is a briefcase a personal item?

[newholidayx2]

just wondering - read a thread where someone had a laptop in a briefcase

 

[Andy B]

No, at least not normally.

 

[SuzanneSLO]

My response would have been just the opposite: Yes, normally a briefcase is a personal item.

The answer you need probably depends on the airline you are flying. American allows purses, briefcases and "other similar items that do not exceed 36 linear inches." I carry a breifcase with a laptop inside as a personal item all the time.

My briefcase goes below the seat in front of me and my carry-on goes in the overhead bin.

-- Suzanne

 

[safetymom]

I take my rolling computer case on the plane all the time with no problems.

 

[salmoneous]

Basically, if it can go under the seat in front of you, it usually counts as a personal item. If it has to go in the overhead, it's a carry-on.

 

[cranbiz]

My laptop case has always been considered a personal item.

Check the airlines web site. It will usually define what a personal item is.

 

[Andy B]

I have checked two major (UK) airline's websites regarding this, it seems there may be different rule travelling in or from the Uk than elsewhere. They (BA & Virgin) seem to say one piece of carry on and even a woman's handbag would need to fit in this, and that a laptop bag would count as the piece of carry on. Foe returning to the UK a briefcase is allowed in addition.

We are all right!