Is a backpack considered a carry-on?

[shatzjsl]

I don't fly much as my husband grew up in the era of driving every where. My daugher and I are flying to WDW in June and I would like to take a carry on bag and a back pack. Will I be able to do that?

Daughter will also have small backpack.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Jestocost]

In general, you are allowed one "full-size" carry-on bag (such as a small suitcase or garment bag) and one "personal item" (such as a small backpack, purse or briefcase). If you're talking about a smaller backpack, you should be OK with that and a small suitcase. Some larger backpacks wouldn't qualify as a personal item, but you may be able to get it on anyway (to the chagrin of your fellow passengers, however, so be courteous).

On most larger aircraft you'll be able to take those items into the cabin and stow them in the overhead bins and under the seat in front of you. If you're on a regional jet or smaller plane (probably not likely out of Dallas, but possible depending on what airline you're on), you'd need to leave your larger carry-on item on the jet bridge and stow your smaller item in the cabin. The item you check outside the plane will be delivered to you as you leave, so you don't have to go to baggage claim to collect it.

 

[shatzjsl]

Thanks for the info! My backpack is pretty small so I should be okay.

 

[SyracuseWolvrine]

You could always say that the backpack is your purse. (as long as you're not actually carrying a purse)

 

[mkymouse4ever]

On ATA, I thought I would make the 6pm news in chicago! (being taken off the plane). I had a smaller carry-on (compared to most) & my purse, a COACH back pack. The stewardest info's me that the "backpack" was not a purse, I said I beg your pardon, this most certainly is my purse, and has been for 2 years, (they cost $$$$ but last forever) and I wasn't about to let her "store" it in the luggage area under the plane. She told me my carry on was fine but that purse "was a problem". WELL as this was going down in the middle of the plane I noticed the entire back 2 sections of the plane completely empty & asked if everyone had boarded, she said yes, I said well, do you have a problem with me, my coach purse/backpack & carryon move back there and I should be completely and underly out of your way or anyone else's! She said fine! We had almost a private cabin all the way down to florida! Except for the group around us that took up my side and moved back after take-off. We were all spread out! So just in case be prepared.

MKY (loves any back-pack purse)!