Airports And Purses: What's The Strict Protocol?

When it comes to purses and airport security, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to distinguish between your personal item and your carry-on bag. Your purse typically counts as your personal item, which must fit under the seat in front of you and adhere to specific dimensions. These dimensions vary depending on the airline, but generally, your purse should not exceed 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm). It's worth noting that some items, such as diaper bags, small coolers for breast milk, and medical devices, don't count towards your personal item allowance.

Additionally, you are usually allowed one carry-on item in addition to your personal item. This could be a larger bag, such as a backpack or a small rolling suitcase, which must fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you. The specific size restrictions for carry-on luggage also vary by airline.

While most airlines have similar policies regarding the number and size of carry-on items, it's always a good idea to check with your specific airline before your travel date to avoid any surprises at the gate.

Purse dimensions

When it comes to purses and handbags, different airlines have different size restrictions. Here is a list of some of the major airlines and their size restrictions for personal items:

• American Airlines: Personal item dimensions should not exceed 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm).
• Alaska Airlines: No specific dimensions are given, but the item must fit under the seat in front of you.
• Delta Air Lines: No specific dimensions are given, but the item must fit under the seat in front of you. Examples of acceptable items include purses, small backpacks, and laptops.
• Frontier Airlines: Personal items cannot exceed 8 x 14 x 18 inches (20 x 35 x 45 cm).
• JetBlue Airways: Personal items can be no more than 17 x 13 x 9 inches (43 x 33 x 23 cm) or smaller to fit under the seat in front of you.
• Southwest Airlines: Personal items are limited to 18.5 x 8.5 x 13.5 inches (47 x 22 x 34 cm).
• United Airlines: Personal items are limited to 17 x 10 x 9 inches (43 x 25 x 23 cm).

It is important to note that a personal item is typically a small backpack, purse, briefcase, diaper bag, camera bag, or any item of similar size that can fit underneath the seat in front of you. Additionally, the total size of your carry-on, including handles and wheels, cannot exceed 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm) for most airlines.

What counts as a personal item

When it comes to flying, a personal item is generally accepted to be a small bag such as a purse, backpack, briefcase, or tote bag that can be stowed under the seat in front of you. This is in addition to your carry-on allowance, which is typically a larger bag that can be stored in the overhead bin.

The exact dimensions of what counts as a personal item vary by airline, but they are usually around 17-18 inches long, 13-14 inches wide, and 8 inches high. Some common items that are accepted as personal items include:

• Purses
• Small backpacks
• Briefcases
• Laptop bags
• Diaper bags
• Small tote bags
• Camera bags

It's important to note that personal items must fit under the seat in front of you, and that some items such as mobility devices, car seats, and duty-free purchases may be exempt from these size restrictions. Additionally, each airline may have its own specific guidelines for what counts as a personal item, so it's always a good idea to check with your carrier before your flight.

TSA purse restrictions

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has a set of restrictions on what you can bring in your carry-on luggage. Here are the key TSA purse restrictions to be aware of:

Size and Weight Restrictions

When bringing a purse as your personal item, it must comply with the size and weight restrictions set by the TSA and your airline. The TSA allows you to bring one personal item and one carry-on bag. Your purse should fit comfortably under the seat in front of you. While the TSA does not specify exact dimensions, some airlines provide guidance on the maximum size allowed for personal items. For example, American Airlines states that personal items like purses should not exceed dimensions of 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm).

Liquid Restrictions

The TSA has strict rules regarding liquids, which also apply to items in your purse. Any liquids, including creams, gels, and aerosols, must be in containers of 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less. These containers must fit into a single quart-sized, clear, zip-top bag. This restriction does not apply to medications, baby food, baby formula, and breast milk, which are considered medically necessary liquids.

Prohibited Items

The TSA prohibits certain items from being carried onto an aircraft, including:

• Ammunition
• Weapons
• Gel-type candles
• Flammable liquids
• Knives
• Baseball bats
• Box cutters
• Aerosol insecticides
• Electronic cigarettes (these are only allowed in carry-on baggage)

Screening Process

All carry-on luggage, including purses, is subject to screening by the TSA. You may be asked to remove electronic devices like laptops from your purse and place them in separate bins for X-ray screening. Powerless devices will not be permitted onboard. Additionally, any medically necessary liquids or medications should be declared to TSA officers for inspection.

Final Decision with TSA Officers

It is important to remember that the final decision on whether an item is allowed through the security checkpoint rests with the TSA officer. Even if an item is generally permitted, it may be prohibited if it triggers an alarm during screening, appears tampered with, or raises other security concerns.

By being aware of these TSA purse restrictions, you can ensure a smoother travel experience and avoid any issues at the airport.

Liquids in purses

Liquids in carry-on luggage are subject to strict rules at airports. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the US and most international airports follow the 3-1-1 rule for liquids in carry-on luggage: 3.4 ounces (100ml) per container, stored inside a single quart-sized (1 litre), transparent, resealable bag. This includes liquids, gels, creams, aerosols, and pastes. Each passenger is limited to one such bag, which must be presented separately during security screening. Any liquid containers larger than 3.4 ounces or 100ml must be packed into checked baggage.

There are some exemptions to the 3-1-1 rule. Medically necessary liquids, gels, and aerosols are allowed in "reasonable quantities" for the trip but must be declared to TSA officers for inspection. Formula, breast milk, and baby food are also exempt from the rule, with breast milk allowed in containers of up to 2 litres. Duty-free liquids purchased on inbound international flights are allowed in carry-on luggage if they are stored in a secure, tamper-evident bag by the retailer, with no signs of tampering, and the original receipt is available for inspection.

For those travelling to the US, additional restrictions are in place for powders of over 350ml or 350g. These items are prohibited from carriage in the cabin, except for medical powders such as medicines, baby powders, and human ashes, which are subject to further checks. Powders purchased in duty-free must be packaged in a security tamper-evident bag with a receipt.

Airport purse screening

Airport security rules vary around the world, but the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) outlines what you can and can't carry onboard a flight from a U.S. airport. A purse is considered a personal item and must fit under the seat in front of you. The dimensions should not exceed 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm).

In addition to your purse, you can bring one carry-on item, which must fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you. If it doesn't fit, it will need to be checked. Some airports and planes may have additional carry-on restrictions. The total size of your carry-on, including handles and wheels, cannot exceed 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm) and must fit in the sizer at the airport.

If you are travelling with a jacket, umbrella, book, food, or duty-free items, these can be carried separately from your purse and carry-on luggage.

• Remove any batteries, electronic cigarettes, and other restricted items from your purse before passing through security.
• Any liquids in your purse must adhere to the 3-1-1 rule: 3.4-ounce (100 ml) containers, placed within one sealed quart-sized bag (946 ml), with only one quart-sized bag allowed per passenger.
• Medication and medical devices are allowed but must be declared to TSA officers at the checkpoint for inspection.
• Electronic devices larger than a cell phone (e.g., e-readers, digital cameras, laptops, and tablets) must be removed from your purse and placed in a separate bin for screening.
• Disposable and electric razors are allowed, but sharp edges should be securely sheathed.
• Cigarettes, cigars, and lighters are permitted but cannot be used aboard the aircraft.

Frequently asked questions