Usually, many airlines won't check every carry-on but will instead go for ones that look oversized. If your luggage does not fit in the sizer, you might have to pay a checked bag fee along with the gate checking fee and have your bag transferred to the airplane's cargo.
While personal item size restrictions vary across airlines, most airlines consider a small backpack, purse, briefcase, or laptop bag to be a personal item. These must always fit under the seat in front of you. Many airlines restrict passengers to one personal item and one carry on bag.
The question about whether something—anything—can be a “personal item” comes down not to what it's called, then, but whether it will fit under the seat in front of you. So, yes, if your backpack is small enough that you can fit it under the seat in front of you, then it's a personal item.
Many airlines do not actually put a size limit on your personal item, only that it must fit underneath the seat in front of you. In fact, even the airlines that do have size limits say the same thing, your personal item always has to fit under the seat in front of you.
When it comes to the personal item, all the airline generally cares about is whether or not it will fit fully under the seat in front of you. Unless your backpack is completely full of tightly-packed rigid items, chances are you can “smush” it down to fit in the footwell in front of your seat.
If your carry-on is oversized (and doesn't physically fit inside the overhead compartments) or you encounter a strict airline employee, they will ask you to check it in at the gate.
TSA screens approximately 4.9 million carry-on bags for explosives and other dangerous items daily. Here's what to expect when taking your carry-on bag through security screening next time you fly.
A good rule of thumb is that if your carry-on bag fits under the seat in front of you, it's considered a personal item. This includes small backpacks, purses, briefcases, laptop bags, etc. Larger bags, including suitcases, must fit in the overhead bin compartment.
Airline rules allow for one carry on bag and one personal item, unless you're flying on a basic economy fare. But we've all seen people selfishly putting two bags in the overhead bin or carrying on more luggage than could possibly be allowed. You don't want to be like them. But you also might not be a one bagger.
Though airlines care about size, most domestic airlines do not have weight restrictions for carry-on bags, but some enforce weight limits for specific routes.
In summary, backpacks can be used as personal items, but they must fit in the plane's cabin. In addition, when airlines publish size limitations, your rucksack must be less than those limits. Otherwise, you will be charged additional costs or have things abandoned at the airport.
In most cases, backpacks are considered personal items as long as they fit under the seat in front of you. For example, if you use a backpack as a personal item and put it under the seat in front of you, you can then use a duffel as a carry-on bag as long as it's under the airline's size requirements.
Certainly, you can pack clothes in your personal items or carry-on bag. But for a better experience, we recommend packing most of your clothes in your carry on and leaving extra space in your personal items.
Personal items can be no more than 17 inches long, 13 inches wide and 9 inches high or smaller to fit under the seat in front of you.
Sharp objects (scissors (except for nail scissors), knives, straight razors, and safety razor blades, etc.) Sporting equipment. Self-defense items like pepper spray or brass knuckles. Tools of any kind.
Fanny Packs Don't Count as Carry-On Luggage
In fact, because you wear your fanny pack, it's considered personal attire, and thus it's not part of your carry-on entourage.
In most cases, an airline will allow you to bring one carry-on baggage and one personal item. A personal item is normally something like a purse, laptop, backpack or camera case. Personal items should always be small enough to fit underneath the seat in front of you.
Currently, travel rules list a certain number of personal items you're allowed to bring on a plane. Fortunately, items such as coats and travel pillows do not apply to that count. This is great news if you need a travel pillow to get some sleep on a long flight.
American Airlines
According to airline policy, any personal items stowed beneath seats should not exceed 18 inches by 14 inches by 8 inches.
Do coats and pillows count as personal items? Coats and pillows do not count towards your personal item allowance. In addition to your carry-on and a personal bag, you can bring a coat or jacket, a hat, reading material, a pillow, or a blanket when you board an aircraft.
Yes, a backpack counts as a personal item. A backpack makes for a great personal item, because it's small and on your back.
American Airlines advises customers to travel with personal items that are no larger than 18 inches x 14 inches x 8 inches. If you are flying on Delta, be sure your personal item is 17 inches x 13 inches x 9 inches or smaller.
Most of the time, airlines don't really care if your carry-on is an inch too big, especially during the less busy seasons or if you're traveling with a higher-end airline. However, the final say always rests on the airline employee.
Tripping the system during a background check
Other times, you could engage in some type of suspicious travel activity that triggers an additional screening which could include things like: Visits to high-risk countries. Unusual travel patterns (last minute one-way flight) Paying cash for tickets.
They rarely ask to weigh your hand luggage. And even if they did, just keep the above in mind and you'll be fine. Don't worry about it too much. And remember, you can always take things out of your bag to be weighed again!