What size can your "personal item" be?

[niklynn1]

Flying United one way, and Delta the other for our cruise next week. We are trying to limited our checked bags to two (there will be 3 of us traveling) because that will already cost 100 dollars in luggage fees. So, I was planning on having us check the 2 bags, and then each carry-on a small rolling suitcase. Therefore, we're wondering how big the "personal item" can be? My daughter wants to bring a school backpack with her homework? Do you think this would be too big?

I would like to bring the smallish tote bag that came with my luggage set and put my purse inside of it to count as my personal item, and the smallest rolling piece as my "carry-on". What do you think?

Thanks!

 

[drew64]

Personal item should be a purse or brief case size bag.

 

[niklynn1]

Personal item should be a purse or brief case size bag.

Yes, I read on the United and Delta website that it says "purse, laptop, briefcase or item of similar size". Her backpack is slightly larger than a briefcase or laptop case I suppose, but I've seen some ladies carry purses equal in size to a backpack! So, I'm thinking the school backpack might be okay?

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

I'm thinking the school backpack might be okay?

It will be fine.

 

[DebbieB]

It basically has to be small enough to fit under the seat in front of you.

 

[drew64]

Depends on how big it is and how full. As long as it fits completely under the seat in front, it woudl be okay.

Just remember, there is no guarantee of overhead space so your rolling bags might end up being gate checked and sent to baggage claim if there is no more room. Also, during holiday periods and if flights are very full, airlines sometimes stop everyone from bringing more than 1 bag per person on board and check everything else.

It is always at the airlines discretion to limit carry-ons beyond the normal posted guidelines.

I hate this so always just check my luggage for anything more than an overnight stay.

 

[kaytieeldr]

How intensively did you check the website(s)? JetBlue provides very specific measurements which the personal item can't exceed - seventeen by something by something. Each airline will be different, and each seat may be different. You could try calling, too.

 

[bumbershoot]

JB says "Your personal item must not exceed 17"l (43.2 cm) x 12.5"w (31.8 cm) x 8"h 20.3 cm) in order to fit under the seat in front of you."

Many normal backpacks, as long as they aren't packed to the rafters, will fit that just fine.

 

[dudspizza]

I have traveled many times on various airlines with a roll-a-board and a backpack as my personal item. I put my laptop in the backpack and put it under my seat..... all is good.

Duds

 

[n2mm]

Just want to mention that since you are flying 2 carriers (Delta and United) make sure you watch the carryon size for each and choose the smallest. I know that United's is smaller than other carriers by a few inches. I actually could not bring my normal rolling suitcase when flying them because of the difference in their luggage size and yes, I've seen them measure them. As for the backpack, I always bring a regular size jansportl backpack with my paperwork, camera and netbook in it. It fits fine under the seat in front of me. That is the only thing you need to know is that it has to fit under the seat in front of your with no obstruction for your feet.

Btw, why are folks checking Jetblue, I thought the OP said Delta and United. Jetblue's luggage sizes are very generous compared to other carriers. OP, check each of the carriers' carryon luggage restrictions, I know United's is listed as they use to be my primary carrier until they stated charging for luggage. Now I fly Jetblue exclusively and love them. Sometimes SW, but have to go to BWI for them now--so further.

 

[kaytieeldr]

_I_ offered JetBlue only as an example, because I know (from experience) that their website gives exact underseat maximums. In that same post, before I mentioned JetBlue, I asked the OP if she checked her specific airline websites for the information... because I know "my" airline offers it . I also pointed out that space differs by airline - just in case any of that was missed in my first post