We recommend packing your PEDs—like laptops, tablets, phones, and e-readers—in your carryon baggage. Each Customer is limited to a maximum of 15 PEDs.
Review information about lithium batteries, e-cigarettes, and lighters
Small PEDs such as tablets, e-readers, and smartphones weighing less than 2 pounds may be used in airplane mode at all times on domestic flights. A small PED must be held in hand, attached to a person, or placed in clothing or a seatback pocket. Devices and accessories (e.g., power banks, memory drives, etc.) must not block access to the aisle. Large PEDs such as laptops weighing 2 pounds or more must be stowed under the seat or in an overhead bin for taxi, takeoff, and landing. We recommend placing laptops in a case/bag when stowed under the seat.
Please use headphones for all audio and video.
Permitted PEDs
- Smartphones (in airplane mode)
- Tablets or e-readers (in airplane mode)
- Laptop or notebook computers
- Audio players
- DVD/CD players
- Digital cameras
- GPS receivers
- Hand-held electronic games
- Satellite radios
- Video camcorders
- Bluetooth devices
- Approved Portable Oxygen Concentrators (battery powered)
- Electronic nerve stimulators and other implanted medical devices
- Pacemakers
- Hearing Aids
- Electric Shavers
- Electronic Watches
- Noise-Canceling Headphones
Never permitted
- Devices capable of transmitting data, unless otherwise noted
- Two-way radios (walkie-talkies) or scanners
- Television or AM/FM radio receivers
- Remote-controlled toys
- Use or recharging of battery-powered electronic smoking devices (e-cigarettes/vaping devices) and their batteries
- Use or recharging of lithium battery-operated lighters (flux, coil, arc) and their batteries
- Self-balancing devices (e.g., hoverboards)
- While cell phones and Voice over Internet Protocol services (VoIP) may operate on the WiFi system, Southwest Airlines® prohibits calls during flight. Common platforms for these prohibited calls include but are not limited to: FaceTime, Skype, WhatsApp, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom. Cell phones and pagers may be used at the gate and after landing.
If you must place a permitted PED in your checked baggage, please ensure:
- It is completely powered off AND
- It is protected from accidental activation OR
- If the battery is removed, you must protect it from short circuits, and pack it in your carryon
Keep in mind that electronics are accepted as checked baggage only with a limited release of liability. Customers are not entitled to reimbursement or compensation for any and all damage in situations where a limited release of liability applies.
If your trip includes a partner airline, be aware that their rules may differ. Always check their guidelines before traveling.
