Is a backpack a personal item?
Yes. A backpack counts as a personal item if it fits under the seat in front of you and within the airline limit, usually 18 × 14 × 8 in (45 × 35 × 20 cm) in the US or 40 × 30 × 20 cm on European budget airlines.
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Airlines that accept this bag
Airlines that won’t accept it
* guideline, not published
Personal item limits for backpacks
| Airline | Personal item | Cheapest fare |
|---|---|---|
| American Airlines | 18 × 14 × 8 in45.7 × 35.6 × 20.3 cm | Carry-on included on all fares |
| Delta Air Lines | 18 × 14 × 8 in*45.7 × 35.6 × 20.3 cm | Carry-on included on all fares |
| United Airlines | 17 × 10 × 9 in43.2 × 25.4 × 22.9 cm | Carry-on not included on Basic Economy |
| Southwest Airlines | 16.25 × 13.5 × 8 in*41.3 × 34.3 × 20.3 cm | Carry-on included on all fares |
| JetBlue | 17 × 13 × 8 in43.2 × 33 × 20.3 cm | Carry-on included on all fares |
| Alaska Airlines | 17 × 13 × 8 in*43.2 × 33 × 20.3 cm | Carry-on included on all fares |
| Frontier Airlines | 18 × 14 × 8 in45.7 × 35.6 × 20.3 cm | Carry-on is a paid add-on, not in the base fare |
| Allegiant Air | 18 × 14 × 8 in45.7 × 35.6 × 20.3 cm | Carry-on is a paid add-on, not in the base fare |
| Ryanair | 15.7 × 11.8 × 7.9 in40 × 30 × 20 cm | Carry-on is a paid add-on, not in the base fare |
| easyJet | 17.7 × 14.2 × 7.9 in45 × 36 × 20 cm | Carry-on is a paid add-on, not in the base fare |
| Wizz Air | 15.7 × 11.8 × 7.9 in40 × 30 × 20 cm | Carry-on is a paid add-on, not in the base fare |
| British Airways | 15.7 × 11.8 × 5.9 in40 × 30 × 15 cm | Carry-on included on all fares |
Which backpacks fit
A daypack of 20 to 25 liters usually fits. United is stricter at 17 × 10 × 9 in, so choose a slim pack. Ryanair and Wizz Air allow 40 × 30 × 20 cm for the free bag.
When a backpack becomes a carry-on
If the backpack is too big for the under-seat limit, it counts as your carry-on. On budget airlines that means paying for it.
Frequently asked questions
Is a backpack a personal item?
Yes, if it fits under the seat and within the airline personal item size, usually 18 × 14 × 8 in.
What size backpack counts as a personal item?
About 13 × 10 × 4 in (33 × 25 × 10 cm) fits almost every airline. Most US airlines allow up to 18 × 14 × 8 in, but United allows only 17 × 10 × 9 in.
Can a backpack be a personal item on Spirit or Frontier?
On Frontier yes, up to 18 × 14 × 8 in. Spirit stopped flying in May 2026.