When traveling on an airplane, most airlines allow passengers to bring one personal item and one carry-on bag. The personal item is generally smaller than the carry-on and must fit under the seat in front of you. Backpacks are a common choice for a personal item, but not all backpacks meet the size requirements. So can a backpack count as a personal item? Let’s take a closer look.
What are the typical size restrictions for personal items?
Airlines have specific sizing guidelines for personal items that passengers can bring on board. Here are some typical maximum size restrictions:
- Dimensions: Approx 18 x 14 x 8 inches (length x width x height)
- Weight: Around 15-20 pounds
These dimensions allow the personal item to fit comfortably under an airplane seat without obstructing legroom. Airlines need to ensure passengers can store their items safely so aisles remain clear during boarding and in-flight emergencies.
What features make a good personal item backpack?
When choosing a backpack to use as a personal item, look for these key features:
- Size – Ensure it is within the permitted dimensions for personal items
- Compartments – Separate compartments help organize your belongings
- Comfort – Padded shoulder straps prevent digging into your shoulders
- Durability – Durable fabrics withstand being stuffed under seats
- Laptop sleeve – Safely store electronics in a padded, separate compartment
A backpack that checks these boxes will maximize your storage while meeting airline regulations.
What types of backpacks typically work as personal items?
Here are some backpack styles that commonly work as airline personal items if sized appropriately:
- Daypack – Compact and lightweight for daily essentials
- Laptop backpack – Padded laptop sleeve keeps devices protected
- Mini backpack – Very small packs fit under any seat
- Travel backpack – Designed specifically for air travel needs
- Tactical backpack – Durable and organized with lots of pockets
- Sling backpack – Worn over one shoulder for easy access
Measure carefully though, as even compact backpacks can sometimes exceed the personal item size limits.
Tips for fitting your backpack under the seat
Getting your backpack to fit under the seat takes some strategy. Here are some useful tips:
- Pack lightly and only bring essentials in your personal item
- Compress contents tightly to conserve space
- Be prepared to remove and stow bulkier items like sweaters overhead
- Bend soft-sided backpacks to squeeze them into smaller gaps
- Board early to find seat with most underseat capacity
- Angle backpack on its side instead of straight upright
- Use compression straps to make pack thinner
- Sit in bulkhead or exit row seats for most underseat room
With smart packing and tactical boarding, your backpack can comfortably fit under the seat.
What happens if your backpack is too large?
If your backpack exceeds the personal item size limits, these are the likely scenarios:
- You will be asked to check the backpack as luggage for a fee
- You may be allowed to keep the backpack if overhead bin space permits
- You will have to remove items from the backpack to reduce its size
- In rare cases, you may be denied boarding for the oversized item
Checking the backpack can result in high checked bag fees of $30 or more. When possible, avoid these outcomes by using a compliant sized backpack from the start.
Ideal backpack dimensions for personal items
While airlines permit up to 18 x 14 x 8 inches, smaller backpacks increase chances of fitting under more seats. Here are ideal backpack dimensions:
- Height: 16 inches or less
- Width: 12 inches or less
- Depth/length: 6 inches or less
Targeting these dimensions, while packing minimally, will lead to backpack success as a personal item.
Measure your backpack before traveling
To avoid any surprises, always measure your chosen backpack at home before heading to the airport. Follow these steps:
- Empty out the backpack completely
- Lay the backpack flat on the floor
- Measure the length, width and height with a measuring tape
- Compare the dimensions to airline personal item size restrictions
This will confirm if your backpack qualifies as a personal item for the airline. Measuring a filled backpack can give misleading dimensions, so measure empty.
Examples of backpacks that work as personal items
Here are some top-rated backpacks that meet most airline personal item size limits:
| Backpack | Dimensions |
|---|---|
| Osprey Daylite Plus Daypack | 17 x 10 x 7 inches |
| The North Face Borealis Backpack | 19 x 13 x 7 inches |
| Pacsafe Vibe 325 Anti-Theft Backpack | 16 x 10 x 5 inches |
| Targus Compact Backpack | 16 x 12 x 5 inches |
| eBags Professional Slim Laptop Backpack | 18 x 12.5 x 7 inches |
Always cross-reference any backpack dimensions against your specific airline’s size rules before traveling.
Tips for measuring your backpack
Follow these tips when measuring your backpack for personal item compliance:
- Empty backpack completely before measuring
- Lay backpack flat on floor to get most accurate dimensions
- Press down on any bulging areas of pack to flatten
- Straighten out any curved surfaces of soft-sided packs
- Use a soft measuring tape for flexibility around curves
- Measure length, width and height precisely
- Round down fractions of inches to be conservative
- Compare to airline rules and remeasure if borderline
Taking time to carefully measure your backpack can avoid problems fitting it under seats later.
Can you bring both a backpack and carry-on bag?
Most airlines allow one personal item plus one carry-on bag per passenger. So if your backpack meets the personal item size limits, you can also bring a carry-on like a rolling suitcase or duffel bag.
Just be aware of these potential issues when bringing both:
- Overhead bin space may fill up, forcing you to gate check a bag
- Narrowbody planes have smaller overheads, limiting dual bag abilities
- Regional jets often lack overhead space for any rollaboards
- Checking your carry-on last-minute leads to unexpected fees
Bringing both bags is permitted by airlines but not always practical. Consider packing light in your personal item only.
Maximizing your backpack as a personal item
Use these packing strategies to get the most use out of your backpack as a personal item:
- Pack essentials only like medication, documents, device, accessories
- Roll clothes tightly and place in bottom of pack
- Use organizer pouches and cubes to compress items
- Fill extra nooks with socks and underwear
- Wear bulky clothing like jackets to save space
- Attach duffel to outside using compression straps
- Use packing cubes to keep belongings separated
- Put snacks and small items in exterior pockets
With savvy packing, you can comfortably fit 1-3 days worth of necessities in your personal item backpack.
Other backpack tips for air travel
Keep these other tips in mind when using a backpack as your personal item for flights:
- Keep electronics accessible for security checks
- Pack liquids in plastic bags to quickly screen
- Consolidate ID/tickets in exterior pockets
- Use TSA-approved locks if checking backpack
- Put fragiles and valuables in main compartment
- Attach a luggage tag in case separated from pack
- Bring collapsible water bottle to fill post-security
- Pack clothes that don’t wrinkle easily
- Bring layers to add warmth on chilly planes
Conclusion
With careful selection and packing, many standard backpacks can qualify as a personal item for airline travel. Look for a backpack that is decidedly under the maximum size limits and utilizes smart packing systems. Compressing your belongings into a backpack personal item can maximize your carry-on while avoiding checked bag fees.
Remember to measure your empty backpack at home before heading to the airport. Some overstuffed backpacks may claim to be carry-on sized but fail to fit within the actual personal item dimensions permitted by airlines. With a properly sized and packed backpack, you can breeze through airport security and enjoy hands-free comfort throughout your travels.