Is A Backpack A Personal Item?

So can a backpack be a personal item?

Yes.

In general a backpack will be counted as a personal item if it fits under the seat in front of you.

So if you are traveling with a small backpack or daypack that will be stowed properly under the seat you want to face any issues, passengers who try to sneak an oversized or overweight backpack most of the time they get caught and the backpack will be counted as a carry on.

In this post we will answer all your questions about taking backpacks as a personal item and what types of backpacks will fit perfectly under the seat.

 This 40L lightweight and roomy easy to carry as a suitcase or as a backpack ,really deserves to give it a shot.

TIP
Is a backpack considered a personal item-1

Is a Backpack Considered a Personal Item?

If you are traveling with one of the airlines basic economy that allows only personal items as carry on baggage.

You may be willing to maximize your personal item.

  • Frontier Airlines
  • Allegiant Air
  • United Airlines
  • JetBlue Airways
  • Sun Country Airlines
  • Spirit Airlines

Some airlines have specified their personal item size as 8” x 14” x 18”inches, while few other airlines didn’t specify the size, but the general rule of thumb is that your personal item needs to be smaller in dimensions than your carry-on bag and can be stowed underneath the seat in front of you.

A 40 L backpack can have a size of (9.8” x 11.8” x 21.3” inches) and it can be a little larger than the allowed size, so if your Airline personal item size is 8” x 14” x 18”inches there are more chance they will count your backpack as a carry-on.

Can You Take a Personal Item Free Of Charge?

Yes, most airlines allow a “personal item” free of charge, so you can take all your essential items with you.

Most of the time the airline allows the following items , a smaller purse, a computer bag, a diaper bag,a small backpack, etc. which can go under the seat in front of you. in addition to one piece of carry-on luggage or “hand baggage” that can fit in the overhead bin.

However, on some low-cost airlines or in some basic economy tickets, you may pay an extra fee for a carry-on bag to go into the overhead bin. For example, United basic economy doesn’t allow full-sized carry-on for flights to the Caribbean but it does for flights to Europe.

What Size Backpack Is Considered a Personal Item?

Most airlines do not specify their personal item size, however some airlines still mention it in their website, like American airlines which have a personal item with the following 18” + 14” + 8” inches.

International personal item sizes vary, but most follow the same size requirements as domestic airlines.

Note: If you see a size listed in “linear inches,” take the combined length, width and depth of the bag and you’ll have your total in linear inches 8” + 14” + 18” = 40” linear inches.  

Here is some Airlines personal item size,check out your backpack size if it is within the airline size limits so you are good to.

AirlinesSize
United Airlines9 x 10 x 17 inches (22 x 25 x 43 cm).
Frontier Airlines18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm)
Spirit Airlines18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm)
Delta Airlines12 x 12 x 7 inches (30.50 x 30.50 x 17.8 cm)
American Airlines18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm)
Allegiant Air7 x 15 x 16 inches (17.8 x 38.1 x 40.6 cm)

Is a Backpack a Personal Item On United Airlines?

Kim wanted to know if United Airlines’ basic economy allowed only one personal item that can be a pure or a backpack, and the first checked bag is $30.

Is a backpack a personal item United

United customer service replied that is correct, so she can take a backpack as a personal item.

Is a Backpack a Personal Item On Frontier Airlines?

E-Simmon asked if a normally filled backpack is suitable as a free personal item

is a backpack a personal item frontier

Frontier replied that as long as it fits their personal item dimensions it will be free.

Is a Backpack a Personal Item On Spirit Airlines?

Jacobs backpack is 1.75 inches larger than the Spirit Airlines allowed size.

is a backpack a personal item spirit

They replied that as long as it is within 18” x 14” x 8” including handles and wheels you are good to go.

Is a Backpack a Personal Item On Delta Airlines?

Georgia wanted to own what is considered a small backpack on Delta.

is a backpack a personal item delta

They replied there isn’t a specified size for the personal item, but for reference the low average under the seat dimensions where the personal item is expected to be stored is around 12” L x 12” W x 7” H.

Is a Backpack a Personal Item On American Airlines?

Michael had a flight with AmericanAir and wanted to know if they considered a backpack or a personal item.

The AmericanAir customer service replied that if he got a 10 day trip packed, it will be considered a carry-on bag and a personal item and go under the seat easily.

is a backpack a personal item american airlines

Is a Backpack a Personal Item On Allegiant Air?

Shanna wanted to down every detail about Allegiant Air measurement and weight.

is a backpack a personal item allegiant

They replied that a personal item is something that can fit under the seat in front of you, like a purse, a briefcase or a small backpack.

Best Personal Item Sized Backpacks

Love the idea of bringing a backpack as a personal item? Here are some travel backpacks that you can take with you on your next journey.

BackpackDetailsSizeView on Amazon
Roam 25L Hiking Daypack - Ultra Lightweight Packable Backpack - Durable, Water Resistant Folding Backpack for Travel, CampingRoam 25L Hiking Daypack – Ultra Lightweight Packable Backpack 9 x 10 x 17 inches (22 x 25 x 43 cm).View
Lekesky Laptop Backpack Women 15.6 Inch Travel Backpack
10 x 8 x 16 inch / 25.4 x 20.32x 41.60 cm
View
MAXTOP Deep Storage Laptop Backpack with USB Charging Port 11.8 x 5.9 x 16.9 inch /30 x 15 x 43 cmView
JanSport Right Pack JanSport Right Pack 18″ x 13″ x 8.5″ / 46 x 33 x 21 cmView

Summary: Is a Backpack a Personal Item?

A Backpack can be considered a personal item if it is within the airline carry-on size limits.

You will need to be careful if you are planning to bring a large backpack on your next flight.

Ensure that you take a lighter backpack that is easy to squash to prove that it can be placed under the seat.

remember that the airline staff that restrict the personal items size, it is not the TSA.

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