Are you trying to figure out if you can take both a backpack and a carry-on for your next flight?
It seems like long gone are the days of free checked luggage with our flights. It wasn’t that long ago that it was standard practice to get one or two free checked bags when we purchased a ticket.
However, with budget airlines and basic economy options becoming more popular among airlines, we’re having to make up the difference by paying for our luggage.
What’s the point of snagging a cheap ticket if you have to then add on expensive baggage fees?
If you want to keep the cost of travel down and avoid these insane luggage costs, you’ve probably been trying to figure out how to pack for your whole trip with just a carry-on.
While a carry-on can work for some, others might need a little more space depending on the length and destination of their trip.
Of course, adding a backpack to the mix will give you some more space, but do airlines allow both a carry-on and a personal item?
If you’re confused about the rules, check out my complete guide here! That way, you can avoid any surprise fees the airlines might try to throw at you at the airport.
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Can I Take a Backpack and a Carry-on at a Glance:
- Generally, any type of bag that fits below the seat in front of you can be considered a personal item, even a backpack if it’s small enough
- Most airlines consider a pet carrier as your personal item and must fit underneath the seat in front of you
- Many airlines provide exceptions for those traveling with kids or medical mobility devices, so check the fine print to see what extra bags you may be entitled to
- Carry-ons can be more than sufficient for most of our travel needs and packing cubes can help compress your clothes and save space
Keep reading to learn all you need to know about taking both a backpack and a carry-on for your next flight.
What Does Carry-On Luggage Mean?
If you’re a frequent traveler, it’s likely you’ve already become a carry-on-only traveler. When you bring your luggage onto the plane with you, it saves both time and money. But it also comes with some restrictions.
Carry-on luggage typically must fall below certain size regulations to be brought onto the plane with you.
Each carrier has specific dimensions that your bag cannot exceed. In addition, the bags must fit either under the seat in front of you or in the overhead bin.
On top of that, you must bring your baggage through security with you. That means you have limits on what you can pack.
Most notably, your liquids must be in less than three-ounce bottles and fit into a quart-sized ziploc bag. Bulky sports equipment is also typically restricted from carry-on bags.
While many people consider carry-ons to be less hassle, your situation might push you towards preferring a checked bag. If you have lots of liquids, a big family, or you’re packing for a long winter trip, a carry-on might not be enough space for you.
Carry-On Luggage Vs. Personal Items
Things start to get confusing when you try to decipher the difference between carry-on luggage and personal items.
When traveling, you bring both a carry-on and personal item directly onto the plane with you, and you’re responsible for making sure it arrives at your destination.
The main difference between a carry-on and a personal item also referred to as hand luggage, is that the latter must fit underneath the seat in front of you.
Some airlines do have dimension limitations on hand luggage, but you’ll typically have no issues as long as it fits under the seat. Carry-ons are generally too large to be stored there and must go in the overhead bin.
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Types of Carry-On Luggage for Airplanes
Manufacturers have been perfecting the design of carry-on suitcases for decades. The most common types are the small, rolling bags that are specifically marketed to fit the standard carry-on dimensions.
- 22″X13. 5″x9″ (with wheels)
- Carry-On meets these airlines’ size restrictions: United, American, Delta, Southwest, Allegiant
- Lightweight yet extremely durable ABS material
- Multi-directional double spinner wheels
- Sturdy ergonomic aluminum telescoping handle
They typically need to fit into a 22 by 14 by 9-inch box, but each airline has its own specifications.
- Rolling Suitcase: The most common type of carry-on bags are these small rolling suitcases. They’re perfect for hassle-free travel.
- Duffle Bags: Depending on the size, these bags may be considered carry-on or personal luggage. They are soft-sided, cylindrical bags that you carry over your shoulder.
- Backpacks: Backpacks can also be considered either carry-on or personal items depending on the size. Large backpacks will be considered carry-ons but still must fit the size requirements.
- Garment Bags: Designed to keep clothes from wrinkling during travel, these are typically considered carry-ons due to their size.
Types of Personal Items for Airplanes
Personal items must fit below the seat in front of you. Generally, any type of bag that will fit in this space can be considered a personal item.
In general, they should be less than 18 by 14 by 8 inches, but each airline is different. Most people will carry their valuables and essential documents in a handbag to keep them close and safe while traveling.
- Purses: Purses are considered a personal item when traveling, so keep this in mind when packing.
- Briefcase: Those traveling for work often carry a briefcase to transport their work documents, but make sure to check the airline for dimensions as not all fit.
- Laptop Bag: Bags designed to keep laptops safe during travel can often fit other important items in them as well.
- Backpack: Perhaps the most common personal item, you can often fit anything that wouldn’t fit in your carry-on in your backpack, allowing you more packing space.
- Daypack: A daypack can also help with adding extra space to a carry-on, allowing you to bring some more clothes or personal items.
- Pet Carrier: If you’re bringing a furry friend, the carriers must fit underneath the seat in front of you. Most airlines consider this your personal item. Often a soft sided carrier is favored by those traveling with their pets with general dimensions of 21.5 by 15.5 by 10.5-inch. Those who choose to go with a hard-sided carrier are looking at similar specifications being that of 21.5 by 15.5 by 9.
General Carry-On Guidelines for the Top Airlines in the USA
Carry-on rules are constantly changing as airlines are starting to offer a more extensive range of fare options. So it’s always good to check the baggage policy for your specific fare before purchasing a ticket.
Many airlines also provide exceptions for those traveling with kids or medical mobility devices, so check the fine print to see what extra bags you may be entitled to.
Delta Air Lines Carry-On Guidelines:
- Every passenger on Delta Air Lines is allowed one carry-on and one personal item.
- Carry On: 22 inches x 14 inches x 9 inches
- Personal Item: Must fit beneath the seat in front of you
Southwest Airlines Carry-On Guidelines:
- Southwest allows one personal bag and one carry-on for each traveler.
- Carry On: 24 inches x 16 inches x 10 inches
- Personal Item: 16.25 inches x 13.5 inches x 8 inches
United Airlines Carry-On Guidelines:
- Most travelers can bring one carry-on and one personal item. However, basic economy tickets are only allowed as a personal item.
- Carry On: 22 inches x 14 inches x 9 inches
- Personal Item: 17 inches x 10 inches x 9 inches
Alaska Airlines Carry-On Guidelines:
- All flyers are allowed one carry-on and one personal item on Alaska Airlines flights.
- Carry On: 22 inches x 14 inches x 9 inches
- Personal Item: Must fit beneath the seat in front of you
American Airlines Carry-On Guidelines:
- All customers are allowed one personal item and one carry-on bag.
- Carry On: 22 inches x 14 inches x 9 inches
- Personal Item: 18 inches x 14 inches x 8 inches
JetBlue Airways Carry-On Guidelines:
- JetBlue’s policy has recently changed. All passengers are allowed one personal item. Blue, Blue Plus, Blue Extra, and Mint fares also include a carry-on bag. Blue Basic fares can only have one personal item and no longer includes a carry-on bag (with some exceptions).
- Carry On: 22 inches x 14 inches x 9 inches
- Personal Item: 17 inches x 13 inches x 8 inches
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5 Easy Tips for Packing Light for Your Carry-On Luggage
One of the first skills that frequent flyers learn is the art of packing light. Just because carry-on size regulations are rather small doesn’t mean that you can’t still pack everything you need!
Of course, this will depend a lot on the length and destination of your trip, but a carry-on is more than sufficient for most of our travel needs. Check out these tips to stay within your limits!
1. Packing Cubes
These little gadgets are designed to compress your clothes and help save space! They can take bulky items and squish them down into smaller pieces so you can fit more clothes.
- Stress Free Traveling: Enthralled by travel, yet frazzled by packing chaos? Introduce packing cubes to your travel gear. They help sort, organize, and locate items quickly. Say goodbye to misplaced valuables and the frustration of unpacking for one item. It’s time to enhance your journey with effortless organization
- High-Quality Materials: Our packing cubes are designed with twill polyester fabric, an sturdy fabric that guarantees lasting durability. Veken offers high-quality packing cubes with precise stitching and smooth durable zippers that will withstand your everyday needs
- Seamless and Reliable Zippers: Our packing cubes feature sturdy metal, two-way zippers that effortlessly glide, minimizing jamming and snags. Designed for long-lasting performance, even with frequent use, ensuring hassle-free packing and unpacking every time
2. Make a List
Don’t just throw in clothes willy-nilly. Make a list of the essentials, and make sure that you can mix and match your outfits.
Picking one color palette helps make sure you can wear all of the pieces together.
3. Wear the Heavy Items
Heavy shoes, bulky jeans, or oversized jackets can be worn on the plane to save space in your carry-on.
4. Only Bring the Essentials
Consider what you can go without on this trip. For example, heavy items like blow dryers and cowboy boots might not be necessary for a one-week hiking trip.
If you’re traveling with someone, you can split personal hygiene products like shampoo or toothpaste so that you don’t each have to bring one.
- What’s in the box: 2 x 40ml lotion bottles, 2 x 40ml spray bottles, 2 x 40ml flip-cap bottles, 2 x 10g cream jars, 1 x pipette, 1 x funnel, 1 x make-up spatula, 1 x written labels, and 1 waterproof bag
- Pastable Labels: Written labels are included for you to mark down and distinguish the bottles from lotion, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, etc.
- Considerate Design: Smooth and solid metal zippers are not easy become broken. Transparent bag makes it clear to see what’s inside. There’re studs on the side of the bag for fastening
Use travel-sized bottles or consider purchasing them when you arrive at your destination.
Can I Take a Backpack and a Carry-On?
The good news is that you can bring both a carry-on and a backpack with you onto the plane, as long as the backpack is small enough to be considered a personal item. If the backpack fits under the seat in front of you, you’re good to go!
By bringing a backpack and carry-on, you increase your packing space. So even if you’re trying to avoid checking your luggage, you should have plenty of room to bring everything you need.
By following my tips for packing light and utilizing all the space you have available – a carry-on and a personal item – you will be flying in style in no time!
Until next time, Happy Florida Travels Hipster!
About the Author
My name is NikkyJ. I’m a wife, a mother, a pharmacist turned theme park blogger, USA Today 10Best Contributor, and a writer who loves exploring all the hidden gems of Florida!
I was born and raised in Leesburg, Florida which attributes to my passion about for this amazing state.
I want to show you how you can create your own memories while discovering the Sunshine State!
Connect with me on Instagram!
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(Original Article Date: April 27, 2022/Updated by Editor on April 27, 2024)