Carry-On vs. Personal Item: What Counts as a Personal Item?

What Counts As A Personal Item? Carry-On Vs. Personal Bag Explained

When flying for the first time, many passengers often get confused between a carry-on and a personal item, as each airline treats them differently. You must have the information regarding them to avoid paying the excess baggage fee. If you are wondering, "Does a backpack count as a personal item or does it count toward the size limit, then go through the airline's policy. You need to understand the fundamental difference between these two, and the provided information will assist you in doing so.

What is a Carry-on Baggage?

This baggage also goes by the name of cabin luggage and hand baggage, which almost every airline allows passengers to carry in the cabin. The carry-on baggage goes to the overhead storage compartment above the seat. Each airline may have different rules and regulations, but below are a few points that will provide details on the standard policy on Carry-on luggage:

• The size of the carry-on luggage should not exceed 56 cm X 45 cm X 25 cm (22 in X 18 in X 10 in).
• The weight of the carry-on baggage may vary on airlines, but the maximum weight allowed by the airline is 10 kg.
• There are a few airlines that allow additional carry-on baggage.
• If your carry-on baggage exceeds the provided size or weight limit, then it will be counted as checked luggage, and you will be charged extra.

What is a personal Item?

A personal item is a small baggage that is handy to carry in the cabin, like a purse, laptop bag, backpack, small pet carrier, briefcase, etc. No airline charges a fee for it, and one free personal item is included with every passenger's ticket. You should always go through the airline's terms and conditions for further information. Use the described details to learn more about the personal items of the airline:

• The personal item has to be small enough to fit under the seat in front of you.
• The standard dimension allowed by the airlines for personal items is 43 cm X 25 cm X 22 cm (17 in X 10 in X 9 in).
• If your item is not within the provided limit, then an additional fee will be applied.
• Passengers are not allowed to carry more than one personal item, no matter what airline they are traveling on.

Do I have to pay for a carry-on or personal item?

Personal items are free to carry on every airline and for every class of passenger. There are a few low-budget flight carriers that ask you to pay for the baggage depending on your seat, to cope with the cheap ticket fare. The airlines that charge you for carry-on baggage are as mentioned:

• Spirit Airlines 
• United Airlines 
• Frontier Airlines

What items are not considered personal items or carry-on baggage?

There are a few items that are smaller in size but are not considered personal items or carry-on baggage, and you may have to pay extra charges for them. For example, medical devices, breast pumps, diaper bags, strollers, and child seats.