Personal Item Size Guide: 6 Tips to Pack Smarter & Lighter

Does it bother you much when thinking about how large the personal items you’re allowed to take on the plane? Are you often annoyed with having no idea what to pack in your bag? Today, you’ve come to the right place. Here are 6 tips to help you pack smarter and lighter!

What Is a Personal Item?

A personal item on a flight is a small bag that can fit in the under-seat space. It can be a canvas bag, handbag, purse, laptop bag, briefcase, etc.

Airlines have specific size restrictions, but usually around 18 x 14 x 8 inches. An easy-to-go bag helps you quickly access important items like passports, cell phones, medications, or snacks during the flight. 

Personal Item VS. Carry-on Bag

Credit: from stephenllewelyn.com | Under-seat space

Personal items and carry-on bags are both allowed to be taken on the plane, but differ in size and placement. Also, you pack heavier or larger items in your carry-on bag. Note that you do not overpack in case there’s a possibility of getting another fee.

Personal Item Size | Tip 1: Avoid Overweight Baggage Fees

Your baggage will be charged extra fees when your checked baggage exceeds the airline’s weight limit, which is often 23kg or 32kg. The fees are not fixed but vary by different carriers & routes.

You can do these tips to help you pack smarter:

• Weigh your baggage before leaving.
• Pack flexible clothing (in neutral colors like brown and gray)!
• Limit shoes and toiletries~

Personal Item Size | Tip 2: Pack Minimalist but Practical

Credit: from sustainablylazy.com | Easy-take shampoo bars

Please bring what you truly need! The key is choosing versatile items & optimizing space.

• Pack 2-3 wrinkle-resistant outfits that can be easily matched.
• Use a multi-purpose bag that can hold essentials like a foldable jacket, slim toiletries, tech, and snacks.
• Carry on only travel-sized items like shampoo bars or a tablet instead of a laptop.

Personal Item Size | Tip 3: Choose Your Best Bag Types

Credit: from wwfinternationalstore.com | Tote bag

Here’s a table comparing different types of bags you can use during your flight.

 A rolling carry-on is also available if you’re about to travel long & far. A laptop bag is good for protecting your tech. Maybe a backpack or tote + small crossbody combo balances space and comfort for your flights!

Personal Item Size | Tip 4: Read Airline-Specific Baggage Policies

Better to check out the airline baggage policies before going on a trip, no matter whether you're going international or domestic. Here are some tips for you to make this easier.

• Always check the airline’s official website!
• Most airlines (Delta, United, American) allow 1 free carry-on + 1 personal item, while budget carriers (Spirit, Frontier) charge for overhead bin access.
• Long-haul flights often include 1-2 free checked bags.

Personal Item Size | Tip 5: Backpack for Lighter Travel

For backpackers, check out the following text that might be helpful! You can also relate to these tips even if you’re not a backpacker.

• Adopt the rule “3-4-5 Rule” for clothing (3 tops, 4 bottoms, 5 pairs of socks/underwear).
• Replace heavy toiletries with solid alternatives like shampoo bars or toothpaste tablets.
• Skip the extra shoes (wear 1 versatile pair, like trail runners for hiking or a city walk).
• Roll clothes tightly or pack foldable clothes to save space.

Personal Item Size | Tip 6: Stick to Special Item Policies

Credit: from nerdwallet.com | Flying with a baby stroller

Some might carry huge items like musicians or sports teams. Elderly and children also need special attention to the item policies. Look at the following table to clarify more details.

• Sports Equipment

Typically, these are counted as checked baggage if within size/weight limits (e.g., ≤23kg, ≤300cm total dimensions).

• Musical Instruments

Small instruments (≤7kg, ≤115cm) may be carried in-cabin as a personal item. Larger instruments may require a paid seat.

• Children’s Items

Strollers and car seats can be checked at the gate or carried in-cabin if space allows. Infants get a 5–10kg baggage allowance (varies by route).

• Elderly/Medical Items

Wheelchairs and mobility aids fly free (≤60kg, ≤120cm height). CPAP machines are allowed in the cabin.