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.

Whether you can take two cabin bags in 2026 depends entirely on your airline, ticket class, and the region you are flying in. Most major full-service carriers (like United, Delta, or British Airways) still allow "1 carry-on bag" (to go in the overhead bin) plus "1 personal item" (like a laptop bag or purse to go under the seat). However, in 2026, Basic Economy tickets on many transcontinental and domestic routes now restrict passengers to only one personal item, with no overhead bin access allowed unless a fee is paid. Furthermore, in certain markets like India, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) strictly enforces a "one-piece" cabin bag rule for economy passengers, meaning your handbag or laptop must fit inside your one allowed suitcase. Budget airlines like Ryanair and EasyJet also charge extra for a second bag. Always check the specific "Baggage Dimensions" section of your 2026 booking confirmation, as "gate-check" fees for an unauthorized second bag have increased significantly to encourage faster boarding times.