Personal item vs carry-on
In one line: a personal item is the small bag that fits under the seat in front of you; a carry-on(cabin bag) is the larger one that goes in the overhead bin. The catch is that “small” and “large” mean different sizes on different airlines — and some let you bring both free while others don’t.
| Personal item | Carry-on / cabin bag | |
|---|---|---|
| Where it goes | Under the seat | Overhead bin |
| Typical size | 40×30×15 cm (EU) 45×35×20 cm (US) | 55×40×20 cm (EU) 56×36×23 cm (US) |
| Typical weight | Often unlimited / small | 7–10 kg (EU/Gulf); often unlimited (US) |
| Cost | Usually free | Free on many; paid on low-cost/basic fares |
| Examples | Handbag, laptop bag, small backpack | Trolley case, 40 L travel backpack |
One free bag, or two?
This is where airlines differ most. Based on the 52 airlines we track:
Full-service and most US airlines let you bring both at no cost.
British Airways
LOT Polish Airlines
Lufthansa
KLM
Turkish Airlines
American Airlines
Delta Air Lines
United AirlinesLow-cost carriers: the cabin bag is a paid add-on or needs priority boarding.
Ryanair
Wizz Air
easyJetSeveral Gulf and Asian economy fares include a single cabin bag and no separate personal item.
Southwest Airlines
Emirates
Qatar Airways
Etihad Airways
Qantas
Air SerbiaCheck your own bag
Enter your bag’s size to see whether it counts as a free personal item, a cabin bag, or is over the limit — on every airline at once.
Check your bag
Enter your bag’s three dimensions to see which airlines it fits.
Avoid a surprise at the gate
- ▸ Measure with wheels, handles and side pockets — that’s what the gate sizer catches.
- ▸ Watch the fare: “Basic” / “Light” fares on legacy airlines can drop the free cabin bag to personal-item-only.
- ▸ A soft bag bulges when packed. Leave a couple of cm of margin, especially on low-cost carriers that measure strictly.
FAQ
Is a backpack a personal item or a carry-on?+
It depends on size, not type. A small backpack (around 40×30×15 cm) that slides under the seat is a personal item. A larger travel backpack (around 55×40×20 cm) counts as a carry-on and must go in the overhead bin.
Can I bring both a personal item and a carry-on for free?+
On 30 of our 52 reviewed airline guides you get both free. On 13 airlines only the personal item is free and the cabin bag is paid or needs priority. On 9 reviewed airlines you only get one bag in economy.
What happens if my personal item is too big?+
If it won’t fit under the seat or in the gate sizer, it’s treated as a carry-on — which may mean a fee, priority boarding, or being placed in the hold. Leave a margin: measure with wheels and handles and check before you fly.
Do wheels and handles count towards the size?+
Yes. Airlines measure the widest points, so wheels and handles are included. Measure your bag the same way.