Are backpacks allowed as cabin luggage?

If you're wondering whether you can use a backpack as a carry-on for air travel, the answer is a resounding yes!



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Domestic carry-on policies. A good rule of thumb is that if your carry-on bag fits under the seat in front of you, it's considered a personal item. This includes small backpacks, purses, briefcases, laptop bags, etc. Larger bags, including suitcases, must fit in the overhead bin compartment.

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While this can be confusing, most popular airlines allow you to bring a carry-on and personal item, such as a backpack or purse. In general, your personal item should be smaller than your carry-on and under the specific airline's carry-on dimensions, allowing it to fit under the seat in front of you.

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Generally, you're allowed one carry on and one personal item, such as a purse, suit bag, briefcase. As long as your backpacks conform to the airline size specifications for hand luggage, it's not a problem that both your carry-ons are backpacks.

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Some airlines also publish weight limits. Volume: A 45L backpack is the maximum-sized carry on allowed on most US airlines. For international or budget airlines, choose a bag under 40L. If you want to pack ultralight, anything 35L or under can be carried on virtually any airline.

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Most airlines allow backpacks as carry-ons, but size and weight restrictions vary depending on the carrier. Typically, the bag must be within the cabin baggage dimensions of around 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 22 cm), commonly considered the standard size for carry-on.

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The 40L will max out carry on dimensions on most airlines so you never have to check a bag. For stricter airlines, like RyanAir, 30L will be a better choice.

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easyJet hand luggage allowance
Each passenger can bring a small cabin bag (maximum size 45 x 36 x 20cm) on-board when travelling with easyJet with no weight limit. It includes items like a small trolley case, handbag, rucksack and laptop bag. There is no weight limit on small cabin baggage.

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In general, travelers are permitted to bring into the plane one personal item and one carry-on bag with them on most flights. The personal item is often a small bag, such as a handbag or laptop bag, that is able to be stowed away beneath the seat that is directly in front of you.

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Generally, for carry-on luggage, passengers are allowed to take one bag and one personal item with them onto their flight. Personal items usually include a laptop bag, handbag or briefcase that easily fits under the cabin seat.

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You are allowed a single personal item, like a backpack, however, your Ryanair cabin bag can't be larger than 25 cm x 40 cm x 20 cm. Customers with Priority tickets can bring one personal item and one piece of carry-on luggage that doesn't weigh more than 10 kilograms and isn't larger than 55 cm x 40 cm x 20 cm.

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As for hand luggage, you can take one item weighing no more than 10kg and measuring no more than 55x40x20cm onboard. You'll need to be able to lift it into the overhead storage compartment yourself. Other bags, such as handbags or laptop bags, must fit inside your single item of hand luggage.

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While personal item size restrictions vary across airlines, most airlines consider a small backpack, purse, briefcase, or laptop bag to be a personal item. These must always fit under the seat in front of you. Many airlines restrict passengers to one personal item and one carry on bag.

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Domestic carry-on policies. A good rule of thumb is that if your carry-on bag fits under the seat in front of you, it's considered a personal item. This includes small backpacks, purses, briefcases, laptop bags, etc. Larger bags, including suitcases, must fit in the overhead bin compartment.

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A Spacious Underseat Bag
Luckily, Tortuga makes backpacks that work as underseat carry ons. 30L or 40L backpacks are great options for primary carry ons but are usually too big to be considered personal item that need to be small enough to slide easily under the seat in front of you.

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Usually, many airlines won't check every carry-on but will instead go for ones that look oversized. If your luggage does not fit in the sizer, you might have to pay a checked bag fee along with the gate checking fee and have your bag transferred to the airplane's cargo.

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Typically in economy, you can bring one carry-on and one personal item. If you bring two bags, one must fit underneath your seat and the other can go into the overhead bin. If you're flying in an upgraded class like business or first, you may be allowed an additional carry-on bag.

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Most travelers can bring on board one full-size carry-on bag and one personal item (handbag, umbrella, camera, etc.). If your itinerary includes a flight by another airline, that airline's baggage rules may also apply.

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They will allow only one piece, so your purse will have to be inside your carry-on. They are also very strict about weight and size of bags, so if your bag's weight is borderline, take some stuff out and either wear it or carry a few bits and bobs in your pockets until you get on the flight, to cut the weight down.

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If it's a very busy holiday flight, EasyJet are very strict. Your bag either fits in the gauge or it doesn't, and if it doesn't it will go in the hold and you will be charged. On less busy domestic flights, when many passengers just have laptop bags, they often don't check. If it's a soft bag, rucksack, it's fine.

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The Top Carry-on Backpacks for 2023
  • Best Overall: Cotopaxi Allpa 35L.
  • Best Budget: ZOMAKE Lightweight Packable Backpack 30L.
  • Best Lightweight: Osprey Farpoint 40.
  • Best for Business: Aer Travel Pack 3.
  • Best for International Travel: Solgaard Lifepack Endeavor (with closet) – Large.


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30-50 liters: In general, luggage that has a capacity of about 50 liters or less is sufficient for a weekend trip. There are lots of carry-on duffels, packs and bags in this size range to choose from. 50-75 liters: For a trip that lasts one to two weeks, many people jump up to a bag in this range.

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Your backpack will generally be allowed as a carry-on if it's under 50 liters, or about 22 x 14 x 9 inches. Get a 45-liter backpack if you want to carry as much stuff as possible on the plane with you. All Knack Packs are carry-on friendly backpacks (under 50 liters). >>

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If your backpack doesn't fit, you may be asked to check it at the gate.

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