Are normal Backpacks allowed as a personal item?

[Anonymous]

So we are flying United in a few weeks and it says we are allowed a personal item of 17x10x9 plus a carry on as a Economy Plus passenger. It mentions backpacks as an example of a personal item. However, my very common backpack and even my son's soccer backpack are 19x12x9. Does anyone ever have a hard time with their backpack being too big? Thanks.

[Anonymous]

Big backpack is carry on, not personal item.

[Anonymous]

I often have a standard LL Bean backpack as my under-swat personal item on Southwest, United and Delta.

[Anonymous]

I’ve never had trouble with slightly oversize daypacks but it seems that the airlines are sometimes sticklers on this point. It’s a risk.

[Anonymous]

It’s gotta fit under the seat. Don’t go trying to put two items overhead.

[Anonymous]

https://www.thenorthface.com/shop/recon-nf0a3kv1#hero=0

I have this backpack and have used it on probably 250 United flights in the past few years. No issues.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It’s gotta fit under the seat. Don’t go trying to put two items overhead.

This--the "personal item" should fit under the seat, so the precise dimensions are less important that how stuffed it is.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:https://www.thenorthface.com/shop/recon-nf0a3kv1#hero=0

I have this backpack and have used it on probably 250 United flights in the past few years. No issues.

I should add that I usually just have my laptop, some snacks, a water bottle and maybe a sweater in there so it fits easily under the seat. If it were stuffed full, it wouldn't fit under the seat and thus not qualify as a personal item.

[Anonymous]

That North Face backpack answer is absolutely correct. I’ve been all over the world with this same exact pack as a personal item and it’s always fine.

[Anonymous]

My kids always bring backpacks plus carry on suitcase domestically and internationally with no problems. The packs aren’t stuffed full. If you want a sweater for the plane and are concerned it will push your backpack to the iffy zone, you can always just tie it around your waist until you board.

[Anonymous]

I almost always travel with just a backpack,a regular sized one with a laptop sleeve. It's pretty full, but not stuffed full because I usually take my laptop out and put it in the seatback pocket. But it's got a few days worth of clothes, and other things. It always fits fine under the seat.

I recently traveled with a school group. We directed the kids to bring carry ons, and their backpacks, and everyone's backpack fit under the seat.