Is a backpack a personal item? That’s what one traveler is wondering as they try to figure out how to pack for their upcoming trip.
With so much conflicting information out there, it can be hard to know what is allowed and what will get you flagged by TSA.
In this post, we’ll explore the definition of a personal item and offer some tips on how to pack your backpack for travel. Let’s get started!
Is a backpack a personal item?
In general, the backpack is counted as a personal item if it fits under the seat in front of you or in the overhead bins. The size of the carry-on is under 40 liters which is dimensionally under 20.5 x 13 x 7.1 inches. You may be charged extra money if your backpack is not a personal item as per the airline.
For the most part, airlines do consider backpacks to be personal items. This is good news for those of us who like to travel with our backpacks, as it means we can bring them on the plane with us without having to worry about paying extra fees.
A backpack definitely meets these criteria, which makes it an ideal personal item to bring on a plane.
You just make sure that your backpack doesn’t have any loose straps that could get caught on something during the flight.
However, it’s important to note that some airlines have stricter rules when it comes to personal items. For example, some airlines only allow one personal item per passenger, while other airlines allow two.
So, you should pack your backpack as your one personal item.
Personal Item Backpack Size
| Airline | Personal Item Size |
|---|---|
| Alaska Airlines | 22 x 14 x 9 inches |
| Allegiant Air | 7 x 15 x 16 inches |
| American Airlines | 18 x 14 x 8 inches |
| Delta Air Lines | 22 x 14 x 9 inches |
| Frontier Airlines | 18 x 14 x 8 inches |
| Hawaiian Airlines: | 22 x 14 x 9 inches |
| JetBlue Airways | 17 x 13 x 8 inches |
| Southwest Airlines | 18.5 x 13.5 x 8.5 inches |
| Spirit Airlines | 18 x 14 x 8 inches |
| United Airlines | 9 x 10 x 17 inches |
Make sure to read the article about how big is a carry-on bag where I have mentioned most of the airlines and their carry-on size.
Which airlines only allow a personal item with a basic economy fare?
In some cases, if your backpack is not counted as a carry-on or personal item then the airline will charge an extra amount from you. Here are some airlines that only allow a personal item with the basic economy fare.
- Allegiant Air
- Frontier Airlines
- Spirit Airlines
- JetBlue Airways (Blue Basic ticket holders traveling to or from London, as well as Mosaic status members, can bring a carry-on bag for free..)
- Sun Country Airlines
- United Airlines (Exceptions include passengers on trans-Atlantic flights between the United States, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East who are permitted to bring a personal item aboard for free. Passengers traveling to or from El Salvador, Panama, or South America on trans-Pacific routes can also carry a carry-on bag with them.)
How strict are airlines about personal items and backpacks?
In general, most airlines are fairly lenient when it comes to the size of personal items and backpacks. As long as your bag falls within the dimensions they allow, you shouldn’t have any problems.
However, there have been instances where passengers have had their bags flagged as too large and been asked to check them.
So, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and make sure your backpack meets the size requirements.
What is allowed in a personal item bag?
Now that we know that a backpack can be a personal item, what can you actually put in it?
Here are a few items that are typically allowed in a personal item bag:
- Your wallet
- A small makeup bag
- A book or magazine
- An inflatable neck pillow
- A set of headphones
- A small blanket or scarf
- A few snacks
As long as these items are small and can fit under the seat, they should be allowed in your personal item bag.
Of course, it’s always a good idea to check with the airline before you travel to make sure that there are no restrictions on what you can bring in your personal item.
What should you not put in your backpack when flying?
There are a few items that you should avoid putting in your backpack when flying. These include:
- sharp objects that could be used as weapons
- liquids, gels, and aerosols that exceed the 3.4-ounce limit
- flammable items
- electronic devices that are not packed in carry-on approved cases
- anything else that could be considered a security risk.
How to pack a backpack to make it considered a personal item on most airlines?
Most airlines have a personal item limit of around 36 linear inches. That means the length + width + height of your bag shouldn’t exceed that total. If you backpack size matches the requirement.
Then, here is how you should pack a backpack for travel:
- Choose a backpack that is the right size.
- Place heavier items at the bottom of the backpack and close to your back.
- Pack essential items in easily accessible pockets.
- Use packing cubes or bags to organize smaller items.
- Roll, don’t fold, clothes to save space.
- Make sure the backpack is not overstuffed and can be easily closed.
Following these packing tips, your backpack should fit within the personal item size limit on most airlines.
And, if you’re ever in doubt, you can always measure your bag to make sure it meets the requirements.
Packing a Backpack for a Flight
When packing a backpack for a flight, there are a few things to keep in mind.
First, you’ll want to make sure that your backpack meets the size requirements set by the airline.
Next, you’ll want to pack essential items in easily accessible pockets.
And finally, you should use packing cubes or bags to organize smaller items.
When packing a backpack for a flight, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Make sure your backpack meets the size requirements set by the airline.
- Pack essential items in easily accessible pockets.
- Use packing cubes or bags to organize smaller items.
- Roll, don’t fold, clothes to save space.
- Make sure the backpack is not overstuffed and can be easily closed.
By following these packing tips, you can ensure that your backpack will be considered a personal item on most airlines and will make packing for your flight a breeze.
What is the best way to carry a backpack on a plane?
The best way to carry a backpack on a plane is to wear it. This will keep your hands free and make it easy to store your bag under the seat in front of you.
If your backpack is too large to wear on the plane, you can try to store it in the overhead bin. But keep in mind that space is often limited, so there’s no guarantee that your bag will fit.
Another option is to check your backpack at the gate. This is usually only possible if the backpack meets the size requirements for carry-on luggage.
FAQs:
How much does a personal item bag weigh?
Most airlines have a weight limit of between 10 and 15 pounds for personal items. This means that you should try to keep the weight of your backpack below this limit so that you don’t have to pay extra fees.
If you’re struggling to keep your backpack’s weight down, consider leaving some of your heavier items at home. You can also try to find a backpack that is specifically designed for travel and that has a lower weight limit.
Can I bring a blanket or pillow in my personal item bag?
In general, you can usually bring a small blanket or pillow in your personal item bag. This can be helpful if you get cold on the plane or if you just want to have something to rest your head-on.
However, some airlines may have specific restrictions on what you can bring in your personal item bag. For example, JetBlue only allows blankets and pillows in their personal item bags if they are small enough to fit inside of a clear, plastic bag.
Be sure to check with your airline before you travel to find out their specific rules and restrictions.
Can I bring a laptop in my personal item bag?
Laptops are typically allowed in personal item bags, but there may be size restrictions. For example, United Airlines requires that laptops be no larger than 16 inches x 10 inches x 1 inch.
Be sure to check with your airline to find out their specific rules and restrictions regarding laptops in personal item bags.
What size backpack can be considered a personal item?
There is no definitive answer, but most airlines consider anything that can fit under the seat in front of you to be a personal item
Does a backpack count as a personal item?
Your backpack is a personal item if it fits under the seat in front of you.
Most airlines define a personal item as something that can fit under the seat in front of you. This means that it should be small enough to not intrude on the space of other passengers and should not weigh more than a few pounds.
Is a bookbag considered a carry-on?
A bookbag is considered a personal item. You are able to bring it on the plane with you as long as it fits under the seat in front of you or in the overhead bin. Most airlines have a size limit of 45 linear inches (the total of the height, width, and depth of the bag).
Is a duffle bag a carry-on?
A duffle bag is technically a carry-on, but it really depends on the airline. Some airlines are more lenient with what they consider a “carry-on” than others. If you’re unsure, it’s always best to check with your airline before you travel.
Wrap Up
As long as you follow the general guidelines, you shouldn’t have any trouble packing your backpack for a flight. Just remember to keep it small, light, and organized so that it’s easy to carry and doesn’t take up too much space.
Happy travels!
