With the most recent news that Southwest Airlines will start charging for checked luggage (in line with the policies of most all airlines), it’s a good time to reconsider which bags you use for your next flight. To save money, many travelers try to travel “carry-on only”. Unless your airline or the fare you purchase doesn’t include a carry-on, this can be a great way to save money (and prevent lost or delayed baggage).
This method isn’t foolproof because sometimes there isn’t enough room in the overheads for all passenger carry-ons. But, it’s still the best option for saving money on baggage fees.
According to the FAA regulations, travelers are permitted one carry-on bag (that can go in the overhead), and one personal item. So, is a personal item a carry-on? While it is carried on the plane, rather than checked, a personal item is not a carry-on.
Instead, it’s a smaller bag that must fit underneath the seat in front of you. Your other item, the official carry-on, is a larger bag, often with roller wheels, that goes in the overhead bin.
Read our post to learn more about personal items, including our favorite personal items and examples of what can be used as a personal item.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. A purchase/click through one of these links may result in a commission paid to us at no additional cost to you. All opinions are my own.
Is a Personal Item a Carry On? (And Other Questions)
A personal item is the smaller of the two items you can carry on to a plane. It must fit under the seat in front of you. Typically, it’s described as a purse, diaper bag, backpack, or briefcase. However, any bag that fits within the size requirements can be considered a personal item.
What Can Go in a Personal Item?
The official FAA rules are on their website. Because things can change, it’s always a good idea to check before packing. You won’t want to have anything confiscated at the airport.
When packing my personal item, I typically include all essential paperwork, including my passport. I also include anything I’ll need on the flight (like chargers, books, etc), medications, and any valuables.
Does the Personal Item Always Go Under the Seat in Front of You?
Typically, yes. However, there are some times when you’ll need to put it in the overheads. This includes when seated in a bulkhead seat with no seat in front of you. In that case, the bag must go in the overheads during takeoff and landing (but can come down during the flight).
If you know your seat doesn’t have space for your personal items, pack them strategically to reach everything you need, like your headphones and book, before you pack the bag away.
How to Choose a Personal Item That Works Best for You
If you need something specific on your trip, like a backpack, a diaper bag, or a briefcase, that’s probably what you’ll want as your personal item. Otherwise, it’s best to look for something with the following features and lots of stuff.
- Trolley sleeve so you can carry it on the top of your rolling bag
- A padded laptop sleeve – if you are bringing a laptop
- Comfortable shoulder straps so it’s easy to carry the bag
- A front pocket or side pocket for easy access to travel documents
- Plenty of space, but within the personal item size guidelines
My Favorite Personal Items
If you are looking for a new personal item, here are some of our current favorites:
Nomad Lane Bento Bag
The Nomad Lane Bento Bag is one of my favorite bags and the one that I recommend the most. It holds so much stuff in several very organized compartments, making it very easy to pack.
The Bento Bag comes in several colors and opens down the middle with two big compartments, like a suitcase. I fit in several outfits, toiletries, makeup, and electronics when I packed it.
It also has a laptop sleeve in the center if you want to carry a tablet or a laptop. There are also two smaller pockets at the top and a front pocket with room for pens, small items, IDs, credit cards, etc. I like having this type of pocket to stuff my travel documents as I go through security.
You can find the Nomad Lane Bento Bag on their website or on Amazon.
Beis Mini Weekender Bag
The Beis Mini Weekender Bag is the personal item that gets the most attention when I travel. While it comes in several sizes, the mini is the only personal item-sized.
The Beis Mini Weekender Bag’s wide opening at the top is my favorite feature. This opening makes it easy to pack up and access the contents inside. In the interior, you’ll find a laptop sleeve, a key fob, and a zip pocket on the exterior for your travel documents.
You can purchase the Beis Mini Weekender Bag on their website.
Baboon to the Moon Mini Go Bag
The Baboon to the Moon Mini Go Bag is a unique personal item. It is made of phthalate-free PVC fabric and comes in a variety of neutral and bright colors.
Unlike other backpacks, the Baboon to the Moon Mini Go Bag opens like a suitcase. So, it’s very easy to pack several outfits in this bag (the company claims it can hold enough for 1-3 days). It has backpack straps as well as a top handle.
