One of the frequent questions we get since traveling with Qatar Airways is , “Does Qatar Airways allow a personal item?”
Qatar Airways is known for its generous baggage allowance and mind-boggling in-flight entertainment, but what about its personal item policy? Does Qatar Airways allow a generous personal item, and what if your personal item is too big?
Yes, Qatar Airways allows you to have one personal item in addition to your standard carry-on bag, but the item need to be small enough to fit under the seat in front of you
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TL;DR
- Qatar Airways allows 1 free personal item in addition to your carry-on bag.
- Your personal item need to be small enough to fit under the seat in front of you.
- Common personal items include a small backpack, purse, laptop bag, tote bag, or briefcase.
- Economy Class: 1 carry-on bag up to 7 kg (15 lb).
- Business and First Class: 2 carry-on bags with a combined weight of 15 kg (33 lb).
- Carry-on size limit: 50 × 37 × 25 cm (20 × 15 × 10 in).
- If your backpack doesn’t fit under the seat, it may be treated as your carry-on bag.
- Liquids in your personal item must be in containers of 100 ml (3.4 oz) or less and packed in a clear resealable bag.
- Qatar Airways may check the size and weight of your cabin baggage at the airport.
- If your personal item is too large, you may have to check it or count it as your carry-on.

What Is Qatar Airways Carry On Policy?
Qatar Airways carry-on allowance is as follows:
1 personal item: free
Carry-on baggage:
- Economy Class: 1 free bag up to 15 pounds (7 kg)
- First Class and Business Class: 2 free bags with a combined total weight of 33 pounds (15 kg)
Size limits
Personal item:
There is no specific size for a personal item, but Qatar Airways states that items such as a handbag or small briefcase are permitted, and they must fit under the seat in front of you.
Carry-on size: 20 x 15 x 10 inches (50 x 37 x 25 cm)
Infant Carry-On Policy
Infants are not permitted any carry-on allowance, so any items would need to be carried in the adult’s carry-on.
Passengers may check one item, such as a car seat or carrying cot, free of charge.
For flights to/from Argentina, Brazil, Canada, and the U.S., an infant is permitted one piece of checked luggage up to 50 pounds (23 kg) and 45 inches (115 cm). For all other routes, the allowance is one 22-pound (10 kg) bag.
You can find more about Qatar airways baggage here.
What You Can’t Take On Personal Item?
According to Qatar Airways, you can transport liquids, gels, pastes, and aerosols in containers up to 100 ml (3.4 oz) in your hand baggage.
Containers larger than 100 ml cannot be accepted, even if only partly filled. Your containers should be carried in a transparent, resealable, quart- or litre-sized bag no larger than 20 x 20 cm (8 x 8 in).
Please ensure all items fit comfortably in the plastic bag.
Airport security will ask you to produce your transparent bag of liquids separately for screening.
There are no restrictions on baby food or medication.
However, you may be required to present a prescription for medication you want to take onboard.
Does Qatar Airways Allow Personal Item?
Yes, according to Qatar Airways, in addition to your hand baggage allowance, you can also carry personal items such as one lady’s handbag or one small briefcase; one coat, cape, or blanket; one umbrella; one pair of crutches or a walking stick; one small camera or binoculars; limited reading material; an infant’s carrying basket; and duty-free items purchased on the day of your flight.
Does A Backpack Count As A Personal Item Qatar Airways?
Yes, you can take a backpack and a carry-on on Qatar Airways, but your backpack must fit under the seat in front of you.
If your backpack does not fit under the seat in front of you, it will be counted as a carry-on bag.
Is Qatar Airways Strict On Personal Items?

Qatar Airways is fairly strict about its hand luggage and personal items.
Your carry-on baggage must not exceed 50 x 37 x 25 cm (20 x 15 x 10 in).
There is a higher chance that the airline will use bag sizers at the airport to check that your carry-on and personal item adhere to the airline’s restrictions.
The best way to avoid any inconvenience at the airport is to follow the airline’s luggage rules.
How Much Is Personal Item On Qatar Airways?
You are allowed to take your personal item on Qatar Airways for free, as long as it is within the size limits and adheres to the airline’s carry-on guidelines.
As stated above, personal items such as one lady’s handbag or one small briefcase; one coat, cape, or blanket; one umbrella.
What Is The Best Personal Item For Qatar Airways?
Having a carry-on and a personal item that fit Qatar Airways’ baggage allowance is the right decision.
That way, you won’t have to worry about whether the airline will be strict about the size or weight.
Does Qatar Airways Allow Personal Item Reddit?

Final Thoughts
If you’re flying with Qatar Airways, you don’t need to worry too much about your personal item.
Just keep it small enough to slide under the seat in front of you, and you’ll be able to bring it along with your carry-on bag at no extra cost.
A small backpack, purse, laptop bag, or tote bag will usually work just fine. If your bag is too large to fit under the seat, there’s a good chance it will be treated as your carry-on instead.
Before you head to the airport, take double check your baggage allowance, especially if you’re flying in a different cabin or on a special fare.
I hope this helps
Happy travels
FAQs about Personal Items for Qatar Airways
Does the 7 kg carry-on limit include the personal item?
In Economy Class, your carry-on bag and personal item generally count toward the 7 kg / 15 lb cabin baggage allowance, so make sure their combined weight stays within the limit.
Can I bring a laptop bag and a carry-on on Qatar Airways?
Yes. You can use a laptop bag as your personal item as long as it fits under the seat in front of you.
What size backpack counts as a personal item on Qatar Airways?
Qatar Airways doesn’t publish exact personal item dimensions, but you can use a small backpack as your personal item if it fits comfortably under the seat in front of you.
Does Qatar Airways weigh personal items?
Yes sometimes Qatar Airways may put your cabin baggage including your personal item in a scale, especially on busy international flights.
What happens if my personal item is too big?
If your personal item doesn’t fit under the seat, Qatar Airways may consider it as part of your carry-on or ask you to check it.
Can I bring both a carry-on suitcase and a backpack?
You can bring one carry-on bag and one small backpack, provided the backpack fits under the seat and your total cabin baggage stays within the weight allowance.
Can I bring duty-free shopping in addition to my personal item?
You can bring duty-free items purchased on the day of your flight in addition to your permitted cabin baggage.
Can I bring a purse and a backpack on Qatar Airways?
You can bring only one personal item. If you have both, you may be asked to place your purse inside your backpack before boarding.
Can I bring a diaper bag in addition to my personal item?
If you’re flying with an infant, you can usually bring a diaper bag with your baby’s essentials. It’s still a good idea to check with Qatar Airways before your flight.
Can I bring a camera bag as a personal item?
You can use a small camera bag as your personal item if it fits under the seat in front of you.
Can I bring a travel pillow in addition to my personal item?
You can bring a travel pillow in addition to your personal item. It usually isn’t counted as cabin baggage, especially if you wear it or carry it separately.