Is a duffel bag a carry-on?

Yes, a duffel bag can absolutely be a carry-on, but it must meet the specific size and sometimes weight restrictions set by your airline, typically around 22" x 14" x 9", and its soft structure often makes it easier to fit into overhead bins or under seats than hard suitcases. Always check your airline's policy before flying, as budget carriers can be stricter, and ensure the bag isn't overstuffed to avoid gate-checking fees.

Can I take a duffel bag as a carry-on?

Yes, you can absolutely take a duffel bag as a carry-on, but it must meet your airline's specific size (typically around 22"x14"x9") and weight limits, so pack it smart and check your carrier's rules for domestic vs. international flights to avoid gate fees, as soft-sided duffels can often be squashed into sizers if slightly over. 

What size duffel bag can I check on a plane?

Checked Luggage Sizes and Restrictions

For most airlines, the largest luggage size for check-in is 62 linear inches. This means the total length + width + depth must equal 62 inches or less.

Can I bring a duffle bag as a personal item on Delta?

Yes, a duffel bag can absolutely be your personal item on Delta, provided it's small enough to fit completely under the seat in front of you, usually around 17"x13"x9" or smaller, and not overstuffed; a small, soft duffel works great, but a large, rigid, or full one might be forced into an overhead bin, making it a carry-on, or even gate-checked on smaller regional jets, notes Travelpro and Reddit users. 

Is it better to travel with a duffel bag or a suitcase?

Neither duffel bags nor suitcases are universally "better"; they excel in different situations, with duffels offering flexibility, light weight, and easy storage for short trips or adventure travel, while suitcases provide structure, protection, and organization, ideal for business or formal travel where items need to stay neat. Your best choice depends on your trip type: duffels for rugged or quick travel, suitcases for organized, longer journeys or flying with fragile items.
 

Traveling with a Duffel Bag: What You Need to Know

Will TSA allow a duffel bag?

Ultimately, you can bring a duffel bag as a carry-on, but know its limitations. A different type of carry on might be a better choice if a duffel bag isn't for you.

What suitcase do flight attendants say not to use?

Although hard-shell luggage often looks sleek and offers protection, flight attendants recommend avoiding overly rigid carry-on suitcases. These suitcases tend to crack or dent under the pressure of airport handling, especially when being placed in overhead bins or checked unexpectedly.

Can you squish a duffel bag as a carry-on?

Smaller duffle bags are ideal for air travel, and most airlines will let you carry them onboard as your free personal item. Just make sure you can squash it under the seat in front of you.

What is the Delta 20 minute bag rule?

20-Minute Bag Guarantee. We're committed to providing you with reliable and on-time baggage service every time you fly. That's why we're backing your bags with a guarantee: if your checked bag doesn't arrive at the carousel in 20 minutes or less after any domestic flight, you are eligible to receive 2,500 bonus miles.

Can I bring both a carry-on and a backpack?

Yes, you can usually bring one standard carry-on bag (for the overhead bin) plus a smaller backpack as your personal item (fitting under the seat) on most major airlines, but it depends on the specific airline, your ticket type, and the size of your items, with international budget carriers being stricter. Your backpack needs to fit under the seat in front of you, while the carry-on goes above; always check your airline's exact size/weight rules before flying, as dimensions vary.
 

Is a 24 inch duffel bag a carry-on?

The standard carry-on size is typically 22 inches x 14 inches x 9 inches and a 24- inch bag is too large to bring on board most economy standard airlines.

What happens if my checked bag is 1 inch too big?

If your checked bag is just 1 inch over the airline's standard size (usually 62 linear inches), you'll likely be fine, as agents often look for obviously oversized bags and focus more on weight; however, it might get caught by automated systems or a strict agent, leading to oversized fees or delays at your destination. Be prepared to pay extra if it's flagged, but being slightly over is often less of an issue than being significantly overweight, so check both dimensions and weight.
 

Does a purse count as a personal item?

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.
 

Does a duffle bag count as a hand bag?

Size Constraints: The critical factor is whether the duffle bag can fit under the seat in front of you. Therefore, check the size of your bag and see if they are under the allowed limits mentioned above. Due to these size restrictions, only small to medium-sized duffle bags are likely to qualify as personal items.

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 size duffel bag fits under an airplane seat?

A duffel bag that fits under an airplane seat is typically around 18 x 14 x 8 inches or smaller, but you must check your specific airline's rules, as they vary (e.g., United is smaller, Spirit allows larger personal items). Look for soft-sided, flexible bags that can compress, and aim for dimensions like 17x13x8" (JetBlue), 17x10x9" (United), or generally under 18x14x8" for most major US carriers.
 

Does Delta allow two carry-ons?

Yes, Delta Air Lines generally allows one carry-on bag plus one personal item (like a purse or small backpack) per passenger at no charge, but not two standard carry-on bags. The carry-on must fit in the overhead bin (max 22"x14"x9"), and the personal item must fit under the seat. On smaller Delta Connection flights (50 seats or less), you may only get a personal item, with larger carry-ons tagged and gate-checked for free. 

Do you really need to arrive 2 hours before a flight Delta?

Arrive Early: Delta recommends arriving 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international ones, +1-801-855-5905 particularly during holiday seasons.

What is the 62 inch rule for Delta?

Delta's 62-inch rule is the maximum combined length + width + height (including handles and wheels) for a standard checked bag, meaning the total linear dimensions must be 62 inches (158 cm) or less, with a standard weight limit of 50 lbs (23 kg) for domestic flights, with fees for bags exceeding these limits. 

What size duffel bag is TSA approved?

However, the most common size restriction is 22” x 14” x 9”, though international airlines may have different guidelines. Duffel bags often fit into these dimensions and easily adapt to these constraints when not overpacked.

Is a 45L duffel bag a carry-on?

Ultimately, most 40L or 45L duffel bags will fit as carry-ons, especially the ones (like a duffel bag!) that are soft enough to shift shape slightly.

Can a 60L duffel bag be a carry-on?

A 60L duffel bag can be a carry-on, but it's borderline and depends heavily on how full it is and the airline's specific size/weight rules; it often needs to be slightly underpacked or compressed to fit overhead bins, especially on smaller planes or international flights, so always check your airline's dimensions before flying.
 

Why shouldn't you wear jeans on a plane?

You shouldn't wear stiff, tight jeans on a plane because they can become very uncomfortable due to bloating and swelling at altitude, restricting movement and potentially causing cramps or issues with circulation, while leggings, joggers, or stretchy pants are better for long flights by accommodating body changes and promoting comfort. The rigid fabric and non-elastic waistband of traditional denim can dig in and feel restrictive during hours of sitting. 

What is the most confiscated item at airports?

The Most Frequently Detected Prohibited Items in Airport Baggage Checks

1. Liquids, Aerosols, and Gels (LAGs) ...
2. Knives and Sharp Objects. ...
3. Firearms. ...
4. Explosives and Flammable Materials. ...
5. Realistic Replicas and Novelty Items. ...
6. Ammunition. ...
7. Flammable Household Items. ...
8. Restricted Powders.

Why do flight attendants sit on their hands and take off?

Flight attendants sit on their hands during takeoff and landing as part of a mandatory safety protocol called the "brace position," which keeps their bodies rigid to minimize injury from sudden impacts, prevents hands from flailing, and allows for immediate, distraction-free response to emergencies during the most critical phases of flight. This posture ensures they are prepared to assist passengers without being hindered by their own limbs, explains People.com and Islands.com.