Does a backpack count as a personal item? (2024)

Does a backpack count as a personal item?

A personal item can be anything from a purse or tote to a backpack, duffel bag, or briefcase. As these items must fit underneath the seat in front of you, they are smaller, measuring no more than 18 x 14 x 8 inches. Sizes vary – so please check the baggage policy on your airline's website.

Does a backpack count as a personal item or carry-on?

In general, your personal item should be smaller than your carry-on and under the specific airline's carry-on dimensions, allowing it to fit under the seat in front of you. In most cases, backpacks are considered personal items as long as they fit under the seat in front of you.

How big of a backpack can I bring on a plane?

Typically, the bag must be within the cabin baggage dimensions of around 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 22 cm), commonly considered the standard size for carry-on.

What size bag is considered a personal item?

A personal item is any type of luggage that fits underneath the plane seat in front of you. Most domestic airlines in the United States require a personal item to be 18” x 14” x 8” or smaller in size. Personal items can include a purse, briefcase, small backpack, laptop bag, weekender or small duffel bag.

Does a backpack count as a personal item United?

Personal items such as backpacks, laptop bags, and purses are allowed on United flights, as long as they can be safely stowed under the seat in front of you. Before your flight, check to see if your personal item meets United Airlines' under-seat dimensions.

What items don't count as personal item?

There are some notable exceptions to the personal item rule as well. Most major US carriers don't count kid-specific items such as diaper bags, strollers, and car seats (the latter to be used onboard) as a personal item.

What happens if your personal item is too big?

If your personal item does not fit this box, it is bad news. In that case, it will turn into checked luggage, meaning additional fees will be required. That's why airlines have size restrictions in the first place, though.

Can you have 2 backpacks and a carry-on?

If you're short on time, here's a quick answer to your question: Generally, yes, you can bring two backpacks on a plane as your carry-on and personal item – as long as they meet the airline's size requirements.

Can you bring a purse and a backpack on a plane?

In most cases, an airline will allow you to bring one carry-on baggage and one personal item. A personal item is normally something like a purse, laptop, backpack or camera case. Personal items should always be small enough to fit underneath the seat in front of you.

What backpacks are not allowed on planes?

Personal items for under the seat – including purses, briefcases, cameras, food containers, laptops and backpacks – cannot be larger than 16 1/4 by 13 1/2 by 8 inches.

Do they check personal item size?

While personal item size restrictions vary across airlines, most airlines consider a small backpack, purse, briefcase, or laptop bag to be a personal item. These must always fit under the seat in front of you.

Can you have 2 personal items on a plane?

Some airlines allow several personal items, while others allow one and a carry-on bag. If an airline permits two personal items instead of a carry-on, the second item must be small enough to fit beneath the seat in front of you.

How strict are airlines about personal item size?

As you are aware, personal items need to fit under the seat in front of you, with the set dimensions of 16.25" x 13.5" x 8". You will not be allowed to simply hold in your lap, as all items of this size must be stowed/secured for take-off and landing.

Can I put clothes in my personal bag?

Certainly, you can pack clothes in your personal items or carry-on bag. But for a better experience, we recommend packing most of your clothes in your carry on and leaving extra space in your personal items.

What is a free personal item?

Personal items

These items must fit under the seat in front of you, so they must be 9 in x 10 in x 17 in (22 cm x 25 cm x 43 cm). Common things include purses, backpacks and laptop bags. If you're at the airport and not sure if your bag is the right size, you can use our bag sizers to measure your bag.

Can I bring deodorant on a plane?

The TSA prohibits containers with more than 3.4 ounces of liquid in carry-on luggage, so if you have a liquid or semi-liquid antiperspirant, be sure to check the quantity on the container. For example, many stick deodorants and antiperspirants come in sizes under 3.4 ounces, so it's fine to bring in your carry-on bag.

What airline has the smallest personal item size?

Can you have clothes in your backpack and a carry-on?

If you're going on a short trip, and don't wish to check in your luggage, you can bring your clothes in a carry-on or a travel bag, or in a plastic bag if you want, as long as it doesn't exceed the measurement required by the airline, and that you're not carrying anything that doesn't comply with safety regulations: ...

Can you take a backpack on a plane for free?

The question about whether something—anything—can be a “personal item” comes down not to what it's called, then, but whether it will fit under the seat in front of you. So, yes, if your backpack is small enough that you can fit it under the seat in front of you, then it's a personal item.

Does a duffel bag count as a personal item?

In the majority of cases, a duffel bag won't be considered a personal item, as they usually exceed the typical maximum size of 18 x 14 x 8 inches or 45 x 35 x 29 cm. However, they will often be classed as a carry-on bag, if they are within the average limit of 22 x 14 x 9 inches or 56 x 36 x 23 cm.

Can I bring a crossbody and backpack on a plane?

Backpacks, totes, and crossbody bags are typically considered personal items too. The key to remember is it must be able to fit underneath the seat in front of you. A carry-on is a type of hand luggage that you bring into the plane cabin with you and is larger than a personal item.

What is not allowed in a carry-on bag?

Firearms, ammunition, and fireworks are prohibited, as are all knives and safety razors (including pocket knives and Swiss Army knives). Straight razors and replacement blades for straight razors are also not allowed. Most tools also cannot be packed in carry-on luggage, as they have the potential to cause harm.

Will TSA open my backpack?

If a bag or suitcase is not locked, TSA staff will simply open it and check its contents. If, on the other hand, it has been locked with locks and TSA staff consider it necessary to open it, the locking devices may have to be broken.

What is the largest backpack allowed on a plane?

Each airline sets its own guidelines for the maximum allowable size for carry on luggage . Most airlines allow bags up to 45 linear inches (length + width + depth) or 22″ long, 14″ wide, and 9″ deep. To prevent problems at the airport, your bag should be no larger than these dimensions.

What if my personal item is one inch too big spirit?

Spirit requires personal items not to exceed 18 x 14 x 8 inches, including handles and wheels. Personal items larger than these dimensions will be checked at the gate.