Lois Larson
When travelling by air, it's important to understand the difference between a carry-on item and a personal item. Most airlines allow passengers to bring one carry-on item, such as a small wheeled suitcase, and one personal item, such as a purse, backpack, or briefcase, at no additional charge. Personal items must be able to fit under the seat in front of you, whereas carry-on items can be stored in the overhead bins. It's important to note that size and weight restrictions for personal items may vary between airlines, so it's always a good idea to check with your specific airline before packing.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | A personal item is a type of hand luggage that you carry onto the plane and is smaller than a carry-on. |
| Examples | A purse, small tote bag, backpack, school bag, laptop bag, briefcase, duffel tote, rolling bag, shoulder bag, fanny pack, belt bag, camera bag, or diaper bag. |
| Size | The average size of a personal item bag is roughly 18 by 14 by 8 inches. However, the exact dimensions can differ between airlines and flights, so it is recommended to check with the specific airline before packing. |
| Additional items | Most airlines allow passengers to bring extras that don't count towards their personal item, such as duty-free purchases, food and drink bought after clearing security, jackets, coats, umbrellas, and mobility devices. |
| Weight | Some airlines may have weight restrictions for personal items, in addition to size restrictions. |
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What You'll Learn
- A personal item is typically a bag
- Airlines define personal items as bags that can be stored under the seat in front of you
- A personal item is smaller than carry-on luggage
- Examples of personal items include purses, backpacks, and briefcases
- Personal items don't include duty-free purchases, food, drink, jackets, coats, or umbrellas
A personal item is typically a bag
The definition of a personal item varies among airlines, and each airline has its own size restrictions for personal items, which are typically listed on their website. The average size of a personal item bag is approximately 18 by 14 by 8 inches, but it is recommended to check with your airline before packing to avoid any issues at the airport.
In addition to the personal item, passengers are usually allowed to bring a free carry-on item, such as a small wheeled suitcase, unless they are flying in the cheapest fare class, such as basic economy. Some airlines may also allow additional items, such as duty-free purchases, food and drink bought after clearing security, and jackets, which do not count towards the personal item allowance.
It is important to note that even if an item is generally permitted, it may be subject to additional screening or not allowed through the checkpoint if it triggers security concerns.
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Airlines define personal items as bags that can be stored under the seat in front of you
When choosing a personal item bag, it's essential to consider its size and shape. While almost any small bag can work, some key design features can make a bag more suitable. For example, a bag with multiple compartments can help you stay organized and maximize your available space. Additionally, a bag with a pass-through sleeve for your luggage handle can be useful when navigating the airport.
It's worth noting that some items are not considered personal items. For instance, mobility devices like crutches, canes, and wheelchairs are not counted as personal items. Similarly, items like car seats and strollers are not included in the personal item category.
Some passengers try to save space by stuffing travel pillows with clothes or using airport shopping bags to carry additional items. However, it is advised not to egregiously flout an airline's policy on personal items, as airlines have safety obligations regarding the size of bags in the seating area.
When packing your personal item bag, consider the nature of your trip. For business trips, you may need a briefcase to carry your laptop and other electronic devices. On the other hand, a backpack could be more suitable for pleasure trips, providing space for essentials and a change of clothing.
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A personal item is smaller than carry-on luggage
Personal items can come in a variety of shapes and styles, but they are generally smaller bags such as purses, briefcases, laptop bags, backpacks, totes, or crossbody bags. These bags can hold essential items such as laptops, tablets, and other electronic devices, making them ideal for business or pleasure trips. Some airlines may also allow passengers to bring extra items such as duty-free purchases, food and drink, jackets, coats, or umbrellas, which don't count towards the personal item allowance.
It's worth noting that some ultra-low-cost carriers can be quite strict about personal item sizes, as many passengers try to bring larger bags on board. In some cases, gate agents may not allow any extra items that don't fit within the specified dimensions. To avoid any issues, it's best to measure your bag beforehand and ensure it fits within the allowed size.
When choosing a personal item bag, consider the type of trip you're taking and the items you need to bring. For business trips, a briefcase or a bag with dedicated compartments for laptops and other electronic devices might be ideal. For pleasure trips, a backpack or a tote bag with compartments for clothes, shoes, and other essentials could be a good choice.
Additionally, some airlines provide specific guidelines or recommendations for personal items. For example, Ryanair allows passengers to bring a blanket and a book in addition to their personal item. It's always a good idea to review your airline's guidelines before packing to ensure a smooth travel experience.
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Examples of personal items include purses, backpacks, and briefcases
The key criterion for a personal item is that it must fit under the seat in front of you. The average size of a personal item bag is roughly 18 by 14 by 8 inches, and some airlines provide their specific dimensions on their websites. It is worth noting that personal items are in addition to the free carry-on piece allowed by most major airlines, except for the cheapest fare classes.
When choosing a personal item bag, it is essential to consider the type of trip you are taking. For business trips, a briefcase would be a suitable choice, as it can accommodate a laptop and other electrical devices. For longer trips, a backpack might be a better option, as it provides more space and can hold enough items for up to seven days.
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Personal items don't include duty-free purchases, food, drink, jackets, coats, or umbrellas
When travelling, it's important to be aware of what constitutes a personal item. Most airlines allow passengers to bring a personal item like a purse, backpack, or briefcase, at no additional charge. This item must fit under the seat in front of you and is in addition to the free carry-on piece allowed by most major airlines.
While duty-free purchases, food, drink, jackets, coats, and umbrellas are allowed onboard, they are not considered personal items. This means that they do not count towards your personal item allowance and must be stored separately. For example, you may be asked to place these items in the overhead bin instead of under your seat. This can be a challenge on full flights, as there may not be enough space in the overhead bins for everyone's luggage and personal items.
It's important to note that each airline has its own specific dimensions for personal items, and these may differ between carriers. Some airlines are very strict about enforcing these size restrictions, especially ultra-low-cost carriers. Passengers who try to bring larger bags onboard as personal items may be subject to additional fees or may be asked to check their bags.
To avoid any issues, it's recommended to check your airline's website for their specific personal item size restrictions and plan your packing accordingly. By following the guidelines and being considerate of fellow passengers and flight attendants, you can ensure a smooth travel experience.
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Frequently asked questions
A personal item is usually a small purse, backpack, briefcase, or tote bag that can be carried on board for free and must fit under the seat in front of you.
Mobility devices such as crutches, canes, and wheelchairs, as well as items like car seats, are not considered personal items.
Most major airlines do not have specific weight restrictions for personal items, as long as they fit under the seat in front of you. However, some airlines, like Frontier, allow a maximum weight of 35 lbs, while Hawaiian Airlines caps it at 25 lbs.
Size restrictions for personal items vary among airlines. In the United States, the standard size limit is 18" long, 14" wide, and 8" tall, but it's always a good idea to check with your specific airline.
