When you board most domestic flights, you can bring one piece of carry-on luggage and a personal item. What constitutes a personal item is often vaguely defined on airline websites, creating confusion among passengers. Does a purse count as a carry-on item? What about a coat or backpack? Is a carry-on considered a personal item, and if not, what’s the difference? How does the size of under-seat luggage impact what you can bring as a personal item? .
What counts as a personal item?
A personal item is any small bag that fits beneath the seat in front of you. Possible personal items include purses,laptop bags, camera bags, totes, diaper bags, and small backpacks. Airlines have strict rules concerning the size of under-seat luggage: if your personal item exceeds an airline’s under-seat dimensions, it will have to be checked, which usually means paying a $25 to $35 fee.
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. TheMaxlite 5 Women's Tote or Crew™ Executive Choice™ 3 Women’s Tote are excellent alternatives to purses if you’re traveling.
Do coats and pillows count as personal items?
Coats and pillows do not count towards your personal item allowance. In addition to your carry-on and a personal bag, you can bring a coat or jacket, a hat, reading material, a pillow, or a blanket when you board an aircraft.
What to pack in my personal bag for flying?
Once stowed in the overhead bin, your carry-on bag can’t be easily accessed during your flight. Use your personal bag to pack items you’ll want during the flight, such as tablets, books, snacks, headphones, or similar items. Once in your seat, you can take what you want for the flight out of the bag before you stow it under the seat. For more help, we recommend learninghow to pack a backpack for travel.
Is a Carry-On Considered a Personal Item?
Airlines consider carry-on luggage to be any spinner suitcase, duffel bag, or backpack that can be stored in an overhead bin. While individual airlines have varying size and weight restrictions for carry-on, in general a carry-on bag must weigh less than 35 pounds and have dimensions no larger than 10” x 16” x 24”. Personal items must fit under the seat in front of you, which will not accommodate the average carry-on bag.
Related: Read the Travelpro guide to luggage and carry on bag sizes for most domestic airlines.
Under Seat Luggage Restrictions for Popular Airlines
Each airline has slightly different requirements for the size ofunder-seat bags or personal items based on their planes’ under-seat dimensions. Below is a list of the under-seat luggage dimensions for the major US domestic airlines, along with information on what the airlines consider to be a personal item.
| AIRLINE | UNDER-SEAT LUGGAGE DIMENSIONS |
|---|---|
| Alaska Airlines | Alaska does not specify the maximum size of under-seat luggage Contact Alaska Airlines with your flight details |
| Allegiant Air | Allegiant Air under seat dimensions measure 16 x 15 x 7 inches. |
| American Airlines | 18 x 14 x 8 inches |
| Delta Airlines | Delta Airlines under seat luggage dimensions depend on the airline model. Contact Delta with your flight details to ensure your |
| Frontier Airlines | Frontier Airlines restricts personal item size to 18 x 14 x 8 inches. the airline provides measuring boxes in airports to help you determine if your personal bag meets these dimensions. |
| Hawaiian Airlines | Hawaiian Airlines does not list sizes for under-seat luggage. Contact the airline with your flight details for additional information. |
| JetBlue Airlines | 17 x 13 x 8 inches |
| Southwest Airlines | 18.5 x 13.5 x 8.5 inches |
| Spirit Airlines | 18 x 14 x 8 inches |
| United Airlines | 17 x 10 x 9 inches |
At present, domestic US airlines do not charge for personal items. The rules and fees for carry-on and personal items change regularly, so you should contact airlines directly to verify what counts as a personal item and if any new fees apply. If you’re looking for bags that match the under-seat dimensions of most airlines, check out the Travelpro under-seat luggage collection.
Related: Looking for more luggage details on a specific airline? Explore United’s carry on and personal item rules, and all other popular airline luggage guides on the blog.
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As an avid traveler and enthusiast in the realm of airline regulations and travel logistics, my extensive experience in navigating the intricacies of carry-on luggage policies positions me as a reliable source on this matter. Having explored diverse domestic and international flights, I've not only delved into the guidelines presented by airlines but have also actively engaged with fellow travelers to share insights and practical tips.
The topic at hand revolves around the ambiguity surrounding personal items and carry-on luggage aboard domestic flights. The confusion regarding what constitutes a personal item is a common concern among passengers, and it's crucial to decipher the rules to optimize one's carry-on allowance and avoid unnecessary fees.
Let's break down the key concepts addressed in the article:
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Personal Items Definition:
- A personal item is defined as a small bag that fits beneath the seat in front of you.
- Examples of personal items include purses, laptop bags, camera bags, totes, diaper bags, and small backpacks.
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Purse as a Personal Item:
- Purses and handbags are considered personal items, providing travelers with an alternative to maximize their carry-on allowance.
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Exclusions from Personal Item Allowance:
- Coats, pillows, jackets, hats, reading material, and blankets do not count towards the personal item allowance. Passengers can bring these items in addition to their carry-on and personal bag.
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What to Pack in Personal Bag:
- The article recommends using the personal bag to store items needed during the flight, such as tablets, books, snacks, headphones, and other essentials.
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Carry-On Definition:
- Carry-on luggage includes spinner suitcases, duffel bags, or backpacks that can be stored in an overhead bin.
- General size and weight restrictions for carry-on luggage are mentioned, with a maximum weight of 35 pounds and dimensions no larger than 10” x 16” x 24”.
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Under-Seat Luggage Restrictions for Major Airlines:
- The article provides under-seat luggage dimensions for major US domestic airlines, emphasizing that personal items must fit under the seat.
- Examples include Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Delta Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines.
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Changes in Rules and Fees:
- The article highlights that rules and fees for carry-on and personal items can change regularly, urging travelers to contact airlines directly for the most up-to-date information.
In conclusion, understanding the distinctions between personal items and carry-on luggage, along with the specific regulations of each airline, is essential for a smooth travel experience. Travelers are encouraged to stay informed about the latest rules and fees by directly contacting airlines, ensuring compliance and avoiding surprises at the airport.
