While I was changing a flight, I had a conversation with a gate agent who mentioned a potential update to Southwest’s carry-on policy.
According to her, once carry-on sizing bins are installed at the gates, any bag that does not fit in those bins will have to be checked at the gate and passengers will be charged for it. She did not specify the exact fee, but it is likely similar to the current checked baggage cost.
There are some exceptions. If you have elite status or a Southwest credit card that includes free checked bags, the fee would be waived.
The reasoning she shared is that passengers already have the option to check their bags at the ticket counter. So if someone brings an oversized bag through security and it does not meet the size requirements at the gate, it becomes their responsibility.
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