Can You Wear a Fanny Pack On a Plane?

Fashion waist packs and bum bags are becoming super popular, and if you’re planning to wear your fanny pack on a plane, you might be wondering if it’s allowed and if it counts as one of your carry-on items.

Here is a quick answer: you can bring and wear your fanny pack on a plane, and it won’t be considered one of your carry-on items.

Most airlines will let you bring two pieces of carry-on luggage, like a backpack or a small suitcase. But they also permit to bring extra things, like a book, a jacket, and yes, a fanny pack! These extra items won’t be counted toward your carry-on luggage.

Now, let’s get into more details so you can wear your fanny pack on a plane without any worries.

Let’s dive right in. 

a black fanny pack
Traveling Herschel Fourteen Waist Pack, / Amazon Courtesy

Does a Fanny Pack Count As a Personal Item Or Carry-on?

No, a fanny pack will not be counted either as a personal item or a carry-on bag.

Most airlines will allow you to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item onboard the airplane, However some airlines will let you take another small item.

Here is an example of United carry on:

Personal item

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).

Carry-on baggage

Your carry-on bag should fit in the overhead bin. The maximum dimensions for a carry-on bag are 9 inches x 14 inches x 22 inches (22 centimeters x 35 centimeters x 56 centimeters). This includes handles and wheels.

Additional items

In addition to a single carry-on bag and a personal item, you can bring the following items on board:

  • A jacket
  • An umbrella
  • Reading material
  • Food or merchandise that you buy in the airport
  • Assistive devices ( such as a collapsible wheelchair, cane, crutches, medical device for prescription medications, or portable oxygen concentrator )
  • FAA-approved child restraint system or safety seat
  • A diaper bag
  • A breast pump
  • A camera
  • A pet carrier (service charges apply for in-cabin pets)

Sure, your fanny pack or bum bag is small and will not be counted as a carry on bag, you can take it as a personal item or the small additional item, so you still have room to bring your carry on bag.

Here is an answer from Southwest customer service.

The airline allows two pieces of luggage, one carry-on bag, and one personal item, anything worn like a jacket or a fanny pack won’t be counted toward a carry-on or a personal item.

Can You Wear a Fanny Pack On a Plane-02

People also ask:

Can You Wear a Fanny Pack With a Backpack?

When I travel with a fanny pack and a backpack, I put my fanny pack in the front, this way it is easy to get access to my belongings.

When I travel with my backpack and my fanny pack/ bum bag that makes it for me more fun, I only place my small and lighter item on it(phone, charger, documents etc…), the backpack takes almost 90% of my items.

Can You Wear a Fanny Pack On a Plane And Can Fanny Packs Go On Airplanes?

Yes, your fanny pack can make it to the airplane as a small additional item free of charge, it’s like a purse, a small backpack, a diaper bag etc…

As long as your Fanny pack, bum bag is within the airline carry-on size and weight and obviously it is, your fanny pack won’t have any trouble to go on airplanes.

A traveler in Quora wrote this:

Different airlines have different rules.

I fly mostly Southwest and Delta, occasionally American. All three of these allow you one personal item (handbag, briefcase, fanny pack) and one carry-on (duffle bag, small suitcase) to place on the overhead bin at no additional charge.

On these airlines, your fanny pack would not pose a problem, even if you were carrying two other acceptable pieces, because it is small enough to slip into one of them.

What Do You Carry In a Fanny Pack?

A fanny pack needs to carry your essentials just as your personal item. Plan to keep your health essential documents, and technology,your side no matter and everywhere.

These things are always in my fanny pack or bum bag:

  • Wallet and ID
  • Passport
  • Travel and visa documents
  • Change of clothes (especially if you’re checking luggage)
  • Medications (daily, necessary, allergy)
  • Headphones
  • Gum or mints
  • Sunglasses, prescription glasses, or contacts
  • Chapstick
  • Hair ties and headband
  • Antibacterial wipes

Are Fanny Packs Safe For Travel?

You should never leave your fanny pack unattended.

There is no rule of thumb for this question, but you will need to make sure you have an Anti-Theft Waist Pack and take care of it.

There are a large number of anti theft bum bags / Waist Bag options on the market. And when it comes to Waist Bags, this feature is even more important, especially if you are traveling and the fanny pack on your back, where you can’t see what’s going on.

Which Fanny Pack Should You Bring?

A small fanny pack, waist Bag is ideal for the necessities if you plan to keep your other items in your carry on bag.

If you plan to use your tablet on the plane, opt for a fanny pack with a specifically designed tablet sleeve, like PacSafe Vibe 100 4 Liter Anti Theft Fanny or FREETOO Waist Pack Bag Fanny Pack .

Final Thoughts: Can You Wear a Fanny Pack On a Plane?

You can wear your fanny pack on a plane and it will not be counted toward your carry-on baggage.

When choosing a fanny pack or a bum bag one of the most important things to consider is safety. of course, you need to be safe yourself, but you also need your belongings to be safe.

You should make sure your fanny pack is secured, sturdy, durable, and can be fastened tight.

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