Can I take a backpack instead of a carry-on?

Yes, you can absolutely take a backpack instead of a traditional roller suitcase as your carry-on, provided it meets the airline's size and weight restrictions.

Can you take a regular backpack as a carry-on?

Yes, a backpack can be a carry-on, but it depends on its size: small ones fitting under the seat are "personal items," while larger ones go in the overhead bin as a standard "carry-on," with airline-specific dimensions defining the boundary. Always check your airline's rules, as budget carriers might charge for anything bigger than a small personal item, and rules vary by ticket type.
 

Can I bring a backpack if it says no carry-on?

Yes as long as the backpack meets the dimensions for PERSONAL ITEM (not carry on) and you understand it may need to go under the seat in front of you not in the overhead.

How big of a backpack can I bring on a plane?

You can bring a backpack as a carry-on (fitting in the overhead bin) or a smaller personal item (fitting under the seat), with the standard carry-on size generally being 22 x 14 x 9 inches, while personal items are smaller, around 17 x 13 x 8 inches, but you must check your specific airline (like Delta, United, or JetBlue) for exact dimensions, as low-cost carriers and international flights can have stricter rules, especially for budget fares.
 

What makes a backpack TSA approved?

A legitimate travel backpack carry on luggage needs a dedicated laptop compartment that opens completely flat—like a clamshell—allowing you to unzip and present your electronics without touching anything else in your bag.

Travel Backpack vs. Rolling Suitcase (In-Depth Carry On Buyer's Guide)

What three new items did TSA ban?

The TSA recently banned three types of cordless hair styling tools from checked baggage (but not carry-ons): butane/gas-powered irons, lithium-ion/metal battery-powered irons, and spare butane gas refills, due to fire hazards; these can still fly in carry-ons with safety covers. 

Can I bring a backpack on a plane for free?

Yes, you can usually take a backpack on a plane for free as a personal item, which must fit under the seat in front of you, or as a carry-on (overhead bin) depending on your ticket, but budget airlines often charge for carry-ons, so always check your airline's specific rules for dimensions and fees before flying.
 

Do airlines care about backpack size?

While specific size limits apply, the rule of thumb is that a personal item must fit under the seat in front of you. Again, airlines don't mind if it's a purse, camera, handbag or a small laptop backpack, so long as it squeezes beneath that tiny little seat.

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.

What bags don't count as carry-on?

These don't count as your personal item or carry-on:

• Diaper bags (1 per child)
• Breast pump.
• Small, soft-sided cooler of breast milk.
• Child safety seats, strollers and medical or mobility devices.

How do I know if my backpack will fit under my plane seat?

Under Seat Luggage Restrictions for Popular Airlines

dimension of 14 x 12 x 9 inches. to get flight-specific under-seat luggage dimensions. Allegiant Air under seat dimensions measure 16 x 15 x 7 inches. Delta Airlines under seat luggage dimensions depend on the airline model.

How do I avoid carry-on baggage fees?

To avoid baggage fees limit yourself to carry on. If there is a fee for carry on limit yourself to one personal item. Alternatively there are credit cards affiliated with airlines such as American Airlines that give you a free checked bag on each flight.

Can you bring both a carryon and a backpack?

Technically, any piece of luggage that you “carry on” to an airplane is a carry-on bag. Most airlines allow one piece of carry-on luggage or “hand baggage” that can fit in the overhead bin, plus a “personal item” (a smaller purse, computer bag, diaper bag, small backpack, etc.

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.
 

What happens if my personal item is too big?

If your personal item is too big, the airline will likely require you to check it at the gate, often incurring a hefty checked bag fee, which can be costly, especially for budget airlines like Ryanair, as it must fit under the seat in front of you or in the overhead bin. Enforcement varies by airline and agent, but you could be forced to gate-check it (sometimes free, sometimes not) or pay a penalty, so it's best to pack it compressible or risk a fee.
 

Which airline has the smallest cabin bag size?

For the smallest free carry-on size, European budget airlines like Ryanair (40x20x25cm) or easyJet (17.7x14x7.8in for their small under-seat bag) often have the tightest restrictions, while for US airlines, it's usually around 22x14x9 inches, with budget carriers like Spirit and Frontier also enforcing strict personal item sizes that fit under the seat, often around 18x14x8 inches, making them key to watch. 

What happens if my bag is slightly over the limit?

If your bag's over the weight limit, the airline might charge you an extra fee and they can add up quickly. Some charge by the kilo, others have flat rates depending on how far over you are. In some cases, you might be able to shift a few things into your hand luggage if there's space.

Are there rolling 40x20x25cm bags?

Introducing the Aerolite 40x20x25cm Backpack Trolley – the ultimate travel solution that gives you the freedom to roll or carry on your terms, all while meeting Ryanair's cabin size requirements!

What size backpack qualifies as a personal item?

A personal item backpack size is generally 18 x 14 x 8 inches (46 x 36 x 20 cm) or smaller, fitting under the seat in front of you, but it's crucial to check your specific airline's rules as some, like United, have slightly different limits (e.g., 17x13x8 inches). Aim for a compact daypack or a soft-sided bag in the 20-26 liter range to ensure it fits easily, keeping essentials accessible.
 

What if my carry-on is 1 inch too big on American Airlines?

If your carry-on is 1 inch too big for American Airlines, you might get away with it, especially if it's slightly over, but it's risky, especially on full flights; expect to be asked to gate-check it (usually free at the gate) or, if you're unlucky and check it at the counter, you'll pay checked bag fees, so consider a soft bag to potentially squish or be ready to gate-check to avoid counter fees.
 

What is the new carry-on size for 2025?

There are no universal new carry-on sizes for 2025, but airlines are enforcing stricter rules, with the common standard remaining around 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56x36x23 cm), though some carriers like Southwest allow slightly larger bags (24x16x10) and budget airlines have smaller allowances. Key trends for 2025 include tighter gate enforcement, potential fees for oversized bags, and weight limits becoming more common, so always check your specific airline's policy before flying to avoid extra charges.
 

Is it cheaper to add baggage after booking?

No, it's almost always more expensive to add baggage at the airport; it's cheapest to pay when booking, slightly cheaper to add online later, and most costly at the airport check-in or gate, with prices often doubling or more as you get closer to departure. Airlines use higher fees for last-minute bag purchases to encourage advance planning and reduce airport workload, so add bags during initial booking or via the "Manage My Booking" section online. 

Can you bring a backpack full of clothes on a plane?

Yes, provided it falls within the size guidelines on the airline's website, you can use a backpack as a personal item or carry-on bag. Just remember that it needs to fit comfortably under the seat in front of you if it's a personal item and in the overhead compartment if it is a carry-on.

Can I put my purse in my personal item?

Yes, you can put your purse inside your personal item (like a backpack or tote) as long as the combined item fits under the seat, but you generally can't have both as separate items if your airline only allows one personal item. Most airlines count a purse as a personal item itself, so packing a smaller purse into a larger personal item bag is a common way to consolidate and avoid issues with gate agents, ensuring you only have one bag that fits the under-seat requirement.