So, can a small suitcase be a personal item on your flight? Carry-on item allowances are more generous for business and first-class passengers, but most commercial airlines will allow passengers at least one free carry-on item (could be a small suitcase)and one free “personal item” that they can take on board their flights.
In order to conserve overhead baggage bin space, passengers are generally instructed to place their carry-on items in the bin overhead and their personal items underneath the seat in front of them. Personal items are generally defined to be smaller effects, such as a briefcase, purse, handbag, or laptop bag.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) does not strictly define exactly what a personal item is, so there is a bit of flexibility. The TSA’s size guidelines are technically that personal items should not exceed 18 inches in length, 14 inches in width, and 8 inches in height/45 x 35 x 20 cm (40 linear inches/100 linear cm total (l + w + h)). Airline representatives are given the purview to decide if something is a personal item or not, and whether it may need to be checked.
Small backpacks, tote bags, crossbody bags, and duffle bags are also acceptable as personal items, as long as they can fit in the seat underneath you. Standard size suitcases are not typically considered to be personal items, regardless of size, though remember, the rule of thumb is whether or not the item can fit underneath the seat in front of you.
If you’ve ever wondered what you can or can’t “get away with” when you fly, in regard to carry-on items, read on for more clarification. I’ll answer questions I commonly hear on this topic and give you the relevant information you need to travel smarter.
What Qualifies As a Personal Item on a Plane?
As mentioned, personal items are generally defined to be smaller effects, such as a briefcase, crossbody bag, purse, handbag, or laptop bag. Backpacks, diaper bags, etc. are typically considered personal items as well. Remember that your personal items must be able to fit underneath the seat in front of you.
Related: Can you Cancel One Leg of a Flight to Get Cheaper Airfare?
What Size Can Your Personal Item Be on a Plane?
The TSA has offered up guidelines stating that a “personal item” should not exceed 18 inches in length, 14 inches in width, and 8 inches in height/45 x 35 x 20 cm (40 linear inches/100 linear cm total (l + w + h)). Airline representatives are given the purview to decide if something is a personal item or not, and whether it may need to be checked, though if your personal item fits underneath the seat in front of you, you shouldn’t have anything to worry about.
What Happens If Your Personal Item Is Too Big?
Most airlines won’t strictly verify your personal item’s size, unless it’s visibly larger or heavier than what your allowance allows for. What ends up happening will depend on what airline you’re flying, and what their policies are in this regard. Keep in mind that if your personal item is too wide/thick, and if it doesn’t fit in the overhead baggage bin, that flight attendant may check your item for you, and a fee may apply.
What Is Not Allowed in a Personal Item Bag on Your Flight?
Essentially, anything that could potentially be brandished as a weapon. Sharp objects (e.g., scissors (excluding nail scissors), knives, straight razors, safety razor blades, etc.). Items used for self-defense like pepper spray or brass knuckles, are also prohibited, along with liquids/gels/lotion items that exceed 3.4 oz/100 ml.
Liquid toiletries/items need to be packed neatly into a re-sealable clear Ziploc-style plastic baggie, like these gallon size baggies. Your baggie can’t be any larger than 7.8 x 7.8 inches (20 x 20 centimeters).
You’ll find plenty more information here on our TravelontheFly site about what items you are and aren’t allowed to bring on a plane with you.
You can also verify these requirements with the TSA’s website.
What Size Bag Will Fit Under an Airplane Seat?
To find a bag that will fit under an airplane seat, you’re looking for something that measures 18” x 14” x 8” or less. Remember, as long as your item fits underneath the seat in front of you, you should be fine.
I recommend a nice little personal item bag like this one.
There’s also this really cool roller mini-suitcase that can convert into an under-seat personal item.
Are Airlines Strict With Personal Items?
Most airlines are not strict about personal item size, unless your personal item is unreasonably large. As long as it fits underneath the seat in front of you, you should be just fine.
Can I put Clothes in My Personal Bag?
Yes, you technically can pack clothes in your personal item, though I recommend packing the bulk of your clothes in your checked and carry-on bags, so you’ll have the space in your personal bag for personal items.
Carrying Additional Items Onto Your Flight
What if you have extra items you’re traveling with, in addition to your carry-on bag and personal bag. No worries about bringing “extra” small personal items on board your flight, like a jacket, book, blanket, umbrella, duty-free items, reasonably sized stuffed animal, food/drink purchased past the security checkpoint, crutches, strollers, camera, etc.
Small items like these don’t count as additions to your “one” personal item. Bring them on board along with your carry-on and personal item.
How does the TSA Check Personal Items?
How does the TSA check your personal items you’re bringing on board with you? All items are checked/Xray-ed as you go through airport security, to make sure no one is bringing on board anything dangerous.
Is a Backpack Too Big For a Personal Item?
Your backpack shouldn’t be considered too big for a personal item as long as you can reasonably fit it underneath the seat in front of you. Oversized items brought on board may need to be checked at the gate, and you may be charged a fee.
Can I bring a Duffel Bag and a Backpack As a Carry-on?
If you’re trying to count your duffel bag AND your backpack as one carry-on item, then no, you cannot bring both items on and count them as one. But you can bring either your duffel bag or backpack as your carry-on bag, and count the other one as your personal item. Remember, it needs to fit underneath the seat in front of you.
Can I Put My Purse Inside My Personal Item?
Purses are typically considered to be personal items all by themselves, but if you can fit it into your personal bag, and then fit the bag underneath the seat in front of you, you should be fine.
So, Can a Small Suitcase Be a Personal Item?
If it doesn’t fit underneath the seat in front of you, then definitely not. Most airlines allow passengers to travel with a carry-on bag and a personal item free of charge. Personal items are generally defined to be smaller effects, such as a briefcase, purse, handbag, or laptop bag.
The TSA’s size guidelines are technically that personal items should not exceed 18 inches in length, 14 inches in width, and 8 inches in height/45 x 35 x 20 cm (40 linear inches/100 linear cm total (l + w + h)). Small backpacks, tote bags, crossbody bags, and duffle bags are acceptable as personal items, as long as they can fit in the seat underneath you.
Standard size suitcases are not typically considered to be personal items, regardless of size, though remember, the rule of thumb is whether or not the item can fit underneath the seat in front of you. And you might consider investing in a cool roller mini-suitcase that converts into a personal item-sized piece of luggage.
