Does a backpack count as a free carry-on?

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 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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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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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 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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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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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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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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Most airlines allow carry-on luggage that measures up to a maximum of 22 x 14 x 9 inches. In terms of volume, backpacks that are 40-45 liters are good as a carry-on. Anything bigger than that might require you to have it checked in instead.

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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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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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Fanny Packs Don't Count as Carry-On Luggage
In fact, because you wear your fanny pack, it's considered personal attire, and thus it's not part of your carry-on entourage.

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Certainly, you can pack clothes in your personal items or carry-on bag. But for a better experience, we recommend packing most of your clothes in your carry on and leaving extra space in your personal items.

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Carry-on bags are limited to 22 inches long, 14 inches wide and 9 inches high including wheels and handles. All three measurements shouldn't add up to more than 45 inches.

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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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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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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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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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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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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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