Cabin Baggage vs. Personal Items

Learn more about the difference between cabin baggage and personal items

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Carry-on Bags and Personal Items

Cabin baggage, also known as carry-on baggage, refers to the luggage that passengers are allowed to bring into the aircraft cabin. Airline baggage rules can be a bit of a headache - and yes, they’re getting stricter. That’s why it’s worth knowing exactly what you’re allowed to bring on board.

Understanding the difference between ‘carry-on baggage’ and ‘personal items’ can help you avoid surprise fees at the airport. We’ve broken it down below, so you can board with confidence (and keep your wallet happy).

A woman wearing a backpack and walking through an airport with cabin baggage

What is a Cabin Bag?

Cabin baggage, also known as hand luggage or a carry-on, is what you’re allowed to bring with you into the plane. It keeps your essentials close, saves you from waiting at baggage claim, and means your travel plan starts off hassle-free.

Standard size and weight limits

Airlines each have their own rules, but here’s what’s usually allowed:

Dimensions - 56 x 36 x 23 cm (22 x 14 x 9 inches), including handles and wheels.
Weight - Some airlines don’t mind how much it weighs, as long as you can lift it into the overhead bin without help. Others do have weight limits so it’s worth checking before you fly.

A quick heads-up: Just because your bag fits the dimensions doesn’t mean there’ll be space for it. On packed flights, overhead bins fill fast.

Where does cabin baggage go?

You’ve got two main options: overhead compartments and under the seat. Larger carry-ons usually go in the overhead compartments, while smaller bags, like a handbag or laptop case, should fit under the seat. Stick to your airline’s baggage rules and you’ll help make boarding smoother for everyone (including yourself).

A duffel bag containing a laptop and phone

What are Personal Items?

A personal item is a small bag or item you're allowed to bring with you into the cabin, on top of your main carry-on bag. Consider it the bag that stays by your feet while your larger one is stored in the overhead compartment. Your personal item needs to fit under the seat in front of you and the exact size allowed can vary by airline. But as a guide:

American Airlines: 45 x 35 x 20 cm (18 x 14 x 8 inches)
United Airlines: 43 x 25 x 22 cm (17 x 10 x 9 inches)
Air Canada: 43 x 33 x 16 cm (17 x 13 x 6 inches)

Typical personal items include:

A purse or handbag
A laptop bag
A small backpack
A briefcase
A camera bag

Some airlines also let you bring extra bits like:

A coat or jacket
A small umbrella
Food or drink bought in the terminal
Duty-free shopping bags
Canes, crutches or other mobility aids
Baby essentials like a diaper bag

It’s a small space, but it can make a big difference. So whether it’s your laptop, snacks or other travel essentials, make sure it fits under the seat and you’re good to go. And if you’re not sure what your airline allows, always check before you fly. It’s the easiest way to avoid last-minute stress (or fees).

A person putting a small suitcase in the overhead compartment on a plane

Key Differences Between Cabin Baggage and Personal Items

Knowing the difference between cabin baggage and personal items can save time and stress at the airport. Here’s what to look out for.

Size and Weight

Cabin baggage is the larger of the two and usually goes in the overhead bin. Most airlines stick to 56 x 36 x 23 cm (22 x 14 x 9 inches), including handles and wheels.

Personal items are smaller bags like a purse, laptop bag or backpack. These should fit under the seat in front of you, with a typical size limit of 45 x 35 x 20 cm (18 x 14 x 8 inches).

Storage

Cabin baggage is stored in the overhead bin. Personal items go under the seat in front of you for easy access during the flight.

Airline-Specific Rules

Policies vary between airlines:

American Airlines: Cabin baggage must be within 56 x 36 x 23 cm (22 x 14 x 9 inches). Personal items must fit under the seat (max 45 x 35 x 20 cm or 18 x 14 x 8 inches). No weight limits.
Delta Air Lines: Same size rules for cabin baggage, but no weight or size limits stated for personal items.
Frontier Airlines: Larger cabin baggage allowed (61 x 41 x 25 cm or 24 x 16 x 10 inches) with a 35 lb (16 kg) weight limit. Personal items must be under 45 x 35 x 20 cm (18 x 14 x 8 inches).

Baggage rules can change, so it’s always best to check with your airline before flying to avoid last-minute fees or confusion.

Airline Policies and Variations

Booking flights should feel simple, but let’s be real - baggage rules are anything but. Airline cabin baggage policies can vary wildly, and what’s totally fine on one flight might be a no-go on another. So here’s how it all works, what to look out for and how to avoid a repack at the gate.

Examples of Baggage Policies from Major Airlines

Most airlines let you bring one cabin bag and one personal item, but the exact size and weight rules? That’s where things change. Here's a quick look:

American Airlines: One carry-on (max 22 x 14 x 9 inches or 56 x 36 x 23 cm) and one personal item (must fit under the seat - think laptop bag or purse, no bigger than 18 x 14 x 8 inches or 45 x 35 x 20 cm).
Delta Air Lines: Carry-on and personal item allowed. Items like backpacks and handbags are fine as long as they fit under the seat.
United Airlines: Same as the above - carry-on in the overhead bin, personal item under the seat. No charge for either on most fares.
Air Canada: Carry-on limit is 21.5 x 15.5 x 9 inches (or 55 x 40 x 23 cm); personal item must be smaller than 13 x 17 x 6 inches (or 33 x 43 x 16 cm).

Bottom line? Each airline has its own rules and it’s easy to get caught out if you assume they’re all the same.

A person putting a laptop in the baggage tray at the airport

Security and Safety Regulations for Cabin Bags and Personal Items

Knowing what you can pack in your cabin bag helps you get through airport security quickly and avoids any surprises at the gate.

Liquids and Restricted Items

Liquids must be in containers of 100ml or less, all fitting into one clear, resealable plastic bag no larger than one litre (about 20cm x 20cm). This includes drinks, creams, cosmetics, gels, and sprays. Exceptions for essential medicines, baby food, and special dietary items, which can exceed 100ml, must be declared at security.

For safety, some items are banned from cabin baggage:

Sharp objects like knives or scissors with blades over 6cm
Sports equipment such as baseball bats or golf clubs
Firearms, replica weapons, and ammunition
Flammable substances, including lighter fuel and fireworks

Airlines and airports may have additional restrictions, so check ahead.

Add Cabin Baggage to Your Booking

Want to add carry-on bags to your flights at Alternative Airlines? Click on the button below to read our guide on how you can add cabin baggage to your booking.

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An open suitcase with clothes and shoes inside

Tips for Navigating Airline-Specific Baggage Policies

No one wants to start a trip with a surprise baggage fee. Getting clued up on your airline’s rules can save time, stress and even cash at the airport. Here’s how to stay one step ahead:

Smarter packing

For smoother security checks, keep your liquids bag accessible, be ready to remove electronics, and ensure your cabin bag meets size and weight limits. Packing with these tips in mind helps save time and prevents items from being removed at security.

Visit our airline-specific guides

Our airline-specific guides are the best place for the latest baggage rules. Airline apps are handy too - they often show what’s included in your fare, plus any updates that might affect your travel plan.

Read the small print while booking

Don’t skip past the baggage info during checkout. That’s where you’ll see what’s included in your fare class. Basic economy? You might only get a personal item. Higher fares usually come with more room for bags.

A man looking at his phone while holding a bag at the airport

Check your email confirmation

Your Alternative Airlines ticket confirmation should list what baggage you can bring. Double-check this, especially if your travel plan includes shared flights between airlines, where policies might differ.

Keep an eye on changes

Airlines tweak their policies from time to time. Signing up for updates or checking back on the airline’s website before you fly means no last-minute shocks.

Not sure? Ask

If anything’s unclear, speak to the airline’s customer service. They’ll give you a straight answer based on your fare and route. Alternatively, you can contact us if you have a question regarding baggage for your booking.

Remember security rules

It’s not just airlines - security matters too. TSA guidelines and international rules may limit what you can carry, so always double-check.

The Role of IATA Guidelines

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) plays a key role in shaping global cabin baggage standards. By offering recommended practices, IATA aims to make air travel safer and more consistent, helping both passengers and airlines.

Its suggested dimensions for carry-on bags are 56 x 45 x 25 cm (22 x 18 x 10 inches), including handles and wheels - designed to ensure bags fit overhead or under the seat to keep boarding quick and cabin space tidy.

But here’s the thing - airlines aren’t required to follow these recommendations. Many apply their own rules based on aircraft size or business needs. For instance, Turkish Airlines allows slightly different dimensions and weight limits, highlighting why it's essential to check individual airline policies before flying.

IATA updates its guidance to reflect changes in the industry. In 2015, it proposed a smaller “Cabin OK” bag size, which didn’t gain much traction. More recently, a new standard of 56 x 36 x 23 cm (22 x 14 x 9 inches) is set to roll out in March 2025 - a 21% size reduction aimed at improving safety and speeding up boarding.

Beyond size and weight, IATA also issues safety advice, especially around lithium batteries. These should be packed in your carry-on and not charged during the flight to reduce fire risks. Many airlines now follow this, with stricter rules on power bank usage.

While IATA lays the groundwork, always check your airline’s rules to stay prepared and avoid surprises.

FAQs

What size is carry-on luggage?

The typical size for carry-on luggage is about 56 x 36 x 23 cm (22 x 14 x 9 inches). However, sizes can vary by airline, so it's important to check your airline's specific rules before packing.

IATA recommends a size of 56 x 45 x 25 cm (22 x 18 x 10 inches), including handles and wheels, but always confirm with your airline.

What is a personal item on a plane?

A personal item is a small bag or item you can keep right at your feet during your flight. This can include purses, laptop bags, small backpacks, camera bags and briefcases. It's separate from your carry-on and should fit under the seat in front of you.

Most airlines will let you bring one personal item alongside your carry-on. You just have to make sure it sticks to their size limits - usually no bigger than 45 x 35 x 20 cm (or 18 x 14 x 8 inches). If you go over that limit, you might be asked to check it in or pay extra.

We suggest double-checking your airline's rules before flying so you don't get caught out by unexpected fees.

Is a backpack considered a personal item on a plane?

Most of the time, yes - a small backpack is usually considered a person item, as long as it fits under the seat in front of you. But every airline has its own size and weight rules. Before you zip up your bag and head to the airport, it's worth checking your airline's personal item policy just to be sure.

If it's small enough to slide under the seat, it'll likely pass as your personal item. Backpacks, handbags and laptop bags usually count too.

Can I add cabin baggage to my booking?

Yes, it many cases you can, but it depends on your airline and the type of ticket you've booked. The easiest way to check and add baggage is by logging into your Alternative Airlines account and managing your travel itinerary there. If adding cabin baggage is available for your flight, you'll see the option pop up.

Alternatively, our Customer Service Team are always happy to assist if you need a helping hand. We're all about keeping things simple, so whether you're adding bags or aisle seats, we'll help you get it sorted quickly.

What is the easyJet cabin bag size?

easyJet lets you bring one small under-seat cabin bag on board for free. This bag must be no bigger than 45 x 36 x 20 cm (including handles and wheels), and must fit under the seat in front of you. The maximum weight is 15 kg - you'll need to be able to lift and carry it yourself.

If you'd like to bring a bigger bag, you can. Just book a large cabin bag separately, with a maximum size of 56 x 45 x 25 cm. This also includes Speedy Boarding. If you're an easyJet Plus member or have a FLEXI fare, a large cabin bag will already be included in your booking.

Each passenger can bring a maximum of two cabin bags - one small and one large (if it's included or added to your booking).

If your bags are too big or you haven't booked the right seat or bag option, your extra bags will go in the hold and you'll be charged at the gate.

What is the TUI hand luggage size?

If you're flying with TUI Airways, you can bring one piece of hand luggage weighing up to 10kg and no bigger than 55 x 40 x 20 cm. You can also take one small personal item such as a handbag, laptop bag or backpack, as long as it fits under the seat in front of you (maximum 40 x 30 x 20 cm).

If you're travelling with a child under 2, they won't have a hand luggage allowance. The good news is you can check a pushchair or car seat into the hold for free.

What's the cabin baggage allowance for United?

If you're flying on a standard United fare, you're allowed one carry-on bag and one personal item:

Your carry-on bag needs to fit in the overhead bin and must be no bigger than 22 x 35 x 56 cm (9 x 14 x 22 inches), including handles and wheels.
Your personal item should fit under the seat in front of you and stay within 22 x 25 x 43 cm (9 x 10 x 17 inches).

If you're flying with a Basic Economy fare, on most United routes, you can only bring one personal item. Carry-on bags aren't included unless you're flying to Canada, South America, across the Atlantic or Pacific. If you turn up at the gate with a full-sized carry-on on a restricted route, you'll likely have to check it and pay a $25 USD gate handling fee on top of the usual checked baggage cost.

For some Basic Economy routes in North and Central America or the Caribbean, United has introduced a $55 USD fee for carry-on bags like wheeled suitcases or larger backpacks, even if they fit in the overhead locker.

Can I carry a laptop bag along with cabin baggage?

Yes, you can. Most airlines let you take one cabin bag and a personal item like a laptop bag. Your main cabin bag usually goes in the overhead compartment while your smaller item should fit under the seat in front of you. Exact rules can vary between airlines and ticket types, so it's always worth checking your travel plan details before you fly.

Are food items allowed in cabin baggage?

Yes, you can bring food in your cabin bag, however, there are a few important things to keep in mind.

Solid food is generally fine. Items like sandwiches, crackers and hard cheese are typically allowed in both carry-on and checked bags. In the US, the TSA permits solid foods through security and most other regions follow similar rules.
Liquids and gels are more restricted. Soups, yoghurt, sauces and anything else considered a liquid or gel are subject to the usual liquid limits. Each item must be in a container of 100ml or less, and all items must fit in one clear, resealable plastic bag.
International rules vary. Some countries, like Australia and the USA, have strict regulations on what food you can bring in. Fresh fruit, vegetables and meat are often banned due to biosecurity laws. This means if you take these on board, you'll likely need to leave them behind when you land.

You can find out more about flying with food in our dedicated guide.