 x 9 in), about 39% more space.
What carry-on size fits both Delta and Southwest?
A bag no bigger than 22 x 13.8 x 9.1 in (56 x 35 x 23 cm) fits both carry-on limits. Check weight limits too.