Can I bring a backpack as a personal item?

Yes, you can bring a backpack as a personal item on most airlines, provided it fits under the seat in front of you and meets the airline's specific size limits. Almost every airline permits a personal item free of charge, and a small backpack is one of the most common and practical choices. However, size limits vary significantly by airline and fare type, and budget carriers often enforce these limits strictly.

  • US Airlines: Most major US airlines allow a backpack as a personal item. Delta permits any bag that fits under the seat, while American (45.7 x 35.5 x 20.3 cm), United (43.1 x 25.4 x 22.8 cm for Basic Economy), and Southwest (41.2 x 34.3 x 20.3 cm) have specific size limits.
  • Canadian Airlines: Air Canada allows backpacks as a personal item within 43 x 30 x 14 cm.
  • European Airlines: Lufthansa (40 x 30 x 15 cm), Air France (40 x 30 x 15 cm), and British Airways (40 x 30 x 15 cm) allow backpacks. Ryanair's free personal item is strictly 40 x 30 x 20 cm.
  • Gulf Airlines: Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad allow backpacks as part of your carry-on allowance, but the personal item is typically included in the total weight allowance rather than having a separate size limit.
  • Turkish Airlines: Allows a personal item, including a small backpack, within the carry-on allowance. Size: 55 x 40 x 23 cm (total dimensions).
  • Asia-Pacific Airlines: ANA (Japan) allows backpacks within 40 x 30 x 20 cm (effective July 1, 2026). Singapore Airlines allows a backpack as a personal item within 40 x 30 x 10 cm.
  • European Budget Carriers: Lufthansa's new "Light" fare includes only a personal item (40 x 30 x 15 cm), with no carry-on bag allowed.

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Detailed Answer

How It Works

A personal item is a small bag that you bring into the cabin in addition to your carry-on bag. It must be small enough to fit completely under the seat in front of you. The key difference from a carry-on bag is that a carry-on goes in the overhead bin, while a personal item stays with you under the seat.

Most airlines do not charge for a personal item, even on basic economy fares. However, budget carriers often restrict what you can bring and enforce size limits strictly.

US Airlines

Delta Air Lines allows all passengers one carry-on and one personal item. Delta does not specify exact dimensions for personal items but requires them to fit under the seat. Common examples include a purse, briefcase, small backpack, camera bag, or laptop bag. Basic Economy includes both a carry-on and a personal item.

American Airlines allows one personal item (purse or small handbag) that must fit under the seat. The dimensions must be under 45.7 x 35.5 x 20.3 cm.

United Airlines is more restrictive on Basic Economy. For most flights, Basic Economy passengers can only bring one personal item that fits under the seat and measures 43.1 x 25.4 x 22.8 cm. This means your backpack would be your only allowed item, and carry-on bags are not included unless you are flying to certain international destinations or upgrade your fare.

Southwest Airlines allows a carry-on and a personal item. Personal items, including backpacks, must fit under the seat and cannot be larger than 41.2 x 34.3 x 20.3 cm.

Frontier Airlines strictly enforces personal item size: 35.5 x 45.7 x 20.3 cm.

Canadian Airlines

Air Canada allows a personal item that must fit under the seat. Dimensions: 43 x 30 x 14 cm. A backpack is specifically listed as an example of an acceptable personal item.

European Airlines

Lufthansa has introduced a new entry-level fare for short- and medium-haul flights that includes only one personal item (laptop bag or small backpack) and no carry-on bag. The personal item must not exceed 40 x 30 x 15 cm. For standard fares, a carry-on bag is included.

Air France allows a personal item within 40 x 30 x 15 cm.

British Airways allows a personal item (handbag, laptop bag, or small backpack) with dimensions up to 40 x 30 x 15 cm.

Ryanair is one of the most restrictive carriers. Without Priority boarding, you are only allowed one personal item bag at 40 x 30 x 20 cm, which must be stored under the seat. With Priority, you can bring a larger carry-on (55 x 40 x 20 cm) in the overhead bin plus the personal item.

easyJet allows a personal item (45 x 36 x 20 cm) but Essential fare passengers are restricted to personal item only, with no carry-on bag allowed.

Gulf Airlines

Emirates allows one carry-on bag (55 x 38 x 20 cm, 7 kg) and a personal item such as a handbag or small backpack. The personal item does not have a separate size limit but must fit under the seat. Weight is combined with your carry-on bag.

Qatar Airways allows one carry-on bag (50 x 37 x 25 cm, 7 kg) and a personal item included in the allowance. Personal items must fit under the seat.

Etihad allows one carry-on bag (56 x 36 x 23 cm, 7 kg) and a personal item.

Turkish Airlines

Turkish Airlines allows one carry-on bag (55 x 40 x 23 cm, 8 kg) and a personal item such as a small backpack or handbag. The personal item must fit under the seat and is included in your carry-on allowance.

Asia-Pacific Airlines

ANA (Japan) has a clear personal item policy effective July 1, 2026. Personal items must be within 40 x 30 x 20 cm and fit completely under the seat. Passengers may bring one carry-on bag and one personal item, with a combined weight limit of 10 kg.

Singapore Airlines allows a personal item within 40 x 30 x 10 cm.

Real Traveler Experiences

"I always travel with a small backpack as my personal item on Delta. It fits perfectly under the seat and I can access my laptop and snacks during the flight without getting up." Frequent flyer, Travel forum

"I made the mistake of overstuffing my backpack on a Ryanair flight. It didn't fit in the sizer and I had to pay €25 at the gate. Now I always check the dimensions before I pack." Budget traveler, TripAdvisor

"United Basic Economy only allows a personal item, so I used my backpack as my only bag for a weekend trip. It was tight, but I managed with packing cubes and wore my bulky items." USA traveler, Reddit

"On ANA, my small backpack was perfect for the personal item allowance. It fit under the seat and I didn't have to worry about overhead bin space." Japan traveler, travel blog

Pro Tips

  • Always check the specific airline's website for exact dimensions, as they vary significantly
  • If you are flying a budget carrier (Ryanair, easyJet, Frontier), measure your backpack when fully packed
  • On United Basic Economy, a backpack may be your only allowed item, so pack strategically
  • Keep your most essential items—medication, passport, electronics, chargers, snacks—in your personal item so you can access them during the flight
  • If your backpack is too large, consider a smaller daypack or under-seat luggage specifically designed for personal item allowances
  • Full-service airlines are generally more flexible than budget carriers, but always check the specific fare rules

Related Questions

Sources

AskTravel.org gives you the answer first, then the detail. Every answer is built from official sources and updated when rules change. See how we answer: How We Answer.

AskTravel.org is an information website only. Always check local regulations and operator policies before traveling, as rules change frequently.

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