Best Backpack for Southwest Airlines (2026): Complete Size Guide
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Southwest allows a 24 x 16 x 10 inch carry-on, larger than the 22 x 14 x 9 inch limit at American and JetBlue, so most 40L travel backpacks fit. Checked bag fees apply on most fares. Here is how to choose the right one. For a complete comparison across all carriers, see the full airline size limits guide.
Quick Answer
Our pick: The Osprey Farpoint 40 ($199) is the best value for Southwest flights. At 9.1″ deep it sits inside Southwest’s 10″ depth limit. Strong hip belt, proven durability, unbeatable price.
Women’s pick: The Osprey Fairview 40 ($200) offers the same Southwest compatibility with women-specific fit.
Best organization: The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L ($230) has superior internal organization and fits comfortably within Southwest’s depth limit.
Southwest’s Carry-On Policy
- Carry-on limit: 24″ × 16″ × 10″
- Personal item: must fit under the seat in front of you (Southwest publishes no dimensions)
- All fares include both (no Basic Economy restrictions)
- Checked bags: fees apply on Basic, Choice, and Choice Preferred fares; Choice Extra includes two free checked bags
- Enforcement: Southwest publishes no enforcement policy, so treat the posted limit as firm
Every backpack on this page fits within the 24″ × 16″ × 10″ limit. Southwest does not say how closely it checks bag sizes. The travel blog The Donut Whole describes it as relatively relaxed about bags slightly over the limit, while noting that attendants use sizing boxes on bags that look oversized.
Our Top Picks
Osprey Farpoint 40
Price: $199
Capacity: 40L
Dimensions: 21.7″ × 13.8″ × 9.1″
The Farpoint 40 fits easily within Southwest’s generous 24″ × 16″ × 10″ carry-on limit. At 21.7″ × 13.8″ × 9.1″, it’s well under the size restrictions.
At $199, this offers the best value in travel backpacks. The hip belt transfers weight off your shoulders during long airport walks. Osprey’s reputation for durability means this bag should last for years. The clamshell opening makes packing easier than top-loading designs.
Pros
- Best price-to-quality ratio
- Hip belt for comfort
- Osprey’s lifetime warranty
Cons
- Basic organization
- No quick laptop access
Osprey Fairview 40 (Women’s)
Price: $200
Capacity: 40L
Dimensions: 21.3″ × 13.8″ × 9.1″
Perfect for Southwest with women-specific fit: shorter torso range, narrower shoulder straps, contoured hip belt. Osprey recommends this for women 5’–5’8″. Well within Southwest’s generous limits.
Cotopaxi Allpa 35L
Price: $230
Capacity: 35L
Dimensions: 21.3″ × 13″ × 8.3″
At 21.3″ × 13″ × 8.3″, the Allpa fits comfortably within Southwest’s 24″ × 16″ × 10″ limit. Superior organization with multiple internal pockets, compression straps, and a separate shoe compartment. The 35L capacity works well for lighter packers. Cotopaxi is also a certified B-Corporation.
Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro
Price: $350
Capacity: 40L
Dimensions: 22″ × 14.2″ × 9.1″
Fits Southwest’s generous limits with room to spare. Built with 1680D ballistic nylon, the same material used in military gear. This bag should last 10+ years of heavy travel. The tradeoff: at 4.5 pounds empty, it’s heavier than the Farpoint (3.5 lbs) or Allpa (3.4 lbs). Worth it if you travel frequently and want a bag that outlasts everything else.
Comparison Table
| Backpack | Price | Capacity | Dimensions | Fits Southwest | Empty Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Osprey Farpoint 40 | $199 | 40L | 21.7 x 13.8 x 9.1 in | Yes | 3.5 lbs |
| Osprey Fairview 40 | $200 | 40L | 21.3 x 13.8 x 9.1 in | Yes | 3.5 lbs |
| Cotopaxi Allpa 35L | $230 | 35L | 21.3 x 13 x 8.3 in | Yes | 3.4 lbs |
| Nomatic 30L | $310 | 30L | 18.9 x 13 x 8.5 in | Yes | 4.0 lbs |
| Tortuga Pro 40L | $350 | 40L | 22 x 14.2 x 9.1 in | Yes | 4.5 lbs |
| Peak Design 45L | $300 | 30-45L | 22 x 13 x 9.5 in | Yes | 4.8 lbs |
| Osprey Daylite 26+6 | $110 | 26-32L | 16.9 x 13 x 6.3 in | Yes | 1.85 lbs |
| Patagonia Black Hole 25L | $165 | 25L | 18.9 x 11.8 x 5.9 in | Yes | 1.4 lbs |
What to Expect at Southwest Gates
Here is what Southwest states about carry-on bags, and what it leaves unsaid:
Every Flight
Southwest publishes a 24″ × 16″ × 10″ carry-on limit and no enforcement policy. The Donut Whole describes it as relatively relaxed about bags slightly over the limit, but says attendants use sizing boxes on bags that look oversized, so pack to the posted limit.
Backup Option
If a bag does not fit or the bins are full, checking it is the fallback. Choice Extra fares include two free checked bags; Basic, Choice, and Choice Preferred fares pay checked bag fees.
Common Questions
Related Airline Guides
Last updated: October 2026. Always verify current limits at southwest.com before travel, as policies can change.