Travelling with just a carry-on and a personal item can make your journey smoother. But, you must know the difference to avoid surprises at the gate.
Size and weight limits vary by airline, so it's important to check policies before you fly. In this guide, we'll break down the essentials to help you navigate airline baggage rules and pack smarter for your trip.
In most cases, an airline will allow you to bring one carry-on baggage and one personal item. A personal item is normally something like a purse, laptop, backpack or camera case.
Personal items should always be small enough to fit underneath the seat in front of you. You may also be eligible to carry an umbrella, jacket or bag for an infant.
The maximum size for a personal item is normally 45 x 35 x 20 cm (18 x 14 x 8 inches). However, always check each airline's personal item policy before going to the airport.
Your personal item bag is ideal for carrying your important travel documents, electronics, wallet, keys, medications, glasses, books, hand sanitiser, etc, or anything else that you need easy access to during your flight.
Carry-on bags, sometimes known as hand luggage or cabin baggage, are items of luggage that are taken into the plane's cabin. They are not checked in before your flight and are normally stored in the overhead storage compartment above your seat.
Individual airlines tend to have strict policies about the height or weight of carry-on baggage, but, generally speaking, the standard size for cabin baggage is 56cm x 45cm x 25cm (22in x 18in x 10in).
Your carry-on bag is ideal for things like larger electronic devices, snacks, drinks, clothes and toiletries.
Imagine getting to your boarding gate and being told that your carry-on bag is too large. Or your personal item isn't actually included in your ticket! To avoid this stressful scenario, we recommend following these tips below:
If you have any concerns or questions regarding cabin baggage, we're here to help. You can reach us via our Contact page - our Customer Service team will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Alternatively, you can take a look at our FAQs below!
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You can pack the following items in a carry-on bag:
Clothes and Personal Items
Electronics
Medication
Food and Drink
Documents and Essentials
Other Items:
You should avoid packing:
A personal item can be a purse, laptop, umbrella, camera case, book, or small backpack. Personal items need to be small enough to be stowed securely and safely under the seat in front of you. In many instances, an airline will allow you to bring one personal item in addition to your one carry-on bag allowance.
Every airline will have different weight and/or size restrictions when it comes to qualifying what a personal item is. In most instances, if your bag will fit comfortably under the seat in front of you, it will be considered a personal item.
Therefore, small backpacks or handbags are usually considered to be a personal item. However, be sure to check your airline's restrictions before you travel to the airport.
Whether it's called hand baggage, cabin bag or carry-on luggage, all of these refer to the piece of baggage that you will take onto the plane with you. This piece of baggage should generally be small enough to fit into the overhead compartment.
If your hand baggage is too large to fit in the overhead lockers, you may have to check it in for an additional cost. For this reason, you should always check the airline's baggage policy before leaving for the airport.
If you feel like you've bought a flight with too small a baggage allowance and you need to book additional baggage, please visit our page on 'How to Book Baggage.'
United Airlines allows each passenger to bring one carry-on and one personal item. The maximum dimensions for your personal item are 23 cm x 25 cm x 43 cm (9 in x 10 in x 17 in).
Yes, in many instances you can add additional baggage to your booking, although this will depend on your airline and ticket fare.
If you have already made your booking, you can log-in to your Alternative Airlines account to manage your booking.
This also includes the option to add additional baggage, if this option is available. Alternatively, you can also contact our Customer Service Team and we'll take a look into this for you.
Most airlines allow you to take a cabin bag with you for free as it may be included in your ticket. However, some low-cost airlines require you to purchase a carry-on baggage allowance (such as Ryanair and easyJet).
Take a look at our list of airlines with free baggage allowance for more information.
