Carry-on Baggage vs. Personal Items: What’s the Difference?
Most airlines allow you to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item. By understanding the differences between them, you can make the most of your limited packing space.
Generally, a carry-on is a small suitcase or bag that fits in the overhead bin, while a personal item is something smaller, like a backpack, purse, or laptop bag, that must fit under the seat in front of you. Each airline has specific size and weight limits for these items, and knowing these rules ahead of time can save you from any hassle or unexpected fees at the airport.
I researched the carry-on baggage and personal item requirements of 175 airlines around the world to create this comprehensive guide.
I will guide you through the difference between carry-on luggage and personal items, then I will give you some useful information. packing tips helps you make the most of your carry-on luggage and personal items.
What is a handbag?
A carry-on bag is a type of luggage that is designed to fit in the overhead compartment of an aircraft. Unlike checked baggage, you keep your carry-on luggage with you throughout your time at the airport and during your layover. For this reason, carry-on luggage is a great place to keep the items you want to take with you when you travel.
Carry-on luggage will be larger than your personal belongings. Your carry-on luggage can be a suitcase, backpack, duffel bag, or any other bag that falls within the size limits.
Carry-on Baggage Size Limits
Because carry-on baggage must fit in the overhead bin, airlines have very specific restrictions on the size of carry-on baggage. Carry-on Baggage Size Limits are usually defined by a certain height, width, and depth and your bag must fit each of those dimensions.
For domestic flights within the United States, the most common size limit is 22 x 14 x 9 inches. Some airlines, like Frontier and Southwest, allow larger bags, but that’s a general rule to follow.
International airlines have slightly different limits (since they use centimeters). 21.6 x 15.7 x 9 inches (55 x 40 x 23 cm) is the most common size, but each airline sets its own restrictions.
International flights also often have strict regulations. weight limit for carry-on baggageTherefore, you should weigh your carry-on luggage after it is fully packed.
Types of carry-on luggage
When you think of carry-on luggage, you may picture a small suitcase on wheels, but really any bag can be a carry-on as long as it fits within the size restrictions. Here are some popular choices for a carry-on bag.
- Hard suitcase: They are sturdy, stylish and very popular. They usually roll on four 360 degree rotating wheels and are great for keeping your belongings protected and safe.
- Soft suitcase: These are more versatile and lighter, and they often have more pockets to keep things organized. They can have two wheels (more powerful) or four wheels (more versatile).
- Travel backpack: While suitcases are convenient, nothing compares to the portability of a backpack. If your trip involves a lot of walking, especially over rough surfaces or up and down stairs, a backpack is a great choice.
- Duffle bag: These bags are simple, durable, and easy to pack. Duffle bags are great for carrying a lot of stuff, but because they have to be carried in one hand or slung over one shoulder, they are not ideal for hiking.
- Valise: If you’re traveling with a suit or dress, a dedicated garment bag can ensure it arrives at its destination intact and wrinkle-free.
How to choose a handbag
If you’re looking to buy a new carry-on bag, you should first research the size restrictions to determine what size is appropriate for your carry-on. Remember, domestic flights have different restrictions than international flights, and each airline has its own restrictions.
Research all the airlines you plan to fly with and choose the smallest luggage size, that way your suitcase will fit on all of them.
Once you know the size of your carry-on bag, you need to decide how to carry and move it.
Luggage with wheels Wheeled suitcases are convenient for moving around the airport because you don’t have to carry a heavy load. However, suitcase wheels only work well on smooth, paved surfaces. If your trip involves a lot of walking outside, especially on rough surfaces or up and down stairs, a backpack is a much more viable option that can be carried anywhere.
You should also choose a bag that is easy to pack. Whether you choose a backpack, suitcase or duffel bag, I recommend looking for one with a large, clamshell or panel-style zipper. This makes it easy to access everything inside and means you can pack the bag in the same way you would put clothes in a drawer.
What are personal items?
A personal item is typically a smaller bag or possession that you can bring on board in addition to your carry-on bag. This item should be compact enough to fit under the seat in front of you.
Personal belongings This can include a purse, backpack, or laptop bag. You should use your personal items to carry travel documents, snacks, electronics, books, and anything else you might want during the flight.
Personal item size limits
Airlines often have strict size guidelines for personal items to ensure everything fits comfortably in the cabin. Most domestic airlines based in the United States agree on a standard size of about 18 x 14 x 8 inches.
International flights often have stricter restrictions. The most common carry-on size for international flights is 15.7 x 11.8 x 3.9 inches.
Personal items
You have a lot of options for what to use as a personal item. Again, as long as it fits within the size limits (and isn’t dangerous), almost any bag will do.
- Wallet or crossbody bag: This is a classic choice for a personal bag. You can keep your essentials within reach without taking up too much space.
- Travel backpack or laptop backpack: A small backpack is a good choice for personal items if you will be carrying a lot. Plus, you can use it for day trips once you get to your destination.
- Laptop bag or briefcase: Ideal for business travelers who need quick access to their work tools.
- Duffle bag or small tote bag: Yes, a duffel bag can count as a personal item as long as it is within the size limits. This is a good option if you need extra space for clothes or toiletries.
How to choose a personal item
Choosing the right personal item is a balance of space and function. You want something that can carry everything you need, but also remember that it should complement your main carry-on bag. Here are some factors to consider:
- Size compatibility: First and foremost, make sure that personal item complies with the airline’s specific size requirements.
- Content: Consider what you plan to carry. For transporting electronics, choose a well-padded laptop bag or backpack. Otherwise, a compact, foldable bag may suffice.
- Convenience: Think about how you will manage both your carry-on and your personal items. Some personal items are designed with straps that can be attached to the handle of your suitcase for easier transport.
Tips for packing carry-on luggage and personal items
Getting the most out of your carry-on and personal items starts with smart packing. Each bag should have a specific purpose, and they should work together when you travel.
Here are some tips on what to pack in each piece of luggage and how to organize them to make your trip simpler.
Your carry-on luggage and personal items should complement each other.
Once you have your handbag, choose a personal item that goes with it.
If you’re using a carry-on backpack, you probably don’t want your laptop backpack to be your personal item. How are you going to carry both? Instead, a small shoulder bag or even a fanny pack (oh my!) would work much better.
If you use a classic wheeled suitcase as your carry-on, a small backpack would be the perfect personal item as it keeps your hands free.
What to pack in your carry-on luggage
Your carry-on is stored in the overhead bin, so it will hold items you won’t need during the flight. Pack unnecessary bulky items like extra clothes, shoes, and toiletries here.
Remember that you won’t always have access to your carry-on luggage during the flight, so keep anything you might need in your personal items.
What to pack in your personal belongings
Pack your personal items with things you want to have quick access to during the flight, such as snacks, refillable water bottles, personal entertainment devices, and chargers. This is also a great place to keep travel documents, medications, and an extra layer of clothing in case the plane gets a little chilly.
I recommend keeping your personal belongings small and light, with everything else packed in your carry-on. That way you won’t take up valuable space that you could use to stretch your legs.
Use both bags to keep the weight under the limit
Airlines often impose specific carry-on weight limits, and if your main bag exceeds the limit, you can transfer some smaller, heavier items like a laptop, hardcover books, or camera into your personal luggage.
This way, you not only lighten your carry-on luggage, but also ensure your most valuable possessions remain intact throughout the flight.
