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Most airlines allow one personal item that fits under the seat in front of you. The safest personal item size is usually around 18 x 14 x 8 inches or smaller, but the exact limit depends on the airline. Budget airlines are usually stricter because the free personal item is often the only bag included with the cheapest fare.
This guide lists personal item dimensions for 55 airlines, explains what counts as a personal item, and shows how to measure your bag before you leave for the airport. If you are not sure whether your bag is a personal item or a carry-on, start with our separate guide on what counts as a personal item on a plane.
Quick Answer: What Personal Item Size Should You Use?
If you want one bag that works on most airlines, choose a soft-sided personal item no larger than 17 x 13 x 8 inches. That size fits many U.S. airline rules, gives you a better chance of fitting under the seat on smaller aircraft, and is easier to squeeze into airline bag sizers than a rigid suitcase.
- Safest all-around size: about 17 x 13 x 8 inches.
- Common U.S. limit: 18 x 14 x 8 inches on airlines like American, Frontier, and Allegiant.
- Common European free-bag size: about 40 x 30 x 20 cm, which is roughly 16 x 12 x 8 inches.
- Best bag style: a flexible backpack, tote, laptop bag, or small underseat duffel.
- Riskier bag style: a hard-sided rolling underseater that is close to the listed limit.
When an airline does not publish exact personal item dimensions, it usually says the item must fit under the seat. In that case, pack conservatively and check the aircraft if you are flying on a regional jet, bulkhead seat, or basic-economy fare.
Personal Item vs Carry-On: The Difference That Matters
A personal item goes under the seat in front of you. A carry-on goes in the overhead bin. That difference matters because personal items are smaller, more likely to be included for free, and more likely to be checked against a sizer at the gate on budget airlines.
Typical personal items include a purse, laptop bag, small backpack, camera bag, diaper bag, tote, or small duffel. A small wheeled underseat suitcase can also count as a personal item if it fits the airline’s dimensions, but wheels and handles count in the measurement.
Carry-ons are larger. In the U.S., a common carry-on size is 22 x 14 x 9 inches, but many international airlines use different limits. If your bag is too large to fit under the seat, the airline may treat it as a carry-on, charge a carry-on fee, or require it to be checked.
How to Measure Personal Item Size Correctly
Measure the bag at its largest points after packing it, not when it is empty. Include wheels, handles, side pockets, front pockets, and anything clipped to the outside. Airlines care about the full outside dimensions because the bag needs to slide into a sizer and fit fully under the seat.
- Height: measure from the bottom of the bag to the top handle or highest point.
- Width: measure the widest side from left to right.
- Depth: measure the front-to-back thickness after the bag is packed.
- Test flexibility: if the bag is soft, leave room so it can compress without forcing it.
- Check the airline page: basic-economy and low-cost fares often have stricter included-bag rules.
Personal Item Size Chart for 55 airlines
The table below uses each airline’s published personal item, small bag, underseat bag, or accessory wording. Airline rules change, and underseat space can vary by aircraft, so use the linked airline policy before buying a new bag or flying on a restrictive fare.
Last checked: May 2026. Airline baggage rules can change, especially for basic economy and low-cost fares. We link each airline’s official baggage page so you can verify the latest rule before flying.
| Airline | Published personal item size | What it usually means | Official policy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aer Lingus | 25 x 33 x 20 cm | Small personal item in addition to eligible cabin bag. | Aer Lingus cabin baggage |
| Aeromexico | Not always published as one personal-item box | Small personal item must fit under the seat; fare rules matter. | Aeromexico carry-on baggage |
| Air Canada | 17 x 13 x 6 in | Personal article in addition to standard carry-on. | Air Canada carry-on policy |
| Air France | 40 x 30 x 15 cm | Accessory item such as a handbag, laptop bag, or small backpack. | Air France baggage policy |
| Air New Zealand | Small personal item, exact size not always listed | Small handbag, duty-free bag, laptop, or camera. | Air New Zealand carry-on baggage |
| Air Transat | 17 x 12 x 5 in | Small personal item in addition to cabin baggage. | Air Transat carry-on baggage |
| Alaska Airlines | Not published as one fixed size | Small personal item such as a purse, briefcase, or laptop bag that fits under the seat. | Alaska carry-on policy |
| Allegiant Air | 18 x 14 x 8 in | One free personal item; carry-ons cost extra. | Allegiant baggage policy |
| American Airlines | 18 x 14 x 8 in | Fits under the seat; handles and wheels count. | American carry-on policy |
| ANA | Personal belongings, exact size not always listed | Handbag, camera, umbrella, or similar personal item. | ANA carry-on baggage |
| Asiana Airlines | Small personal item, exact size not always listed | Small briefcase, handbag, or laptop item. | Asiana carry-on baggage |
| Avianca | 18 x 14 x 10 in | Personal item must fit under the seat. | Avianca baggage policy |
| Breeze Airways | 17 x 13 x 8 in | Personal item fits under the seat; bundles determine larger bag allowance. | Breeze bag allowance |
| British Airways | 40 x 30 x 15 cm | Small handbag or laptop bag in addition to cabin bag on many fares. | British Airways hand baggage |
| Cathay Pacific | 40 x 30 x 15 cm | Small item in addition to cabin baggage. | Cathay cabin baggage |
| China Airlines | Small personal item, exact size not always listed | Handbag, camera bag, umbrella, or small item under the seat. | China Airlines carry-on baggage |
| Copa Airlines | 17 x 10 x 9 in | Personal item such as a purse, backpack, or laptop bag. | Copa carry-on baggage |
| Delta Air Lines | Not published as one fixed size | Purse, briefcase, small backpack, laptop bag, or similar item that fits under the seat. | Delta carry-on policy |
| easyJet | 45 x 36 x 20 cm | Small cabin bag under the seat. | easyJet cabin bag policy |
| Emirates | Varies by cabin and item type | Economy cabin baggage rules are more restrictive than many U.S. airlines; check your cabin. | Emirates cabin baggage |
| Etihad Airways | Small personal item, exact size varies by route/cabin | Check cabin-bag calculator because allowance can depend on ticket. | Etihad baggage allowance |
| EVA Air | Small personal item, exact size not always listed | Handbag, laptop, or small backpack under the seat. | EVA Air carry-on baggage |
| Finnair | 40 x 30 x 15 cm | Small bag that fits under the seat; ticket type affects cabin bag allowance. | Finnair carry-on baggage |
| Flair Airlines | 17 x 13 x 6 in | Free personal bag; weight limits may apply. | Flair baggage allowance |
| Frontier Airlines | 18 x 14 x 8 in | Free personal item only on many fares; sizer checks are common. | Frontier bag sizes |
| Hawaiian Airlines | Not published as one fixed size | Personal item must fit under the seat; carry-on has a separate size limit. | Hawaiian carry-on policy |
| Iberia | 40 x 30 x 15 cm | Personal accessory under the seat. | Iberia hand luggage |
| Icelandair | 40 x 30 x 15 cm | Small personal item under the seat. | Icelandair baggage allowance |
| Japan Airlines | Personal belongings, exact size not always listed | Small handbag or similar item plus carry-on within overall cabin rules. | JAL carry-on baggage |
| JetBlue | 17 x 13 x 8 in | One personal item included; Blue Basic rules can differ for carry-ons. | JetBlue baggage policy |
| KLM | 40 x 30 x 15 cm | Accessory item that fits under the seat. | KLM hand baggage |
| Korean Air | Small personal item, exact size not always listed | Handbag, laptop, or briefcase must fit under the seat. | Korean Air carry-on baggage |
| LATAM | 18 x 14 x 8 in | Small bag or backpack under the front seat. | LATAM carry-on baggage |
| Lufthansa | 40 x 30 x 10 cm | Small bag such as a handbag or laptop bag. | Lufthansa carry-on baggage |
| Norwegian | 38 x 30 x 20 cm | Small underseat bag included with basic fares. | Norwegian hand baggage |
| Philippine Airlines | Small personal item, exact size not always listed | Laptop bag, handbag, small backpack, or similar item. | Philippine Airlines carry-on baggage |
| Porter Airlines | 17 x 13 x 6 in | Personal item included; carry-on depends on fare. | Porter carry-on allowance |
| Qantas | Small personal item, exact size not always listed | Small handbag, laptop, camera, reading material, or duty-free goods. | Qantas carry-on baggage |
| Qatar Airways | Small personal item, exact size not always listed | Handbag, small briefcase, coat, or similar item in addition to cabin bag. | Qatar baggage allowance |
| Ryanair | 40 x 20 x 25 cm | One small bag included; larger cabin bag usually costs extra. | Ryanair bag policy |
| SAS | 40 x 30 x 15 cm | Underseat bag included; larger cabin bag depends on ticket. | SAS carry-on baggage |
| Singapore Airlines | 40 x 30 x 10 cm for an additional item | Small item such as handbag, laptop bag, or camera bag. | Singapore cabin baggage |
| Southwest Airlines | 16.25 x 13.5 x 8 in | Must fit under the seat in front of you. | Southwest carry-on policy |
| Sun Country Airlines | 17 x 13 x 9 in | Underseat item included with most fares. | Sun Country carry-on bags |
| SWISS | 40 x 30 x 10 cm | Small handbag or laptop bag. | SWISS hand baggage |
| TAP Air Portugal | 40 x 30 x 15 cm | Personal item or accessory with separate weight guidance. | TAP hand baggage |
| Thai Airways | 37.5 x 25 x 12.5 cm for a personal item | Personal item or small bag in addition to carry-on, subject to weight limits. | Thai Airways baggage policy |
| Turkish Airlines | 40 x 30 x 15 cm | Personal item in addition to cabin baggage on eligible fares. | Turkish carry-on baggage |
| United Airlines | 17 x 10 x 9 in | Strictly sized underseat item, especially on Basic Economy. | United carry-on policy |
| Virgin Atlantic | Small handbag or backpack, exact size not always listed | Personal item should fit under the seat and not block aisles. | Virgin Atlantic hand baggage |
| Virgin Australia | Small personal item, exact size not always listed | Small handbag, laptop, coat, umbrella, or similar item. | Virgin Australia carry-on baggage |
| Volaris | 18 x 14 x 8 in | Personal item must fit under the seat; bundles affect other bags. | Volaris baggage policy |
| Vueling | 40 x 30 x 20 cm | Underseat bag included with standard tickets. | Vueling hand luggage |
| WestJet | 16 x 13 x 6 in | Personal item fits under the seat. | WestJet carry-on policy |
| Wizz Air | 40 x 30 x 20 cm | Free carry-on bag must fit under the seat. | Wizz Air baggage policy |
How Strict Are Airlines About Personal Item Size?
Airlines are usually less strict with personal items on full-service tickets than they are on budget-airline basic fares. The biggest risk is not the security checkpoint; it is the gate. Gate agents may ask you to place the bag in a sizer if it looks too large, if the flight is full, or if your fare only includes one small underseat bag.
Frontier, Allegiant, Ryanair, Wizz Air, easyJet, and similar low-cost airlines tend to enforce personal item size more visibly because bag fees are part of the fare structure. If you fly Frontier often, see our dedicated guide on how strict Frontier is with personal item rules.
Traditional airlines can still enforce the rules, especially on regional jets, basic-economy tickets, and full flights. If your personal item is close to the limit, a soft backpack or duffel is safer than a hard-sided bag because it can compress under the seat.
What Bags Usually Count as Personal Items?
The best personal item is small, flexible, and easy to slide under the seat without blocking your feet completely. Common examples include:
- Small backpacks
- Purses and crossbody bags
- Laptop bags and briefcases
- Small totes
- Compact duffel bags
- Camera bags
- Diaper bags, depending on the airline and whether they are counted separately
- Small wheeled underseat suitcases that meet the airline’s size limit
If you want a dedicated bag for this purpose, compare underseat bags without wheels and wheeled underseat suitcases. Backpacks are usually the most forgiving because they compress better and leave fewer hard edges.
Recommended Personal Item Bags to Start With
If you are buying a bag mainly to use as a personal item, start with flexible bags before looking at hard-sided underseat suitcases. A soft backpack, tote, or duffel gives you more room for error when airline sizers and underseat spaces vary by aircraft.
Best place to compare options: underseat bag guides
For a full shortlist, compare our guides to the best underseat bags without wheels and the best wheeled underseat suitcases. Use the airline table above before buying because not every underseat bag fits every airline’s personal item size.
Best budget backpack style: Matein Travel Laptop Backpack
A soft laptop backpack is usually the safest personal item choice because it compresses better than a hard suitcase. The Matein Travel Laptop Backpack is a practical budget option if you want one bag for a laptop, documents, chargers, and in-flight essentials.
Best wheeled option: Travelpro Maxlite 5 Underseat
If you prefer wheels, the Travelpro Maxlite 5 Underseat is worth comparing, especially for business trips and short overnight travel. Read our Travelpro Maxlite 5 Underseater review before choosing it for strict budget airlines, because wheeled bags are less forgiving than soft backpacks.
Other reviewed underseat suitcases
For more wheeled options, compare the Samsonite Underseat Spinner with USB Port review and the American Tourister 4 Kix Underseater review. These are better for travelers who want organization and wheels, not for travelers trying to maximize strict free personal-item allowances.
What Should You Pack in Your Personal Item?
Pack anything you would not want to lose if your carry-on gets gate-checked. Your personal item stays with you, so it should hold the things you need during the flight and the items that are most difficult to replace.
- Passport, ID, wallet, visas, and travel documents
- Medication and medical essentials
- Phone, laptop, tablet, chargers, and power bank
- Headphones, snacks, water bottle after security, and entertainment
- One change of clothes on longer trips
- Baby essentials if traveling with children
- Valuables, jewelry, and fragile items
For a fuller packing checklist, use our guide to airplane carry-on essentials.
Frequently Asked Questions About Personal Item Size
What is the most common personal item size?
A common personal item size in the U.S. is about 18 x 14 x 8 inches, but many airlines use smaller limits. For a safer all-around choice, use a bag around 17 x 13 x 8 inches or smaller.
Does a backpack count as a personal item?
Yes, a backpack usually counts as a personal item if it fits under the seat and stays within the airline’s size limit. A large hiking backpack or overpacked travel backpack may be treated as a carry-on instead. See our guide on using a backpack as a carry-on if your backpack is larger.
Does a purse count as a personal item?
Yes, a purse normally counts as your personal item. If you bring a purse plus a backpack, most airlines will count that as two personal items unless one of them fits inside the other before boarding.
Can I bring a carry-on and a personal item?
Usually yes, but not on every fare. Many full-service airlines include one carry-on and one personal item. Some basic-economy and budget-airline tickets include only a personal item unless you pay extra for a carry-on.
Do personal items have weight limits?
Most U.S. airlines do not list a personal item weight limit, but some international and low-cost airlines do. Even when there is no listed weight limit, you should be able to carry the bag yourself and store it safely under the seat.
Can a duffel bag be a personal item?
Yes, a small duffel can be a personal item if it fits under the seat. A soft duffel is often easier to fit than a rigid suitcase, but an overpacked duffel can quickly become too thick. We cover the larger version in our guide to using a duffel bag as a carry-on.
Related Posts
- What Counts as a Personal Item on a Plane?
- Carry-On Luggage Size Guide
- Underseat Luggage Size Restrictions for 20 Popular Airlines
- 12 Best Underseat Bags Without Wheels in 2026
- What if Your Carry-on Is 1 Inch Too Big?
