Carry-on vs. Personal Baggage: What’s the Difference?

Most airlines allow you to board with one carry-on bag and one personal item. By understanding the differences between them, you can make the most of your limited packing space.

In general, carry-on baggage is a small suitcase or bag that can fit in the overhead bin, while personal items are smaller items, such as a backpack, purse, or laptop bag, that should be placed under the seat in front of you. Each airline has specific size and weight limits for these items, and knowing these rules ahead of time can save you hassle or unexpected fees at the airport.

I researched the carry-on and personal baggage requirements of 175 airlines from around the world, to create this comprehensive guide.

I’ll explain the difference between carry-on baggage and personal items, and then give you some helpful tips. Packaging Tips To help you get the most out of your carry-on and personal luggage.

What is a handbag?

A carry-on bag is a type of luggage designed to fit in the overhead bin of an airplane. Unlike checked baggage, you can keep your carry-on bag with you at all times at the airport and during layovers. For this reason, a carry-on bag is a great place to keep the things you want with you while traveling.

Carry-on baggage will be larger than your personal items. Your carry-on baggage can be a suitcase, backpack, briefcase, or any other bag that fits within the size restrictions.

Carry-on baggage size limits

Because carry-on baggage must fit into the overhead bin, airlines have very specific restrictions on its size. Carry-on baggage size limits They are usually defined by a certain height, width, and depth, and your bag must fit within each of these dimensions.

For domestic flights within the United States, the most common size limit is 22 x 14 x 9 inches. Some airlines, such as Frontier and Southwest, allow larger items, but this size is a good rule of thumb to follow.

International airlines have slightly different limits (because they use centimeters). 21.6 x 15.7 x 9 inches (55 x 40 x 23 cm) is the most common size, but each airline has its own limits.

International flights often have strict procedures as well. Carry-on baggage weight limitsSo it’s a good idea to weigh your carry-on bag after it’s fully packed.

Types of carry-on baggage

When you think of a handbag, you might picture a small, rolling suitcase, but in reality, any bag can serve as a handbag as long as it fits within the size limits. Here are some popular handbag options.

• Hardside suitcase: These bags are durable, stylish and very popular. They usually roll on four wheels that rotate 360 ​​degrees, which is great for keeping your belongings protected and safe.
• Soft Sided Travel Bag: These bags are flexible and lightweight, and usually have more pockets to organize things. They can have two wheels (stronger) or four wheels (more maneuverable).
• Travel backpack: While wheeled suitcases are convenient, nothing beats the ability of a backpack to carry it with you anywhere. If your travels involve a lot of walking, especially on rough surfaces or up and down stairs, a backpack is the perfect choice.
• duffle bag: These bags are simple, durable, and easy to pack. A duffel bag is great for carrying a lot of gear, but since you have to carry it in one hand or over one shoulder, it’s not ideal for long hikes.
• Garment bag: If you’re traveling with a suit or dress, a dedicated garment bag can ensure it arrives at your destination clean and unwrinkled.

How to choose a handbag

If you are looking for a new carry-on bag, you should first research the size restrictions to determine the appropriate size of carry-on bag you will be carrying. Remember that domestic flights have different limits than international flights, and each airline has its own restrictions.

Research all the airlines you plan to travel with, and choose the smallest size limit, this way your bag will fit on all airlines.

Once you know how small your carry-on bag is, you need to decide how you want to carry and move it.

wheeled luggage Backpacks are a convenient option for airport transportation because you don’t have to lug the weight around. However, suitcase wheels only work well on smooth, paved surfaces. If your trips involve a lot of walking outside, especially on rough surfaces or going up and down stairs, a backpack is a more efficient option and can go anywhere.

You should also choose a bag that is easy to pack. Whether you choose a backpack, a suitcase, or a large suitcase, I recommend choosing a bag with a large zippered opening. This gives you easy access to everything inside and means you can pack your bag the same way you would put clothes in a drawer.

What is the personal element?

Personal items are usually a bag or smaller item that you can carry on the plane in addition to your carry-on bag. These items should be small enough to fit under the seat in front of you.

Personal items These can include purses, backpacks, or laptop bags. You should use your personal items to store travel documents, snacks, electronics, books, and anything else you may need during your trip.

Personal Item Size Limits

Airlines usually set clear limits on the size of personal items to ensure that everything fits comfortably in the cabin. Most domestic airlines in the United States agree on a standard size limit of about 18 x 14 x 8 inches.

The limits for personal items on international flights are often stricter. The most common size for personal items on international flights is 15.7 x 11.8 x 3.9 inches.

Types of personal items

You have many options for using it as a personal item. Again, as long as it fits within the size limits (and isn’t dangerous), almost any bag will do the job.

• Wallet or messenger bag: This is a classic choice for a personal item bag. You can keep essential items close at hand without taking up too much space.
• Daily travel bag or laptop backpack: A small backpack is a good option for carrying your personal items if you will be carrying them a lot. Additionally, you can use it for day trips once you reach your destination.
• Laptop bag or business bag: Ideal for business travelers who need quick access to their business tools.
• Small duffle bag or handbag: Yes, a suitcase can be considered a personal item as long as it fits within the size limits. This is a good option if you need extra space for clothes or toiletries.

How to choose your personal items

Choosing the right personal item is all about balancing space and functionality. You want an item that holds everything you need, but also remember that it should complement your main handbag. Here are some factors to consider:

1. Volumetric compatibilityFirst and foremost, make sure your personal item meets your airline’s specific size requirements.
2. contentThink about what you plan to carry with you. For transporting electronics, choose a well-padded laptop bag or backpack. If not, a more compact, collapsible bag may suffice.
3. comfortThink about how you will manage your personal and carry-on items on the plane. Some personal items are designed with straps to attach to the handle of a wheeled bag to make them easier to transport.

Tips for packing your carry-on and personal luggage

Getting the most out of your personal and carry-on luggage starts with smart packing. Each bag should be used for a specific purpose, and the bags should work together harmoniously while you travel.

Here are some tips on what to pack in each bag and how to organize it to simplify your trip.

Your carry-on baggage and personal items should complement each other.

Once you have your handbag, choose a personal item that works well with it.

If you’re using a carry-on backpack, you probably don’t want your backpack to be your laptop bag. How can you carry both? Instead, a small shoulder bag or even a waist bag (oh my!) would be much better.

If you use a classic wheeled suitcase as a carry-on, a mini backpack will be a perfect personal item as it keeps your hands free.

What should you pack in your carry-on bag?

Your hand luggage is stored in the overhead locker, so it should contain items you won’t need during the flight. Pack bulky, unnecessary items like extra clothes, shoes, and toiletries here.

Remember that you won’t always have access to your carry-on bag during the flight, so keep everything you might need in your personal items.

What to pack in your carry-on bag

Pack your personal items with things you may want to access quickly during the flight, such as snacks, a refillable water bottle, personal entertainment devices, and chargers. This is also a great place for travel documents, medications, and an extra layer of clothing in case the plane gets a little chilly.

I recommend keeping your personal items small and light, and putting everything else in your carry-on bag. This way, they won’t take up valuable space that you could be using to stretch your legs.

Use both bags to stay under the weight limit.

Airlines often have specific weight limits for carry-on baggage, and if your main bag is larger than the maximum, you can carry some smaller, heavier items like a laptop, hardcover books or a camera in your carry-on.

By doing this, you not only lighten the weight of your carry-on bag, but also ensure that your most valuable belongings stay with you during the trip.