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Can you have a backpack and small suitcase?

You don't say what airline you're flying, but most US airlines allow one small suitcase and one other personal item, which is usually taken to mean a much smaller item, such as a purse or a laptop. If your backpack is a big travelpack, you probably will have to check one or the other.



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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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A personal item is a smaller bag that typically fits under the seat in front of you, such as a purse, briefcase or small backpack. A carry-on item is a larger bag that can be stowed in the overhead bin, like a suitcase or duffel bag. Airlines define each based on specific size requirements, which vary by carrier.

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On US carriers you are entitled to bring one carry-on bag and one “personal item” into the cabin with you. A normal sized shopping bag could be your personal item. That shouldn't be a problem, but you may be limited by the number of bags your airline will allow you to carry.

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Airline rules allow for one carry on bag and one personal item, unless you're flying on a basic economy fare. But we've all seen people selfishly putting two bags in the overhead bin or carrying on more luggage than could possibly be allowed. You don't want to be like them. But you also might not be a one bagger.

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What is considered a personal item bag varies from airline to airline, but a small purse, briefcase and laptop bag are always considered personal items. 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.

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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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Most Airlines Don't Care if Your Carry-On Is 1 Inch Too Big. Carry-ons are measured at the airport before boarding the plane. It's done with metal measuring boxes just in the right size for the allowed carry-on dimensions. If your bag is too large and it isn't flexible, you won't be able to fit it inside.

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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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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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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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If your carry-on is too big, you will either have to pay penalty fees or check your luggage. Checking your luggage means that your carry-on won't be traveling with you but will instead be sent to the airplane cargo, and you will be able to claim it once the plane lands.

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If your carry-on is oversized (and doesn't physically fit inside the overhead compartments) or you encounter a strict airline employee, they will ask you to check it in at the gate.

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In general, if you're bag is not within the size restrictions at the check-in counter, different airlines will charge you a late check-in fee.

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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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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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The main reason they don't scrutinize weight for carry-on bags is that they don't need to. Per Skift: When engineers design a plane, they make intricate calculations about the weight of passengers and the bags that they may bring on board….

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While most backpacks, purses, and briefcases can pass as personal items, a large camping backpack probably won't fit under the airplane seat. Most airlines publish specific measurements for what counts as a personal item.

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Know how to protect backpack when checked as luggage Another tip I find useful is tying the two separate shoulder straps together and hence providing the luggage handlers one sturdier strap to grab, protecting your straps in the process.

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You can, in general, bring one carry on and one personal item with you onto the plane. The exceptions to this rule are the basic economy fares now offered by both major and budget airlines. Basic economy fares are typically cheaper but only include one personal item. You'll have to pay extra for your carry on .

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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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1 personal item and 1 carry-on Dimensions should not exceed 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm). These don't count as your personal item or carry-on: Diaper bags (1 per child) Breast pump.

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