Can I bring 2 personal items on a plane?

Yes, most airlines allow one carry-on bag and one personal item (like a purse or small backpack) for free, meaning you can bring two items, but one must fit under the seat (personal item) and the other in the overhead bin (carry-on). However, low-cost carriers (like Spirit, Frontier) or basic economy tickets often charge for carry-ons, so always check your specific airline's rules to avoid fees.

Does a backpack count as a personal item?

Yes, a backpack can be a personal item, but only if it's small enough to fit under the seat in front of you, which is the key rule for all personal items, with specific size dimensions varying slightly by airline. Standard school backpacks usually qualify, while larger camping or travel backpacks often become carry-ons or even checked bags, so always check your airline's size chart before flying to avoid fees.
 

Can you go through TSA with two carry-ons?

You can bring only one carry-on item along with your personal item. Your carry-on must fit in in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you. If it doesn't fit, it will need to be checked. Be sure all your carry-on items are labeled in case they are checked.

What size personal items can I bring on a plane?

Airline personal item sizes vary, but the general rule is it must fit under the seat in front of you, typically around 18" x 14" x 8" (45 x 35 x 20 cm) for major US carriers like American, Frontier, and Spirit, though it's crucial to check your specific airline for exact dimensions (e.g., United is 17x10x9", Southwest is 16.25x13.5x8") as budget airlines can be stricter.
 

Can I bring two toiletry bags on a plane?

The “3” in the 3-1-1 rule refers to the 3.4 ounce limit. All 3.4-ounce containers must fit into a clear one-quart bag: that's the first “1.” Only one bag is allowed per passenger (that's the last “1” in 3-1-1).

Can I bring 2 personal items on a plane?

Can I bring two personal items on a flight?

You may carry on one bag and one personal item. The bag should be stowed in the overhead compartment, and your small personal item should be stowed under your seat.

Do pills have to be in original bottles when flying?

For domestic U.S. flights, the TSA doesn't require pills to be in original bottles, so pill organizers are fine, but for international travel, original containers with labels are strongly recommended by the CDC and State Department to avoid issues with customs and varying local laws. While the TSA allows unlimited solid medication in carry-ons, having a doctor's note and keeping meds in original bottles (especially for international trips) provides clear proof of legitimacy and helps with potential questions from officers, particularly for controlled substances. 

What is the difference between a carry-on and a personal item?

A personal item is a small bag (purse, small backpack, laptop bag) that fits under the seat in front of you, while a carry-on is a larger bag (small suitcase, duffel) stored in the overhead bin; personal items are for essentials like documents/electronics, carry-ons for clothes/larger items, and crucial airline size rules vary, so always check your specific airline's policy before flying, especially budget carriers who often charge extra for carry-ons.
 

What is not allowed through TSA?

The TSA bans items like firearms, explosives, sharp objects (knives, ice picks), large tools, and flammable liquids from carry-on bags, with many of these restricted to checked luggage (if properly packed/declared) or completely prohibited, while rules also cover liquids, powders, and specific sporting goods, so always check the TSA's "What Can I Bring?" tool for specifics before flying.
 

Can you take a full size deodorant on a plane?

Yes, you can take deodorant on a plane, but it depends on the type: solid/stick deodorants are fine in any size for carry-on or checked bags, while sprays, gels, or liquids must follow the TSA 3-1-1 rule (3.4oz/100ml or less in a quart bag) for carry-ons, with full-size containers allowed only in checked luggage. 

What are the most common items confiscated by TSA?

Liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes exceeding the 3.4-ounce (100-milliliter) limit are among the most frequently confiscated items. These include everyday products like water bottles, coffee cups, toothpaste, lotions, perfumes, and even duty-free alcohol without proper documentation.

What is the 45 minute rule?

The 45-minute rule in air travel is the minimum time you must check in and drop off bags before a domestic flight, a common cutoff for major airlines like American and United, though this can vary by airport and flight type (international flights often need more time). Essentially, it's the latest you can complete check-in/baggage drop to ensure your luggage gets loaded and you make it to the gate on time, with some airlines also requiring you to be at the gate 45 minutes prior if flying with carry-on only.
 

What are the new carry-on rules?

New carry-on rules for 2025/2026 focus on stricter enforcement of size (including wheels/handles, generally 22x14x9 inches for major airlines) and potential weight limits (especially internationally), with more gate-checking and fees for oversized bags, plus heightened scrutiny on electronics and medications, requiring chargers and original bottles for better compliance.
 

Can I bring a purse with my personal items?

Yes, a purse generally counts as a personal item when flying, provided it's small enough to fit completely under the seat in front of you, alongside other examples like small backpacks, laptop bags, or totes. Airlines have specific size restrictions (often around 18x14x8 inches or smaller), so check your airline's policy, as oversized purses might need to be stowed as a carry-on (in the overhead bin) or checked.
 

What is the 1 2 3 4 5 6 packing rule?

Consider the 1-2-3-4-5-6 Rule

One general guideline is to pack one hat, two pairs of shoes, three bottoms, four tops (short or long-sleeve or outer layer), five pairs of socks, six pairs of underwear. This should be enough to last you for two weeks.

Can I put my backpack under an airplane seat?

Yes, you can put your backpack under an airplane seat if it's small enough to be considered a "personal item," fitting within airline-specific dimensions (around 18x14x8 inches or smaller), but larger backpacks must go in the overhead bin. If your backpack doesn't fit under the seat, it will likely count as your main carry-on, and on basic economy fares, you might have to pay a fee to check it at the gate.
 

Can I take my phone charger in my carry-on?

Yes, you can take phone chargers (cables, wall adapters, and power banks) in your hand luggage, but portable power banks with lithium-ion batteries must be in your carry-on, never in checked bags, due to fire risks, with limits of 100Wh (around 20,000mAh) for standard travel and airline approval needed for larger ones (101-160Wh). Keep them easily accessible in your carry-on for security checks and convenience. 

What toiletries are not allowed on an airplane?

You can't bring full-sized liquids/gels/aerosols (over 3.4oz/100ml) in your carry-on, and some dangerous items like flammable sprays, high-proof alcohol (over 70%), or toxic chemicals are banned entirely, even in checked bags, though most toiletries are fine if they follow the 3-1-1 rule (3.4oz, 1 quart bag, 1 bag per person) in carry-ons, or are in reasonable quantities with protective caps in checked bags. 

What triggers TSA to search your bag?

Common Items That Trigger Inspections:

TSA agents will manually check your bag to verify the contents. Sharp Objects: Items like scissors, pocket knives, or even certain tools are prohibited in carry-ons and can trigger inspections in checked bags.

What are the 5 biggest packing mistakes to avoid?

• Mistake: Not Creating a Capsule Wardrobe.
• Mistake: Not Using Packing Cubes.
• Mistake: Traveling With a Subpar Carry-on Suitcase.
• Mistake: Forgetting About the Power of a Personal Item Bag.
• Mistake: Not Having a Strategy for Toiletries.

What cannot go in a personal item bag?

You can't pack weapons (guns, knives, bats), liquids over 3.4oz (100ml), certain sharp objects (axes, box cutters), explosives, large tools, and some hazardous materials in your personal item (or carry-on) bag, as the TSA prohibits anything that can be used as a weapon or cause harm, plus specific hazardous items like large flammable liquids or certain batteries. Always check the TSA's "What Can I Bring?" tool for specific items, as rules can vary and are ultimately up to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agent. 

Can I bring two personal items and a carry-on?

You can bring one carry-on bag and one personal item for free on most domestic and international flights. But there are a few rules you'll need to follow.

What medication can you not fly with?

Drugs denied by the FAA

• Angina medications. ...
• Anticholinergics (oral) ...
• Cancer treatments including chemotherapeutics, biologics, radiation therapy, etc., whether used for induction, “maintenance,” or suppressive therapy.
• Controlled Substances (Schedules I – V). ...
• Diabetic medications.

Do I need a copy of my prescription when flying?

Yes, you should carry a copy of your prescription and a doctor's note when flying with medication, especially internationally, as it helps security and customs verify your need for the drugs, though the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) doesn't strictly require it for domestic flights, it expedites screening and is crucial for international travel. Keep all meds in their original containers in your carry-on, declare liquids over 3.4oz, and research destination country laws. 

Will TSA go through my pills?

Yes, TSA screens pills via X-ray like other items, but they can perform a visual inspection if you ask, though they often don't check individual pills unless suspicious; it's best to keep them in labeled original bottles or a pill organizer, declare them if they're liquids over 3.4oz, and carry a doctor's note or list of medications for ease. Always keep medication in your carry-on, not checked bags, for security and to ensure you have it.