If you’re preparing to travel by air, you may be wondering, is a backpack a personal item? With many airlines charging exorbitant fees for checked, and even carry-on luggage, it can be appealing to save some cash by traveling with just a personal item. So, does a backpack count?
The short answer is yes—backpacks can qualify as a personal item as long as it fits the size limits. Airlines set their own requirements and size limitations for what constitutes personal items versus carry-on luggage.
This guide will unpack carry-on and personal item size limits so you can find out if your backpack counts. I’ll also give some tips for packing a personal item like a pro.
Carry-on Luggage Size Limits
If your backpack is too large to fit under the seat in front of you, it may be counted as a carry-on item instead of a personal item. Most airlines allow passengers