What is a Personal Item Anyway?
Airline rules tend to be very clear for just about anything a customer would want to know. Personal items; however, appear to be one of those exceptions to the rule. Do they fall under the rules for carry-on luggage? Just what is a personal item anyway? Many airlines don’t publish rules for personal items, and those that do can’t seem to agree on basics like the size allowed.
I’m going to attempt to clarify what you can (and can’t) bring as a personal item, and how big your personal item can be. To do this we’ll have to look at what the rules that do exist seem to imply, and take into account what is generally accepted.
What is Generally Accepted?
According to the TSA, you are allowed “one personal item such as a laptop computer, purse, small backpack, briefcase, or camera case”. Different airlines range on what they consider acceptable, but the intention is the same. Here are some example personal items across a few airlines:
- Air Asia: “1 x laptop in its carrier with its accessories or 1 x handbag (male / female)”
- American Airlines: “purse, briefcase, laptop bag OR a similar item such as a tote”
- Delta: “1 purse, briefcase, camera bag or diaper bag; or 1 laptop computer (computers cannot be checked); or 1 item of a similar or smaller size to those listed above”
- Lufthansa: “a woman’s handbag, a laptop case or shoulder bag”
From this we can gather that your personal item should be a small bag like a daypack, laptop bag, purse, camera bag, or tote. For planning, it helps to think “bag” rather than “luggage” when considering a personal item.
Can You Carry a Backpack as a Personal Item?
If you want to use a backpack as your personal item, try for a slim laptop backpack or an unstructured, packable daypack. Just make sure it abides by any sizing rules, should they exist for your airline.
What is NOT Considered a Personal Item?
It is important to note that there are a number of items that do not count as either a carry-on or a personal item:
- Pillow or blanket
- FAA-approved safety seat, stroller, and diaper bag for lap or ticketed child
- Assistive devices for passengers such as wheelchairs, walkers, canes, crutches, braces, portable oxygen concentrators, and CPAP machines
- A foot rug (3′ x 2′ maximum) for use during prayer
- Pet carrier
If you need to bring one of the above items with you, it should be safe to consider it as “in addition” to your regular baggage limit. I would recommend you always verify with your carrier to avoid any surprises at check-in.
Personal Item Size
Since there does not seem to be one explicit rule for the size of your personal item, a good rule of thumb is that it should fit under the seat in front of you. Do not use your personal item as an excuse to bring a second carry-on and be the selfish person everyone hates taking up multiple spots in the overhead bin!
If we are going to use the “under the seat” rule as our guide, how much space is under the seat? Plus, how much space is for my feet if I’d like to be a little more comfortable during my flight?
Once again, those airlines that do provide guidelines on sizing vary. Here are a few airlines that publish size guidelines for personal items:
Again, I’d highly recommend that you verify any rules with your airline before arriving at check-in for an unpleasant surprise.
Something else to keep in mind is that the more discreet your personal item is, the less likely it is to draw the attention of the gate agent, so try to keep it inconspicuous. The best options for a universal personal item are: purses, slim laptop or messenger bags, or tote bags.
It’s always best to pack as light as possible to avoid any reason to be singled out by your airline.
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Be sure to comment below and let me know what you use for a personal item when you fly!
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Personal Item FAQ
The commonly accepted rule for carry-on luggage size is 45 linear inches (measured as length + width + height), and must fit in the overhead compartment. In addition to your carry-on luggage, most airlines also allow one personal item, like a purse or laptop bag. Your personal item must fit under the seat in front of you.
If you want to use a backpack as your personal item, try for a slim laptop backpack or an unstructured, packable daypack. Just make sure it abides by any sizing rules, should they exist for your airline
Since there does not seem to be one explicit rule for the size of your personal item, a good rule of thumb is that it should fit under the seat in front of you. Do not use your personal item as an excuse to bring a second carry-on and be the selfish person everyone hates taking up multiple spots in the overhead bin!
A duffel bag will work as a personal item, just be sure it fits under the seat in front of you.
Thanks Bruce…I’ll be travelling next month. Appreciate the info! 🙂
You’re very welcome Theresa! Enjoy your trip 🙂
Thank you for dissecting what a personal item really is considered to be! Great advice Bruce!
Personal items can be tricky, so I’m glad you enjoyed this post!
Great post Bruce! Good info to know especially with the different aircraft carriers…
Dr. Lisa
Glad to help Dr. Lisa!
Thank you for sharing this. I almost forgot about the personal items that I have to bring for my next trip. Your post is helpful. It will definite saves us from hassle.
So glad to hear that Anna! A personal item is great when used properly
It’s always better to ask so you’ll not be surprised when checking in. Great tips. Thanks Bruce.
You’re so right Ricci … so many different rules to keep track of 🙂
This is an interesting topic! I find it very disturbing that some American airlines force you to put your carry on items to cargo when the overhead pins get full. You might be the next person to get in to plane when suddenly someone tells you that no carry ons are allowed anymore. It’s hard when you have everything you need for your child, your laptop, camera etc. in your carry on. If they would just strictly force the correct sizes of bags like in Europe, we wouldn’t have this problem. I mostly don’t carry “the personal item” with me because I travel with a child and need my hands as free as possible. 🙂
So true … the lack of any real standard is definitely a problem. On my most recent trip I saw people having to go through their carry-on bags to take out what they needed for the flight because of the lack of overhead space.
Thanks for this unstoppable info. Lots to think about.
You’re very welcome Rhonda, thanks for dropping by!
I’ve never really understood the TSA regulations so this has cleared a lot up! Sometimes, like with the size of a backpack they have rules in place but then you see people passing through with huge bags!
I completely agree …. I’ve never been able to make sense of the supposed rules and the huge backpacks I see “carry-on only” people using
Great information. It seems that most every single airline should have the exact same dimensions and meaning for carry on and what can be brought on board. It seems logical to me but what do I know. Good read though. Thank you
Wouldn’t that make our lives easier?? Thanks for bring that up 🙂
I got confused with the weight of personal items when I traveled to Hongkong via AirAsia airlines. I was carrying my laptop bag and a tote. The tote was kinda heavy so they told me that I had to choose one only. Thankfully, my sister took my laptop bag and carried it. I will be more aware next time and carry less.
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Sorry about that, but I’m surprised you found an airline enforcing the rules! I’ve never been asked to weigh or measure my carry-on baggage, which has always surprised me.
Ah, the joys of packing. Stressful but this post was definitely informative. Thanks!
Thanks Ange, glad you received some value!
I never really look into the TSA regulations while travelling. I always just assume that you are allowed one personal item being a purse or backpack etc. So I have always brought a purse big enough to fir my laptop. Thanks for the tips though. It’s helpful to understand their often broad terminology.
Yes, I think that’s what most people do, and since the rules are so loosely enforced it doesn’t usually make a difference.