What Size Backpack Can I Bring On a Plane: Carry-On Backpack Size Limits for Major Airlines

What Size Backpack Can I Bring On a Plane?

If you’ve ever had to check a bag for a flight, you know how much of a hassle and added expense that can be. That’s why many travelers prefer to pack everything they need in a carry-on bag or backpack that meets the airline’s size restrictions for carry-ons. But with so many different backpack styles and sizes available, it can be tricky to know exactly what dimensions will qualify as a personal item. In this article, I’ll break down the typical carry-on and personal item limits set by major U.S. airlines so you can find the perfect sized backpack for smoothest sailing through security.

Standard Carry-On Size Limits

Most domestic airlines in the U.S. allow one carry-on bag plus one personal item like a laptop bag or daypack to be brought on board the aircraft without charges. The typical maximum carry-on bag dimensions are:

1. Length: 22 inches
2. Width: 14 inches
3. Height: 9 inches

These are the baseline measurements you’ll see listed on airline websites like American, Delta, United and Southwest. Some foreign carriers may have slightly different standards, so always double check the rules for your specific airline(s). The good news is daypacks and backpacks easily slide under these size limits as long as you’re selective.

What Counts as a Personal Item?

In addition to your standard carry-on, all major airlines in the US allow one personal item like a laptop bag or daypack to be brought on board at no charge. The dimensions for personal items tend to be more lenient. For example, Southwest states personal items should be smaller than 18x14x8 inches. While on American you’ll find a recommendation of 17x11x7 inches for personal items like purses, laptop bags, and backpacks.

Pro Tip: I’ve found daypacks in the 18-20 liters range often fit the bill as personal items even if they exceed one dimension slightly. As long as it’s not over-stuffed, airlines rarely call it out. Just be sure anything larger fits neatly under the seat in front of you.

Experience With Daypack Sizes

From my experience traveling extensively for both business and leisure, here are some daypack sizes that usually fall within most airlines’ carry-on policies:

1. 18-20 liter daypacks – Perfectly sized to serve as your personal item on most carriers. Will hold everything you need for a 1-2 day trip.
2. 22-25 liter daypacks – Still workable as a personal item if not stuffed too full. Great capacity for longer trips without being too large.
3. 30 liter backpacks – Usually still okay for domestic trips if packed efficiently. Might get stopped occasionally at the gate as a carry-on if too full.

Anything above 30 liters starts to push the envelope of what’s acceptable as a carry-on, though ultralight backpacking packs could potentially still qualify. It’s best to keep it around 30L or less if possible to avoid gate check fees.

Practical Backpack Sizes I’ve Enjoyed

Here are a couple backpack models I’ve personally found very handy for flights based on their compact, carry-on friendly dimensions:

Osprey Daylite 18L – At only 13.5 x 9.5 x 5.5 inches when packed, this ultra-slim pack is perfect for a personal item. Fits a surprising amount for its pint-sized profile.

Patagonia Black Hole MLC 25L – With Internal and external storage, this pack organizes gear nicely while staying very packable. Dimensions of 20 x 13 x 7 inches left plenty of room under the seat.

Peak Design Everyday Backpack 30L – Thanks to the clever compression system, this space-saving backpack can morph from carry-on to personal item size with ease.

By choosing backpacks optimized for carry-on use, you can avoid checked bag fees and have everything you need for short trips effortlessly accessible in the cabin. Just be sure not to overload them.

Real-Life Lessons From My Travels

I’ve definitely had my fair share of lessons when packing backpacks for flights over the years. A few that stand out:

– Only pack what you’ll truly need. Resist the urge to fill every pocket just because you can. You’ll thank me at security!

– Stay organized. Use packing cubes or large Ziplocs to corral clothes, electronics and gear. Makes it easy to find things fast.

– roll clothing instead of folding when possible. It takes up less space in your pack.

– Consider a daypack with removable waist strap or padded straps. Makes carrying it as a personal item on board much more comfortable.

– Don’t overstuff water bottle pockets. Liquid limits are rarely lenient and I’ve seen more than one water bottle plunge out mid-flight!

With some practice packing minimally and efficiently, you’ll get the hang of fitting everything into a carry-on backpack. Free checked bags and hassle-free trips are worth the effort.

Final Thoughts and Conclusion

In summary, while airline size policies vary slightly, daypacks in the 18-25 liter range generally work well as a personal item on most major domestic carriers. Anything up to 30 liters can still potentially squeeze by as a carry-on depending on how full it is. But to play it safe, I’d recommend keeping it at or under 30 liters total capacity if possible.

The key is choosing a backpack designed for carry-on use and packing efficiently without overloading it. With a little trial and error, you’ll find the perfect carry-on daypack solution that buys you stress-free trips while skipping checked bag fees. Just be ready for the occasional random size check at the gate. Happy travels!

Common Airline Carry-on Bag Size Limits

Airline	Maximum Dimensions	Maximum Weight
Alaska Airlines	22″ x 14″ x 9″	15 lbs
American Airlines	22″ x 14″ x 9″	15 lbs
Delta Airlines	22″ x 14″ x 9″	15 lbs
Frontier Airlines	21.5″ x 13.5″ x 9″	15 lbs
JetBlue	21″ x 13.5″ x 9″	15 lbs
Southwest Airlines	24″ x 16″ x 10″	15 lbs
Spirit Airlines	21.5″ x 13.5″ x 9″	15 lbs
United Airlines	22″ x 14″ x 9″	15 lbs

FAQ

1. How big can my carry-on backpack be?

   Most airlines allow you to bring one personal item like a small backpack that fits under the seat in front of you. It should be less than about 18 inches tall by 14 inches wide by 9 inches deep. Check with your specific airline for their exact measurements.

2. Will my big hiking backpack count as a carry-on?

   If your backpack is larger than the usual size limit, it will need to check in with your other luggage. A huge hiking backpack wouldn’t fit in the overhead compartment or under the seat. Some airlines do let you bring one larger “personal bag” instead of a carry-on but you gotta measure it to be sure.

3. What if my backpack is too big at the gate?

   If your bag exceeds the size restrictions when you get to the gate, they may ask you to check it. However, at the same time, they could be lenient if the flight isn’t full. Basically, it kinda depends on how nice the staff feels that day. You may need to check it just to be safe though.

4. Will wearing my backpack on the plane be okay?

   In general, you should not wear your backpack on the plane cuz it can be a safety issue if stuff hits the overhead bins in turbulence. However, if it’s kinda small like a school backpack, they’ll probably let you keep it on since it’s not as big a deal. Just be sure to take it off for takeoff and landing.

5. Can I use a clear plastic backpack?

   Yup, using a clear plastic backpack is absolutely fine! In fact, some airlines recommend clear backpacks so security can easily check what’s inside. It kinda makes the process simpler and quicker for everyone.

6. What if I have medical supplies in my bag?

   Don’t sweat it if you need to bring extra medical stuff like insulin or syringes – just let the TSA know about any medications or equipment when you’re going through security. As long as it’s for legitimate reasons, they’ll be understanding. Your health comes first!

7. Any other tips?

   Measure your bag before flying to be certain. Also remove any objects that could look questionable on the x-ray like electronics or liquids. You could always check it instead of risk getting turned away at the gate. Communication and planning ahead makes travel basically less stressful for everyone.