Can A Backpack Be A Personal Item United Airlines?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Personal items must fit under the seat in front of you.

Common items include backpacks, laptop bags, and purses

. These bags can be no larger than 9 inches X 10 inches X 17 inches (22 cm X 25 cm X 43 cm). Like carry-on bags, personal items do not have to meet a weight requirement.

Is a backpack a carry on or personal item?

What’s the right carry on backpack size? Every airline has its own policy for carry on luggage and personal items.

Many airlines will allow a backpack as a personal item

, and for those that don’t, a backpack can still be your carry on luggage as long as it is under the size restrictions for the particular airline.

Are backpacks allowed on United Basic Economy?


A backpack is allowed when traveling on a United Airlines basic economy ticket

. The difficulty is finding a backpack that fits within the United Airlines personal item size dimensions. Most backpacks are wider than the United Airlines personal item size and small backpacks usually are not designed as travel bags.

How strict is United with backpacks?


If you are paying for a full-price ticket you are unlikely to have any trouble from United if your bag is slightly larger than 22 x 14 x 9 inches

. If you are flying on a basic economy ticket then you don’t get to bring a carry on and United is strict if your personal item exceeds the maximum dimensions.

Is a backpack a full-size carry on?


No Full-Size Carry-on Bags in Basic Economy

Basic economy allowance: Basic Economy passengers will be limited to a single personal item only such as a purse or laptop or backpack or a very small bag that must fit under the seat (this is similar to Spirit’s policy).

Can I bring a backpack and a carry-on?


You can bring a carry-on suitcase that can be 22 x 14 x 9 inches and a backpack that can be 18 x 14 x 8 inches

. Your backpack should be stowed under the seat and your carry-on baggage can go in the overhead bin.

What size backpack is considered a personal item?

Backpacks

under 18 x 14 x 8 inches

are considered personal items. No official backpack as a personal item size limit. Needs to fit under the seat. Backpacks under 18.5 x 13.5 x 8.5 inches are considered personal items.

Can a backpack fit under an airplane seat?

Although the dimensions may vary, in general,

the space under an airplane seat can accommodate backpacks 18 inches long, 14 inches wide, and 8 inches high

.

Do you get a free personal item on United?

Most travelers can bring on board one full-size carry-on bag and

one personal item for free

.

Are checked bags free on United?


United offers free checked bags for all business and first-class customers, regardless of final destination

. Economy customers flying to Europe or other long-distance destinations receive one free checked bag. Complimentary checked bags are not included for customers flying with Economy Basic fare.

What is not allowed on a plane carry-on?

Liquids, gels, or pastes in bottles larger than 3.4 ounces (100 ml) Guns and ammunition (including BB guns and cap guns) Stun guns and tasers. Sharp objects (knives, axes, razor blades)

Does United measure checked bags?


We won’t accept checked bags measuring more than 115 inches (292 centimeters)

.

How many bags can you check on United?

United Airlines’ (UA) standard checked baggage / hold luggage policy details follow:

2 bags standard

(fees apply for Economy Class fares) Maximum dimensions: 62 inches or 157 centimeters (length + width + height) Maximum weight: 50 pounds or 23 kilograms.

What is allowed in a personal item bag?

According to TSA regulations, you’re allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of

liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes

in your personal item bag and through the checkpoint. These are limited to travel-sized containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item.

What does United consider a full size carry-on bag?

United Airlines Carry-On Baggage

One full-sized carry-on bag

9 inches x 14 inches x 22 inches (22 cm x 35 cm x 56 cm)

plus one personal item 9 inches x 10 inches x 17 inches (22 cm x 25 cm x 43 cm). If you are travelling on a Basic Economy ticket, your personal item will be the only item you can bring on board.

How many bags does United Airlines allow for free?

Check

up to two bags

for free. Skip the wait and have your bags delivered. Review our policies for in-cabin bags and belongings. Learn more about limits for certain destinations.

Can I use a backpack as checked luggage?

Can a Backpack Be Used as Checked Luggage?

Yes – backpacks can be used as checked luggage, provided that they comply with the rules of the airlines

.

Can you have a backpack and a purse as a personal item?

What Counts as a Personal Item? In airline terms, a personal item is any bag that can fit completely under the seat in front of you.

A purse, briefcase, laptop bag, backpack or small duffel bag generally all qualify as personal items

.

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

Here’s what might happen if your carry on bag is one inch too big…

You might be forced to check your bag at the boarding gate and be made to pay a checked bag fee

. Most airlines now charge for checked bags with the exception of Southwest. Fees range between $25 and $35.

What counts as a 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. You may also be eligible to carry an umbrella, jacket or bag for an infant.

Will I fit in a United airlines seat?

If you are flying United,

you must fit into the seat with both armrests down, not intrude on the seat of the passenger next to you and be able to buckle the seatbelt

. The average length of a seatbelt on United is 25 inches depending on the type of aircraft you are flying.

Rebecca Patel
Author
Rebecca Patel
Rebecca is a beauty and style expert with over 10 years of experience in the industry. She is a licensed esthetician and has worked with top brands in the beauty industry. Rebecca is passionate about helping people feel confident and beautiful in their own skin, and she uses her expertise to create informative and helpful content that educates readers on the latest trends and techniques in the beauty world.