Can I use 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.

How big can a backpack be for personal item?

The maximum dimensions for your personal item, such as a shoulder bag, backpack, laptop bag or other small item, are 9 inches x 10 inches x 17 inches (22 cm x 25 cm x 43 cm).

Is backpack considered carry-on?

Technically, any piece of luggage that you “carry on” to an airplane is a carry-on bag. Most airlines allow one piece of carry-on luggage or “hand baggage” that can fit in the overhead bin, plus a “personal item” (a smaller purse, computer bag, diaper bag, small backpack, etc.

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

What Counts as a Personal Item? In airline terms, a personal item is any bag that can fit completely under the seat in front of you. A purse, briefcase, laptop bag, backpack or small duffel bag generally all qualify as personal items.

Can a bag be a personal item?

While personal item size restrictions vary across airlines, most consider a purse, laptop bag, briefcase, or small backpack to count as a personal item. They must always fit under the seat in front of you.

10 Personal Item Bags | Backpacks That Fit Under the Seat for Ryanair, Spirit, and More

Can I bring two backpacks on a plane?

Airline rules allow for one carry on bag and one personal item, unless you're flying on a basic economy fare. But we've all seen people selfishly putting two bags in the overhead bin or carrying on more luggage than could possibly be allowed. You don't want to be like them. But you also might not be a one bagger.

Can I bring 2 personal items on a plane?

Can You Bring Two Personal Items on a Plane? Airlines don't allow passengers to bring two or more personal items. The general rule of thumb when it comes to hand luggage is that you are only allowed to bring one small carry-on suitcase and one personal item, such as a tote, backpack, purse, or something similar.

Do backpacks fit under airline seats?

Although the dimensions may vary, in general, the space under an airplane seat can accommodate backpacks 18 inches long, 14 inches wide, and 8 inches high.

What qualifies as a personal item on a plane?

What is a personal item on a plane? A personal item is a small procession, for example a purse, laptop, umbrella, camera case, book, or small backpack. Personal items need to be small enough to be stowed securely and safely under the seat in front of you.

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 I check in a backpack as luggage?

Can a Backpack Be Used as Checked Luggage? Yes – backpacks can be used as checked luggage, provided that they comply with the rules of the airlines.

How many bags can you take on a plane for free?

Most travelers can bring on board one full-size carry-on bag and one personal item for free. However, there are important exceptions, including for customers traveling on Basic Economy tickets. Also, carry-on rules may be different for flights operated by our airline partners, including United codeshare flights.

What happens if my personal item is too big?

Re: Is my personal item too big for United? Unless one is on a basic economy ticket they will charge you . But you should be on a regular ticket to LHR and if they do a gate check (worst case) you won't be asked to pay anything.

Can a small duffel bag be a personal item?

The short answer is yes. A duffle bag can count as a personal item. However, a duffle bag isn't the most common type of personal item. Briefcases, handbags, and small backpacks are more popular styles.

What size bag will fit under an airline seat?

It is stated that one carry-on bag and one personal item are allowed per passenger. The dimensions of the under-seat compartment are 18 x 14 x 8 inches, which applies to all cabin and flight configuration.

How do you pack a backpack for air travel?

Can I bring food in my personal item?

Yes, you may pack food in your carry-on or checked bag, but remember all food must undergo x-ray screening. Foods that are liquids, gels, or aerosols must comply with the 3-1-1 liquids rule.

What kind of backpack can I take on a plane?

Most airlines allow bags up to 45 linear inches (length + width + depth) or 22" long, 14" wide, and 9" deep. To prevent problems at the airport, your bag should be no larger than these dimensions.

What is a TSA approved backpack?

A TSA-friendly laptop bag is a backpack that can be fully unzipped, so both sizes can be lain perfectly flat. These backpacks have a dedicated laptop pocket, so your computer can be easily scanned by an X-Ray machine without any of your other stuff getting in its way.

Can I bring snacks on a plane?

Solid food items (not liquids or gels) can be transported in either your carry-on or checked baggage. TSA officers may instruct travelers to separate items from carry-on bags such as foods, powders, and any materials that can clutter bags and obstruct clear images on the X-ray machine.

Can I bring a backpack and a duffle bag on a plane?

Yes, you can use a duffel bag as your carry-on.

Airlines don't really care what kind of a bag you're using, whether it's a duffel, backpack, suitcase, or even a shopping bag. The only thing they care about is whether your carry-on bag is within the carry-on size and weight restrictions.

How big can a personal bag be?

Including handles and wheels, the maximum dimensions for a carry-on are 22 inches long, 14 inches wide and 9 inches high. Personal items are limited to 17 inches long, 10 inches wide and 9 inches high. United doesn't publish weight limits for carry-ons.

Does a pillow count as a personal item?

Currently, travel rules list a certain number of personal items you're allowed to bring on a plane. Fortunately, items such as coats and travel pillows do not apply to that count.

Is a backpack a carryon or personal item?

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.

Can I put clothes in my personal bag?

You'll have to be extremely picky about what goes in your bag if you're going to travel with only a personal item. There is no room to bring any items on a “just in case” basis. A general rule of thumb is to bring along a total of about three outfits, including what you decide to wear while traveling.