Can I bring a backpack if I don't have a carry-on?

In most cases, backpacks are considered personal items as long as they fit under the seat in front of you. For example, if you use a backpack as a personal item and put it under the seat in front of you, you can then use a duffel as a carry-on bag as long as it's under the airline's size requirements.

Can you bring a backpack on a no carry-on flight?

The short answer: Yes, a backpack is generally considered a personal item if it fits under the seat in front of you. Most airlines offer a few examples of things that fit into the “personal item” category, such as a purse, laptop bag, or a briefcase, but they don't usually include “backpack” on those lists.

Can you use backpack as carry-on?

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.

Are you allowed to carry a backpack?

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.

Does a backpack count as hand luggage on a plane?

In summary, backpacks can be used as personal items, but they must fit in the plane's cabin. In addition, when airlines publish size limitations, your rucksack must be less than those limits. Otherwise, you will be charged additional costs or have things abandoned at the airport.

What NOT to Pack in Carry On Bag in 2024 (TSA Airport Security)

How big of a backpack can I take on a plane?

American Airlines advises customers to travel with personal items that are no larger than 18 inches x 14 inches x 8 inches. If you are flying on Delta, be sure your personal item is 17 inches x 13 inches x 9 inches or smaller.

What size backpack is a personal item?

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).

Can I bring two personal items on a plane?

Some airlines allow several personal items, while others allow one and a carry-on bag. If an airline permits two personal items instead of a carry-on, the second item must be small enough to fit beneath the seat in front of you.

Does a backpack count as a personal item United?

Personal items

These items must fit under the seat in front of you, so they must be 9 in x 10 in x 17 in (22 cm x 25 cm x 43 cm). Common things include purses, backpacks and laptop bags. If you're at the airport and not sure if your bag is the right size, you can use our bag sizers to measure your bag.

Can you bring 2 backpacks on a plane?

Yes, you are. Most airlines allow passengers to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item on a plane. If you have two backpacks but they both fit within the size and weight restrictions defined by your airline for a personal item and a carry-on, you may be allowed to bring them both.

What if my carry-on is 1 inch too big?

If your carry-on is one inch too big on a plane, you may be asked to check it in or pay an additional fee. Most airlines have specific size restrictions for carry-on luggage, and exceeding these limits can result in inconvenience and added expenses.

What does no carry-on bag mean?

When it says Carry-on bags are not allowed, it is because there is no storage for the bags. This happens on smaller aircraft that have no overhead bins. Smaller bags like purses and laptop bags are okay as they can be stowed under the seat, but anything larger will have to be checked at plane-side.

What counts as a carry-on bag?

What Counts As A Carry-On Bag? A carry-on bag is any type of luggage that is small enough to store in the plane's overhead bin. For most domestic airlines in the Unites States, the size of your carry-on bag must be 22″ x 14″ x 9″ or smaller.

How do you get away with no carry-on?

Ultimately, the key is picking the right personal item. There is only one true workaround for getting around the no carry-on rule without paying the fee: It all must fit in a personal item, which also must fit underneath a seat.

What happens if you don't pay for carry-on?

If you're flying on an airline that charges for carry-on bags and you try to bring one without paying, the airline will require you to check it at the gate, and there'll likely be a fee attached. Some airlines have basic fares that only allow you to bring a personal item.

What makes a backpack TSA compliant?

TSA Guidelines for Checkpoint Friendly Bags

In a nutshell, the current requirements are as follows: Your laptop bag has a designated laptop-only section that you can lay flat on the X-ray belt. There are no metal snaps, zippers, or buckles inside, underneath, or on top of the laptop-only section.

Can I bring a purse and a backpack as a personal item?

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.

What is not allowed in a personal item on a plane?

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.

What is the difference between a carry-on and a personal item?

Personal item: It cannot be larger than 14"H, 18"W, 8"D. These are usually purses, totes, computer bags, briefcases, small backpacks and diaper bags! This bag must be no larger than 14”X18”x8”. Carry-on bag: Your carry-on bag must be able to fit in the overhead bin.

Does a purse count as a personal item?

Does a purse count as a personal item? If you're carrying a purse or handbag, it will be considered a personal item. For this reason, many people prefer to travel with large handbags or tote bags rather than purses to get the maximum use out of their carry-on allowance.

Is my backpack too big for personal item?

Domestic carry-on policies. 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.

How strict is personal item size?

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.

What is the biggest backpack for a personal item on a plane?

In the US, Spirit and Frontier—both budget airlines—allow personal items up to 18 x 14 x 8". So does American. But United and Jetblue both have smaller size limits. The most important rule is that your bag must fit in the underseat storage, even if you don't know how big that seat is.

What backpacks are not allowed on planes?

If the backpack does not fit underneath, it is too big. This means that the bag may measure 40 x 25 x 20 cm, 45 x 20 x 40 cm or 25 x 40 x 20 cm. If a small piece of luggage is not enough, you can take an additional one on board for an additional charge. This may weigh a maximum of 10 kg and measure 55 x 40 x 20 cm.

What size bag is not considered a carry-on?

American Airlines

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. There are no weight restrictions for carry-on luggage.