So how big can my personal item be on airlines? and What if my personal item is too big?
Generally, a personal item must measure 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm) or smaller and must fit comfortably beneath the seat in front of you. Items typically include handbags, laptop bags, or small backpacks.
In this post I will walk you through what will happen if your beautiful personal bag is slightly big, passengers’ experiences ,what they said and how you will handle things when you show up to the airport with a large personal item, in addition to some savvy tricks to take all your items on board.
without further ado let’s dive right in.
TL;DR:
- Most airlines allow a personal item up to around 18 x 14 x 8 inches / 45 x 35 x 20 cm , and it must fit under the seat in front of you.
- Small backpacks, laptop bags, totes, and duffel bags usually work fine.
- If your personal item is slightly large, many airlines may still allow it, especially if the flight is not full and the bag can still fit under the seat.
- Budget airlines like Spirit, Frontier, and United Basic Economy tend to be stricter and may charge you or treat it as a carry-on if it doesn’t fit in the bag sizer.
- Soft bags are usually better because you can squeeze them under the seat more easily.
- To avoid any issues at the airport, check your airline’s size rules before flying and avoid bringing two bulky bags onboard.
What Is Considered a Personal Item On Major Airlines?
What is the most common personal item size?
You can take your personal item if it complies with the airline luggage regulations, but some airlines do not specify what they count as a personal item, or even the size they allow.
Below are some major airlines’ personal item dimensions and what counts as a personal item on these major airlines.
| American Airlines | Your personal purse can be a purse, a small handbag or any other item with the following sizes 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm). Diaper bags (1 per child), soft-sided cooler bags with breast milk, child safety seats, strollers and medical or mobility devices are free to bring but don’t count as personal item |
| Delta | Any item that fits under the seat. |
| Southwest | Any personal item that fits in the 18.5 x 8.5 x 13.5-inch space under the seat. |
| United Airlines | Any item with the following dimensions 9 inches x 10 inches x 17 inches (22 centimeters x 25 centimeters x 43 centimeters). |
| Alaska | Any item that fits under the seat. |
| Jetblue | Any personal item that fits under the seat in front of you with the following dimensions 17″ L (43.2 cm) x 13″ W (33 cm) x 8″ H (20.32 cm). it could be a purse, daypack, laptop bag or approved pet carrier. |
| Spirit | A Personal item on spirit can be a purse, small backpack, or any other items with the Dimensions 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm) .. |
What If My Personal Item Is Too Big?
If your personal item is too big, it will be considered a carry-on.
Make sure the personal item is small enough that it can be placed easily under the seat on the airplane.
Keep in mind that if you are traveling with a carry-on and a personal item, especially if your personal item is a duffle bag or a small backpack, you are going to attract the attention of the airline staff at the airport.
And on busy flights where the space in the overhead bin is cramped, you may be required to check in your carry-on bag.
How Big Can a Personal Item Be On a Plane?
American Airlines
American Airlines allow you to travel with a carry on bag and a personal item.
If you are taking a small bag as your personal item you need to make sure it is smaller than 18 x 14 x 8.
For small airplanes”like in the picture” your under-seat bag or carry-on bag may be subject to space availability.
Please Keep in mind that if you are taking a large bag as a personal item “like in the picture”.
If the flight is busy or you are flying in a small aircraft ,or the overhead bins are filling up you might be asked to check some of your carry on at the gate.
Delta Airlines
However, they do not specify a size in its website, but They give examples like a purse, briefcase, camera bag, or diaper bag.
And they say that you can bring other bags that are a similar size to those mentioned above.
The guy above wants to take a tennis bag with him onboard.
The bag exceeds slightly the carry on size allowance and obviously it can not be placed under the seat.
However the airline said that they will know what will happen at the airport and usually they will be lenient if the flight is not busy.
Southwest Airlines
Southwest is known with its generous free check in baggage, and above the passenger witnessed also its generosity on transporting carry on baggage and personal items.
Your one personal item can be 18.5 x 13.5 x 8.5 “ or slightly bigger, when you fly with Southwest so if your personal item bag is smaller than that you’ll be okay.
United Airlines
United have a smaller personal item size, and According to United Airlines, Your personal item should fit underneath the seat in front of you.
The maximum dimensions for your personal item are 9 inches x 10 inches x 17 inches (22 centimeters x 25 centimeters x 43 centimeters).
And if you plan to travel on a basic economy ticket they can be quite strict about the maximum dimensions allowed.
Your personal item must fit in the United sizer to be allowed.
Spirit Airlines
Spirit Airlines allows personal items that are 18 x 14 x 8. Since their cheapest ticket does not include a carry-on they are used to passengers using duffle bags as personal items.
You do need to be careful to make sure your personal item does not exceed their size limits.
Frontier Airlines
Just like spirit airlines Frontier Airlines allow personal items that are 18 x 14 x 8.
AS the passenger replied, your personal item with Frontier depends on the flight and your luggage size.
If you are traveling with a large bag, you may not be able to get away with it.
Final Thoughts
In principle, there is nothing wrong with using different items as a personal bag, like a small backpack, gym bag, weekender bag, laptop bag, or tote.
Nothing will happen, and you will be okay if your personal item is under the size limits and fits under the seat in front of you.
So it’s important to check your size limits before you reach the airport.
If you are traveling with two items but want to maximize your luggage by packing one carry-on and a larger duffel bag, you might be asked to gate-check one or both of your bags.
Travelers flying with low-cost airlines such as Spirit or Frontier should seriously consider packing a duffel bag or a backpack instead of a suitcase, as it can be squeezed and fit perfectly under the seat.
Hopefully, this post helps and answers all your questions on the topic.
FAQ About Personal Item Sizes On Planes
Can a backpack be used as a personal item?
Yes, most travelers use a small backpack as their personal item. As long as it fits under the seat in front of you, airlines usually consider it a personal item.
Can a 40L backpack count as a personal item?
A 40L backpack is often too large to fit under the seat and is normally treated as a carry-on bag instead.
How strict are airlines about personal item size?
It depends on the airline and the flight. Budget airlines like Spirit, Frontier, and Ryanair are usually stricter, especially on full flights. Larger airlines are sometimes more relaxed if your bag is only slightly oversized.
Do airlines actually measure personal items?
Some airlines use bag sizers at the gate, especially low-cost carriers. If your bag looks too large, staff may ask you to place it in the sizer.
What happens if your personal item doesn’t fit under the seat?
If it doesn’t fit, the airline may treat it as a carry-on bag or ask you to check it at the gate. On budget airlines, this can also mean paying an extra baggage fee.
Can a duffel bag be a personal item?
Yes, a small duffel bag can work as a personal item if it fits under the seat. Soft duffel bags are actually easier to squeeze into tight spaces than hard-shell bags.
What is the safest personal item size for all airlines?
A bag around 18 x 14 x 8 inches / 45 × 35 × 20 in cm is generally considered the safest size for most airlines. Smaller soft sided bags usually give you the best chance of avoiding problems.
Can a personal item be slightly oversized?
Sometimes, yes. If your bag is only a little bigger and still fits under the seat, airline staff may let it slide. But if the flight is crowded or the bag looks bulky, they may stop you and charge for it.
You might also like:
- How strict are airlines about personal items?
- What can I use instead of a suitcase?
- Is a Duffle Bag a Personal Item?
- Is a backpack considered a personal item?
