How to tell if your backpack treats it as a personal or carry item

Last week, the travel world was shocked Southwest Airlines is upside down Its long-term policy is to allow all travelers to check two bags on all flights for free. At the time of writing, it remains to be seen whether Dallas-based carriers will increase the bag fees they carry with them.

No matter which airline you fly, each airline has its own policies regarding checked baggage and luggage. Depending on the fare type, airlines generally allow travelers to have two items to carry with them – one that fits under the seat in front of you, considered a personal item, and the second one that fits the overhead. However, you have to encounter certain dimension thresholds that vary by airline.

This guide outlines current carry-on bag policies for 10 major airlines, including restrictions on bags that make up carry-on, suitable for storage bags under the seat in front of you rather than overhead bins.

Domestic carry-on policy

A good rule of thumb is that if your carry-on bag fits under a seat in front of you, it is considered a personal item. This includes small backpacks, wallets, briefcases, laptop bags, and more. Larger bags, including suitcases, must fit in overhead bins, as determined by the dimensions outlined by the airline.

Southwest Airlines

Until last week, Southwest Airlines stands out among carriers Passengers are allowed to offer two free carry-on bags and two free shipping bags on all fare types. But as of May 28, most Southwest passengers will be asked to pay for inspection bags.

However, the airline has not yet indicated that the changes will affect its carry-on baggage policy. As of March 13, carry items stored on the head must meet or be less than 24 x 16 x 10 inches. Personal items under the seat – including wallet, briefcase, camera, food container, laptop and backpack – cannot be larger than 16 1/4 x 13 1/2 x 8 inches.

“Your personal belongings must be stored under the seat in front of you.” Every Southwest. “If it doesn’t fit, or there is no seat in front of you, we’ll ask you to put it in the overhead bin.”

Delta gas line

“Every passenger can bring a carry-on bag and 1 personal item for free (such as a wallet, laptop bag or similar size item that will fit under the seat in front of you),” According to Delta. “If you plan to bring rolling luggage or large bags to store in the overhead bin,” the size is limited.

Approved personal items include wallets, briefcases, small backpacks, camera bags, diaper bags, laptop bags or other items of size.

The total length, width and height of carry-on luggage should be less than 45 inches. A single item must be less than 22 x 14 x 9 inches.

All Delta fare types, including the Basic Economy, allow full-size carry-on items and personal items.

American Airlines

American Airlines’ basic economy passengers are also allowed to carry around in full size and a personal item such as a wallet or backpack.

“Your personal belongings, such as a wallet or small handbag, must fit the seat in front of you.” United States On its websiteplease note that the dimensions must be less than 18 x 14 x 8 inches.

Unlike some other carriers, Americans do not count certain items made for baby bags (such as diaper bags).

They said: “Diaper bags (1 per child), soft-faced cooler bags with breast milk, child safety seats, strollers, and medical or mobile devices are not counted as your personal belongings or carry around.”

Americans think an overhead trash can is a bag, meaning it must be less than 22 x 14 x 9 inches (including handles and wheels) and installed in a Sizer at the gate.

United Airlines

Manchester United’s basic economic fare is one of the most restricted types of fare. For most flights, basic economy passengers can only fit one personal item under the seat, measuring 9 x 10 x 17 inches. This means that if you carry a backpack of this fare type, it will be the only item you allow.

For the basic economy, “not including carry-on luggage unless you fly to Canada, South America, the Atlantic Ocean or fly across the Pacific Ocean”, Notes joint.

If you need an overhead bin with a second bag, you will have to pay a $60 round trip to upgrade to the economy. In economy class and above, carry-on bags including handles and wheels cannot exceed 9 x 14 x 22 inches.

JetBlue

The blue basic traveler of the flying JetBlue grants only one personal item that fits under the seat in front of you – in particular, which includes items smaller than 17 x 13 x 8 inches, including handles and wheels. Again, this will include a backpack or comparable item that must be enough to be your only luggage.

Any blue basic traveler who brings a full-size carry-on bag to the door will Incur a fee of $65 To check their first or second bag or the third bag of $180.

Blue fare type and above allow carry-on luggage, suitable for overhead bins, especially for luggage no more than 22 x 14 x 9 inches.

JetBlue’s carry-on policy has some exceptions Allows certain blue basic customers to run full-size bags, including Mosaic Identity holders, unaccompanied minors, active U.S. military members and clients traveling to and from London.

International portable policy

British Airways

Like JetBlue and United, British Airways’ basic economic fare only allows travelers to lower handmade luggage to 16 x 12 x 6 inches. Economic and Premium Economy Fares offer passengers a full-size cabin bag measuring 22 x 18 x 10 inches. All bags must weigh less than 51 pounds.

“On busy flights, you may be asked to check the large cabin bags,” British Airways Recommend.

UAE

Although Emirates also limits economic passengers in luggage, you can carry a full-size bag that includes one that can fit overhead bins as long as it doesn’t exceed 15 x 15 x 8 inches or weighs over 15 pounds.

“All carry-on luggage must be installed under the seat in front of you or in an overhead locker,” Every emirates. “Bagage may not be placed behind the legs, in the aisle or in front of the emergency exit.”

Singapore Airlines

Like Emirates, Singapore Airlines allows advanced and economical passengers to be approximately 45 inches in length, width and height in luggage under 15 pounds. This could be a backpack or more traditional luggage.

“In addition to the restrictions described here, you must be able to store your luggage securely under the overhead cabin or in front of you.” The airline explained.

Cathay Pacific

Unlike other international carriers mentioned, Cathay Pacific allows all customers to have one carry-on baggage and another smaller item, including handbags, laptop bags, small backpacks, camera bags and briefcases, According to its website.

This policy applies to all fare types starting with the Economic Light. It allows a full-size item that measures 14 x 9 x 22 inches and the size of personal items does not exceed 16 x 16 x 12 inches, both of which must weigh 15 pounds.

Virgin Atlantic Ocean

All those who fly on Virgin Atlantic Including lightness, classic and joy, Those flying in the premium cabins may bring a carry-on item that will fit in the overhead trash can for as long as it weighs 22 pounds.

If you want to carry a second bag, you will need to book the upper fare, which will allow you to combine into two bags under 35 pounds.

“No matter which cabin you use, the bag must be up to 23 cm x 36 cm x 56 cm (approximately 9 x 14 x 22 inches),” As Virgin Atlantic pointed out.

Bottom line

Whether you have the right to use both full-size carry-on items that are suitable for overhead bins, as well as a personal item, such as a backpack, depends on the airline and fare type that has been booked. No matter the cabin course, additional leniency can be awarded to certain elite holders.

Although most domestic airlines do not have weight restrictions on carry-on bags, some are route-specific and all international airlines specify weight requirements.

Airlines generally do not consider certain items as part of their luggage, such as jackets, umbrellas or food purchased at the airport.

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