Most airlines allow you to board with one carry-on bag and one personal item. By understanding the differences between them, you can make the most of your limited packing space.
Typically, a carry-on is a small suitcase or bag that fits in the overhead bin, while a personal item is something smaller, such as a backpack, purse or laptop bag, that must fit under the seat in front of you. Each airline has specific size and weight limits for these items, and knowing these rules in advance can save you from unexpected hassles or fees at the airport.
To create this comprehensive guide, I researched carry-on and personal item requirements for 175 airlines around the world.
I’ll walk you through the differences between carry-on and personal items, and then I’ll give you some helpful packing tips to help you get the most out of your carry-on and personal items.
What is a carry-on bag?
A carry-on bag is a type of luggage designed to fit in the overhead bin of an aircraft. Unlike checked baggage, you carry it with you the entire time at the airport and during layovers. Because of this, your carry-on luggage is a great place to keep the things you need with you while traveling.
Carry-on luggage will be larger than your personal belongings. Your carry-on can be a suitcase, backpack, duffel, or any other bag that fits within the size restrictions.
Carry-on size limit
Because carry-ons have to fit in overhead bins, airlines have very specific restrictions on how big they can be. Carry-on size limits are usually defined by a certain height, width, and depth, and your bag must fit within each of those dimensions.
For domestic flights within the US, the most common size limit is 22 x 14 x 9 inches. Some airlines, such as Frontier and Southwest, allow larger bags, but it’s a good rule of thumb to follow that size.
International airlines have slightly different limits (because they use centimeters). 21.6 x 15.7 x 9 inches (55 x 40 x 23 cm) is the most common size, but each airline sets its own restrictions.
International flights also often have strict weight limits for carry-on luggage, so it’s a good idea to weigh your carry-on once it’s fully packed.
Types of carry-on
When you think of carry-on, you may picture a small rolling suitcase, but really any bag can serve as your carry-on as long as it fits within the size limits. Here are some common choices for carry-on bags.
- Hardside suitcase: These are sturdy, stylish and very popular. They usually roll on four 360-degree spinner wheels, and are great for keeping your stuff safe and secure.
- Softside suitcase: These are more flexible and lighter, and usually have more pockets to keep things organized. They can have two wheels (stronger) or four wheels (more maneuverable).
- Travel backpack: While a rolling suitcase is convenient, nothing beats the go-anywhere ability of a backpack. If your journey involves a lot of walking, especially on rough surfaces or up and down stairs, a backpack is the best choice.
- Duffle bags: These are simple, durable and easy to pack. A duffel bag is great for carrying lots of gear, but since you have to carry it in one hand or over one shoulder, it’s not ideal for long walks.
- A garment bag: If you’re traveling with a suit or dress, a dedicated garment bag can ensure it arrives at your destination crisp and unblemished.
How to choose a carry-on bag
If you’re in the market for a new carry-on bag, you should first research size restrictions to determine what size your carry-on should be. Remember, domestic flights have different restrictions than international flights, and each airline makes its own restrictions.
Research the airlines you plan to fly with and choose the smallest size limit, so your bag will work for all of them.
Once you know how small your carry-on should be, you need to decide how you want to carry it and move it around.
Wheeled luggage is convenient for moving around the airport because you don’t have to carry the weight around. However, suitcase wheels only work well on smooth paved surfaces. If your trips involve a lot of walking outside, especially on rough surfaces or up and down stairs, a backpack is a more viable option that can go anywhere.
You should also choose a bag that is easy to pack. Whether you choose a backpack, suitcase or duffel, I recommend looking for one with a large zippered clamshell or panel opening. This gives you easy access to everything inside and means you can pack your bag the same way you would put clothes in a drawer.
What is a personal item?
A personal item is usually a small bag or possession that you can bring on board in addition to your carry-on bag. This item should be compact enough to fit under the seat in front of you.
Personal items may include purses, backpacks or laptop bags. You should use your personal item to store travel documents, snacks, electronics, books and anything else you may need during your flight.
Individual item size limits
Airlines usually have clearly defined size restrictions for personal items to ensure that everything fits comfortably in the cabin. Most US-based domestic airlines agree on a standard size cap around 18 x 14 x 8 inches.
International flights often have strict limits. The most common personal item size for an international flight is 15.7 x 11.8 x 3.9 inches.
Types of personal items
You have many options to use as your personal item. Again, as long as it fits within the size limits (and isn’t dangerous), almost any bag will work.
- Purse or Messenger Bag: This is a classic choice for a personal item bag. You can keep essentials within reach without taking up too much space.
- Travel daypack Or Laptop backpack: A small backpack is a good choice for a personal item if you carry it around a lot. Plus, you can use it for day trips once you reach your destination.
- Laptop bag or briefcase: Ideal for business travelers who need quick access to their work equipment.
- Small duffel bag or tote: Yes, a duffel bag can be considered a personal item as long as it fits within the size limits. This is a good option if you need extra space for clothes or toiletries.
How to choose a personal item
Choosing the right personal item is all about the balance of space and functionality. You want one that carries everything you need, but also remember that it works as a compliment to your main carry-on bag. Here are some factors to consider:
- Size consistency: First and foremost, make sure the individual item complies with your airline’s specific size requirements.
- material: Consider what you want to carry. For transporting electronics, choose a well-padded laptop bag or backpack. If not, a more compact and foldable bag will suffice.
- Facilities: Consider how you will manage both your carry-on and personal items. Some personal items are designed with straps to attach to the handle of the rolling suitcase for easy transport.
Tips for packing your carry-on and personal belongings
Making the most of your carry-on and personal items starts with smart packing. Each bag should be used for a specific purpose, and they should work together when you travel.
Here are some tips on what to pack and how to organize each to streamline your trip.
Your carry-on and personal item should complement each other
Once you have your carry-on bag, choose a personal item that will work well with it.
If you’re using a carry-on backpack, you probably don’t want to make your personal item a laptop backpack. How do you carry both? Instead, a small shoulder bag or even a fanny pack (gasp!) will do much better.
If you’re using a classic wheeled suitcase as your carry-on, a small backpack will be the perfect personal item because it keeps your hands free.
What to pack in your carry-on
Your carry-on is packed in the overhead bin, so it should contain items you won’t need during the flight. Pack non-essentials like clothes, extra shoes and toiletries here.
Remember that you won’t always be able to access your carry-on during the flight, so keep anything you need in your personal item.
What to pack in your personal belongings
Pack your personal items with items you need quick access to during the flight, such as snacks, refillable water bottles, personal entertainment devices and chargers. It’s also a great place for travel documents, medicine and an extra layer of clothing if the plane is a bit chilly.
I recommend keeping your personal belongings small and light, packing everything else in your carry-on. That way, you’re not taking up valuable space that you could use to stretch your legs.
Use both bags to stay under the weight limit
Airlines often enforce certain carry-on weight limits, and if your main bag is over the limit, you can change some small, heavy items like laptops, hardcover books, or cameras into your personal items.
By doing so, you can not only lighten your carry-on but also ensure that your most valuable possessions stay with you during the flight.