What Is Considered a Personal Item for the Airline?

When preparing for a flight, one of the most important things to consider is your luggage. Airlines often have specific rules and regulations about what can be carried onboard, including restrictions on the size and number of bags you can bring. In addition to your carry-on luggage, most airlines allow passengers to bring a “personal item” on board. But what exactly is considered a personal item? And how does it differ from your regular carry-on bag?

In this blog post, we’ll dive into the details of what counts as a personal item on an airplane, what types of bags qualify, and how to make the most of your personal item allowance when traveling.

What is a Personal Item?

A personal item is an additional piece of luggage that you’re allowed to bring with you onboard, aside from your carry-on bag. While the size and weight limits may vary depending on the airline, a personal item typically refers to something smaller than your main carry-on bag that can be stored under the seat in front of you.

Unlike checked luggage or larger carry-on bags, which must be placed in the overhead compartments, a personal item stays with you in the cabin, offering easy access during the flight. Think of it as something essential that you may need during the flight, such as your wallet, medications, electronic devices, or entertainment.

What Can Be Considered a Personal Item?

Airlines often give examples of what qualifies as a personal item, but the general rule of thumb is that it should be small enough to fit under the seat in front of you. Some common examples of personal items include:

1. Backpacks: A small or medium-sized backpack is one of the most common personal items. It provides ample space for personal essentials like electronics, books, snacks, and more.
2. Laptop Bags or Briefcases: For business travelers, a laptop bag or briefcase is considered a personal item. These bags often have compartments for your laptop, charger, and other work essentials.
3. Tote Bags: A large tote bag can easily fit under the seat and carry your personal belongings. Many people use totes to store items they’ll need during the flight, such as a book, snacks, or a sweater.
4. Handbags or Purses: A typical handbag or purse is another common personal item. Women often use their handbags for daily essentials like wallets, phones, cosmetics, and other small necessities.
5. Diaper Bags: For families traveling with young children, a diaper bag can be considered a personal item. It’s a practical and necessary item to bring on board, as it holds everything you may need to care for your baby during the flight.
6. Cameras or Camera Bags: If you’re a photographer or simply want to bring a camera to capture your travels, a camera bag is often considered a personal item. These bags are usually compact enough to fit under the seat.
7. Small Suitcases or Rolling Bags: Some airlines allow small rolling bags as personal items, though it depends on the airline’s policies. These bags must fit within the allowed size limits to qualify as personal items.

Size Restrictions for Personal Items

Airlines typically have specific size restrictions for personal items. While the exact measurements can vary, personal items generally need to fit within the following size range:

• Width: 15–18 inches
• Height: 10–14 inches
• Depth: 5–8 inches

It’s important to check with your airline for their specific size limits before you pack, as exceeding the maximum size could result in additional charges or the need to check the item in as luggage.

What’s Not Considered a Personal Item?

While airlines are generally flexible when it comes to personal items, there are certain items that may not qualify. For example:

1. Large Backpacks or Duffel Bags: If your backpack or duffel bag exceeds the airline’s personal item size limit, it may be considered a carry-on bag instead. Check the airline’s carry-on policies to make sure your bag is compliant.
2. Shopping Bags or Paper Bags: Many airlines will not allow you to carry a simple shopping bag or any other item that doesn’t have a proper zipper or closure. These items don’t offer enough structure or security to be considered personal items.
3. Large Electronics: If you’re carrying a large laptop or tablet, it may need to be stored in a larger carry-on bag rather than as a personal item. In some cases, airlines may allow you to bring a laptop or other large device as a personal item, but it must be within the size limitations.

Tips for Packing Your Personal Item

When deciding what to bring as your personal item, it’s important to keep a few tips in mind to make the most of the space:

1. Prioritize Essentials: Use your personal item to store things you may need during the flight, such as your phone, wallet, medications, snacks, or entertainment. You don’t need to pack everything you would in a carry-on bag — just focus on the items you’ll need immediately.
2. Use a Compact Bag: Choose a bag that fits within the airline’s size limits but still provides ample space for your personal essentials. A small backpack, laptop bag, or tote is a good choice.
3. Avoid Overpacking: The more you pack, the harder it will be to fit everything under the seat. Stick to the essentials to avoid cramming too many items into your personal item.
4. Check Airline Policies: Some airlines are stricter than others about what counts as a personal item and may have specific rules for certain types of bags. Always check your airline’s baggage policy before you travel to avoid any surprises at the airport.

A personal item is an essential part of air travel that allows you to keep important items within easy reach during your flight. While the definition of a personal item can vary slightly depending on the airline, the general idea is that it’s a smaller bag that can fit under the seat in front of you. Common personal items include backpacks, handbags, laptop bags, and small suitcases. Just be sure to follow your airline’s guidelines on size and weight to ensure your personal item is approved.

By understanding the rules around personal items and packing thoughtfully, you can make your flight more comfortable and convenient, ensuring you have all your essentials within arm’s reach.