When traveling on an airplane, most airlines allow passengers to bring a certain number of carry-on bags for free. Typically, this includes one larger carry-on bag that has size restrictions, and one smaller “personal item” like a purse, briefcase, or laptop bag. But does a backpack qualify as a personal item? The answer depends on the specific airline policies.
The difference between carry-on and personal items
Most airlines have two separate carry-on baggage allowances:
- Carry-on bag: This is a larger bag that must meet the airline’s size restrictions. For example, it must fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you. Airlines typically have size maximums such as 22″ x 14″ x 9″.
- Personal item: This is a smaller second bag like a purse, laptop bag, or backpack. It just needs to fit under the seat in front of you.
So what’s allowed as a personal item versus carry-on differs by the size and whether it fits under the seat. Both allowances let you avoid checked bag fees and give easy access to your items during the flight.
Factors that determine if a backpack counts
Several factors determine if a backpack qualifies as a personal item or if it must be treated as your one carry-on bag:
- Backpack size: To qualify as a personal item, it must fit under the seat dimensions.
- Airline policy: Each airline has specific size guidelines that define their personal item policy.
- Overhead bin space: If bins are full, you may need to gate check your bag, even if it’s technically within the size limits.
- Flight attendant discretion: The crew can decide whether your backpack qualifies as a personal item or is too large.
So the typical requirements for a backpack to count as a personal item are that it must:
- Fit completely under the seat in front of you
- Comply with the airline’s specific size restrictions for personal items
- Leave enough space for other passengers’ items under the seat
As long as your backpack meets these requirements, it should be allowed as a personal item in addition to your carry-on suitcase or duffel bag.
Airline personal item size restrictions
Airline policies vary, but here are some typical maximum sizes for personal items:
| Airline | Personal Item Size Limit |
|---|---|
| American | 18″ x 14″ x 8″ |
| Delta | 18″ x 14″ x 8″ |
| United | 17″ x 10″ x 9″ |
| Southwest | 18.5″ x 8.5″ x 13.5″ |
However, these size maximums are not strictly enforced for personal items. The key factors are that it fits under the seat and doesn’t obstruct other passengers. You can find the official size guidelines on the airline’s website.
Tips for maximizing your backpack as a personal item
To make the most of your backpack as a personal item, keep these tips in mind:
- Choose a backpack that opens and lies flat, so it easily slides under the seat.
- Remove any large attachments that stick out like hydration packs or external cages.
- Don’t overstuff it. Pack strategically with soft, compressible items.
- Arrive early to board in your assigned group. Overhead bin space fills up quickly.
- Be cooperative if asked to gate check your pack due to limited space.
With accurate measurements and strategic packing, you can maximize what you can pack in a backpack as a personal item. Having both a backpack and carry-on suitcase allows you to travel with your essentials while avoiding checked baggage fees.
Advantages of using a backpack as a personal item
There are several advantages to using a backpack as your personal item when flying:
- Hands-free carrying: Backpacks are easier to navigate airports and public transportation with.
- Holds more: Backpacks utilize space more efficiently than a purse or tote.
- Easy access: It’s simpler to take out items you need during the flight like snacks, headphones, and books.
- Can serve as day bag: A backpack works well as a daily bag at your destination.
- Avoid fees: Checking a bag costs money, while a backpack as a personal item is free.
For these reasons, many savvy travelers opt to bring a backpack plus their standard carry-on when flying to maximize what they can bring onboard.
What airlines count backpacks as personal items?
Most major domestic and international airlines allow backpacks as personal items, as long as they meet the size requirements to fit under the seat. Here are some airlines where backpacks generally qualify as personal items:
- American Airlines
- Delta
- United
- Southwest
- JetBlue
- Spirit
- Frontier
- Alaska Airlines
- Air Canada
- British Airways
- Lufthansa
- Emirates
- Qantas
It’s always best to check the specific airline’s website when booking a flight to view their exact personal item policy. But you can expect that most airlines will allow a standard backpack as a personal item in addition to your carry-on bag.
What if my backpack is too big to qualify?
If you have a larger backpack that exceeds the airline’s personal item size restrictions, you have a couple options:
- Use it as your one carry-on item instead of bringing a suitcase.
- Check if the airline offers a discounted checked backpack fee.
- Wear bulky items like a jacket to reduce the backpack’s size.
- Pack the backpack lightly and hope gate agents allow it.
- Transfer items into a smaller backpack that meets requirements.
Ideally, measure your backpack and know the specific airline policies ahead of time to determine if it will qualify as a personal item. If it is over the size limits, be prepared to check it as your one checked bag.
Does a backpack count as a purse?
Most airlines make a distinction between a purse or handbag as a personal item separate from a backpack. So a backpack typically doesn’t count or qualify as a purse.
However, some airlines like Spirit have less restrictive personal item policies that only mention size limits. So on Spirit, backpacks and purses are grouped together. But on most other airlines, you can bring both a purse and a backpack as your two personal items.
Bottom line
Bringing a backpack as your personal item on flights can be a convenient way to avoid checked bag fees and make navigating the airport easier. As long as your backpack complies with the airline’s specific size limits for personal items, fits under the seat, and doesn’t obstruct other passengers, you should be able to use it as a personal item on most flights.
Always check your airline’s website when booking tickets to view their latest policy. And arrive early at the gate to secure overhead bin space for your backpack. With the right-sized backpack and proper planning, you’ll be able to maximize your carry-on options.