Does a crossbody bag count as a carry-on?

Yes, a crossbody bag usually counts as a personal item, not a full carry-on, allowing you to bring one larger carry-on bag plus the crossbody bag, provided the crossbody fits under the seat in front of you. However, airline rules vary, especially with budget carriers, so always check your specific airline's policy; if it's too big, it might be considered a second carry-on and incur fees, or you might need to consolidate it into your main carry-on.

Is a crossbody considered a carry-on?

One carry-on suitcase. One “personal item”— which includes a cross-body bag, backpack, or even a laptop bag.

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

The reason for cross bodies being counted as a bag is because it is and it's a safety issue... in an emergency that cross body can cost you your life as well as others. If your cross body strap gets stuck on an arm handle or debris from the plane in a Catastrophic event it slows the evacuation.

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.

Is a cross body bag allowed in a flight?

Yes, you can wear a crossbody bag on a plane, but it generally counts as your allowed personal item (alongside your carry-on suitcase) and must fit under the seat in front of you for takeoff/landing, so it's best to keep it compact or place it inside your other bag to avoid issues with strict airline agents, especially on budget carriers. For easy access during the flight, store essentials in it and take it out to use as a mid-flight pouch, or place it by your feet. 

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

Why can't you wear fanny packs on planes?

Their concern is security. So while TSA won't stop you for wearing a fanny pack, your airline might if it looks like a third item. Airlines define a personal item as something that fits under the seat and includes essentials like purses, laptop bags, or small backpacks.

Is a ladies purse considered a carry-on?

Yes, a ladies' handbag is generally considered hand luggage, but it usually falls under the "personal item" category if small enough to fit under the seat in front of you, alongside your main carry-on suitcase; if it's a very large handbag, it might count as your main carry-on. Policies vary by airline, but most allow one carry-on plus a small purse or personal item (like a laptop bag/small backpack). 

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. 

Are phone chargers allowed in hand carry?

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 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.

Why can't you wear jeans on a plane?

You shouldn't wear stiff jeans on a plane because they restrict movement, cause discomfort and swelling during long flights, and can pose minor security delays due to metal parts, with experts recommending stretchy, breathable fabrics like joggers or spandex for better circulation and comfort. The lack of give in denim, especially tight styles, can worsen bloating and increase risks like Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) from sitting still, while metal buttons might trigger security scanners, slowing you down.
 

Do I have to take everything out of my purse at TSA?

Standard and TSA PreCheck® Screening

As you know, standard screening requires that you remove all items and place them on the X-ray belt for screening. With TSA PreCheck®, you are able to speed through security and don't need to remove your shoes, laptops, liquids, belts and light jackets.

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.
 

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

You can wear a cross-body bag on a plane, but some airlines count it as your one personal item. Ryanair and EasyJet are super strict. If your crossbody doesn't fit their personal item size, they might charge you or make you squeeze it into your cabin bag.

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 keep my purse on my lap on a plane?

Underseat item

Must fit under the seat in front of you. Examples include a purse or backpack.

Is a water bottle allowed in a flight?

Yes, you can bring a water bottle on a flight, but it must be empty when you go through the airport security checkpoint (TSA). You can bring any size empty bottle through security and then fill it up at a water fountain or buy a full one past security to take on the plane. Filled water bottles over 3.4 ounces (100ml) are confiscated, but filled bottles bought after security are allowed.
 

Do I have to take my phone charger out of my carry-on?

Portable chargers or power banks containing a lithium ion battery must be packed in carry-on bags. Spare lithium batteries, which include both power banks and phone chargers, are prohibited in checked luggage.

What cannot go in hand luggage?

Not allowed in carry-on bags are firearms, ammunition, explosives, sharp objects (knives, large scissors), most tools, large liquids/gels/aerosols (over 3.4oz/100ml), and flammable items, as well as some sports equipment like baseball bats or ski poles, but always check the TSA website for specific rules. Items like power tools, drones, bear spray, and even some toy guns are also prohibited.
 

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. 

Should I carry a copy of my prescription?

Bring a Copy of Your Prescription and Doctor's Contact Information. When traveling, especially abroad, carry a written prescription or a note from your doctor listing all your current medications, their generic names, and dosages. This documentation can help if: You lose your medications or need to replace them abroad.

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.

Is a powerbank allowed in a flight?

Yes, power banks are allowed on flights but must be in your carry-on bag, never in checked luggage, due to fire safety risks. They are generally permitted if under 100 watt-hours (Wh), with larger ones (100-160 Wh) requiring airline approval, and those over 160 Wh are typically banned. Always check with your airline and ensure the watt-hour (Wh) rating is clearly marked on the device. 

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.