Southwest Airlines considers banning carry-on bags on Basic Economy, adding $35 fee

Quick summary

Southwest Airlines is reportedly studying a policy that would ban passengers on Basic Economy fares from bringing standard carry-on bags into the cabin, forcing them to check rollaboards at $35 per bag. The restriction would make Southwest’s cheapest tickets more punitive than American or Delta’s Basic Economy, both of which allow free carry-ons, and would push the airline further from its former “transfarency” promise that fares included everything needed to fly.

The rumor surfaced April 11, 2026, less than a year after Southwest abandoned free checked bags on May 28, 2025. No official confirmation exists, but the timing follows Southwest’s broader shift toward ancillary revenue after years of resisting industry fee norms.

Southwest eyes carry-on ban to match United’s punitive model

The airline is studying whether to prohibit Basic Economy passengers from using overhead bins, according to industry sources. Travelers on the cheapest fares would be limited to one personal item fitting under the seat — a laptop bag or small backpack — and forced to check any rollaboard-sized luggage for $35 each way.

Southwest’s current policy allows all passengers one carry-on bag (maximum 24×16×10 inches) and one personal item at no charge, according to the airline’s official fee schedule. That policy has remained unchanged since the carrier introduced checked bag fees in May 2025, ending its decades-long “bags fly free” positioning.

The proposed restriction would align Southwest with United Airlines, the only US carrier currently banning carry-ons on Basic Economy. American Airlines and Delta Air Lines both permit standard carry-ons plus a personal item on their cheapest fares, though American will charge Basic passengers $5 more than other customers for checked bags starting May 18, 2026.

How the restriction would hit different travelers

Budget-conscious flyers would absorb the sharpest impact. A roundtrip domestic ticket requiring a checked rollaboard adds $70 to the fare — eroding Southwest’s historical cost advantage over competitors. Families traveling with children face compounded fees: two adults and two kids checking bags would pay $140-280 roundtrip, depending on whether each traveler needs luggage.

Solo travelers packing light — a laptop bag or small backpack — would remain unaffected, but anyone needing clothing changes or toiletries beyond TSA liquid limits would face the checked bag penalty. Business travelers typically avoid Basic fares entirely, opting for Business Select tickets that include two free checked bags and priority boarding.

The airline ended free checked bags less than a year ago, implementing $35 first bag and $45 second bag fees on Basic, Choice, and Choice Preferred fares effective May 28, 2025. Business Select passengers and elite status holders retained complimentary checked luggage under that policy shift.

Industry observers note the timing — Southwest’s 2025 baggage fee reversal generated significant customer backlash, and a carry-on restriction would compound that erosion of the carrier’s customer-friendly reputation. The airline has not confirmed the rumor or provided a timeline for any potential policy change.

What to do if you fly Southwest

The rumored restriction remains unconfirmed, but Southwest’s trajectory suggests travelers should prepare for further fee increases.

• Verify current baggage rules at southwest.com/html/customer-service/travel-fees.html before booking — policies can change with minimal advance notice.
• Compare Basic Economy offerings across carriers when shopping fares. American and Delta currently allow carry-ons on their cheapest tickets, potentially offering better value than Southwest if the restriction takes effect.
• Consider fare class upgrades if you need checked bags. Southwest’s Wanna Get Away Plus fare ($30-50 more than Basic) includes same-day standby and points that don’t expire — potentially offsetting bag fee costs on frequent routes.
• Pack strategically for personal item limits. A maximized backpack (18×14×8 inches) can hold 3-4 days of clothing if you compress efficiently and wear bulkiest items during travel.
• Monitor Southwest’s Q1 2026 earnings call in late April for mentions of ancillary revenue targets or Basic fare uptake — signals whether the carrier is testing or planning to roll out the restriction.

Watch: American’s May 18 implementation of the $5 Basic Economy bag surcharge will reveal whether customers tolerate incremental fee increases or shift bookings to competitors — a test case Southwest is likely monitoring closely.

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