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How big is too big for a personal item?

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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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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Carry-on bags shouldn't be larger than 22 inches long, 14 inches wide and 9 inches high including handles and wheels. Dimensions of personal items should not exceed 18 inches long, 14 inches wide and 8 inches high.

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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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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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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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However, every airline has different restrictions for size. In most cases, your backpack should be no more than 18 x 14 x 8 inches. You should confirm with the airline to avoid penalty fees if your personal item is too large.

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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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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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Sharp objects (scissors (except for nail scissors), knives, straight razors, and safety razor blades, etc.) Sporting equipment. Self-defense items like pepper spray or brass knuckles. Tools of any kind.

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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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Many airlines will accept a rucksack as a personal item, and if they do, the bag can still be your carry-on as long as it meets the airline's size requirements. The usual dimensions for domestic hand luggage are 22 x 14 x 9 in (56 x 36 x 23 cm). Some airlines will have a limit of 20 x 12 x 5.75 in (51 x 31 x 15 cm).

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According to airline policy, any personal items stowed beneath seats should not exceed 18 inches by 14 inches by 8 inches.

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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.

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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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A: I ordered the 45L and it is way too large to be considered a personal item. It is definitely the size of a standard carry-on. It looks too big to be comfortably carried on my back.

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