Can I bring a purse and a backpack as a personal item? (2024)

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

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.

Does a backpack and purse count as a personal item?

A personal item can be anything from a purse or tote to a backpack, duffel bag, or briefcase. As these items must fit underneath the seat in front of you, they are smaller, measuring no more than 18 x 14 x 8 inches.

Can I bring 2 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.

Can I carry a backpack and handbag?

Yes, it is fine to have a back-pack and a hand-bag at the same time. Whether it is a personal or professional requirement, people of all ages often need to carry two kinds of bags at the same time. Carrying two bags at the same time can come in handy when you're on the move and have a lot of things to carry.

Does a backpack count as a personal item United?

Personal items such as backpacks, laptop bags, and purses are allowed on United flights, as long as they can be safely stowed under the seat in front of you.

Does a purse count as a personal?

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.

What happens if your personal item is too big?

If your personal item does not fit this box, it is bad news. In that case, it will turn into checked luggage, meaning additional fees will be required. That's why airlines have size restrictions in the first place, though.

What is not allowed in personal item bag?

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.

Can you have a backpack and a personal item?

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.

How to get away with two personal items?

If your carry on is a duffle bag or suitcase, a personal-item-sized backpack is the perfect secondary bag and will fit nicely under the seat in front of you. Plus, you can use the luggage pass-through sleeve to attach your bag to your suitcase for effortless travel through the airport.

What is the size limit for a carry-on backpack?

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.

Can you have clothes in your backpack and a carry-on?

Can you put clothes in your personal items? 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.

What size bag can fit under an airplane seat?

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

Is a backpack too big for a personal item?

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.

Can I bring a purse and a backpack on United Basic Economy?

You can travel with one personal item, like a shoulder bag, backpack, or laptop bag that fits under the seat in front of you.

Do they measure your personal item?

While these sizes vary by airline, a personal item will typically measure no more than 18 x 14 x 8 inches or 45 x 35 x 29 cm. If your bag does not fit within these dimensions, the airline will likely consider it your 'carry-on' bag and charge you accordingly.

What are acceptable personal bags?

Your personal item like a purse or small handbag must fit under the seat in front of you. Dimensions should not exceed 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm).

Can I bring a backpack and a purse on Spirit?

Personal Items and Spirit. Spirit allows passengers one free personal item, such as a purse, laptop bag, or small backpack. Your personal item must be small enough to store under the seat in front of you. Spirit requires personal items not to exceed 18 x 14 x 8 inches, including handles and wheels.

Is handbag considered hand carry?

Hand luggage or cabin baggage, are all the personal belongings a passenger can carry along the cabin. You may take your handbag, laptop bag, etc. into the cabin as long as they are controlled at the security checkpoints. If you wish, you could place them into the overhead lockers.

How do I know if my personal item is too big?

Airlines are usually clear about what is — and what isn't — a personal item. For example, American defines it as a purse or small handbag that must fit under the seat in front of you. The bag's dimensions should not exceed 18 by 14 by 8 inches.

Is a backpack small enough to be a personal item?

The question about whether something—anything—can be a “personal item” comes down not to what it's called, then, but whether it will fit under the seat in front of you. So, yes, if your backpack is small enough that you can fit it under the seat in front of you, then it's a personal item.

Which airline has the smallest personal item size?

Can I bring my toiletries in my personal bag?

You are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes in your carry-on bag and through the checkpoint. These are limited to travel-sized containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item.

Can I bring medicine on a plane?

You can bring your medication in pill or solid form in unlimited amounts as long as it is screened. You can travel with your medication in both carry-on and checked baggage. It's highly recommended you place these items in your carry-on in the event that you need immediate access.

Can I have a backpack and a purse on Southwest?

Southwest Airlines allow for one carry-on bag (duffel, carry-on suitcase, etc) and one personal item, which would typically be a purse, a backpack, or a briefcase.