What is a Personal Item Anyway?

Airline rules tend to be very clear for just about anything a customer would want to know. Personal items; however, appear to be one of those exceptions to the rule. Do they fall under the rules for carry-on luggage? Just what is a personal item anyway? Many airlines don’t publish rules for personal items, and those that do can’t seem to agree on basics like the size allowed.

I’m going to attempt to clarify what you can (and can’t) bring as a personal item, and how big your personal item can be. To do this we’ll have to look at what the rules that do exist seem to imply, and take into account what is generally accepted.

What is Generally Accepted?

According to the TSA, you are allowed “one personal item such as a laptop computer, purse, small backpack, briefcase, or camera case”. Different airlines range on what they consider acceptable, but the intention is the same. Here are some example personal items across a few airlines:

  • Air Asia: “1 x laptop in its carrier with its accessories or 1 x handbag (male / female)”
  • American Airlines: “purse, briefcase, laptop bag OR a similar item such as a tote”
  • Delta: “1 purse, briefcase, camera bag or diaper bag; or 1 laptop computer (computers cannot be checked); or 1 item of a similar or smaller size to those listed above”
  • Lufthansa: “a woman’s handbag, a laptop case or shoulder bag”

From this we can gather that your personal item should be a small bag like a daypack, laptop bag, purse, camera bag, or tote. For planning, it helps to think “bag” rather than “luggage” when considering a personal item.

Can You Carry a Backpack as a Personal Item?

If you want to use a backpack as your personal item, try for a slim laptop backpack or an unstructured, packable daypack. Just make sure it abides by any sizing rules, should they exist for your airline.

What is NOT Considered a Personal Item?

It is important to note that there are a number of items that do not count as either a carry-on or a personal item:

  • Pillow or blanket
  • FAA-approved safety seat, stroller, and diaper bag for lap or ticketed child
  • Assistive devices for passengers such as wheelchairs, walkers, canes, crutches, braces, portable oxygen concentrators, and CPAP machines
  • A foot rug (3′ x 2′ maximum) for use during prayer
  • Pet carrier

If you need to bring one of the above items with you, it should be safe to consider it as “in addition” to your regular baggage limit. I would recommend you always verify with your carrier to avoid any surprises at check-in.

Personal Item Size

Since there does not seem to be one explicit rule for the size of your personal item, a good rule of thumb is that it should fit under the seat in front of you. Do not use your personal item as an excuse to bring a second carry-on and be the selfish person everyone hates taking up multiple spots in the overhead bin!

If we are going to use the “under the seat” rule as our guide, how much space is under the seat? Plus, how much space is for my feet if I’d like to be a little more comfortable during my flight?

Once again, those airlines that do provide guidelines on sizing vary. Here are a few airlines that publish size guidelines for personal items:

what is a personal item
Air Canada
what is a personal item
Lufthansa
what is a personal item
Spirit
what is a personal item
United

Again, I’d highly recommend that you verify any rules with your airline before arriving at check-in for an unpleasant surprise.

Something else to keep in mind is that the more discreet your personal item is, the less likely it is to draw the attention of the gate agent, so try to keep it inconspicuous. The best options for a universal personal item are: purses, slim laptop or messenger bags, or tote bags.

It’s always best to pack as light as possible to avoid any reason to be singled out by your airline.

what is a personal item

Was this helpful for you?  If so, please share it with a friend who you think would get value!

Be sure to comment below and let me know what you use for a personal item when you fly!

P.S. If you’d LOVE to start Your Own Blog with “Just 3 Clicks”, check THIS out!

Was this valuable for you?  If so I’d really appreciate your comments below and shares on social media.

Personal Item FAQ

What is the difference between a carry on and a personal item?

The commonly accepted rule for carry-on luggage size is 45 linear inches (measured as length + width + height), and must fit in the overhead compartment. In addition to your carry-on luggage, most airlines also allow one personal item, like a purse or laptop bag. Your personal item must fit under the seat in front of you.

Is a backpack a personal item?

If you want to use a backpack as your personal item, try for a slim laptop backpack or an unstructured, packable daypack. Just make sure it abides by any sizing rules, should they exist for your airline

What size can your personal item be on a plane?

Since there does not seem to be one explicit rule for the size of your personal item, a good rule of thumb is that it should fit under the seat in front of you. Do not use your personal item as an excuse to bring a second carry-on and be the selfish person everyone hates taking up multiple spots in the overhead bin!

Can a duffel bag be a personal item?

A duffel bag will work as a personal item, just be sure it fits under the seat in front of you.

Blogger's JumpStart

The Essential FREE Guide to get your blog online quickly and securely,
so you can grow your business TODAY!

Check for a confirmation email from me! Once you confirm it was you who submitted this form I'll immediately send you your Blogging JumpStart Guide!

Gift Guide for Smart Travelers

The FREE Gift Guide for Smarrt Travelers to help you find
the perfect gift for your special someone TODAY!

Check for a confirmation email from me! Once you confirm it was you who submitted this form I'll immediately send you your Gift Guide for Smart Travelers!

google analytics introduction-dashboard

Google Analytics Dashboard Templates

Get these FREE Dashboard Templates to help you set up your
Google Analytics reporting TODAY!

Check for a confirmation email from me! Once you confirm it was you who submitted this form I'll immediately send you your Google Analytics Dashboard Templates!

Google Analytics Campaign Tracker

Get these FREE Campaign TRacker to help you keep

track of all your campaigns TODAY!

Check for a confirmation email from me! Once you confirm it was you who submitted this form I'll immediately send you your Google Analytics Campaign Tracker!

unique-gifts

Unique Gift Ideas forHome Business Entrepreneurs

The FREE Gift Guide for Home Business Entrepreneurs to help you find
the perfect gift for your special someone TODAY!

Check for a confirmation email from me! Once you confirm it was you who submitted this form I'll immediately send you your Gift Guide for Home Business Entrepreneurs!

Google Analytics Setup Guide

Get this FREE Setup Guide to put your

Google Analytics account to work for you TODAY!

Check for a confirmation email from me! Once you confirm it was you who submitted this form I'll immediately send you your Google Analytics Setup Guide!

Google Analytics Goal Setting Guide

Get this FREE Goal Setting Guide to find the

True Value in your website TODAY!

Check for a confirmation email from me! Once you confirm it was you who submitted this form I'll immediately send you your Google Analytics Goal Setting Guide!

Pin It on Pinterest

Shares