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!
to Shanghai
to Bangkok
to Las Vegas
See all flights
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.
Aspects | Personal Item | Carry-on Bag |
Size | ~18 x 14 x 8 inches | ~ 22 x 14 x 9 inches (larger) |
Placement | Under the seat | Overhead bin |
Stuff inside | Essentials for easy access: passport, wallet/purse, phone, snacks, tissue & wipes, etc. | Heavier items like clothes, shoes, toiletries, books, laptops, etc. |
Claim 8% Off Coupon & Book Top Global Hotels
See All Hotels
NO.1
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.
See all attractions
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.
Bag Types | Pros | Cons |
Backpack | Hands-free | Can be easily overpacked |
Handbag | Stylish, easy access to essentials like phone/credit card | Limited space |
Tote Bag | Roomy, quick grabs | Less structure |
Duffel Bag | Ample space for heavy items | May not fit under the seat |
Waist Pack | Low weight | Limited capacity |
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!
Shanghai Disney Resort
4.7/5
45079 reviewsWe had a wonderful experience at Shanghai Disney Resort with our family. Everything was very well organized, the park was spectacular, clean, and full of attractions for all ages.For us, the most beautiful part was seeing how fascinated and happy our daughter was. The Disney characters, the atmosphere, the parades, and the entire park made the day feel truly magical for her.The staff were friendly, and the attention to detail could be felt everywhere. It is one of those places where not only the children have fun, but the whole family does.It was definitely one of the highlights of our trip to China, and we would happily come back again.Highly recommended for families visiting Shanghai!⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ocean Park Hong Kong
4.6/5
5192 reviewsThe price is better than the official website and other travel websites, which is great!
The Grand Palace
4.4/5
5834 reviewsWhat was open to see was beautiful and well worth it but unfortunately alot wasnt open and some stuff was closed to 11am due to ceremonial reasons. But overall worth visiting if in bangkok
Simon Cabaret Phuket
4.7/5
1371 reviewsIt was a pretty good experience. The performances were mostly good and some of the songs were even familiar. It was a nice way to spend the evening and the complementary drink was a good touch.
Chiang Mai Night Safari
4.6/5
1035 reviewsFirst, many people suspect animal cruelty, but I felt the park included many non-animal performances (dance, water shows, cowboy shows, etc., which were also very entertaining 👍). The animals and their keepers seemed to have a good rapport (like the guides on the tram and the elephants). If you really don't want to disturb the animals with lights, choose to go during the day. So it really comes down to personal preference. Based on my experience, it was definitely worth it. Although it's called a night zoo, I highly recommend arriving around 3 PM. It's not hot, and you can stay until evening (the tram ride is a bit dim at sunset, but you can still see fairly clearly). You can also explore the walking area (I didn't get to see it this time because I arrived too late). All purchases within the park (including food, drinks, and animal feed) are by credit card only!
This time, I bought tickets at KKDAY (saving a lot! Buying on-site costs 1200, online only 720). After entering, they'll give you a performance schedule; remember not to lose it, as you'll need that schedule plus your QR code for transportation (because each person can only attend each event once). The plan was to take a taxi to the arts village first, then to the zoo; I highly recommend this itinerary, and Grab taxis are easy to book both ways.
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.
Car Rentals
Car Rental Promo Code - 8% Off
New User Enjoy up to 8% Off
TRIPCAR8
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.
FAQs about Personal Item Size
-
What size is a personal item?
-
How strict is Spirit with personal item size?
-
How strict is United with personal item size?
-
Does Frontier check personal item size?
-
What size backpack for personal item?
Disclaimer: This article has been provided by an individual contributor or third party platform. If there is any discrepancy regarding the copyright, please contact us directly and we will delete the content immediately.
Trending Searches
-
Air travel guide
-
Latest flight deals
-
Getting around
-
eSIM/SIM card