This is a question that often comes up for ladies: Does a purse count toward your carry-on?
But the answer is no, most airlines will not count a a standard purse as a carry-on bag; instead, airlines classify it as a personal item. What is considered a carry-on is a suitcase, backpack, or duffel bag that can be placed in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.
Before I go into the details about what airlines are saying about a purse as a carry-on, let’s answer some of these frequently asked questions.
Let’s dive right in.
TL;DR
A purse usually does not count as your carry-on. Most airlines classify it as a personal item.
You can usually bring one carry-on bag and one personal item, such as a purse, laptop bag, or small backpack.
Your purse should be small enough to fit under the seat in front of you.
If your purse is too large or your airline has stricter baggage rules, you can place it inside your carry-on before boarding.
Major U.S. airlines, including American, Delta, United, Southwest, and Spirit, generally treat a purse as a personal item rather than a carry-on.
Yes, most airlines allow passengers to bring two items on board: one main carry-on bag, which can be a suitcase, backpack, duffel bag, etc.
This carry-on bag must fit in the overhead compartment.
In addition to the carry-on bag, you can also bring a personal item. It can be a purse, a small backpack, a laptop bag, or any other item that can fit under the seat in front of you.
If you are traveling with a small purse that you can carry with you at all times, you don’t need to place it under the seat.
Can I Put My Purse Inside My Carry-on?
If it happens that your airline wants to count your purse as an additional item,
Yes, you can put your purse inside your carry-on bag, and that won’t be an issue, as long as your carry-on is within the allowed size limits of the airline you are flying with.
How Big Of a Purse Can I Take On a Plane?
Most airlines do not specify the size of a personal item. However, they insist that the purse be small enough to fit under the seat in front of you.
For example, on United you can take a personal item or purse with the following dimensions: 17 x 10 x 9 inches, while Southwest does not specify the dimensions of its personal item.
The overall rule is that your personal item (purse, small backpack, laptop bag, etc.) should fit under the seat in front of you.
If you have a large purse, it can affect your legroom.
Especially if you have long legs like me.
Some people with shorter legs actually like to use a personal item as a footrest.
According to Grand View Research, consumers are increasingly choosing handbags that combine style with practicality for work, travel, and everyday use. Many modern handbags now include laptop sleeves, secure compartments, and lightweight designs, making them ideal as airline personal items.
Can I Carry a Handbag As Well As Hand Luggage?
If your handbag is small, you are fine. It will count as a personal item, and your other hand luggage will be considered your carry-on.
Here is how airlines define carry-on luggage.
One personal bag, such as a handbag, laptop bag, or small backpack, must be able to fit under the seat in front of you. One carry-on bag must be light enough for you to lift into the overhead bin without any help.
Does A Purse Count As A Carry On U.S. Airlines?
Below I will give a brief on what airlines consider as carry on and personal items, if your purse is small it counts as a personal item on most airlines however some airline carry on regulations may change at any time.
Here is what airlines are saying about a purse as my carry on bag.
Southwest Airlines
Southwest is known with its generous carry on allowance, and it is clear about it.
you are allowed 1 carry-on bag and 1 personal item ( it can be purse, briefcase, laptop bag) per passenger the purse is counted as a personal item not a carry on bag.
you won’t be charged for the purse on Southwest Airlines.
However Carry-on should not exceed the following size and weight restrictions: 50 linear inches (24 x 16 x 10 in) or 127 centimeters (61 x 41 x 28 cm) including handles and wheels.
American Airlines
AA carry on allowance is known for its strictness.
However, you are allowed 1 carry-on bag and 1 personal item ( it can be purse, briefcase, laptop bag) per passenger; the purse is counted as a personal item not a carry-on bag.
Your carry-on on American airlines, should not exceed the following size and weight restrictions: 45 linear inches 22 x 14 x 9 in or 115 centimeters (56 x 36 x 23 cm) including handles and wheels.
United Airlines
United is known with its generous carry-on allowance, and it is clear about it.
you are allowed 1 carry-on bag and 1 personal item ( it can be purse, briefcase, laptop bag) per passenger the purse is counted as a personal item not a carry on bag.
Your purse must be small enough to be placed under the seat in front of you.
Your carry on must not be above United carry on allowance or you will have to check your items, 45 linear inches 22 x 14 x 9 in or 115 centimeters (56 x 36 x 23 cm) including handles and wheels.
Spirit Airlines
Spirit airlines will count your purse as carry-on baggage, but it will be counted as a personal item (purse, briefcase, laptop bag) free of charge, and must not be placed perfectly under the seat in front of you.
What will be considered a carry-on bag is the larger carry-on bag with the size of 22 x 18 x 10 inches (including handles and wheels) the carry-on bag will be transported for a fee.
Delta Airlines
All Delta passengers are allowed to have 1 carry-on bag and one personal item free of charge, like a purse or laptop bag or item of similar size.
Make sure at least one item fits underneath the seat in front of you.
Exceptions apply for passengers traveling with an infant-in-arms.
Final Thoughts: Does a Purse Count As a Carry-on?
When choosing your suitcase, you can’t always rely on the dimensions shown in the product description.
Sometimes the manufacturer does not include the overall dimensions.
But when it comes to a personal item, you’re just fine because most purses will fit perfectly under the seat in front of you, or just keep in I you lap, especially on the biggest airlines like American, Delta, and United.
With the ongoing changes to airline luggage allowances, sometimes your purse may be the only item you can take for free.
So make sure you can fit everything you need inside it if it will be the only item you travel with.
I hope this helps
Happy travels
FAQs About a Purse As Carry-on.
Does a large purse count as a carry-on?
Yes, If your purse is too large to fit under the seat, the airline may count it as a piece of carry-on bag.
Does a crossbody bag count as a personal item?
A crossbody bag is usually counted as a personal item as long as it fits under the seat in front of you.
Does a fanny pack count as a personal item?
Usually, yes. Most airlines will count a fanny pack as your personal item, especially if you’re also carrying a suitcase or backpack.
Can I carry a purse, a backpack, and a carry-on suitcase?
Most airlines will allow one carry-on bag and one personal item. If you have all three, you’ll likely need to put your purse inside your backpack or carry-on before boarding.
Does Basic Economy include a purse?
On most airlines, your purse will counts as your one free personal item with a Basic Economy ticket. A larger carry-on bag may cost extra.
Can I use a tote bag as a personal item?
A tote bag is fine as a personal item if it’s small enough to fit under the seat in front of you.
What can I pack inside my purse on a plane?
You can pack things like your wallet, phone, passport, charger, snacks, medications, and other everyday essentials. Just remember that liquids must follow the 3.4 oz / 100 ml carry-on limit.
Does a purse count as a carry-on on international flights?
Most international airlines treat a purse as a personal item, but it’s always a good idea to check your airline’s baggage rules before you fly.
Can I put my purse under the airplane seat?
Yes, that’s where airlines expect you to store your personal item during the flight.
What happens if my purse is too big?
If it won’t fit under the seat, the airline may consider it as your carry-on or ask you to check it before boarding.
Gargie, is writer, traveler & a digital marketing specialist
passionate about traveling and exploring new cultures. She is a savvy traveler who likes to pack light, testing various luggage brands and seeking out budget-friendly airline options. Gargie enjoys creating unique recipes when she’s not on the go.
