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.

The primary difference between a carry-on and a personal item is size and where they are stored on the aircraft. A carry-on bag (such as a rolling suitcase or large duffel) is designed to fit in the overhead bin and typically has maximum dimensions of roughly 22 x 14 x 9 inches. A personal item (such as a purse, laptop bag, or small backpack) must be small enough to fit completely under the seat in front of you, with typical size limits around 18 x 14 x 8 inches. Most airlines allow one of each for free, though "Basic Economy" or budget fares may charge for the overhead bin space. Because the personal item stays at your feet, it is the best place to store essentials you need during the flight, such as headphones, medications, chargers, and snacks. Carry-on bags are generally used for clothing and larger items you won't need until you land. Weight limits are often more strictly enforced for carry-ons (usually 15–22 lbs), whereas personal items are rarely weighed as long as they meet the size requirement and don't block the legroom of fellow passengers.