Do Backpacks Count As Personal Items?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,

Can a backpack be a personal item? The simple answer is

yes, a backpack can be a personal item

. The important thing to note about airline personal items is that just about any bag can be used as long as it fits under the airline’s personal item dimensions. This includes backpacks, diaper bags, purses and briefcases.

What’s considered 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.

Can I take a backpack and a carry-on?


Most airlines allow passengers to bring on both a carry-on and a personal item

like a backpack, laptop bag, purse, briefcase, shopping bag, etc. The general rule of thumb is that your personal item is smaller in dimension than your carry-on bag and it can fit underneath the seat in front of you.

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.

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.

What counts as a carry-on bag?

Though you might find an inch or two of a difference with various airlines, the standard domestic carry-on luggage size is

22′′ x 14′′ x 9′′

, which includes the handle and the wheels. This size limit ensures your bag — and ideally everyone else’s — will be able to be stored safely in the overhead bin for your flight.

Is a duffel bag a personal item?

The short answer is yes.

A duffle bag can count as a personal item

.

Is a laptop bag a personal item?


Most airlines define a personal item as a purse, briefcase, or laptop bag

. A small backpack, duffle, or tote is also acceptable, as long as it fits under the seat in front of you. Suitcases are usually not considered personal items regardless of their size.

Does a laptop bag count as a carry-on?

*For a laptop computer to be considered a personal item it must be carried in a slim bag.

Laptops carried in large laptop bags will be counted as part of your carry-on baggage allowance

.”

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 they measure carry-on bags?


They do not measure it with a ruler

, there is a box that the carryon must fit in otherwise it goes in the luggage compartment.

How big can my checked bag be?

Most domestic airlines publish checked baggage 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.

Is 24 inches too big for carry-on?

Carry-on measurements

should not exceed 24 inches long

, 16 inches wide and 10 inches high. Personal items are limited to 18.5 inches long, 8.5 inches wide and 13.5 inches high.

Why umbrella is not allowed in airport?

The prohibition was made as

some umbrellas have sharp and pointed components and may be considered dangerous for carry-on baggage

, the OTS said.

Is a backpack a personal item Southwest?

Yes, as a Southwest passenger, you are allowed one carry-on bag and one personal item. Per the Southwest.com FAQs,

TSA regulations allow a backpack as a personal item when dimensions are 18.5 x 8.5 x 13.5 inches

. You are smart to check because some airlines severely limit carry-ons. Welcome back to the flying world.

Does a pillow count as a carry-on?

First, the TSA is responsible for ensuring flight security. According to their website, they don’t have any problems with pillows. Pillows aren’t seen as a security risk. So

you can bring your pillow on the plane, pack it in your checked luggage, or pack it in your carry-on bag

– according to the TSA.

Can I put clothes in my personal bag?

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

.

Can I use a weekender bag as a personal item?

The Verdict. In principle,

there is nothing wrong with using a small duffel bag as a personal item

. The same goes for a small backpack, gym bag, weekender bag, laptop bag, or tote. It doesn’t matter what you call your bag if it’s under the size limits and fits under the seat in front you will be okay.

How big is a personal item?

Your personal item like a purse or small handbag must fit under the seat in front of you. Dimensions should not exceed

18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm)

.

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.