I’ve been traveling with two backpacks for almost more than seven years, because I like to bring two carry ons only whenever I can, not only because I want to save money on checked baggage, but also to minimize the time I spend at the airports.
I can skip the baggage claim also it makes navigating the airport or any city much easier.
And unless you are traveling basic economy class, you can do it either as most of the airlines allow two pieces of carry-on luggage.
Generally you can bring two backpacks as carry-on luggage, if your airline allows two pieces of carry-on luggage on board the airplane, the first backpack needs to fit perfectly in the overhead compartment while the second backpack must fit under the seat in front of you.
Keep reading to know more about taking two backpacks and which airlines do allow them on board.
Let’s dive sign in.
Keep reading because in this post we will cover everything about taking two backpacks in carry-on luggage, and what some of the airlines that allow you to bring them without any issues.
Let’s dive right in.
Can You Take Two Carry-on Backpacks?
If you notice that some passengers are wearing two backpacks at once at the airport, It is mostly the airline that allows two pieces of carry-on luggage.
Main carry on bag
Most airlines offer in their cabin baggage one main carry-on bag, which need to be placed in the overhead compartment, and most of the time it is approximately 22 in x 14 in x 9 in (55 cm x 35 cm x 22 cm), this is the standard carry on size for most US airlines ( do research on your airline carry on exact size).
So if your backpack is under the mentioned size then you are just good to go, won’t have any issues with the airline.
Personal item
In addition to the main carry-on bag ( which is your first backpack) you can bring another piece of luggage, but this time a smaller one than the first piece.
Most of the airline do not have a specified size, they usually mention the following statement:
” It must fit under the seat in front of you , And it can be a purse, a laptop bag or a small backpack.”
That’s it.
But here is the approximate standard size, 9 inches x 10 inches x 17 inches (22 centimeters x 25 centimeters x 43 centimeters).
So this will be your second Backpack, even though sometimes if the backpack is a bit larger than the mentioned size it can still be placed under the seat, if it is not full to the brim.
Other items and exceptions
Some airlines allow other additional items take un addition of the two carry on pieces, you can take them without need to placing them inside your carry-on, some of the items can include:
- Your Jacket or coat
- An umbrella
- Books
- Items you buy at the airport (duty free shopping)
- Assistive devices (such as a collapsible wheelchair, canes, crutches, medical device for prescription medications, or portable oxygen concentrator)
- Women traveling with infants can bring one diaper bag and it will not be considered a carry-on.
Make sure that you don’t place any of the items that your airline considers as additional items inside your backpack to gain some space for other necessary items.
Passengers traveling with a pet, the carrier will be counted as either a carry on or a personal item on some airlines.
NOTE
The Benefits Of Traveling With Two Backpacks
We have already written about the pros and cons of traveling with backpacks and suitcases.
But a backpack can really save a lot of the hassle of traveling and here is why.
- A backpack will help you pack neatly pare down and take only what you need rather than filling your suitcase with items that you might not even need and avoid paying checked luggage fees.
- You can squeeze the backpack in the baggage sizer, the overhead compartment, or under the seat in front of you, especially if it is not a large backpack.
- You don’t need to lug anything at the airport, or on the route, especially when you are in a hurry.
- When traveling on a small airplane and there is no space, the airline agent may ask you to send your backpack as checked baggage and you don’t need to worry about it breaking easily like a suitcase; most of the time it will take the hits and nothing will happen.
Wearing Two Backpacks – Passengers Experiences
I went further to see some other passengers’ experiences, and if they can bring two backpacks on their flights.
This passenger asked JetBlue on Twitter about having two carry-on backpacks in the overhead bin.
JetBlue replied that he can have two backpacks on board the airplanes, but not in the overhead bin, but rather w- one in the overhead compartment and one under the seat in front of him.
Still some passengers are confused about airiness rules.
Thomas called the United Airlines agent who confirmed to them that he is good to bring two backpacks in carry-on, but when he showed up to the airport the airline agent informed them that he needed to gate check the second backpack because he was only allowed to bring one piece of carry-on.
Thomas either has a basic economy class, there is no more space in the overhead bin, or the airline agent does not know more details about traveling with carry-on.
Airlines That Allows Two Carry On Bags
| Airlines | Carry on pieces |
|---|---|
| Unites Airlines | One carry on bag plus one personal item (All fares can bring two backpacks except Basic Economy that will have only one personal item) |
| American Airlines | One carry on bag plus one personal item |
| JetBlue | One carry on bag plus one personal item (You can’t bring two backpacks if you fly on Blue Basic fares because they do not allow a carry-on bag) |
| Alaska Airlines | One carry on bag plus one personal item |
| Delta Airlines | One carry on bag plus one personal item |
| Southwest Airlines | One carry on bag and one personal item |
| Hawaiian Airlines | One carry on bag plus one personal item |
| Air Canada | One main carry on bag and one personal item |
| British Airways | One carry on bag plus one personal item |
Final Thoughts
You can bring two backpacks on a plane, even wheeled backpacks, if the airline allows two pieces of carry-on luggage.
One main carry-on bag plus one personal item, even though most airlines do not have weight limit for their carry on your main backpack must be light enough that you can store it in the overhead compartment unassisted.
The first backpack which will be counted as your main carry-on bag needs to be within the size limits so it can fit easily in the overhead compartment and is light enough to be placed without need of help.
On the other hand the second backpack which will be counted as your personal item needs to fit the space under the seat in front of you ( and it is better to consider a small backpack).
It is better to take seriously your airline luggage size into count to avoid any surprises at the airport.
People also ask:
We hope this helps
Happy travels