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Can a small backpack be a personal item?

In general, a backpack is considered a personal item if it fits under the seat in front of you. This means that the backpack must be no larger than 22 inches in length, 14 inches in width, and 9 inches in height. If the backpack is larger than this, it will be considered luggage and must be checked.



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The most common personal item size limit is 18 x 14 x 8 inches (46 x 36 x 20 cm). If your backpacks or handbags don't exceed this number, you're good. Weight limitations for personal belongings are also regulated by several airlines ranging from 10 to 25 pounds (around 4.5 to 11 kg).

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The short answer: Yes, a backpack is generally considered a personal item if it fits under the seat in front of you. Most airlines offer a few examples of things that fit into the “personal item” category, such as a purse, laptop bag, or a briefcase, but they don't usually include “backpack” on those lists.

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American Airlines advises customers to travel with personal items that are no larger than 18 inches x 14 inches x 8 inches. If you are flying on Delta, be sure your personal item is 17 inches x 13 inches x 9 inches or smaller.

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The short answer: Yes, a backpack is generally considered a personal item if it fits under the seat in front of you. Most airlines offer a few examples of things that fit into the “personal item” category, such as a purse, laptop bag, or a briefcase, but they don't usually include “backpack” on those lists.

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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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Travel Internationally Carrying Only a Backpack
  1. Leave bulky items at home. ...
  2. Layer your clothing. ...
  3. Wash and re-wear. ...
  4. Seek out compact items. ...
  5. Roll clothing and towels to make them more compact.
  6. I have found HUGE space savings by downloading books on my phone and leaving all my paper books at home. ...
  7. Know the TSA liquids rule.


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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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Firearms, ammunition, and fireworks are prohibited, as are all knives and safety razors (including pocket knives and Swiss Army knives). Straight razors and replacement blades for straight razors are also not allowed. Most tools also cannot be packed in carry-on luggage, as they have the potential to cause harm.

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A personal item is any type of luggage that fits underneath the plane seat in front of you. Most domestic airlines in the United States require a personal item to be 18” x 14” x 8” or smaller in size. Personal items can include a purse, briefcase, small backpack, laptop bag, weekender or small duffel bag.

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A personal item is any type of luggage that fits underneath the plane seat in front of you. Most domestic airlines in the United States require a personal item to be 18” x 14” x 8” or smaller in size. Personal items can include a purse, briefcase, small backpack, laptop bag, weekender or small duffel bag.

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While some airlines specify size limitations for personal items, others simply require the item to be small enough to fit underneath the seat in front of you. For personal items, here's the standard size on major airlines in the United States: American Airlines – 18” x 14” x 8”

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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.

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Spirit allows passengers one free personal item, such as a purse, laptop bag, or small backpack. Your personal item must be small enough to store under the seat in front of you. Spirit requires personal items not to exceed 18 x 14 x 8 inches, including handles and wheels.

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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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Backpacks, totes, and crossbody bags are typically considered personal items too. The key to remember is it must be able to fit underneath the seat in front of you. A carry-on is a type of hand luggage that you bring into the plane cabin with you and is larger than a personal item.

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A personal item is any type of luggage that fits underneath the plane seat in front of you. Most domestic airlines in the United States require a personal item to be 18” x 14” x 8” or smaller in size. Personal items can include a purse, briefcase, small backpack, laptop bag, weekender or small duffel bag.

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Just unzip the bag, lay it flat on the conveyor belt, and send it right through the X-ray machine. Our airport security laptop bag is designed to make dealing with the TSA a breeze.

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You might develop lower and upper back pain and strain your shoulders and neck. Tight, narrow straps that dig into your shoulders can cause tingling, numbness, and weakness in your arms and hands.

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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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Unless your carry-on is extremely large, the airline employees at the gate most likely won't ask to measure it. If they'd ask each passenger to measure their carry-on, the boarding would take too long. This could cause delayed flights, which airlines don't want.

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If your carry-on is 1-2 inches over the size limit, don't stress about it too much. Most likely, you'll be allowed to pass through without anyone saying anything. But be prepared that if you encounter a strict airline employee, you might have to check it in.

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