So how big can my personal item be? and What if my personal item is too big?
Usually airlines will handle your personal item just as carry on if it is slightly big, but a little bit different.
When choosing your carry-on item, there are three main things you need to put in mind “the size, weight and what you put inside your personal item.”
You may have heard that Checking your baggage is a smart way to avoid any inconvenience at the airport, and checking in baggage will help you take all the items you will need during your journey, besides, you won’t give up the under-seat space in front of you.
However,check in luggage is not always the ideal solution. and Airlines don’t specify what types of bags fit into each category. Instead, they are defined only by size.
You can’t even know What will happen if your personal item is too big or it exceeds the allowed dimensions of your airline until the day of travel.
In this post we will walk you through what will occur 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.
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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 some major airlines personal item dimensions and what count 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 is too big and large it will be considered a carry-on.
Make sure the personal item is small and it can be placed easily under the seat in 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 in busy flights where the space in the overhead bin is cramped you may be required to check in your carry on bag.
People also ask:
- How strict are airlines about personal items?
- What can I use instead of a suitcase?
- Is a Duffle Bag a Personal Item on Airlines?
- Is a backpack considered a personal item?
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.
Summary
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 if and You will be okay if your personal item it’s 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.