Is a backpack considered a personal item when it comes to air travel?
The answer is maybe!
Different airlines have different size restrictions when it comes to personal vs carry-on items, and every backpack is a different size - this makes things confusing.
In this guide to carry-on regulations, we look to America’s leading airlines for clarity.
What is the Difference Between a Personal Item and a Carry-on Bag?
Not all carry-on baggage is the same. Your ticket may include one personal item and one carry-on bag, but what is the difference between the two? Allow us to explain:
A Personal Item is typically a small piece of luggage that passengers can carry onboard in addition to their carry-on bag. The dimensions of your personal item should be considerably smaller than those of your carry-on bag, and it needs to fit comfortably under the seat in front of you.
Examples include:
- Handbag or small purse
- Laptop bag
- Briefcase
- Camera bag
- Diaper bag (if traveling with a baby)
- Small backpack
The easiest way to determine if your bag falls within the ‘personal item’ category is to look at its dimensions.
While these sizes vary by airline, a personal item will typically measure no more than 18 x 14 x 8 inches or 45 x 35 x 29 cm.
If your bag does not fit within these dimensions, the airline will likely consider it your ‘carry-on’ bag and charge you accordingly.
A Carry-on Bag is a larger piece of baggage you can take onboard the aircraft. Most airlines include one carry-on bag in the ticket price but strictly impose their weight and size restrictions, so you must get it right to avoid costly fees at the airport.
Carry-on bags examples include:
- Wheeled cabin bags or rollers
- Duffle bags
- Larger backpacks
- Smaller suitcases
Again, size matters when it comes to carry-on bags. If yours is too big, you might need to pay a fee to take it onboard.
You should check your airline for their specific carry-on dimensions, but as a guideline, carry-on bags typically measure no more than 22 x 14 x 9 inches or 56 x 36 x 23 cm.
Most airlines impose weight restrictions on personal items and carry-on bags, and all have restrictions on liquids, medicines, and sharp objects.
Always check the guidelines before you head to the airport, and if in doubt, pack it in your hold baggage.
Here are the websites of popular airlines to check the up to date information:
Which Airlines Charge for Carry-on Bags?
If you book a basic economy fare with any of the following airlines, chances are, you will only have a personal item included in your ticket price:
- Allegiant Air
- JetBlue
- Frontier Airlines
- Spirit Airlines
- Sun Country Airlines
- United Airlines
If you want to take a personal item AND a carry-on bag onboard these flights, you need to book a ticket that includes both or pay an additional fee for your second bag.
However, you should read the terms of your ticket.
Some airlines, such as JetBlue and United Airlines, allow you to take a personal item and a carry-on bag free of charge on international flights, while others give their frequent flyers additional carry-on allowances.
Personal Item Size Limits for Popular US Airlines
If you want to take your backpack as your personal item (rather than your carry-on bag), it should fall within the following dimensions:
- Alaska Airlines Personal Item Dimensions: 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 35.5 x 22 cm)
- Allegiant Air Personal Item Dimensions: 7 x 15 x 16 inches (17.8 x 38.1 x 40.6 cm)
- American Airlines Personal Item Dimensions: 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm)
- Delta Airlines Personal Item Dimensions "purse, briefcase, laptop bag, small backpack, camera bag, or diaper bag that can fit under the seat infront of you"
- Frontier Airlines Personal Item Dimensions: 18 x 14 x 8 inches (46 x 35.5 x 20 cm)
- Hawaiian Airlines Personal Item Dimensions: 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 35.5 x 22 cm)
- JetBlue Airways Personal Item Dimensions: "fit under the seat infront of you"
- Southwest Airlines Personal Item Dimensions: 16.25 x 13.5 x 8 inches (41 x 34.29 x 20cm)
- Spirit Airlines Personal Item Dimensions: 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm)
- United Airlines Personal Item Dimensions: 9 in x 10 in x 17 in (22 cm x 25 cm x 43 cm)
Please note these dimensions are subject to change at any time, so always check the airline’s website before heading to the airport.
Top Personal Item Backpacks
Browse our favorite personal item backpacks below:
Liberty Leather Backpack
Best for stylishly carrying work essentials and laptop, perfect for business meetings and daily commute.
| Product | Liberty Backpack |
| Material | Full Grain Leather - Certified Vegetable Tanned |
| Laptop Size | up to 14 inch |
| Lining | Durable Cotton Canvas |
| Zippers | YKK Zippers - Italian-Made |
| Handmade? | Handmade in Florence, Italy |
| Straps | Adjustable Straps |
| Carry-on Compliant? | Yes |
| Width | 33 cm (13 in) |
| Height | 40 cm (16 in) |
| Depth | 12 cm (5 in) |
| Weight | 1.4 kg (0.6 lbs) |
| Personalized | Custom Laser Engraving |
Watch the Liberty product video below:
Browse more images of the Liberty:
Our review:
"This popular unisex backpack is manufactured from elegant Italian full-grain leather. It offers a sleeve that's perfect for a tablet or a laptop up to 14 inches. The bag has been designed to last for several years before replacement is required and is ideal for work and your daily commute. Other features that have made this bag so popular amongst men and women include the adjustable shoulder straps and the tough top handle which makes carrying a breeze. You'll also get access to two zipped front pockets which are perfect for devices like your smartphone. The bag is built to withstand daily use and is crafted from premium vegetable-tanned Italian leather."
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Made of full grain leather | May have a higher cost compared to other materials |
| Stylish and versatile design | Not waterproof |
| Multiple compartments for organization | May not be ideal for carrying extremely heavy items |
| Comfortable to wear | |
| Durable and long-lasting | |
| Develops a unique patina over time | |
| Can be easily cleaned and maintained |
10X Leather Laptop Travel Bag
Best for stylishly carrying your laptop and work essentials on business trips or daily commutes with the 10X Leather Laptop Travel Bag.
10X Laptop Travel Bag Product Highlights:
| Product | 10X Laptop Travel Bag |
| Material | Full Grain Leather - Certified Vegetable Tanned |
| Laptop Size | up to 15.6 inch |
| Lining | Durable Cotton Canvas |
| Zippers | YKK Zippers - Italian-Made |
| Handmade? | Handmade in Florence, Italy |
| Straps | Backpack Straps and Adjustable Shoulder Strap |
| Carry-on Compliant? | Yes |
| Width | 31 cm (12 in) |
| Height | 42 cm (17 in) |
| Depth | 17 cm (7 in) |
| Weight | 2 kg (0.9 lbs) |
| Personalization? | Custom Laser Engraving |
Watch the 10X product video below:
Browse more images of the 10X:
Our review:
"This magnificent item could be perfect for your needs if you require a reliable unisex bag for work. The bag is made from premium Italian full-grain leather and can be used as a travel bag, a backpack and a messenger bag. This high-selling all-in-one solution boasts a tough cotton lining and has a dependable YKK zipper. You'll also gain access to a sleeve for a 15.6 inch laptop or a 16 inch MacBook Pro. This adaptable bag also has a front-loading design that makes it easy to source your work essentials, whilst the canvas-lined internal compartments will simplify organisation remarkably."
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Made of full grain leather | Price point may be considered a worthwhile investment |
| Durable and long-lasting | Weight adds to its overall quality and strength |
| Spacious and versatile | Proper care and maintenance will ensure its longevity |
| Suitable for both professional and casual use | |
| Fits most laptops up to 16 inches | |
| Designed for easy travel and convenience | |
| Multiple compartments for organized storage |
Prime Leather Backpack
Best for stylishly carrying work essentials and laptop, perfect for business meetings and daily commute.
| Material | Certified Italian vegetable-tanned leather |
| Quality Assurance | Comes with a certificate of leather origin |
| Manufacturing | Made in Florence, Italy |
| Interior Lining | Fine Italian cotton lining |
| Zipper Quality | Japanese YKK zippers |
| Sustainability | Supports local communities and eco-friendly |
| Laptop Sleeve | Dedicated sleeve for up to a 14" laptop |
| Carry-on Compliant | Meets airline size standards for carry-on luggage |
| Personalized | Personalize this backpack with a laser engraving, perfect as a gift |
| Color Options | Solid brown, classic tan, deep red, elegant black |
Watch the Prime product video below:
Browse more images of the Prime:
Our review:
"This high-selling unisex bag for work gives you enough storage space for all your key work essentials. The bag is made from tough and dependable materials that should ensure it lasts for years before it needs to be replaced. These materials include elegant Italian full-grain leather and a robust lining. The bag also has a reliable YKK zipper that makes it easy to access goods like your laptop. There's also a sleeve that will fit a laptop up to 14" or a tablet, making office-based and remote work a breeze. Other features which have made this bag such a popular choice include the adjustable shoulder straps and the wide top handle."
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Made of full grain leather | May have a slightly higher cost compared to other materials |
| Stylish and versatile design | Not waterproof |
| Multiple compartments for organization | Not ideal for carrying extremely heavy items |
| Comfortable to wear | |
| Durable and long-lasting | |
| Develops a unique patina over time | |
| Can be easily cleaned and maintained |
Personal Item Policies by Airline
In an ideal world, all airlines would use the same personal item rules, but sadly, this is not the case. To help you plan for your next business trip or vacation, here are the current policies outlined on each of the following airline’s websites:
- Alaska Airlines: Passengers can bring one personal item plus one carry-on bag free of charge. If you take two pieces onboard, one must fit underneath the seat in front of you.
- American Airlines: Passengers can bring one personal item plus one carry-on bag free of charge. This rule applies to both domestic and international flights. Your personal item must fit under the seat in front of you and your carry-on in the overhead locker.
- Allegiant Air: As a low-cost carrier, Allegiant Air only includes one personal item within the ticket price. If you want to carry a personal item and a carry-on bag, you need to pay an additional fee.
- Delta Airlines: Passengers can bring one personal item plus one carry-on bag free of charge on domestic and international flights. Your personal item must be small enough to fit under the seat in front of you.
- Frontier Airlines: Like most low-cost carriers, Frontier Airlines only include a personal item. The cost to add a carry-on bag starts at $30.
- Hawaiian Airlines: Passengers can bring one personal item and one carry-on bag free of charge. Size and weight restrictions apply.
- JetBlue Airlines: With JetBlue Airlines, your carry-on allowance depends on the ticket you buy, your frequent flier status, and what route you are traveling. Typically, Blue Basic fares include a personal item only, and you need to pay an additional fee for a carry-on bag.
- Spirit Airlines: Spirit Airlines’ Economy tickets include a personal item only. If you want to take a carry-on bag, expect to pay at least $36 for the privilege.
- United Airlines: With United Airlines, you can take one personal item onboard, but its size restrictions are some of the smallest in the industry. Your personal item should not exceed 9 x 10 x 17 inches or 22 x 25 x 43 cm. You can add a carry-on bag to your basic economy ticket. Prices start at $30.
Related pages:
- Best Carry-on Luggage
- Best Travel Bags
- Best Leather Backpacks
- Best Carry On Luggage for American Airlines
- Is a Garment Bag a Personal Item?
- Personal Item Bags
Mastering The Art of Packing Light
One of the easiest ways to save money on carry-on bags and hold baggage fees is to master the art of packing light.
It’s not always easy, especially if you are heading off on a month-long trip to colder climes.
But if you are traveling on an overnight business trip or a weekend at the beach, you can pack everything you need in your free personal item. Here’s how:
- Plan your wardrobe. Plan your wardrobe carefully, and you’ll be surprised at how many outfits you can get from three or four items.
- Buy toiletries at your destination. Heavy bottles of shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, and sunscreen will weigh you down. Save valuable luggage space by buying it when you arrive at your destination.
- Use packing cubes. Packing cubes work! You’ll be surprised at how much you can fit and compress in a couple of packing cubes. If packing light is not your thing, give them a go.
- Wear your coat/boots on the plane. Heading off on a weekend ski break or hiking expedition? Wear your coat, boots, and other bulky items on the plane. They might not be weather-appropriate at your point of departure but wearing them will save you a fortune on excess baggage fees.
- Do laundry onsite. You can easily wash your smalls in the bathroom. For larger items, use the hotel laundry facility or find a local one close by.
Master the Airport Bag Trick
Even budget airlines will allow you to take a bag of items purchased at the airport on board (in addition to your personal item), so master the Airport Bag Trick and take advantage of this additional baggage space (I successfully did this on my last trip to Europe, which made the flight far more enjoyable).
Of course, if your airport bag is overflowing with clothing, the gate agent might pull you to one side, but if you pack it neatly, there’s a good chance you’ll get away with it, and you could save a fortune on those costly onboard drinks and snacks.
Wear Your Travel Pillow
Wrap your travel pillow around your neck rather than packing it in your backpack, and you will free up a huge amount of packing space.
We have even seen influencers use travel pillows to pack additional outfits (by removing the inner stuffing and re-packing it with tightly rolled clothes).
We do not know how comfortable that would be on a long flight, but it is an option!
Related pages:
- Men’s Leather Travel Bags
- Women’s Leather Travel Bags
- Small Travel Bags
- Travel Backpacks
- Under Seat Travel Bags
- Leather Carry On Luggage
- Women’s Leather Backpacks
- Men’s Leather Backpacks
Do Airlines Always Check the Size and Weight of Personal Items?
Generally, if your personal item is small and compact, the check-in agent (or gate agent) will not ask to weigh it, but if it looks similar in size to your carry-on, you could find yourself in trouble.
Low-cost carriers are typically more observant when it comes to personal items. If your backpack looks even marginally larger than the dimensions listed in their carry-on policy, there is a good chance that they will measure and weigh your bag.
If your personal item is deemed too big, you may need to pay a substantial fee to take it on board, or worse, be sent back to the check-in desk to check it into the hold.
Softer bags such as backpacks are more likely to fit under the seat in front of you than hardshell cases, so bear this in mind when shopping for your next carry-on bag, and if in doubt, pack light!
Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed our article on if a backpack is a personal item.
If you have any questions or comments, contact us at info@vonbaer.com, or leave them in the comments.
Want to read more? Check out our Travel pages here.
Author: Albert Varkki
Albert Varkki is the co-founder of Von Baer. He understands leather products as a consumer, supplier, and a manufacturer, helping you with the inside knowledge you need, to choose the perfect leather product for you.
