Can you take a purse and a carry-on on a plane?

Yes, generally you can take a purse (personal item) and a carry-on bag on a plane, as most airlines allow one of each, but the purse must fit under the seat and the carry-on in the overhead bin; however, basic economy fares or budget airlines might charge for the carry-on or restrict you to just a personal item, so always check your specific airline's policy.

Does your purse count as a carry-on?

No, a purse generally does not count as a carry-on; it's typically considered a "personal item" that must fit under the seat in front of you, allowing you to bring it in addition to a standard carry-on bag (overhead bin) on most airlines, but you must check your specific airline's size limits (like American Airlines' 18x14x8 inches or United's ~17x10x9 inches) to ensure it's small enough. Basic economy fares might restrict you to just the personal item, so always verify. 

What size purse can you bring on a plane?

Baggage size and weight limits vary by type: Personal items must be no larger than 14” H x 18” W x 8” D, including handles, wheels, and straps. These include purses, totes, computer bags, briefcases, and kids' backpacks. Carry-on bags can be up to 24” H x 16” W x 10” D and weigh no more than 35 lbs.

Can I have two personal items on a plane?

Yes, most airlines allow you to bring one carry-on bag (for the overhead bin) and one personal item (fitting under the seat), but this depends heavily on your airline, ticket type (basic economy often restricts you to just the personal item), and specific size/weight limits, so always check your airline's policy before flying. Your personal item must fit under the seat in front of you, while the carry-on goes in the overhead bin.
 

Can you take a carry-on and a handbag on a plane?

Economy class passengers:

one piece of carry-on baggage, maximum dimensions (length x width x height) 55 cm x 40 cm x 23 cm (22 in x 16 in x 9 in) one personal item such as a small handbag, a small laptop bag or a small backpack, maximum dimensions (length x width x height) 40 cm x 30 cm x15 cm (16 in x 12 in x 6 in)

How to Take Advantage of the Airline Carry-On Loophole No One Talks About

Is a ladies purse allowed in a flight?

In addition to one piece of cabin baggage, you may also carry one of the following personal items, subject to security regulations, provided these are able to fit under the seat in front of you and do not weigh more than 3 kg /6lb : Ladies' handbag or purse or small waist pouch* or.

Why can't you wear a crossbody bag on a plane?

You can't always wear a crossbody on a plane because airlines often count it as a second personal item, meaning it must fit under the seat with your other bag, or they consider it a safety hazard during takeoff and landing (requiring it to be stowed), especially if it's bulky or impedes evacuation, though some crew are lenient if it's small and discreet. Federal regulations focus on clear aisles and seat space, so if your crossbody is large, it's best to put it in your main personal item or carry-on. 

Do backpacks count as carry-on?

Yes, a backpack can be a carry-on, but it depends on its size; smaller ones often count as a "personal item" (fitting under the seat) while larger ones must meet overhead bin size limits, so check your airline's specific dimensions, as budget carriers are stricter. A personal item is usually smaller (like 9x10x17 inches for United), fitting under the seat, while a carry-on must fit in the overhead bin (often around 22x14x9 inches for Delta/American). 

What is the 45 minute rule?

The "45-minute rule" in air travel refers to the deadline for completing check-in and checking baggage for domestic flights, with major airlines like Delta and United requiring passengers to check in at the counter or drop bags at least 45 minutes before scheduled departure, a policy that ensures flights stay on schedule and aligns with baggage handling needs. Missing this deadline can result in your reservation being canceled. 

What are the new carry-on rules?

New carry-on rules for 2026 focus on stricter, airline-specific size enforcement, with many major U.S. carriers adopting a 22x14x9-inch standard (including wheels/handles), leading to potential gate-check fees for non-compliant bags; expect more scrutiny on battery rules, liquid limits, and smart luggage, with airports using new sensors to enforce dimensions, so measure your bags carefully and know your airline's policy.
 

Does a woman's handbag count as hand luggage?

If it's small enough to slide under the seat, it'll likely pass as your personal item. Backpacks, handbags and laptop bags usually count too. Can I add cabin baggage to my booking? Yes, it many cases you can, but it depends on your airline and the type of ticket you've booked.

Does a pillow count as a carry-on?

This means the pillow can be stashed under the seat or in front of you. If your pillow is too big to be stashed under the seat or in front of you, then it will need to be packed into your carry-on.

Does a crossbody bag count as a personal item?

Airlines say wearable bags are not magically exempt from the limits. Some point to federal regulations around their baggage programs. Chris Perry, spokesman for Southwest Airlines, said in an email that crossbody bags, purses, fanny packs and similar items count toward the total.

What is forbidden in a carry-on bag?

With the exception of balls, many pieces of sporting equipment, such as baseball bats, golf clubs, ski poles, hockey sticks, lacrosse sticks, martial arts weapons, hiking poles, and tent spikes/poles, are prohibited from carry-on luggage and must be transported in checked baggage.

Do I have to empty my purse at the airport?

Once you make it to the airport security checkpoint, you need to take any liquid you carry with you out of your bag. As a general rule, passengers can bring liquids of 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less in a one-quart-sized resealable plastic bag, and each passenger is allowed one such bag in their carry-on luggage.

What is the difference between a purse and a handbag?

A purse is generally smaller, holding essentials like a wallet, phone, and keys, while a handbag is larger, offering more space for items like books, tablets, or even a change of clothes, with both terms often used interchangeably in the U.S., though "purse" once meant a coin holder. Handbags are versatile for daily use, work, or travel, whereas purses are for minimal carrying, often for evenings out or light travel. 

Is it better to check-in online or at the airport?

It's generally better to check in online to save time, avoid long queues, secure your seat, and get early alerts for changes, but checking in at the airport might be necessary for complex issues, visa checks, or if you need personal assistance; the best choice depends on your situation, but online is usually faster. 

How early do I need to get to the airport?

Recommendations are from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA): At airports in the U.S., expect longer lines and plan for extra time. Get to the airport two hours early for domestic travel. Get to the airport three hours early for international travel.

What is the weight limit for carry-on luggage on United Airlines?

United Airlines has no official weight limit for carry-on bags, but you must be able to lift your bag into the overhead bin unassisted; if it appears too heavy or you struggle, it might be gate-checked and incur fees. Standard carry-on size is 22 x 14 x 9 inches (including wheels/handles), plus a personal item (9 x 10 x 17 inches), but Basic Economy travelers usually only get the personal item, except on certain international routes.
 

Can I put my purse in my personal item?

Yes, a purse generally counts as a personal item, fitting the description of a small bag that must fit under the seat in front of you, alongside items like laptop bags or small backpacks, but you must check specific airline rules as dimensions vary and some budget airlines are stricter, sometimes requiring you to consolidate a purse into a backpack if you have another personal item. 

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.

What items 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.

Why can't you wear jeans on a plane?

“I'd advise wearing cotton clothes or anything made of natural fibres.” While the staple wardrobe item might be the most comfortable choice, leggings are tight-fitting, which can restrict blood flow as well. For the same reason, this rules out jeans, says Dr. Hugh Pabarue.

Is a phone charger allowed in hand carry?

Yes, you can take phone chargers (cables, wall adapters) in your hand luggage, but portable power banks (external chargers) must only be in your carry-on, not checked bags, due to fire risks, and often must be visible or easily accessible in the cabin. Standard wall chargers and cables are fine in either, but it's best to keep them in hand luggage for convenience and safety, while power banks with lithium-ion batteries are strictly carry-on only, with capacity limits (usually under 100Wh). 

Is a ladies purse considered a carry-on?

One handbag up to 7 kgs and 115 cms (L+W+H), allowed per passenger. Additionally, one personal article, such as ladies' purse or a small bag containing laptop, not weighing more than 3 kgs.