Are you planning a trip? If so, you might find it hard to fit everything in your checked luggage. So, what can you do? To help solve this problem, bring a fanny pack with you on your trip. This can make traveling a bit smoother as you don’t have to cram items into your carry on bags.
You might be wondering: does a fanny pack count as a carry on? Can I bring it on the plane? We’ll go over these questions and more in this article.
According to the TSA, fanny packs are considered personal items. Most airlines allow passengers to carry one carry-on bag and one personal item on the plane. Personal items might include purses, handbags, briefcases, or fanny packs.
But they encourage people to check with their specific airline before showing up at airport security with a fanny pack. It’ll save you so much trouble getting through the airport.
Imagine showing up to the airport and you find out you can’t bring your fanny pack on board. It’s not the end of the world but you have to remove all the contents and put them in your carry-on. But it’ll take some time and you don’t want to hold up the line or get on the TSA agents’ bad side.
Related: Is a Small Suitcase Considered a Personal Item on Your Flight?
If you looked on the airline’s website and you’re still in doubt, just put your fanny pack inside your carry-on while you go through security. Do the same when you board the plane, and everything should go smoothly.
Before going through airport security, you just need to make sure that everything inside the fanny pack is TSA-approved. If it contains restricted items, then those items will be confiscated. You’ll still be able to bring your fanny pack on board, but only if you remove the restricted items.
TSA agents will likely ask you to remove the fanny pack from your body and put it in a plastic bin for x-ray screening. You don’t need to remove the contents of the fanny pack, but be ready to set it into the bin.
Especially if the bags are in the back as “fanny pack” suggests, their contents can be easily stolen. So it’s recommended to keep your valuables like your wallet, keys, passport, and other items in your carry-on bag.
That being said, fanny packs lined with wire mesh or tamper-secure zippers can help discourage thieves. These are a great option if you choose to pack valuables in your fanny pack. Just make sure you keep your eye on it. Keep your fanny pack on you at all times; after all, that’s what it’s meant for.
Major airlines like Southwest, Delta, and American Airlines all allow one personal item and one carry on bag on the plane. The carry-on goes in the overhead bin, while your personal item goes under your seat. But, each airline can have different requirements for the size and weight of carry-on bags and personal items.
As long as the personal item meets the airline’s weight requirement, you’re set. But if your fanny pack exceeds the weight requirement, you won’t be able to bring it on board.
Most fanny packs aren’t big enough to exceed these requirements. And they typically don’t have enough space to hold heavy items – unless you fill it with rocks!
But it’s not a bad idea to double check. Take a look at some size and weight requirements of carry-on luggage from major airlines here.
Carry On Size and Weight Requirements
Can you wear a fanny pack with a backpack?
Yes you can wear a fanny pack in the front and a backpack in the back. This is a great setup when traveling or hiking as you can take a few more items with you without feeling too overwhelmed.
If you’d like to travel with a backpack and fanny pack, you probably would only be able to travel with one. Backpacks and fanny packs are both considered personal items in most cases, and most airlines allow only one personal item on board. You could put the fanny pack inside your backpack to bypass this rule, though.
Not all backpacks will be considered personal items though. If they exceed the size or weight requirements provided by the airline, backpacks may be labeled as carry ons.
Is a backpack considered a personal item or carry on?
In general, if your backpack fits under the airplane seat in front of you, it’s a personal item. If not, it’s considered a carry-on and must be stored in the overhead bins.
Are fanny packs safe for travel?
Yes, fanny packs are safe for travel. There is always a risk of getting valuables stolen, but you can find a lot of fanny packs today with secure zippers, RFID blocking, and wire mesh interiors.
Decades ago people wore fanny packs in the back as the name suggests, but a lot of people today like to wear them in the front for added security.
We still recommend keeping valuables in your carry on instead of your fanny pack. It’s more reliable to prevent theft and just keep your stress down. To save space, just bring one backpack or one fanny pack while traveling. It’ll make your life easier!
Best Fanny Packs for Travel
MAXTOP Large Crossbody Fanny Pack
- ▶ Best Gifts for Women Mom,Enjoy Various Activities and Festival Hands-Free: Easily hold the most needed items with our large fanny pack.,include most size phones,passport, keys,ID,standerd water bottle and other items.Perfect for various activities such as Shopping,Traveling,Walking,Cycling,Hiking,Party,Festival and so on. A great Thanksgiving and Christmas Gift for Women Men Children and Family.Lets Hands-Free and enjoy a better festival time!
- ▶ Changeable Style Fashion Fanny Pack With Classic and Simple Design，Many Ways to Wear — Since the comfortable long strap is widely adjustable for most waist size(20” - 50”).There are many ways to wear this fanny pack - You can wear it in front of your waist, back on your hip, slant across your chest or over You shoulder.Perfect for various occasions，an ideal gift for mothers and female friends
- ▶ Have More Safety And Fun — with our creative design Fanny packs.Be Safe And Seen while running or walking at night or during bad weather with REFLECTIVE loop in the belt.The headphone hole allows you to listen to music or the function of call during fitness and walking so that you can free your hands to enjoy your personal time.
- ▶ Creative Key Fob Hook & Theft-Proof Back Pocket — By carring your keys in the Key Fob Hook and carring your phone in the Inner pocket,SAVE YOUR PHONE FROM SCRATCHES.And Theft-Proof Hidden Zippered Pocket - on the back side is great for you to Keep Your Valuables Away From the Thieves
- ▶ Durable Material for Comfortable and Long-Lasting Usage — This Fanny Pack for men are made of PU leather material（The rest color of this style fanny pack are made of high quality polyester）, which is waterproof, durable and light, easy to clean and maintain. Ensure a secure & long-lasting usage
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
The MAXTOP Large Crossbody Fanny Pack is perfect for those who need to carry the most crucial things, like keys and phone. This fanny pack has four zippered compartments and can also be adjusted with its long strap that’s adjustable for a variety of waist sizes. If you’re looking to keep safe and be seen at night while walking or running, this bag has a reflective loop in the belt area. It lights up bright when headlights or flashlights make contact.
This large fanny pack is made from water resistant material that will last you for years of use without wear and tear!
- Branding in front.
- Zippered main compartment and small front pocket.
- Key fob in front pocket.
- Clip-lock closure.
- Metal pulle
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
This fully zippered fanny pack is perfect for traveling. It can comfortably carry your belongings like money, a passport, an ID card, or your phone so you don’t have to carry them in uncomfortable pockets. The key fob on the front pocket is perfect to attach all your keys so you’ll never lose them again! This fanny pack is perfectly comfortable but still stylish. It’s just what you need if you’re looking for convenience while away from home.
Olimpia Fit Fanny Pack for Men and Women
- PERFECT ON THE GO ACCESSORY: Ultra-lightweight comfortable waist pack will keep your hands & pockets free! OlimpiaFit fanny bag fits everything you need inside & organized. Ideal anti-theft waist bag with hidden pockets. Keep your essentials at arms length and valuables safe when travelling, shopping, at theme parks, fairs, festivals, concerts. Great for running chores, dog walking, camping and all workouts (cycling, jogging, hiking). Simple fashionable design looks stylish with any outfit.
- 6 SEPARATE POCKETS / ANTI-THEFT PROTECTION: 2 large zipper compartments will fit a cell phone, wallet, water bottle, small umbrella, car keys and many other items. One of the compartments includes a tethered key clip. 2 zippered hidden pockets for additional antitheft protection and your peace of mind (one inside of the main compartment, another – on the outside of the bag). Two front outside pockets of different sizes offer easy access to all your essential items.
- PREMIUM QUALITY: OlimpiaFit money belt is crafted out of the top quality 100% nylon. It is smooth to the touch and easy to clean. Nylon lining inside each of the 6 pockets with reinforced stitching along the seams to support the weight of all your items. Will securely and comfortably hold your mobile phone, credit cards, cash, cigarettes, lighter, hand sanitizer, passport, plain tickets, drivers license, small make up bag or first aid kid - all with room for more!
- WATER-RESISTANT / HEADPHONES JACK: The water resistant material will keep your belongings dry, protecting them from sweat and rain drops at all times. The headphones jack lets you listen to music and accept incoming calls on the go without getting your phone out of the bag. Perfect go-to travel belt that will stand up to the challenges of your active lifestyle. High grade nylon and excellent craftsmanship ensure amazing look and ultimate durability.
- GREAT GIFT / UNISEX / INCLUDED STRAP EXTENSION: Fits all sizes - small, medium and large. Easily adjustable for any waist size (up to 48 waist with additional 28 extension) with strong and secure grip. Unlike other brands, OlimpiaFit fanny pack comes with an included strap extension for your convenience – no additional purchases needed. All waist packs are unisex and great for men, women, kids. Makes an awesome gift for your adventurous, athletic and well-travelled friends and family membe
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
The OlimpiaFit Fanny Pack is the perfect accessory for people on-the-go! Inside are two large zipper compartments to hold your items and keep your hands free. Food walks, hiking trips, camping trips…you name it. The bag is ultra lightweight so you can stay active all day without weighing yourself down.
With a headphone jack for calls, an adjustable strap, and six compartments, anything is possible with this adventurous waist belt. Lightweight, affordable, easy to clean: What more could you ask for?
Can you wear a fanny pack through airport security?
In most cases, you’ll be asked to remove the fanny pack and put it into the plastic bin for x-ray screening. But you might be able to wear it through security if it’s under your shirt or you’re wearing a baggy jacket. It really depends on how strict the TSA agents are.
At the end of the day, whether the fanny pack is attached to you or separate, it will go through the xray machine. The TSA agents will see if your fanny pack contains any restricted items when it goes through the system.
There’s not really a point in trying to hide your fanny pack and look suspicious, when you could just remove it. You don’t want to cause trouble for the TSA agents, and it only takes a few seconds to remove your fanny pack.
You’ll get through security quickly and then be on your way to board your plane.
Recap
In short, a fanny pack doesn’t count as a carry on, as long as it fits the size and weight requirements of the airline. Be ready to remove your fanny pack for x-ray screening so you can get through security quickly.
For more travel tips and carry-on rules, check out the articles below.
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