The personal item is the bag that goes under the seat in front of you. On many fares it is included free, and on some basic fares it may be the only free bag. A good personal item keeps your essentials close and can even let you travel without a carry-on on short trips.
This guide explains how to choose a personal item bag and what to pack in it. Personal item size limits vary widely by airline, so always check your airline’s current rules.
What Counts as a Personal Item?
Airlines typically define a personal item as a small bag that fits under the seat, such as a purse, laptop bag, small backpack or tote. Airlines publish maximum dimensions, and these vary. Budget airlines often enforce strict limits and may charge for oversized items at the gate.
Types of Personal Item Bags
Small Backpacks
Pros: Comfortable to carry, hands-free, good organization.
Cons: Can be too tall for some under-seat spaces if overpacked.
Totes
Pros: Easy access, flexible shape, stylish options.
Cons: Carried on one shoulder, which can be uncomfortable when heavy; may lack organization.
Underseat Duffels and Rolling Bags
Some bags are designed to fit under seats, including small rolling bags.
Pros: Maximize allowed space.
Cons: Rolling versions add weight, and wheels take up space.
Sling Bags and Crossbody Bags
Pros: Small and accessible; great for documents and phone.
Cons: Limited capacity.
Laptop Bags and Briefcases
Pros: Professional look and padded laptop storage.
Cons: Less flexible for clothing.
Sizing Tips
- Check dimensions for the airlines you fly most
- Soft-sided bags can squeeze into tight spaces
- Avoid overpacking, which can push a bag beyond limits
- Under-seat space may be smaller in some seats, such as those with entertainment equipment boxes
Features to Look For
- Laptop sleeve, ideally easy to access for security
- Trolley sleeve, which slides over a suitcase handle
- Quick-access pocket for passport and phone
- Water bottle pocket
- Internal organization for chargers and small items
- Comfortable straps
- Water-resistant material
What to Pack in Your Personal Item
Your personal item should hold anything you would not want to lose or need during the flight:
- Passport, ID and boarding pass
- Wallet and cards
- Phone, chargers and power bank
- Medications
- Laptop or tablet
- Headphones
- Snacks and an empty water bottle
- A light layer
- Comfort items. See our long-flight comfort kit.
- Liquids bag if your carry-on is in the overhead bin. See travel toiletries and liquids.
Personal Item Only Travel
For short trips, some travelers bring only a personal item. This can work if you:
- Pack minimal clothing
- Wear bulky items
- Use solid toiletries
- Plan laundry or rewear items
See our carry-on packing list for packing strategies that scale down.
Personal Item With a Carry-On
When you have both bags, keep essentials in the personal item. If you are asked to gate check your carry-on, you will still have what you need.
Personal Item for Families
Parents often use a backpack as a personal item to keep hands free for children. Include snacks, wipes, entertainment and a change of clothes for kids. See luggage for families.
Security Screening
Pack laptops and liquids where they are easy to remove if required. Some airports use newer scanners that allow these items to stay in bags, but rules vary by airport and program.
Comfort and Ergonomics
- Use both backpack straps to distribute weight
- Keep heavy items close to your back
- Choose padded straps for heavier loads
Choosing Between Backpack and Tote
| Factor | Backpack | Tote |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort for walking | Better | Fair |
| Access | Good | Very easy |
| Organization | Often better | Varies |
| Style | Casual to professional | Casual to professional |
Using Your Personal Item at Your Destination
A small backpack or tote doubles as a daypack for sightseeing. Choose a bag that works both in the air and on the ground.
Packing Your Personal Item Efficiently
- Put heavy items, like laptops, close to your back in backpacks
- Use small pouches for chargers, toiletries and documents
- Place in-flight items on top so you can grab them before stowing the bag
- Leave a little space so the bag can compress under the seat
Common Mistakes
- Choosing a bag that is too rigid to fit under some seats
- Packing essentials in the carry-on instead of the personal item
- Forgetting about gate checks
- Overstuffing pockets, which makes the bag bulky
Questions to Ask Before Buying
- Which airlines do I fly most, and what are their personal item limits?
- Will I use this bag as a daypack too?
- Does it need a laptop sleeve?
- Does it have a trolley sleeve to sit on my carry-on?
Personal Items on Budget Airlines
Budget airlines often enforce smaller personal item limits and may measure bags at the gate. If you fly them often, choose a soft-sided bag sized specifically for their limits and pack it a little below capacity. Paying for a larger bag in advance is often cheaper than paying at the gate, so check prices when you book.
Personal Items on Long-Haul Flights
On long flights, a personal item with a separate quick-access pocket keeps your comfort items, documents and medications within reach without unpacking the whole bag.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size is a personal item?
It varies by airline. Check current limits.
Can a backpack be a personal item?
Yes, if it fits under the seat and meets size limits.
Can I bring a personal item and a carry-on?
Many fares allow both, but some basic fares only include a personal item.
What should always go in my personal item?
Documents, medications, electronics, valuables and essentials.
Will airlines measure my personal item?
Some airlines, particularly budget carriers, check bag sizes at the gate.
The Bottom Line
A good personal item bag fits under the seat, keeps essentials within reach and doubles as a daypack. Check airline size limits, choose a style that suits how you travel and pack anything important or needed during the flight in your personal item.
Editorial note: Trail Packed is independent and reader-supported. This guide is based on research into manufacturer documentation, published specifications and widely accepted best practices; we have not been paid to mention any product. If we add affiliate links in the future, they will be clearly disclosed per our Affiliate Disclosure.