A recent study shows global airlines making $33.3 billion in revenue in 2023 from carry-on bag fees, increased checked luggage prices, and fines for overweight suitcases.
So, what’s the trick to saving a few bucks when jet-setting these days? Packing smart with a personal item or carry-on bag.
From size to security features, we’ll weigh in on the key differences between a carry-on bag vs. a personal item. Plus, we’ll explain how major airlines in the U.S. define a personal item and share our favorite hand-picked carry-on bags perfect for your next flight!
Carry-On Bag vs. Personal Item: Definition
Both carry-on bags and personal items are designed to help you keep essential belongings close and organized during your flight.
A Carry-On Bag
A carry-on bag is any type of luggage you bring into the airplane cabin and store in the overhead bin.
These can include:
- Small rolling suitcases
- Duffel bags
- Travel backpacks
- Weekender bags
- Garment bags
To bring a carry-on bag onboard, it must meet the size and weight restrictions of the airline. For most U.S. domestic airlines, carry-on bags must be 22″ (inches) long, 14″ wide, and 9″ tall or smaller.
It is important to remember that the length of your carry-on bag includes the wheels.
You can use a carry-on bag for short or extended trips (just pack light!) to avoid long waits at baggage claims, costly baggage fees and the dreaded lost luggage scenario, keeping your belongings close during the entire journey.
A Personal Item
A personal item is any type of luggage you can bring onboard with your carry-on, and it must fit under the seat in front of you.
Personal items can include:
- Purses
- Briefcases
- Small backpacks
- Laptop bags
- Weekender bags
- Small duffel bags
Most domestic airlines in the United States require a personal item size to be 18″ long, 14″ wide, and 8″ tall or smaller.
Personal items typically contain essential belongings that you might want to access easily during the flight.
What Is The Difference Between A Carry-On Bag And Personal Item?
Here’s a quick comparison chart:
| Carry-On Bag | Personal Item | |
| Storage location | Fits in the plane’s overhead bin | Fits underneath the seat in front of you |
| Risk of being checked by airline | Higher risk of getting checked, depending on weight – for example, if it reaches beyond 35lbs for Frontier Airlines and 25lbs for Hawaiian Airlines | Lower risk of getting checked |
| Size limit | 22″ x 14″ x 9″ size for most major airlines in the United States | 18” x 14” x 8” size for most major airlines in the United States |
| Purpose | Holds 3-4 days’ worth of clothes and 2-3 pairs of shoes | Holds valuable items along with essential clothing and 1-2 pairs of shoes |
| Security features | Enhanced security features | Minimal security features |
| Additional fees | Additional fees may apply if exceeding size/weight limits | Usually included in ticket price |
Personal Item vs. Carry-On: Size
Maximizing space for your essentials without exceeding airline weight limits and luggage size is key when traveling via air.
Most major airlines in the United States such as American Airlines, Southwest and Delta, allow you to bring one personal item for free, on top of your carry-on bag. While some airlines specify size limitations for personal items, others simply require the item to be small enough to fit underneath the seat in front of you.
For carry-on bags, here’s the standard size on major airlines in the United States:
- American Airlines – 22” x 14” x 9”
- Delta Airlines – 22” x 14” x 9”
- Southwest Airlines – 24” x 16” x 10”
- Frontier Airlines – 24” x 16” x 10”
- United Airlines – 22” x 14” x 9”
- JetBlue Airlines – 22” x 14” x 9”
- Alaska Airlines – 22” x 14” x 9”
For personal items, here’s the standard size on major airlines in the United States:
- American Airlines – 18” x 14” x 8”
- Southwest Airlines – 16.25” x 13.5” x 8.5”
- Frontier Airlines – 18” x 14” x 8”
- United Airlines – 17” x 10” x 9”
- JetBlue Airlines – 17” x 13” x 8”
Pro tip: Check the airline’s website for weight and size requirements regarding carry-ons and personal items.
Personal Item vs. Carry-On: Packing Volume
Whether you’re grabbing a weekender bag for spur-of-the-moment getaways or expandable carry-on luggage to make room for souvenirs, mastering the art of packing light is essential — no matter if it’s a personal item or carry-on bag.
Most major U.S. airlines don’t have a specified maximum weight for carry-on bags, except for Frontier and Hawaiian Airlines.
Frontier allows a maximum weight of 35 lbs, while Hawaiian Airlines caps it at 25 lbs for carry-ons.
Most major airlines don’t have a specific weight limit for personal items. As long as it fits under the seat in front of you, you should be good to go.
What To Pack In A Personal Item vs. Carry-On
While you can pack any item that’s Transportation Security Administration (TSA)-friendly in both your personal item and carry-on bag, the difference lies in the allowable quantity.
For instance, a personal item may hold 2-3 days’ worth of clothes and 1-2 pairs of shoes, while a carry-on bag can accommodate 3-4 days’ worth of clothes and 2-3 pairs of shoes.
Here are some tips to help you distribute the items you take with you:
Use your personal item to pack:
- Important documents such as passport and tickets along with electronics like laptop and phone for quick access.
- Medications and health essentials to keep easily accessible and avoid delays or issues during security checks and your flight.
- Comfort items such as a neck pillow, eye mask or small blanket to make your flight more comfortable.
- Small personal items such as books, journals or small snacks that you may want during the flight.
Use your carry-on to pack:
Clothing, shoes and accessories, as the carry-on has more space for these larger items, keeping them organized and preventing wrinkles.
Toiletries and personal care products, ensuring you have everything you need for your trip.
Fragile or valuable items like souvenirs, protecting them from potential damage or loss.
Check out our comprehensive guide on how to pack your suitcase!
Pro tip: Our Packing Cubes Set helps maximize space in your personal item or carry-on bag. Store items like slippers and hair care products in one convenient place!
Need to freshen up in-flight or get rid of a migraine? You can keep your toiletries and medicine within reach with our machine-washable and water-repellant Hanging Toiletry Bag.
Personal Item vs. Carry-On: Security Features
When comparing personal items and carry-ons, there’s a stark difference in the security they offer.
Personal items usually have minimal security features like zippers and buckle straps, as they are designed for easy access and convenience during flights.
In contrast, carry-on bags are often equipped with enhanced security features such as cross straps, two-way zippers and a TSA-approved lock (either built-in or as an add-on), providing added protection for your belongings. These features help ensure your carry-on remains secure, giving you peace of mind that your valuables are protected.
Personal Item vs. Carry-On: Durability
Whether you’re planning to explore the city or cozy up for a cabin getaway, you’ll need a trusty travel companion that can withstand the wear and tear of your trip.
While some personal items are made from waterproof materials, investing in a durable rolling suitcase ensures you have a carry-on bag you can rely on for years of jet-setting.
Durable, scratch-, water- and impact-resistant, you can take our Rollink carry-on bags on the road or through the air — time and time again. You won’t have to worry about any potential damage your adventures may cause to your carry-on bag!
Rollink Carry-On Bags You’ll Love
A carry-on bag helps you avoid the stress of a missing checked bag and surprise baggage fees.
At Rollink, we offer a collection of durable, stylish and foldable carry-on bags for every getaway. With the ability to store 3-4 days’ worth of clothes and 2-3 pairs of shoes, you can fit all of your favorite OOTD pieces!
Take, for example, Flex Vega. Available in three sizes and six vibrant colors, the Flex Vega meets carry-on requirements for most major airlines with its compact size of 22″ x 14″ x 9″.
The Flex Vega is scratch-, water- and impact-resistant, making it the perfect travel companion for any escape!
Flex Vega features include:
- Sturdy polycarbonate hard shell
- Water-, scratch- and impact-resistant material
- Silent, coated wheels for easy gliding
- Accessible side pocket for travel essentials
- Height-adjustable telescopic handle
- Folds flat to about 2’’ thick for hassle-free storage
Or opt for the sleek and stylish Flex 360° Spinner which has four wheels, providing optimal maneuverability when sprinting to catch your flight.
It comes in a compact size of 22″ x 14″ x 9″ and is available in several elegant colors, from rose smoke and deep lagoon to Atlantic blue and black.
Flex 360° Spinner features include:
- Durable polycarbonate hard shells
- Telescopic aluminum handle
- Functional interior with multiple pockets
- Built-in TSA-approved lock
- Silent 360° double spinner wheels
Carry-On vs. Personal Item: FAQs
Here are answers to some common questions to further clarify the differences between carry-on and personal items.
How can I ensure my carry-on bag fits in the overhead bin?
To ensure your carry-on fits in the overhead bin, measure it and compare the dimensions to the airline’s size restrictions. Consider using a soft-sided bag, as it can be easier to fit into the bin.
What if my carry-on bag is too large for the overhead bin?
If your carry-on bag is too large, you may have to check it at the gate, which could lead to additional fees.
Can I bring a camera bag as a personal item?
Yes! If a camera bag fits underneath the seat in front of you and complies with the airline’s size requirements, you can use it as a personal item.
Can I bring both a backpack and laptop bag as personal items?
Typically, airlines permit only one personal item — consider combining items in a single personal bag that meet the airline’s size limit.
