Is a Backpack a Personal Item?

If you’re preparing to travel by air, you may be wondering, is a backpack a personal item? With many airlines charging exorbitant fees for checked, and even carry-on luggage, it can be appealing to save some cash by traveling with just a personal item. So, does a backpack count?

The short answer is yes—backpacks can qualify as a personal item as long as it fits the size limits. Airlines set their own requirements and size limitations for what constitutes personal items versus carry-on luggage.

This guide will unpack carry-on and personal item size limits so you can find out if your backpack counts. I’ll also give some tips for packing a personal item like a pro.

Carry-on Luggage Size Limits

If your backpack is too large to fit under the seat in front of you, it may be counted as a carry-on item instead of a personal item. Most airlines allow passengers to bring one carry-on bag, such as hand luggage or a duffel bag, to stow in the overhead bin (though some budget airlines charge a fee for a carry-on)

Backpacks come in a range of sizes and styles, from minimalist packable backpacks to larger hiking backpacks capable of carrying multiple days’ worth of gear and supplies. To ensure your backpack fits in the overhead compartment, consult the size restrictions for these ten major airlines below.

• Alaska Airlines: 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 35.5 x 23 cm)
• Allegiant Air: 22 x 16 x 10 inches (55 x 40 x 25 cm)
• American Airlines: 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 35.5 x 23 cm)
• Delta Airlines: 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 35.5 x 23 cm), weight restriction of 15-22 lb. applies at select airports in Asia. 
• Frontier Airlines: 24 x 16 x 10 inches (61 x 46 x 25 cm), 35 lb. max
• Hawaiian Airlines: 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 35.5 x 23 cm), 25 lb. max
• JetBlue Airways: 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 35.5 x 23 cm) 
• Southwest Airlines: 24 x 16 x 10 inches (61 x 46 x 25 cm)
• Spirit Airlines: 22 x 18 x 10 (56 x 46 x 25 cm)
• United Airlines: 22 x 14 x 9 (56 x 35.5 x 23 cm)

Frontier and Southwest—both popular budget airlines—have the most generous size restrictions for carry-on items. Note that Frontier includes a 35 lb. weight requirement in addition to the maximum dimensions of 24 x 16 x 10 inches.

Personal Item Size Limits

Personal items, such as a laptop bag, small handbag, diaper bag, or small backpack generally have more compact size limitations than carry-on bags. Airline size requirements vary, with some only specifying that personal items must fit under the seat in front of…