The ultimate guide to understanding personal items on a plane

When it comes to air travel, there is often confusion about what qualifies as a personal item bag and how it differs from a cabin bag. Flying can already be stressful without worrying about whether your bag will fit under the seat or if the airline will charge extra at the gate. Since airline policies vary, understanding the difference between a cabin bag and a personal item can save you time, money and hassle at the airport.

In this guide, we will explain everything you need to know about bringing personal items on board, from what is allowed in a personal item bag to size restrictions and how they differ from cabin bag luggage. We will also share some tips on what to pack on a plane and how to avoid unexpected fees. Whether it’s a short flight or a long-haul journey, packing smart will help streamline your travels. 

When purchasing a flight, you will see the term ‘personal item’ associated with what is included with your fare. Most airlines allow each passenger to bring one personal item bag free of charge with every ticket. On a plane, a personal item is a small bag or item you are permitted to take into the cabin in addition to your cabin bag luggage.

Airlines define a personal item as something that can fit under the seat in front of you, such as:

• A backpack, handbag or tote bag
• Laptop bag or briefcase
• Camera bag

Your personal item is separate from your cabin bag and should be accessible during the flight. Typical size limits are around 22 x 25 x 43 centimetres, although sizes vary by airline. Each airline has specific dimensions based on the space under the seat in front of you.

If you are still wondering what is considered a personal item on a plane, the key thing to remember is size and function. If it can slide under the seat, it usually qualifies. Larger bags meant for the overhead bin fall into the cabin bag category, which may incur an extra fee.

On most flights, passengers are allowed to bring both a cabin bag and a personal item, but they are in fact two separate types of bags. Although they both are ‘hand-carried’ on the plane, there are key differences between a cabin bag vs a personal item.

Size and weight

Personal item size is significantly smaller than a cabin bag.

• Cabin bag: usually a small suitcase or duffel that fits in the overhead bin. Standard size is 23 x 35 x 56 centimetres, including wheels and handle, but it varies per airline. Some airlines enforce weight limits on cabin bags, up to 10 kilograms.
• Personal item: must fit completely under the seat in front of you. A common size is roughly 40 x 30 x 15 centimetres, which also varies per airline. These items are not weighed.

Storage

Due to the size difference, they are stored separately.

• Cabin bag: stored in the overhead bin for the duration of the flight
• Personal item: stored under the seat in front of you for easy access

Fees

One is always complimentary and one isn’t.

• Cabin bag: some carriers include a cabin bag in the base fare, while many now offer it as an upgrade.
• Personal item: a personal item is always free on full-service airlines.

If you are unsure whether your bag is considered a personal item or a cabin bag, use the bag sizers at the airport before heading to the gate to avoid unnecessary fees.

Airline policies for personal items vary, but all personal items must fit under the seat in front of you. Always check with your specific airline for their exact size restrictions and policies before your flight. 

Here’s a sample of some personal item size restrictions:

1. American Airlines: American Airlines permits one personal item per passenger across all cabin classes that must fit under the seat in front of you (maximum 45 x 35 x 20 centimetres).

2. Delta: Delta includes one personal item for all ticket types that must fit under the seat in front of you.

3. United Airlines: United Airlines permits one free personal item that must fit under the seat in front of you (maximum 43 x 25 x 22 centimetres).

4. British Airways: British Airways allows one personal item free of charge that must fit under the seat in front of you (maximum 40 x 30 x 15 centimetres).

*The above information is sourced from the official airline websites in August 2025

A personal item bag is best for essentials you want quick access to during a flight. It is intended for items needed on board or personal belongings, such as your wallet and phone. Think of your personal item as your in-flight essentials bag. If your checked bag is delayed or your cabin bag gets gate-checked, you’ll still have everything you need. If packed strategically, you might not need a cabin bag at all.

Here’s what you should bring:

• Travel documents: passport, boarding pass and hotel info.
• Electronics: laptop, tablet, phone, chargers and headphones.
• Comfort items: snacks, neck pillow, blanket or sweatshirt.
• Personal care: hand sanitiser, tissues and lip balm.
• Extras: a change of clothes, reading material and small valuables.

Special Allowances

• Medical equipment: CPAP machines or other approved devices don’t count toward your limit.
• Infant care: nappy bags are often permitted in addition to your personal item.
• Outerwear: jackets, coats and umbrellas typically do not count as personal items and are allowed in addition.

What to avoid

Although a personal item may be smaller, the same airline restrictions still apply. Airport security limits liquids to 100 millilitres or less, and they are not allowed in hand luggage unless purchased after security. Items such as sharp objects, lighters, scissors and certain sports equipment are also prohibited. Some airlines may impose additional restrictions, so always double-check your airline’s list of restricted items to avoid confiscation at security before packing.

Avoid:

• Large liquids over 100 millilitres
• Sharp items like scissors or knives
• Sports items like darts, bats or toy guns
• Anything bulky that clearly won’t fit under a seat

Efficient packing can transform your travel experience. Here are a few tips for packing your personal item bag like a pro:

• Choose a bag with multiple compartments so you can separate items.
• Keep travel documents in an outer pocket for easy access at security.
• Layer items in the bag with essentials like passports and medication near the top.
• Wear bulky items onboard to keep bags small enough to fit under the seat in front of you.
• Pack your valuables in your personal item rather than in checked luggage.
• Use soft-sided bags that can be compressed more easily under the seat.
• Test the fit under a chair at home before travelling.

Packing for a trip should be exciting, but if you're feeling a bit confused by the varying policies among airlines, destinations, tickets, fares and countries, that’s understandable. A well-packed personal item makes your journey much smoother. The key is to remember that your personal item must fit under the seat in front of you. Knowing the difference between a cabin bag and a personal item, packing the right essentials and understanding your airline’s policies will help you avoid fees so you can board with confidence. The next time you book a flight and see ‘personal item included,’ you’ll know exactly how to make the most of it. Small bag, big win.

What is allowed as a personal item bag?

Most airlines permit backpacks, handbags, laptop bags and small duffels as personal items, as long as they fit under the seat in front of you.

Is my backpack a personal item?

Yes, as long as it’s within the airline’s size restrictions and fits under the seat in front of you. Larger hiking rucksacks may not qualify.

What size is considered a personal bag?

There is no universal size for personal item bags across all airlines. The common size is approximately 40 x 30 x 15 centimetres, but always verify your airline’s policy as it can differ.

What is the size of a personal item in the US?

In the US, there is no standard size for a personal item. Airlines generally allow personal items up to 45 x 35 x 20 centimetres (18 x 14 x 8 inches), although rules vary by carrier. These dimensions are slightly more generous than those of some European airlines. If you are flying internationally, check both your departure and arrival airline policies, as the personal item must fit completely under the seat in front of you.

Can I bring duty-free shopping in addition to my personal item?

Generally, you can take duty-free purchases with your personal items, but this rule may differ between airlines. Always check your airline's specific policy before your flight to avoid issues, especially if you have multiple bags or are trying to bring a large number of duty-free items onboard.