Carry-On vs. Personal Item: Key Differences Travelers Should Know

We’ve all seen the lingo on airline websites: your ticket includes one carry-on and one personal item bag. But what exactly does that mean? Are those two bags enough packing space for your whole trip? Are they the same thing? How big can your bags be?

Knowing the key differences between a carry-on vs. personal item bag can seriously reduce your travel stress levels. So, let’s dig into all things carry-ons, personal items, and which you should bring on your trip.

What Is a Personal Item?

A personal item bag is a small bag that fits under the seat in front of you on the plane. Think smaller backpacks, purses, laptop bags, or a shopping bag with the goodies you bought at the airport. You’ll find some personal item bags with wheels and handles, but that style of bag is usually more associated with carry-ons.

Personal item bags are meant to hold essentials like your wallet, phone, keys, laptop, and headphones, basically anything you’ll need quick access to during your flight. They’re generally smaller than a carry-on, but you’d be surprised at just how much you can fit into a personal item.

Personal Item Size

The standard size for a personal item or bag is usually 18 x 14 x 8”. However, this can vary depending on who you’re flying with, so check the airline’s website before you travel. 

Here are the personal item size dimensions for the major US airlines as of 2024:

• Alaska Airlines: 18 x 14 x 8”
• American Airlines: 18 x 14 x 8”
• Delta Airlines: The combined dimensions of any carry-on baggage should be less than 45 ", with individual items measuring no more than 22 x 14 x 9”
• United Airlines: 17 x 10 x 9” 
• Avelo Airlines: 17 x 13 x 9”
• Breeze Airways: 17 x 14 x 8”
• JetBlue Airlines: 17 x 13 x 8”
• Southwest Airlines: 16.25 x 13.5 x 8”
• Frontier Airlines: 18 x 14 x 8”
• Allegiant Air: 18 x 14 x 8”
• Spirit Airlines: 18 x 14 x 8”

Sun Country Airlines: 17 x 13 x 9”

How to Maximize Space in a Personal Item

Personal items have limited space, so flying personal-item-only for more than a few days takes some serious packing skills. If you think you might be up to the challenge, here are our packing tips to get the most out of your bag:

• Lean into organization: Get a backpack or tote that has plenty of organizational compartments, or use organizers or packing cubes to corral your gear.
• Reach the bag dimensions: If you’re allowed to take a bag that’s 18 x 14 x 8”, then make sure your bag meets those dimensions. There’s no point taking a smaller bag and losing out on extra space. 
• Pack one pair of shoes: You’ve got the shoes on your feet (ideally your bulkiest pair), and the pair in your bag. That should last you for a quick trip. 

Personal Item Bag Options

What Is a Carry-On?

Carry-on luggage is a type of bag that passengers can store in the overhead compartment during their flight. Carry-on bags can be larger than personal items, letting you maximize what you pack. 

Depending on the ticket you buy, a carry-on might be included in your fare or you may have to pay an extra fee to bring one on board. 

Each airline will have its own rules about the maximum size of your carry-on bag, so it’s important to double-check before you fly. Otherwise, you may run into additional baggage fees or be required to check a bag at the last minute. 

Traveling with carry-on luggage is a great way to speed up your travel day. After all, who wants to be standing in long lines at the check-in desk when you could be shopping at Hudson News, grabbing a bite to eat, and maybe even getting a pre-flight drink? Not us, that’s for sure! 

Carry-On Bag Size

Most major US airlines (like Delta, United, and American) have similar carry-on allowances, usually around 22 x 14 x 9”. 

More budget-focused airlines like Spirit and Frontier may have slightly different regulations. For example, Frontier allows you to carry-on bags that fit within 24 x 16 x 10”, but they need to weigh less than 35 lbs. It’s always a good idea to double-check what your airline allows before you travel.

Here are the carry-on size dimensions for the major US airlines as of 2024:

• Alaska Airlines: 22 x 14 x 9”
• American Airlines: 22 x 14 x 9”
• Delta Airlines: The combined dimensions of any carry-on baggage should be less than 45 ", with individual items measuring no more than 22 x 14 x 9”.
• United Airlines: 22 x 14 x 9”
• Avelo Airlines: 22 x 14 x 9”
• Breeze Airways: 22 x 14 x 9”
• JetBlue Airlines: 22 x 14 x 9”
• Southwest Airlines: 24 x 16 x 10”
• Frontier Airlines: 24 x 16 x 10”
• Allegiant Air: 22 x 16 x 10”
• Spirit Airlines: 22 x 18 x 10”
• Sun Country Airlines: 22 x 16 x 11”

How to Maximize Space in a Carry-On

While a carry-on gives you more room than a personal item bag, they aren’t as big as a checked suitcase. Carry-ons are perfect for shorter trips away, but of course, you’ll still want to fit in as much as you can. Here are some packing tips to maximize your space:

• Roll, don’t fold: Are you a roller or a folder? Turns out that rolling your clothes helps save precious space.
• Use packing cubes: Not only do they help keep your things perfectly organized, they also help squeeze out extra air, giving you more room in your bag. 
• Stuff socks into shoes: Just when you thought you couldn’t close your bag, this little trick will have you zipping effortlessly. This also works for souvenirs on the way home!
• Keep liquids separate: You’ll need to take out any liquids at airport security, so keep them organized in a toiletry or makeup bag. Plus, if one of your bottles bursts in the air, you won’t get shampoo all over your clothes!

Carry-On Bag Options

Key Differences Between Carry-On vs. Personal Item Bags

If you’re not entirely sure about the difference between a carry-on and a personal item, here’s what you need to know:

Features

A carry-on bag typically has wheels that let you pull it behind you, while a personal item is usually carried over your shoulder or on your back.

A carry-on is bigger than a personal item and normally has more structure. They usually look like checked luggage, just on a smaller scale. On the other hand, a personal item is usually made of softer materials with less structure, like a backpack or purse. 

Sizes

Carry-on bags are larger than personal items. While it can vary depending on the airline, the usual permitted dimensions for a carry-on are 22 x 14 x 9”, while the dimensions for a personal item are typically 18 x 14 x 8”. A carry-on has to go into the overhead compartment, while a personal item should fit into the space under the seat in front of you.

Allowed Packing

Since both the carry-on bag and personal item will be boarding the plane with you, they have the same packing restrictions. That means no sharp items, weapons, or hazardous material. Some lithium batteries are also prohibited, and any liquids need to be in containers smaller than 3.4 fl oz. 

We’d recommend looking at the TSA’s guidance and your airline’s website for a full list of prohibited items. 

How to Pack a Carry-On

Packing a carry-on suitcase is an art. It’s all about maximizing space and staying within airline limits. 

You’ll need to think about the duration of your trip and what you’ll be doing. If there’s a washing machine where you’re going, then you’re in luck. You won’t need to pack as many clothes! The obvious downside is that you’ll have to do laundry…on vacation…boo. 

Here’s everything you should consider when packing your carry-on:

• The weather: If it’s warm and sunny, you’ll only need lighter-weight clothes and maybe a swimsuit or two. If it’s cold, you’ll need a sweater and if it’s raining, you may need to pack a lightweight raincoat. 
• The duration: Don’t just count how many days you’re gone. Consider how many outfits you’ll need. For example, one outfit for a nice dinner, one beach look, one for hiking, etc. 
• Pick clothes you can mix and match: Avoid packing things you’ll only wear once! Try sticking to a neutral color palette so everything you pack will work together. 

How to Pack a Personal Item

Packing a personal item is more of a science than an art. You’ll need to be strict with yourself — pack what you absolutely need and forget about any “what-if” items. 

If you’re only flying with a personal item, then consult the advice above, but be even stricter. If you are taking both a carry-on bag and a personal item, or even a checked bag, then you can afford to have a bit more fun with what you bring in your personal item. 

As for essential items, don’t forget your:

• Driver's license or passport
• Boarding passes (if they’re printed)
• Wallet
• Entertainment: e.g. laptop, tablet, books, headphones
• Chargers
• Cosmetics or in-seat skincare products
• Prescription medication

The rest is up to you and how efficiently you can pack!

Carry-On or Personal Item: Which Is Best For Your Trip?

Stuck trying to decide between a carry-on vs. personal item? Here’s how to pick the right one. 

Short Trips vs. Long Trips

A personal item may be enough for shorter trips (think weekend breaks or business trips) if you’re a light packer. A carry-on is usually a better choice for longer vacations since you’ll need more space.

Fragile Items

A carry-on is a better choice if you’re traveling with more fragile items, like electronics or souvenirs. They usually have more structure, which protects your precious cargo. Plus, it gives you more packing space when you come home with souvenirs and gifts.

Excursions & Outdoors

If your trip involves outdoor activities, a carry-on is better for carrying your gear. It gives you extra space for bulkier clothing or equipment. 

Packing for Others

If you’re traveling with children, family, or a chronic overpacker, carry-on is the way to go. This way, you can use your carry-on bag for clothes (and whatever your travel mate couldn’t fit in their bag) and use your personal item for things like food, toys, electronics, and even more overflow. 

Making the Best Choice For Your Travel Plans

Ultimately, the choice between a carry-on or personal item comes down to the length of your trip, your packing needs, and what you’re bringing along. Keep in mind your personal packing style, and choose your travel bag wisely. Or bring both to maximize your packing space!

Shop All Luggage Sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Backpack a Personal Item or Carry-On?

Backpacks can be either, depending on their size. Smaller backpacks are usually considered personal items, while something bigger, like a wheeled backpack, would be considered a carry-on.

Can I Bring 2 Personal Items Instead of a Carry-On?

Most airlines allow one personal item and one carry-on. That means you could bring two personal-item-size bags and use one as your “carry-on.” Just remember that you’ll have to put one in the overhead bin, and bringing two smaller bags will limit what you can bring.  

What if My Personal Item Is 2 Inches too Big?

Generally, personal items need to fit under the seat in front of you. If your bag has soft sides and is a little flexible, you might be able to squeeze it in, even if it’s a little too big. It’s ultimately up to you if you want to risk it. If airline staff decide your personal item is too big, you might be charged an extra fee, especially on budget airlines.

What if My Carry-On Is 1 Inch too Big?

Airlines tend to be more strict about carry-on dimensions, so an oversized carry-on could result in extra fees or needing to check your bag. Checking a bag at the airport often costs more than pre-purchasing a checked bag online, so double-check your measurements before heading to the airport.