Due to Southwest Airlines' lenient baggage policy, which allows two free carry-on goods (and two checked bags), regardless of fare level, this method worked well for me when I was a regular flier.
Though not every airline provides customers with the same level of options.
What qualifies as a carry-on bag that can be stored underneath the seat in front of you as opposed to the overhead bin is subject to a number of regulations.
I joined the backpack movement in 2020 and bought a Caraa Sport backpack that I use as my own item for all travel after years of dealing with shoulder pain from lugging a duffle and roller carry-on.
This bag is fantastic.
However, it has presented me with some difficulties when flying because, on some planes, such as the Embraer 175 used by American Airlines for regional flights, it doesn't always fit underneath the seat.
Airlines often allow passengers to bring two items, one that goes underneath the seat in front of you and is typically branded as a personal item, and one that fits overhead, depending on the fare class.
You must, however, adhere to specific dimension requirements, which vary per airline.
Ten airlines' current carry-on baggage regulations are listed in this guide.
Domestic carry-on regulations
A decent rule of thumb is that your carry-on bag qualifies as a personal item if it can fit under the seat in front of you.
This comprises compact purses, briefcases, laptop bags, and backpacks.
Suitcases and other bulkier baggage must fit in the overhead bin space.
Any item that exceeds the airline-specified dimensions must be checked.
Delta Air Lines
Southwest stands out from other airlines because it offers two free carry-on baggage and two free checked bags on all fare classes.
Carry-on luggage must be 24 by 16 by 10 inches in size when stored overhead.
Purses, briefcases, cameras, food containers, laptops, and backpacks must be larger than 16 1/4 by 13 1/2 by 8 inches when stored under the seat.
According to Southwest, "Your personal item must be stored under the seat in front of you."
We'll ask you to put it in an overhead bin if it won't fit or if there isn't a seat available in front of you.
Delta Air Lines
According to Delta, "any customer flying with us is allowed to bring 1 carry-on bag and 1 personal item free of charge (such as a purse, laptop bag, or item of similar size that will fit underneath the seat in front of you)".
Please take note of the following size restrictions if you intend to bring roll-aboard luggage or a large bag to place in the overhead bin.
A handbag, briefcase, small backpack, camera bag, diaper bag, laptop bag, or any object of a comparable size are examples of acceptable personal things.
The total measurement of carry-on luggage should not exceed 45 inches in any direction.
Each piece must measure no more than 22 by 14 by 9 inches.
All Delta fare levels, starting with the most limited basic economy, permit both a full-size carry-on item and a personal item, giving Southwest a run for its money.
American Airlines
American Airlines allows basic economy travelers to bring one full-size carry-on along with one personal item, such as a purse or backpack.
American states on its website that "your personal item, such as a pocketbook or small handbag, must fit under the seat in front of you," adding that the size must be less than 18 by 14 by 8 inches.
American does not consider some baby accessories, such diaper bags, as one of your carry-on goods, in contrast to some other carriers.
According to American Airlines, "Diaper bags (1 per child), soft-sided cooler bags with breast milk, child safety seats, strollers, and medical or mobility devices don't qualify as your personal item or carry-on."
Any luggage that measures less than 22 by 14 by 9 inches (including handles and wheels) and can fit in the sizer at the gate is considered an overhead bin item by American.
United Airlines
One of the most constrained fare kinds available is United's basic economy rate.
Only one personal item, measuring 9 by 10 by 17 inches, can fit under the passenger's seat.
So, if you carried a backpack, that was the only thing you were allowed to bring.
Keep in mind that upgrading to economy will cost you $60 round trip if you need to bring a second bag for the overhead compartment.
The maximum size for carry-on luggage in economy class and higher, including handles and wheels, is 9 by 14 by 22 inches.
JetBlue
One personal item that fits beneath the seat in front of you is all that can be brought on JetBlue's Blue Basic flights.
Specifically, a piece with handles and wheels that is smaller than 17 by 13 by 8 inches.
Backpacks or other similar goods that must serve as your sole piece of luggage fall under this category once more.
Any Bue Basic passenger who arrives at the gate with a full-size carry-on bag will be charged $65 to check their first or second bag and $180 to check their third bag.
Only carry-on baggage that fit in the overhead bin and are no larger than 22 by 14 by 9 inches are permitted for blue fare categories and higher.
JetBlue makes a few exceptions to its carry-on regulations, allowing some Blue Basic passengers—including those with Mosaic status, unaccompanied minors, serving members of the U.S. military, and passengers going to and from London—to bring a full-size bag with them.
International carry-on regulations
British Airways
British Airways' basic economy rate only allows customers to check in hand luggage that is no larger than 16 by 12 by 6 inches, similar to JetBlue and United.
Passengers who purchase economy or premium economy tickets are allowed one full-size cabin bag, measuring 22 by 18 by 10 inches.
Each bag must be under 51 pounds.
British Airways cautions that you may be required to check in your larger cabin luggage on busy flights.
Emirates
You are permitted to bring one full-size bag, including one that fits in the overhead bin, as long as it does not exceed 22 by 15 by 8 inches or weigh more than 15 pounds, even though Emirates likewise places restrictions on economy travelers' carry-on luggage.
According to Emirates, "all carry-on baggage must fit either in one of the overhead bins or beneath the seat in front of you."
"Baggage may not be positioned in the aisles, in front of emergency exits, or behind your legs."
Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines, like Emirates, permits premium- and economy-class passengers to bring one piece of carry-on luggage that weighs less than 15 pounds and has a combined length, width, and height of no more than 45 inches.
This might be a typical piece of luggage or a backpack.
The airline adds, "In addition to the restrictions set forth herein, you must be able to put your baggage safely in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.
Cathay Pacific
On its website, Cathay Pacific states that, unlike the other foreign carriers mentioned, all passengers are permitted one piece of carry-on luggage and one additional smaller item, such as purses, laptop bags, compact backpacks, camera bags, and briefcases.
This policy allows one full-size item measuring 14 by 9 by 22 inches and a personal item with dimensions not exceeding 16 by 16 by 12 inches, both of which must weigh less than 15 pounds. It applies to all fare levels beginning with Economy Light.
Virgin Atlantic
All Virgin passengers traveling in economy classes, which include Light, Classic, and Delight, as well as those traveling in premium cabins, are allowed to bring one carry-on that fits in the overhead bin and weighs no more than 22 pounds.
Booking an Upper Class fare is required if you want to bring along a second bag, and the two bags must weigh no more than 35 pounds when combined.
Virgin Atlantic states that the size of your bag must not exceed 23 x 36 x 56cm (about 9 x 14 x 22 inches), regardless of the cabin you are in.
In conclusion
Depending on the airline and booked fare, you could be allowed to bring both a full-size carry item that fits in the overhead bin and a personal item, such a backpack.
Regardless of cabin class, some elite status holders may be given greater carry-on leniency.
Although the majority of domestic airlines do not place weight limits on carry-on luggage, some do for particular routes, and all of the foreign carriers do.
In general, airlines don't count some carry-on goods like a jacket, an umbrella, or food purchased at the airport as luggage.
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