Is A Backpack A Personal Item Or A Carry-On Bag? Everything You Need To Know
Your backpack might be considered a personal item or a carry-on bag; it all depends on its size.
Airlines don’t make any distinction between backpacks, luggage, handbags, duffel bags, or any other kind of bag: They only care about whether or not your bag can be stowed properly below the seat in front of you or in the overhead compartments.
In practice, most small backpacks like those used for school count as personal items, while larger backpacks will be considered carry-ons. There are a few factors that will impact whether or not your backpack is considered a personal item or a carry-on:
- Its dimensions when it’s empty
- Its dimensions after you’ve packed it
- Whether or not you can easily stow away straps or compact the backpack in other ways
Key Differences Between Personal Items And Carry-On Bags
Personal items must fit below the seat in front of you on the airplane; carry-on bags must fit in the overhead compartment. That’s a pretty simple distinction, but it can have an important impact on how you pack:
- Items you want on your flight, from lip balm to laptops, should fit in your personal item bag.
- You should avoid overpacking your personal item bag, or it may not fit below the seat in front of you.
Many discount airlines (and major airlines offering discount fares) now allow one free personal item, but charge for carry-ons. By packing strategically, you may be able to fit everything you need for your trip in a single personal item bag, avoiding unnecessary fees.
What Are The Personal Item Size Limits For Airlines?
Here are the personal item limits for four of Canada’s biggest airlines:
- Air Canada: 43 cm x 33 cm x 16 cm (17” x 13” x 6”)
- WestJet: 41 cm x 33 cm x 14 cm (16” x 13” x 5.5”)
- Porter: 43 cm x 33 cm x 16 cm (17” x 13” x 6”)
- Flair: 43 cm x 33 cm x 15 cm (17” x 13” x 5.9”)
Does A Backpack Count As A Personal Item On Most Airlines?
It depends on the backpack. All airlines will accept backpacks as personal items as long as they meet the size limits. We recommend backpacks with straps you can tuck in to keep a neat, easy-to-stow personal item.
Major Canadian Airlines’ Policies
All airlines require passengers to comply with Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) guidelines when packing carry-on bags.
All airlines allow backpacks as personal items, provided they fit within the size limitations. Air Canada, WestJet, and Porter also allow an additional personal item for people travelling with children under two; they also offer a free stroller check. The personal items can be diaper bags, but they can also be backpacks (provided they fit within the size limitations).
In addition, each airline has its own guidelines for carry-on bags and personal items:
Air Canada Guidelines
Air Canada states that:
- Maximum dimensions for carry-on and personal items include wheels and handles.
- There is no weight limit for carry-on bags, but you must be able to place them in the overhead bin unassisted.
Economy Basic Fares on Air Canada do not include a carry-on bag; only 1 personal item is included.
Air Canada-approved carry-on luggage has the following size limits:
55 cm (21.5”) x 23 cm (9”) x 40 cm (15.5”)
WestJet Rules
WestJet has many of the same rules as Air Canada. Bags must fit in the sizing device (wheels included) and be light enough to be placed in the overhead compartment unaided.
Ultra Basic fares on WestJet do not include a carry-on bag; only one personal item is included.
Carry-on WestJet luggage has the following size limits:
56 cm (22”) x 23 cm (9”) x 36 cm (14”)
Porter Airlines Requirements
Porter’s Basic fare only allows for one personal item; other fares also allow for a carry-on bag. Like the other airlines, wheels and handles are considered when determining size limits.
For Porter, the size limits for carry-on bags are:
55 (21.5”) x 40 (15.5”) x 23 (9”)
Tips For Using Your Backpack As A Personal Item
Packing Strategies
Here are a few tips for using your backpack as a personal item:
- Make a list of all of the essential items you’ll need, especially if you don’t have a carry-on; get rid of anything you don’t need.
- Try to limit yourself to one or two pairs of shoes (including the ones you’ll wear to the airport).
- Use compression cubes to sort and compress clothing so it fits in your bag.
- Roll clothing to maximize space.
- Place your heaviest items at the bottom of the bag.
- Place items you need to access at the top of the bag.
- Get a backpack with a laptop compartment for easy access.
- Place essential medications and things you want on your flight (books, pens, and other small items) in outer pockets.
- Wear bulky clothing to the airport to reduce the size of your bag.
Measurement Guidelines
Try to keep your bag below the size guidelines provided by the airport - just in case you miss the measurement by a centimetre or two. Measure your bag once it’s fully packed and you’re ready to go.
Backpacks As Personal Items: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring a backpack as my personal item on most airlines?
Yes, provided it fits within the guidelines.
What if my backpack is too large?
You may be required to pay to stow it as a carry-on or, worse yet, as checked baggage.
Are there any exceptions for low-cost carriers like Spirit Airlines or Frontier Airlines?
Though Spirit and Frontier are both US airlines, they also accept backpacks as personal items, and both have more lenient size requirements than Canadian airlines. Flair, the only remaining low-cost airline in Canada, also allows backpacks as carry-ons (within its size limits).
Can I carry a diaper bag as my personal item?
You can and better still, if you are travelling with an infant, your diaper bag may be accepted as a second personal item at no cost.
How can I ensure that my backpack fits under the seat in front of me?
Measure it well before the flight, use compression cubes, and test using mechanical or digital bag checkers at the airport before your flight.
Making Your Backpack Airport-Ready
Packing light, confirming the size of your bag at the check-in desk, and verifying the size and weight restrictions for personal items on the airline you’re flying with can all help make your backpack airport-ready. Whether you’ve got a business trip or a vacation ahead of you, both major and budget airlines will allow you to bring a personal item free of charge; take advantage!
Need a carry-on or personal item? Shop carry-on approved bags or explore our backpack collection to find the perfect bag for your next trip!