Can I Check In My Backpack?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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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

.

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.

How do you check a backpack on a plane?

How big can a checked bag be?

Most domestic airlines publish size limits as a single dimension:

62 linear inches total

. International airlines vary slightly, but the 62-inch rule is the most common standard worldwide. Bags larger than 62 linear inches can still fly, but they may be subject to additional fees.

Can you use a backpack as a checked bag?

Can a large travel backpack be checked luggage? The answer is

definitely yes

. However, there can be no illegal items, and valuable and fragile items in the backpack. If there are prohibited items in your backpack, you need to open your large backpack for inspection when you pass the security check.

Can I check a hiking backpack as luggage?

Backpack Gear to Check-in Baggage


A checked backpack is also the correct place for pickaxes, trekking poles, arrows or other pointy objects

– just make sure they are padded or sheathed so there's no way they could poke through and hurt someone.

What size backpack is allowed on a plane?

The maximum dimensions for your personal item, such as a shoulder bag, backpack, laptop bag or other small item, are

9 inches x 10 inches x 17 inches

(22 cm x 25 cm x 43 cm).

Can I use a duffel bag as my personal item?

The short answer is yes.

A duffle bag can count as a personal item.

How big of a personal item can I get away with?

Your personal item should fit underneath the seat in front of you. The maximum dimensions for your personal item are

9 inches x 10 inches x 17 inches

(22 centimeters x 25 centimeters x 43 centimeters).

How much is a checked bag fee?

Baggage category Fee Max Size (L+W+H)
First checked bag


$30


62′′

Second checked bag


$45


62′′

Third checked bag


$150+


62′′

Fourth(+) checked bag


$200+


62′′

Do checked in bags get searched?


The majority of checked baggage is screened without the need for a physical bag search

. Inspection Notices: TSA may inspect your checked baggage during the screening process. If your property is physically inspected, TSA will place a notice of baggage inspection inside your bag.

Do carry-on bags get checked?

Don't Assume Your Carry-on Won't Be Gate-Checked

Even if your bag is perfectly within your airline's weight and size limits,

you might still have to check it at the gate if the plane is very full or it's a smaller aircraft than expected

.

Is 29 inch luggage considered oversized?

Generally, all 32, 31, and 30-inch,

most 29-inch, and about half of 28-inch checked luggage is considered oversized

, or over the 62-inch limit.

How do you travel with just a backpack?

  1. 7 Days – That's the Rule!
  2. Lightweight Clothing.
  3. Don't Forget Dark Colored Clothing.
  4. Never More Than Two Pairs of Shoes.
  5. Toiletries: Pack Only the Essentials.
  6. Bring Your Travel Books.
  7. Roll Your Clothes – Don't Fold.
  8. Invest In A Quick Dry Towel!

Can I bring 2 backpacks on a plane?

In general, you can bring two backpacks on a plane with you if one of them is considered as carry-on luggage and the other one is small enough to be considered as a carry-on personal item. Carry-on luggage should fulfill the size restrictions as specified by the airlines and should fit in the overhead bin.

Can I take a 60L backpack as carry-on?

For example, American Airlines requires that the sum of three sides does not exceed 36 inches (92cm), and Northwest Airlines requires that it does not exceed 15 inches × 11 inches × 6 inches ( 38 cm×28 cm×15 cm). Therefore, if you bring a 60L backpack,

don't pack it too full

.

What kind of bags can be checked in?

The most common maximum size bag allowed is 62 linear (total) inches. A common size bag for checking through is:

27′′ x 21′′ x 14′′

. Airline carriers will allow overweight, oversize or additional baggage for additional fees.

What is not allowed in a carry-on bag?

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)

Can I bring deodorant on a plane?


Stick deodorant is fine in any size

. Well, almost any size… Powders and crystals are good to go as well. Spray, Gel, Liquid, Cream, Pastes, and Roll-On deodorants need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces and placed in a clear quart-sized baggie.

Can you put clothes in your personal item?

These items vary between different airlines, so make sure to check with the airline first. But in general,

assistive devices, duty-free items, clothing, and umbrellas are always free to carry in addition to your carry-on and personal items

.

Is a backpack a personal item frontier?


If the backpack is 14 x 18 x 8 inches or smaller, it can be considered a personal item

. If it is larger, it will be considered a carry-on bag, unless it exceeds the maximum size for a carry-on (24 x 16 x 10 inches) in which case it will be considered a checked bag.

Do diaper bags count as personal item?

Potentially larger items that

don't count as personal items

include diaper bags, child safety seats, and medical and mobility devices; these may be brought aboard in addition to your carry-on and personal item.

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.