In 2026, the standard allowance for most major airlines is two items: one "Carry-On Bag" and one "Personal Item." The carry-on bag is typically a rolling suitcase or large backpack that fits in the overhead bin (standard size 22 x 14 x 9 inches), while the personal item must be small enough to fit under the seat in front of you, such as a laptop bag, purse, or small briefcase. However, this "two-bag rule" has become strictly enforced and restricted by certain fare classes. For example, if you book a "Basic Economy" ticket on airlines like United or JetBlue (or ultra-low-cost carriers like Spirit and Ryanair), you are often restricted to only one personal item, and bringing a second bag to the gate will result in a significant "Gate Claim" fee. Conversely, Business and First Class passengers on international routes often receive a more generous allowance of two overhead bin bags plus a personal item. In 2026, many airlines have also introduced "Weight Monitoring," where the combined weight of your cabin items cannot exceed 7kg to 10kg, especially on flights within Europe, Asia, and Australia. Always check your specific booking confirmation, as the "number of bags" is now tied more to your price point than a general airline policy.