Can I bring a sleeping bag as a personal item?


Can I bring a sleeping bag as a personal item? Inquiring minds want to know if you can take sleeping bags on airplanes as carry-on luggage. Many youth conferences, retreats, and college exchanges require a personal sleeping bag. The short answer is YES!


What bags class as hand luggage?

These items must fit under the seat in front of you, so they must be 9 in x 10 in x 17 in (22 cm x 25 cm x 43 cm). Common things include purses, backpacks and laptop bags. If you're at the airport and not sure if your bag is the right size, you can use our bag sizers to measure your bag.


Does a personal item have to be a backpack?

Domestic carry-on policies. A good rule of thumb is that if your carry-on bag fits under the seat in front of you, it's considered a personal item. This includes small backpacks, purses, briefcases, laptop bags, etc. Larger bags, including suitcases, must fit in the overhead bin compartment.


Can I take a shoulder bag as well as hand luggage?

Each airline has its own rules. Check with your airline to see exactly what they allow. Most airlines allow one carry-on bag and one “personal item”. The personal item must be able to fit under a seat, and your carry-on must meet certain dimensional requirements.


Can you have 2 personal items on a plane?

Airline rules allow for one carry on bag and one personal item, unless you're flying on a basic economy fare. But we've all seen people selfishly putting two bags in the overhead bin or carrying on more luggage than could possibly be allowed. You don't want to be like them. But you also might not be a one bagger.


How big is too big for a personal item on a plane?

Carry-on bags shouldn't be larger than 22 inches long, 14 inches wide and 9 inches high including handles and wheels. Dimensions of personal items should not exceed 18 inches long, 14 inches wide and 8 inches high.


What are acceptable personal bags?

A personal item is any type of luggage that fits underneath the plane seat in front of you. Most domestic airlines in the United States require a personal item to be 18” x 14” x 8” or smaller in size.


How strict are airlines about personal items?

While personal item size restrictions vary across airlines, most consider a purse, laptop bag, briefcase, or small backpack to count as a personal item. They must always fit under the seat in front of you.


How big can a personal item be?

A personal item is any type of luggage that fits underneath the plane seat in front of you. Most domestic airlines in the United States require a personal item to be 18” x 14” x 8” or smaller in size. Personal items can include a purse, briefcase, small backpack, laptop bag, weekender or small duffel bag.


What backpacks can I use as a personal item on a plane?

If you want to carry a backpack as a personal item, use a daypack or a laptop backpack. Store your personal item under the seat in front of you or on top of your carry on in the overhead bin.


What size bag can fit under an airplane seat?

The size restrictions for underseat luggage vary greatly between different airlines. It can range anywhere from 13 x 10 x 8 inches to 18 x 14 x 10 inches. But in general, if your underseat luggage is under 16 x 12 x 6 inches, it should be allowed on most airlines.


Can 1 personal item be a backpack?

In most cases, backpacks are considered personal items as long as they fit under the seat in front of you. For example, if you use a backpack as a personal item and put it under the seat in front of you, you can then use a duffel as a carry-on bag as long as it's under the airline's size requirements.


What is not allowed in personal item bag?

Firearms, ammunition, and fireworks are prohibited, as are all knives and safety razors (including pocket knives and Swiss Army knives). Straight razors and replacement blades for straight razors are also not allowed. Most tools also cannot be packed in carry-on luggage, as they have the potential to cause harm.


Do airlines check personal item size?

While some airlines specify size limitations for personal items, others simply require the item to be small enough to fit underneath the seat in front of you. For personal items, here's the standard size on major airlines in the United States: American Airlines – 18” x 14” x 8”


What can I bring in my personal item?

Basic Personal Item Packing List
  • Wallet, ID, passport, and travel documents (if not in your pocket or purse)
  • Jacket or extra layer of clothes for cold flights.
  • Scarf, pashmina, or travel blanket for cold flights.
  • Pillow, eye mask, and earplugs for sleeping.
  • Glasses or contacts (if necessary)
  • Notebook and pen.


What if my personal item is too big?

Usually, many airlines won't check every carry-on but will instead go for ones that look oversized. If your luggage does not fit in the sizer, you might have to pay a checked bag fee along with the gate checking fee and have your bag transferred to the airplane's cargo.