Backpack as a personal item on SW?

[catfan98]

Is a backpack considered a personal item on SW? Would my son be able to have a carry-on plus have a backpack? Or would the backpack be considered a carry-on? Thanks!

 

[hsmamato2]

yes ... I carryon my small suitcase in the overhead,and put my backpack under the seat in front of me

 

[kamik86]

99% likely yes. However if its really stuffed super full it may not fit make sure to have a bit of space in it so it can squish a bit.

My laptop backpack is always my personal item and works as long as its not as stuffed as I can get it.

 

[FCDub]

Yep, it's a personal item! It should also go underneath the seat in front instead of in the overhead.

 

[maxiesmom]

It has to be able to fit under the seat in front of him to be a personal item. Had to, not should or might. So make sure it is not over-stuffed

 

[bumbershoot]

It has to be able to fit under the seat in front of him to be a personal item. Had to, not should or might. So make sure it is not over-stuffed

Yep.

 

[Euby]

From the Southwest website...
https://www.southwest.com/html/customer-service/baggage/carryon-bags-pol.html

Per TSA regulations, carryon items are limited to one bag plus one small, personal item.

• Personal-type items include purses, briefcases, cameras, food containers, or laptops (case included). Pet carriers are considered either a personal item or a carryon item.
• Southwest Airlines limits carryon bag dimensions to 10 x 16 x 24 inches.
• All Customers and Employees and their items are subject to a thorough, physical search.
• The following items are not considered carryon bags or personal-type items and are not counted against the "one-bag plus one personal-type item" limit:
  • A child restraint device for a ticketed child with a reserved seat or when complimentary, available space exists.
  • Assistive/mobility devices for individuals with a disability. There is no limit to the number of assistive/mobility devices a Customer can bring onboard the aircraft.
  • Outer garments or other wearable articles of clothing.
  • Food for consumption during flight contained in disposable packaging.
  • Walking canes or umbrellas.
• Each passenger is permitted to bring one quart-sized bag of liquids aersols, gels, creams and pastes in your carryon bag and through the TSA security checkpoint. These are limited to 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item. During screening, you'll be required to place these items in the small bag separate from your carryon baggage unless you have been selected for TSA PreCheck expedited screening, in which case you may be exempt from removing your liquids during the screening process.
  • Any liquid, aersol, gel, cream or paste that alarms during screening will require additional screening.
  • Certain items are exempt from the TSA carryon liquid rules including medications and infant and child nourishments.
• Southwest Airlines currently prohibits self-defense sprays on any flight regardless if it is checked or carried on.

 

[Timothy02359]

We fly SW alot and a backpack is considered a personal item, he will be all set.

 

[NotUrsula]

As long as it's a typical frameless school-sized or laptop backpack, it should be fine as a personal item. A larger, internal-frame hiking-style backpack would not be. (Those actually are usually too large to carry on at all because they normally are more than 24" tall.)

 

[NH-to-FL]

Is a backpack considered a personal item on SW?

Yes. I put my laptop backpack under the seat and my carry on up in the bin. As others note, it MUST fit under the seat to be a "personal item". Can't be too wide or stuffed too full.