Can we carry two backpacks in flight?

Yes, you are. Most airlines allow passengers to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item on a plane. If you have two backpacks but they both fit within the size and weight restrictions defined by your airline for a personal item and a carry-on, you may be allowed to bring them both.



In 2026, the answer depends heavily on your departure location and airline. For most international and U.S. domestic carriers, you are still permitted one "carry-on" bag (which can be a backpack) and one smaller "personal item" (which can be a second, smaller backpack that fits under the seat). However, as of February 2026, countries like India have implemented a strict "One Hand Baggage Rule" for all departing flights. Under these regulations, passengers—regardless of class—are restricted to just one piece of cabin luggage up to 7kg (10kg for Business). This means a laptop bag or a second backpack must be tucked inside your primary bag or checked into the hold. Always check your specific 2026 itinerary, as "Basic Economy" fares globally have become increasingly restrictive, sometimes charging for the overhead bin space entirely and limiting you to only one under-seat bag.

People Also Ask

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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A: It depends on the airline you are flying with. Most airlines allow passengers to bring one personal item and one carry-on bag. However, some airlines, such as Southwest and Delta, permit passengers to bring a second carry-on bag that is smaller in size and can be stored in the overhead bin.

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Most domestic airlines allow passengers two carry-on items, depending on their fare type. For example, Southwest stands out among carriers for allowing passengers two free carry-on bags and two checked bags, regardless of fare type. That's also the case for Delta, American, Alaska and Hawaiian passengers.

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A backpack can be your carry on if it meets your airline's carry on size limits. A personal item is a smaller, secondary bag, which you'll stow under the seat in front of you. Read Carry Ons vs. Personal Items for more on the differences between the two.

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Can I bring two backpacks as carry-on on a plane? Yes, you can bring both a carry-on and a personal item backpack onto the plane. Your carry-on goes in the overhead compartment, and your personal item goes below your seat. In most cases, you cannot bring two carry-ons that both go in the overhead bin.

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You are allowed two checked bags 60 (157.48 cm) in overall dimensions (length + width + height) or 50 pounds (22.68 kg). Bags that don't meet the dimensions and/or weight restrictions will incur a fee.

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Here are two big backpacking rules:
  • Watch that backpack! Like a pet, backpacks can get away from you sometimes, so keep an eye on yours. ...
  • Check out your blind spot. Before taking your pack off or putting it on, take a look around you and behind you.


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The FAA has limited passengers flying within the United States to one piece of carry-on luggage and one personal item. Personal items may include: handbags, briefcases, laptops, daypacks and small backpacks.

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To check more than two bags, each extra bag will result in an additional charge each way as long as it is no bigger than 62 inches (L+W+H) and weighs 50 lbs. or less. Excess Baggage that is also overweight or oversized will be charged excess baggage plus the applicable oversize or overweight charge.

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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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Economy: customers are permitted one piece of carry-on baggage, either a handbag or laptop bag, that may not exceed 55 x 38 x 20cm and must weigh no more than 7kg / 15 lbs. First Class and Business Class: customers are allowed two pieces of carry-on baggage: one briefcase plus either one handbag or one garment bag.

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That depends if you have several kg overweight and are asking for the price per kg or if you really just only have one single kg extra. For a singe kg above the limit you most probably will not get charged, especially not on a full service airline. There is usually a tolerance in the range of 2–3kg, sometimes up to 5.

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If containers are larger than 3.4 ounces (100 ml), they won't be allowed through security, and the security officer will discard them. However, you can bring an empty reusable water bottle of any size through security and fill it up after you've gone through the checkpoint.

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On all flights, except to and from the United States, each passenger can purchase a checked luggage weight allowance of 20 kg, 25 kg, 30 kg, or 40 kg. It doesn't matter how many bags the total weight is split into, but no bag can be over 32 kg (70 lbs) in weight and 319 cm (126 inches) in total dimensions.

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Major US domestic airlines carry-on policies
  • Personal item: 18 x 14 x 8 inches, free, no weight limit.
  • Carry-on: 22 x 14 x 9 inches, free, must fit in the sizer at the airport (including handles and wheels), no weight limit.


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All our fares include one small personal bag which can be brought on board, such as a handbag or laptop bag (40x20x25cm), which must fit under the seat in front of you.

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You are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes through the checkpoint. These are limited to 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item. This is also known as the 3-1-1 liquids rule.

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Many airlines will allow you to bring a carry-on bag and personal item for free. However, some airlines may only allow a personal item that fits under your seat for free. Anything larger (e.g. a bag that's too big to fit under the seat but can fit into the overhead compartment) may require extra payment.

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Each bag should weigh less than 23KG/50LBS. This is an international regulation set for the health and safety of airport workers who have to lift hundreds of bags daily. If your bag weighs more than this, you may be asked to repack, or have it labeled as heavy luggage.

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